If you are starting Dark Souls for the first time, Dark Souls: Remastered is the practical default: it bundles the main game with Artorias of the Abyss and adds documented presentation, performance, and multiplayer updates. The main caveat is platform: Remastered is listed at 60fps on PS4, Xbox One, and Windows, but 30fps on Nintendo Switch. If you already own Prepare to Die Edition, you do not need to buy another edition unless those changes matter to you.
What is the difference between Remastered and Prepare to Die Edition?
Both editions are versions of the same core journey through Lordran. The difference is that Remastered packages the Artorias of the Abyss content and updates the presentation and features, rather than replacing the original game with a different story. Bandai Namco describes Remastered as including the main game and the expansion: official Dark Souls: Remastered page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dark Souls Remastered - PlayStation 4 | $22.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Dark Souls Remastered [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/B1QaL9g82CS._SL160_.jpg)
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Dark Souls Remastered [Online Game Code] | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Prepare to Die Edition Steam community announcement says most gameplay was preserved in Remastered, while identifying changes to graphics, lighting, environmental effects, password matchmaking, and expanded multiplayer: Steam Community announcement. These are feature descriptions, not a guarantee that online services or a busy player population are available today.
How do performance and platforms compare?
Frame rate varies by platform, so “Remastered runs at 60fps” is not accurate as a blanket claim. Bandai Namco’s official comparison lists these specifications: Dark Souls Remastered comparison.
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- DARK SOULS REMASTERED - Then, there was fire. Re-experience the genre-defining game that started it all. Return to Lordran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers. Includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
- DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN - Prepare to Die again. The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II plus all three DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or PvP multiplayer. Includes the award-winning game and both DLC chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- ALL ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS - Visit the EP!C corner to download the music of the Dark Souls saga composed by Motoi Sakaraba and Yuka Kitamura. 110 tracks and more than 6 hours to listen and take back any Dark Souls fan to the intense boss fights and the best moments of their deadly journeys.
| Version or platform | Listed frame rate |
|---|---|
| Original version | 30fps |
| Remastered on PS4 | 60fps |
| Remastered on Xbox One | 60fps |
| Remastered on Windows | 60fps |
| Remastered on Nintendo Switch | 30fps |
The comparison describes platform specifications; it is not an independent performance test. Resolution and output also depend on platform and display, and the publisher’s materials distinguish enhanced output on supported hardware. Remastered is listed for PS4, Xbox One, Windows/Steam, and Nintendo Switch in the publisher’s product materials: platform information. Its Switch launch announcement also mentions a Solaire of Astora amiibo, which is an optional peripheral detail rather than a reason to choose this edition: Switch launch announcement.
Is the DLC included?
Yes. Remastered includes the main game and Artorias of the Abyss, according to Bandai Namco’s product information: official product page. That makes it the straightforward choice if you want the base game and this expansion together. The materials cited here do not establish current prices or regional storefront availability, so check the listing for your platform and region before purchasing.
Rank #2
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armour, magic and crafting options to create your own play style and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategise freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Which edition should you play?
If this is your first time in Lordran
Choose Remastered in most cases. It includes the expansion and has the documented technical and presentation updates. Treat this as a practical recommendation based on the bundled features, not a claim that every player will prefer its presentation.
If you already own Prepare to Die Edition
Keep playing it if you are happy with your current platform and version. The documented differences do not establish that existing owners must repurchase. Remastered may be worth considering if you want its platform-specific performance, updated presentation, or multiplayer features.
Rank #3
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse. Explore its intricate world design - full of hidden passages, dungeons and secrets - and uncover its deeply rooted lore
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game. Don't bet on completing the game only once
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armor, magic and crafting options to create your own playstyle and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategize freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Whatever your motivations are to play online - collaboration or confrontation, support or betrayal - you'll find your true home among the nine covenants. Which allegiance will you choose?
If you want to play on Switch
Choose based on portability and platform preference, with the frame-rate trade-off in mind: the publisher comparison lists Remastered at 30fps on Switch, versus 60fps on its listed PS4, Xbox One, and Windows versions.
If online co-op or PvP is important
Remastered’s announced feature set includes password matchmaking and multiplayer for up to six players, according to the Steam Community announcement. Those published features do not establish whether online service is currently available or how active matchmaking is on a particular platform; verify current service information for the platform you plan to use.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse. Explore its intricate world design - full of hidden passages, dungeons and secrets - and uncover its deeply rooted lore
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game. Don't bet on completing the game only once
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armor, magic and crafting options to create your own playstyle and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategize freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Whatever your motivations are to play online - collaboration or confrontation, support or betrayal - you'll find your true home among the nine covenants. Which allegiance will you choose?
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
