Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin

FromSoftware

Rank: #4 / 6
Released: 2015
Studio: FromSoftware
Genre: action game, role-playing video game

At a glance

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is FromSoftware’s 2015 action RPG for Windows, bringing together the Dark Souls II content released to date in one edition. It reshuffles enemy locations and adds the Forlorn NPC invader, changing encounters and making areas players may remember as safe less predictable. Online play supports sessions of up to six people, with an item intended to help players match more consistently based on souls acquired in battle. The game includes single-player, multiplayer and co-op, along with Steam Achievements, full controller support, Remote Play on phone, tablet and TV, and Family Sharing. Its hazards, difficult enemy encounters and demanding progression center the journey on challenge. Players can take on the game alone or join others online, with the expanded session size altering the multiplayer dynamic. The Windows release was published by Bandai Namco Entertainment and FromSoftware, Inc.

Who it is for

This suits action RPG players looking for a demanding solo journey, as well as groups interested in co-op or multiplayer sessions of up to six. The changed enemy placement also gives returning players a different arrangement of encounters.

What is good

Combines Dark Souls II content released to date
Enemy placement has been overhauled
Online sessions support up to six players
Includes co-op and full controller support

What to know first

Windows is the only listed platform
The game emphasizes unrelenting challenge

Verdict

Scholar of the First Sin packages Dark Souls II content with altered enemy placement and an expanded online player count. It is a fit for players seeking a challenging action RPG alone or with others.