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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For a first playthrough, start with Dark Souls Remastered, then play Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin, followed by Dark Souls III. That order follows the numbered series and the publisher’s presentation of the trilogy; it is a practical recommendation, not a rule. If you want all three games and their DLC in one physical purchase, the publisher lists the Dark Souls Trilogy collection for PS4 and Xbox One.
Which Dark Souls game should you play first?
Begin with Dark Souls Remastered. It is the remastered first game and includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. Then continue in release-series order:
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dark Souls Remastered - PlayStation 4 | $22.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls 3 The Fire Fades (PS4) | $24.40 | Buy on Amazon |
- Dark Souls Remastered
- Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
- Dark Souls III, or Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition
This sequence is based on the games’ numbering and Bandai Namco’s presentation of the three-game collection: the publisher calls Dark Souls II the second installment and describes Dark Souls III as the series’ final journey. It is a sensible first-playthrough order, but players are not required to follow it.
What do the editions include, and where can you play them?
The publisher’s listed platforms and edition contents differ. Check the listing for your region and platform before purchasing.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
| Game or collection | What is included | Platforms listed by the publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls Remastered | Main game and Artorias of the Abyss DLC | PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch |
| Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | The trilogy collection description identifies the base game and three Crown DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King. | The official Dark Souls II page lists PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS3, and Xbox 360 editions. |
| Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades | Base game, Ashes of Ariandel, and The Ringed City DLC | PS4, Xbox One, PC |
| Dark Souls Trilogy physical collection | All three games and associated DLC, on three discs | PS4, Xbox One |
Sources: Bandai Namco’s Dark Souls Trilogy page, Dark Souls Remastered page, Dark Souls II page, and Dark Souls III page.
Should you buy the trilogy collection or separate editions?
Choose the physical trilogy for PS4 or Xbox One
If you own a PS4 or Xbox One and want all three games with their associated DLC, the publisher describes Dark Souls Trilogy as a three-disc physical collection containing Remastered, Scholar of the First Sin, and The Fire Fades. The collection page lists only PS4 and Xbox One.
Rank #2
- 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?
Compare individual editions for PC or Switch
For PC or Nintendo Switch, compare the separately listed game editions for your platform. Among these three games, Dark Souls Remastered is the only one with a publisher-listed Nintendo Switch version. The collection page does not list a Switch or PC version.
Current prices, stock, regional catalog differences, and backward compatibility are not established by the cited publisher pages. Confirm the precise edition and platform in the store or retailer listing where you plan to buy.
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Rank #3
- Atmospheric Visuals: Dynamic lighting and particle effects immerse players into a dark fantasy world of ruin.
- Interconnected World: Expertly crafted world encourages players to explore vast and breath-taking landscapes.
- Sword Action: Diversifies combat action allowing players to craft their own unique play style.
- Unique Online System: Evolution of trademark online multiplayer functionality that seamlessly integrates online interactions into single-player story.
What are the published Remastered performance specifications?
In a January 12, 2018 developer announcement, FromSoftware listed the following specifications for Dark Souls Remastered. These are the developer’s published figures, not independent tests or measurements of every current setup.
| Platform | Resolution listed by FromSoftware (2018) | Frame rate listed by FromSoftware (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| PS4, Xbox One, Windows | 1080p | 60 fps |
| Nintendo Switch, docked | 1080p | 30 fps |
| Nintendo Switch, portable | 720p | 30 fps |
FromSoftware also said that Remastered supports up to six online players, compared with up to four in the original game. These figures are from the same January 12, 2018 announcement; they should not be treated as a current measurement of online service status or performance. The announcement also states: “The remastered version still provides the players with the same level design as the original version.” Read FromSoftware’s announcement.
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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.
