Dark Souls III – Complete Game Guide
Dark Souls III is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in 2016, it is the final main entry in the Dark Souls trilogy and features challenging combat, memorable boss fights, interconnected level design, online co-op, PvP invasions, and extensive character customization. Players journey through the Kingdom of Lothric to link the First Flame or bring about a new age.
Release Date
- March 24, 2016 (Japan)
- April 12, 2016 (Worldwide)
Price
Original launch prices:
- Standard Edition – $59.99 USD
- Deluxe Edition – $84.99 USD
The game is frequently discounted during digital sales.
Platforms
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
System Requirements (PC)
Minimum
- Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit)
- Intel Core i3-2100 / AMD FX-6300
- 4 GB RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 750 Ti / AMD Radeon HD 7950
- DirectX 11
- 25 GB storage
Recommended
- Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-8350
- 8 GB RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon RX 480
- 25 GB SSD recommended
Where to Buy
Dark Souls III is available from:
- Steam
- PlayStation Store
- Xbox Store
- Bandai Namco Store
- Physical retailers
Where to Buy Accounts
Dark Souls III uses Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox accounts depending on your platform. Buying or selling game accounts is not officially supported and may violate the platform’s Terms of Service. Using your own account is recommended.
Where to Get Mods
Popular PC modding communities include:
- Nexus Mods
- ModDB
- GitHub
- Dark Souls Modding Discord communities
Online and Offline Mods
Offline Mods
Popular mods include:
- Visual improvements
- Texture packs
- ReShade presets
- Gameplay overhauls
- Randomizers
- Enemy randomizers
- Item randomizers
- Difficulty adjustments
- Camera improvements
- UI enhancements
Online Mods
Gameplay-changing mods should never be used while connected online, as they may result in bans. Most mods are intended for offline play only.
Comparison With Similar Games
| Game | Focus | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls III | Action RPG | Boss battles |
| Elden Ring | Open-world RPG | Exploration |
| Bloodborne | Gothic action RPG | Fast-paced combat |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action adventure | Precision sword combat |
| Lies of P | Soulslike RPG | Weapon customization |
Screenshots
- Official gameplay screenshots are available on Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and the Bandai Namco website.
Achievement Guide
Dark Souls III includes Steam achievements, Xbox achievements, and PlayStation trophies.
Major objectives include:
- Defeat every main boss
- Collect all rings
- Collect every gesture
- Learn every sorcery
- Learn every miracle
- Learn every pyromancy
- Learn every hex
- Complete NPC questlines
- Reach every ending
- Finish New Game+
How Long to Beat
- Main Story: 32–40 hours
- Main + Side Content: 55–70 hours
- 100% Completion: 90–120 hours
Achievement / Trophy Guide
To earn every achievement:
- Complete all three endings.
- Collect every ring.
- Learn every spell type.
- Defeat every optional boss.
- Complete all NPC questlines.
- Finish both DLC expansions.
- Earn every covenant reward.
Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
Dark Souls III runs very well on Steam Deck with excellent performance and full controller support.
Controller Support
Supports:
- Xbox controllers
- PlayStation DualShock 4
- PlayStation DualSense
- Steam Input
- Keyboard & Mouse
Co-op Information
Multiplayer features include:
- Online co-op (up to 4 players)
- PvP invasions
- Summoning signs
- Covenants
- Password matchmaking
- Offline single-player
Cross-Platform Support
Dark Souls III does not support cross-platform multiplayer or cross-save.
Similar Game Recommendations
If you enjoy Dark Souls III, you may also like:
- Elden Ring
- Dark Souls Remastered
- Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
- Bloodborne
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Lies of P
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Dark Souls III available on PC?
Yes. It is available on Steam for Windows PCs.
2. Can I play offline?
Yes. The entire game can be completed offline, although online features such as co-op and invasions require an internet connection.
3. Does Dark Souls III support cross-play?
No. Cross-platform multiplayer and cross-save are not supported.
4. Does the game include DLC?
Yes. Two major expansions are available: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
5. Is Steam Deck supported?
Yes. Dark Souls III is Steam Deck Verified and performs well with default settings.
6. Can I install mods?
Yes. The PC version supports community-created mods including randomizers, graphics enhancements, gameplay overhauls, textures, and UI improvements.
7. Does Dark Souls III have achievements?
Yes. Steam achievements, Xbox achievements, and PlayStation trophies are included.
8. How long does it take to beat?
The main story takes approximately 32–40 hours, while 100% completion usually requires 90–120 hours.
9. Does Dark Souls III support online co-op?
Yes. Players can summon friends or other players to help defeat bosses and complete areas.
10. Can I respec my character?
Yes. Character attributes can be reallocated by visiting Rosaria in the Cathedral of the Deep, with limited respec opportunities per playthrough.
11. Does Dark Souls III support controllers?
Yes. Xbox and PlayStation controllers are fully supported on PC and consoles.
12. Is Dark Souls III worth playing today?
Yes. Thanks to its outstanding boss fights, rewarding combat, memorable soundtrack, active multiplayer community, and excellent DLC expansions, Dark Souls III remains one of the greatest action RPGs ever made.