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Dark Souls reaches its 15th anniversary in North America on October 4, 2026—the date it launched there in 2011. It did not have one worldwide launch date: FromSoftware records a September 2011 release in Japan, followed by North America on October 4 and Europe on October 7.
When did Dark Souls come out?
The answer depends on the region. FromSoftware’s company history records the original PlayStation 3 release in Japan in September 2011, while a Namco Bandai Games America announcement gives October 4, 2011, for North America and October 7, 2011, for Europe. That makes October 4, 2026, the 15th anniversary of the North American release—not a worldwide anniversary date.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - Xbox One | $24.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
FromSoftware’s timeline also says the original game passed 1.5 million cumulative worldwide shipments by November 2011. That is a dated shipment milestone, not a current sales total or a verified sell-through figure.
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What made Dark Souls distinctive?
Developed by FromSoftware, Dark Souls was described by Bandai Namco as a spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls, not a direct sequel. Its structure tied hazardous exploration to combat and discovery: bonfires served as checkpoints, while online features let players leave messages, summon help for co-op, or invade another player’s world.
#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.
FromSoftware’s official series description emphasizes tense dungeon exploration, fearsome enemies, new discoveries, and the sense of accomplishment that follows. That combination is a useful way to understand the game’s appeal without reducing it to difficulty alone: danger gives exploration its stakes, and progress makes each discovery feel earned.
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Dark Souls: Remastered
For a replay of the first game, Dark Souls: Remastered is the focused option. Bandai Namco lists it for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch, and says it includes the main game and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. The publisher’s European product page dates the PS4, PC, and Xbox One releases to May 25, 2018, and the Switch release to October 19, 2018.
Rank #2
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
Dark Souls Trilogy
If you want the broader series, Bandai Namco describes the Dark Souls Trilogy as a three-disc collection for PS4 and Xbox One. It includes the remastered original, Dark Souls II, and Dark Souls III with their associated DLC. It is a different choice from buying the first game alone: it adds both sequels as well as their downloadable content.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
- Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
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.
