Dark Souls III

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4553 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,853 out of 4553
  2. Mixed: 281 out of 4553
  3. Negative: 419 out of 4553
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  1. The_Ommadawn
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    I own all the souls games and I'm rubbish at them. I play games with a casual mentality so this type of game actually makes me uneasy. The big pull is the design and combat that only a Souls game offers. DS3 for me has been the easiest to get into because of it's speed. The previous titles chugged alone whereas this one is full steam from the start. It's also hard (as it should be)I own all the souls games and I'm rubbish at them. I play games with a casual mentality so this type of game actually makes me uneasy. The big pull is the design and combat that only a Souls game offers. DS3 for me has been the easiest to get into because of it's speed. The previous titles chugged alone whereas this one is full steam from the start. It's also hard (as it should be) and I'm enjoying the challenge. I hope you enjoy it too.… Expand
  2. MityaJ
    Mar 21, 2017
    10
    Yes, it is not such a phenomenon as the first one, and, seriously, it can't stand to that masterpiece.
    But still this game just absorbed everything great about Demon Souls, Dark Souls 1&2, Bloodbourne and there is nothing wrong with it, because it's a quintessence of Hidetaka Miyazaki's ingenious creativity.
    The stortelling, characters, foes, gameplay, f*cking legendary atmosphere...    Yes, it is not such a phenomenon as the first one, and, seriously, it can't stand to that masterpiece.
    But still this game just absorbed everything great about Demon Souls, Dark Souls 1&2, Bloodbourne and there is nothing wrong with it, because it's a quintessence of Hidetaka Miyazaki's ingenious creativity.
    The stortelling, characters, foes, gameplay, f*cking legendary atmosphere... Thanks, Hidetaka. I'm sorry that this is the end of those game series. Looking forward for your future creations.    … Expand
  3. mixxalot
    Jun 21, 2017
    10
    Truly epic. Next to Demon Souls, the best game in the series. Amazing level design, fast intense combat and gameplay, great music. Fabulous game. It is of course a painful difficult brutal game like all past soulsgames but that is to be expected. You can use the cheat engine to make it possible to finish it. Love the touches from Bloodborne more fast combat versus past games.
  4. Musa3486
    May 14, 2016
    10
    Best game in the souls series. My top 5 game of all time.............................................................................................................
  5. Jdankens
    May 16, 2016
    10
    Beautiful game, people get very caught up in details. The craft put into this game puts other developers to shame.

    Probably best OST in a game ever also.
  6. Kamzor
    May 19, 2016
    10
    I didn't played Demon Souls / Dark Souls 1-2 / Bloodborne but I wanted to give a try to From Software and their games. I found myself really surprised because I really love this game. I got a bit bored by almost all recent games but I can't stop playing this one. In my opinion, it's one of the best game ever. Great job!
  7. rjthakid
    Apr 25, 2016
    10
    Dark Souls 3 is going to be a Game Of The Year contender for sure. The level design is fantastic, the bosses are difficult yet rewarding, there are various builds that are viable if crafted properly (dex, strength, int, faith, hybrids) and the lore is fantastic. PvP is also quite deep and co-op is a blast. In short, DS3 is an amazing game.

    I loved Demon's Souls and Bloodborne but    Dark Souls 3 is going to be a Game Of The Year contender for sure. The level design is fantastic, the bosses are difficult yet rewarding, there are various builds that are viable if crafted properly (dex, strength, int, faith, hybrids) and the lore is fantastic. PvP is also quite deep and co-op is a blast. In short, DS3 is an amazing game.

    I loved Demon's Souls and Bloodborne but never got into Dark Souls 1. I don't know why. I passed on DS2 when I heard it wasn't as good as the first. But DS3? Amazing. I finished one playthrough and immediately began my second and I'm still loving it.    … Expand
  8. AlexeyMer
    Apr 18, 2016
    10
    Just the same game as previous ones. 0 new content. Just grind and farm :) So boring game. Souls fans, are you really like it? That **** is a way worse than call of duty. Just a new game every year.
  9. IsaacSlade
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    To put it simply, Dark Souls III is a phenomenal game. Not a perfect one, despite what me giving it a ten may say. If I were to give it a more accurate score, I'd personally give it a 9.4. It brings back a lot of elements from the first Dark Souls, and the level designs really do feel like I'm in a different version of Lordran. Whenever I see the sweeping castles in the distance, I can'tTo put it simply, Dark Souls III is a phenomenal game. Not a perfect one, despite what me giving it a ten may say. If I were to give it a more accurate score, I'd personally give it a 9.4. It brings back a lot of elements from the first Dark Souls, and the level designs really do feel like I'm in a different version of Lordran. Whenever I see the sweeping castles in the distance, I can't help but be reminded of Anor Londo. And traversing the High Wall of Lothric just feels so much like traversing the high ledges of Undead Parish, it's just...nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. Even the cliffs in the Cemetery of Ash up to Firelink Shrine remind me of the cliffs surrounding the original Firelink Shrine, as well as the graveyard surrounding The Catacombs. It truly is like a love letter to the series, as well as to the fans who have been with the series since the start.

    Moving on to the gameplay aspects, combat is much faster now (you can thank Bloodborne for that), and there's a new element to it that has been added, in the form of Weapon Arts (I think that's what they're called). These function as special techniques that change based on the weapon you happen to be using, and deal high damage at the cost of a new uh...I'm not really sure what to call it, but it functions similarly to health (you even get a unique Estus Flask to refill it). I don't know the actual name, but it's referred to as FP, and a little is drained every time you use a Weapon Art. There's also a 'Cinder Mode' where you have double health and I believe increased strength until death. You can achieve this by either killing a boss, or using a consumable item known as an Ember.

    And all those pesky annoyances about Hollowing, such as losing some of your max health, as well as now looking like a zombie, are gone. When you die, you just lose all of your Souls and are sent back to the last bonfire. No Health loss, no green skin, none of that. If I'm not mistaken, death functions similarly to Bloodborne in that aspect. I have yet to find out how dying affects PVP and Summoning, however, so unfortunately I can't speak on that.

    I will close with a slight warning. The PC version has occasional framerate dips. Fortunately, at least for me, they didn't interrupt play too much, and I was still plenty able to enjoy my time with the game despite these dips.

    All in all, I absolutely love this game. It's fantastic, it really, really is.    … Expand
  10. idohaker
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    dark souls 3 is freaking annoying, but fun annoying. while you continue through this game you will fill the anger of dying!!!! and then dying again, and then dying again; until they will put you in an asylum because you cant stand defeat. i do need to point that i have never played a souls game before simply because i didnt have the willpower or patience to do so. but lately i have beendark souls 3 is freaking annoying, but fun annoying. while you continue through this game you will fill the anger of dying!!!! and then dying again, and then dying again; until they will put you in an asylum because you cant stand defeat. i do need to point that i have never played a souls game before simply because i didnt have the willpower or patience to do so. but lately i have been more entertained and interested in games that respect my intelligence and dont make it easy for me. and dark souls is just that, for a new player this game is exactly what i have been told about souls game. its hard, frustrating but eventually rewarding. the gameplay is phenomenal, sometimes in fight you really need to think what to do in order that it will not be you 25th death already. there are some times when it becomes slash & hack, and that i dont like; but mostly the game makes you strategize how to get out of every castle, room, or whatever situation you got yourself in. the graphics are pretty good, altough not amazing, and the sound is quite the same. if you are a new player that has never played a souls game, and you want a game that requires a little more patience and strategizing then other games, then this is the one. 10/10 freaking awesome!!!!… Expand
  11. Bonovox
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    Updated review.

    FIx your GODDAMN game before releasing it to the public.

    7 hours into the game i cant play anymore. Go near ANY bonfire, game crashes for no reason.

    FIX THE DAMN GAME.
  12. Windolicker
    Apr 21, 2020
    10
    A true masterpiece, bolstered by the magical method of storytelling through the environment and items.
  13. motownmonster
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    Great game. Just another From Software game but that's what I wanted. Visuals look great, online play is improved, and environments are more beautiful than ever. Lots of minor tweaks from DS2 to 3 but most are intuitive and none are obtrusive. I played this a few hours before midnight of the release and even then I had no issues running the game. There are still minor bugs in the onlineGreat game. Just another From Software game but that's what I wanted. Visuals look great, online play is improved, and environments are more beautiful than ever. Lots of minor tweaks from DS2 to 3 but most are intuitive and none are obtrusive. I played this a few hours before midnight of the release and even then I had no issues running the game. There are still minor bugs in the online play that make connections difficult to establish but once made it works fine. Some people are complaining about framerate issues and crashing but I have experienced neither. 10/10 because it was exactly what I wanted DS3 to be.… Expand
  14. BrainStain
    Apr 16, 2016
    10
    As an avid Demon's souls and Dark souls fan, I was apprehensive about this one after the dumbed down Dark souls 2. They really delivered on this one. Level design is great, nice and tight, like Demon's souls with excellent enemy design and placement. The atmosphere is great and the sound design is well executed. Yes, this game is difficult, but that is part of the attraction. Difficult butAs an avid Demon's souls and Dark souls fan, I was apprehensive about this one after the dumbed down Dark souls 2. They really delivered on this one. Level design is great, nice and tight, like Demon's souls with excellent enemy design and placement. The atmosphere is great and the sound design is well executed. Yes, this game is difficult, but that is part of the attraction. Difficult but fair, try to play in a hurry and the chances are that you will kick the bucket very soon. This game is for observant and careful players that have PATIENCE.

    I haven't had any crash issues at all, hence the 10/10. The frame rate can drop when transitioning from one zone to another sometimes, but this didn't dampen my mood, as the drops never lasted too long.

    The multiplayer summoning/invading times are very fast. Lots of fun or despair to be had in multiplayer!

    As this game has been made with love and attention, I have nothing but praise for the developing team and of course the return of Hidetaka Miyazaki as the director. His input has obviously helped this game to be more fluid and coherent than the unfortunate Dark souls 2.

    Finally, don't buy this game if you like everything handed to you on a plate and spoon-fed. If you are not patient or want an easy mode, look for a different title to play.

    I haven't had any crash issues at all    … Expand
  15. Diepferd
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    Great game, running smoothly with i5, 770 GTX on med quality only 1-2 crashes in the beginning.
    Very clean, 60 fps most of the time.

    And now to the game it self if that is even important? =.0

    Hard, challenging, fantastic atmosphere, everything one would expect from a Dark Souls game really.
  16. PeregrineOmega
    Apr 17, 2016
    10
    It might just be THE definitive Souls game. A true return to what made the series great in the first place: the level design. It's not to say, however, they haven't also touched upon other aspects. The combat feels more refined, with both character and npc animations looking as smooth as ever.

    The haunting gothic atmosphere returns again to chill us with the deathless laughter that had    It might just be THE definitive Souls game. A true return to what made the series great in the first place: the level design. It's not to say, however, they haven't also touched upon other aspects. The combat feels more refined, with both character and npc animations looking as smooth as ever.

    The haunting gothic atmosphere returns again to chill us with the deathless laughter that had us replaying the original over and over... and this one is no different. If you already love the Souls series, there's nothing to stop you from loving Dark Souls III.

    It's a shame there are those here just to complain about day one blues. Game works perfect for me. Have yet to experience a single crash, with streaming on, and through SteamLink. Some people may just need to learn to either a) wait for the day 1 or 2 patch that always happens or b) clear some hard drive space from all that porn.    … Expand
  17. ADHGO
    Jul 9, 2016
    10
    solid game, interesting, with fantastic graphics, realistic Souls atmosphere that makes you feel inside the game, in spite that field of view little bit narrow
    variaty of characters and Bosses is amazinig, it is difficult game but many gamers like that
  18. Dyarkulus
    Jun 8, 2022
    10
    UPDATE: Changed to 10 because I sold my UW and all problems disappeared :'D

    I have to give this rating to this game mainly because of one reason: The port is horrible. No 21:9 support, which is unacceptable due to the best and most expensive gaming monitors being ultra-widescreen. Locked 60 fps, also unacceptable, all monitors nowadays have higher refresh rates. And, even worse than    UPDATE: Changed to 10 because I sold my UW and all problems disappeared :'D

    I have to give this rating to this game mainly because of one reason:

    The port is horrible. No 21:9 support, which is unacceptable due to the best and most expensive gaming monitors being ultra-widescreen. Locked 60 fps, also unacceptable, all monitors nowadays have higher refresh rates. And, even worse than this, is the constant frame drops and micro stutters. And I have a gtx 1080/i7 6700k... Resuming, this game is for consoles and a waste of high end gaming PC's resources.    … Expand
  19. mattythoburn
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    Why does the PC user score have so many zeroes? I have had no issues with exception to the odd framerate drop here and there, same as my xbox version this game is the definitive souls experience, and in many ways is as good as, if not better than dark souls 1. Take my word for it if not the critics. This does not deserve 0s. Its a 9.7 for me, minus .3 for framerate issues. But consideringWhy does the PC user score have so many zeroes? I have had no issues with exception to the odd framerate drop here and there, same as my xbox version this game is the definitive souls experience, and in many ways is as good as, if not better than dark souls 1. Take my word for it if not the critics. This does not deserve 0s. Its a 9.7 for me, minus .3 for framerate issues. But considering metacritic doesnt dea in .0s ill round quite happily to a 10.… Expand
  20. joanjett
    Apr 14, 2016
    10
    Got about 25 game time hrs in so far and i must say i am
    having fun! But others are having some problems on the pc.
    Just look at the steam forums. My guess is it depends on the type of toaster you are using{my toaster has not had any problems thank god lol} and it's not a high end pc so....again not sure what to say about that{you may want to hold off till they get it fix} I'm giving    Got about 25 game time hrs in so far and i must say i am
    having fun! But others are having some problems on the pc.
    Just look at the steam forums. My guess is it depends on the
    type of toaster you are using{my toaster has not had any problems thank god lol}
    and it's not a high end pc so....again not sure what to say about that{you may want to hold off till they get it fix} I'm giving this a 10 only because of the trolls but i would say 8.5 to 9 seems right. Also they change
    some things with casters i'm not happy with and hope they fix it{casting speed is a joke right now...way to slow for the fast mobs} but again i'm having a blast and love the graphics in this game.    … Expand
  21. Zoeth
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    Phenomenal game. I constantly stop the very constant and frantic combat to take in the scenery which speaks to the detail of the game. This is one of those games I actually don't regret pre-ordering and almost DO regret not getting the season pass. 10/10 any day. A lot of the bad reviews are scrubs who couldn't get past dancer or nameless. They claim all you do is roll and hit....wellPhenomenal game. I constantly stop the very constant and frantic combat to take in the scenery which speaks to the detail of the game. This is one of those games I actually don't regret pre-ordering and almost DO regret not getting the season pass. 10/10 any day. A lot of the bad reviews are scrubs who couldn't get past dancer or nameless. They claim all you do is roll and hit....well there is your problem morons, they never bothered learning parry timings, weapon arts, stagger mechanics, backstabs etc. This game separates the wheat from the chaff.… Expand
  22. Deeds
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    Keep in mind: I am playing DS3 on a powerful PC with an Xbox one controller

    Very few games evoke such pure feelings of terror, suspense, and awe like Dark souls 3 does. From the first moments, all the way to the last, I was completely immersed in the beautifully horrifying world of Lothric. Everyone knows already that difficulty is a core part of the Dark Souls Franchise, and that is no    Keep in mind: I am playing DS3 on a powerful PC with an Xbox one controller

    Very few games evoke such pure feelings of terror, suspense, and awe like Dark souls 3 does. From the first moments, all the way to the last, I was completely immersed in the beautifully horrifying world of Lothric. Everyone knows already that difficulty is a core part of the Dark Souls Franchise, and that is no different with this entry. DS3's earlier portions are fairly accessible, and they do a great job of introducing players to the general feeling of the game. However, the difficulty ramps up a few hours in, and it will surely lead to some broken controllers and rage quits for some. Visually the game is stunning. Not only does DS3 look good from a purely graphical standpoint, but the environments are so well crafted that Lothric feels like a real place torn right out of a nightmare. The art direction also sets up a great story, but be warned, Dark souls doesn't tell you your typical story. Most of the story is told through vague conversations, item descriptions, and the world itself. You can go through the whole game with no idea what's going on, but players that want to explore and discover are greatly rewarded. The combat this time around has seen some welcomed changes. Animations are smoother, strikes and slashes are heavier, and the movement has never been more fluid. The pace of combat is also faster. I was originally concerned with the speed increase because I typically play a heavy build character. Thankfully, the faster gameplay didn't take away from my heavy build, and I still felt like a tank. My one complaint with the game is that I felt some recycled attack patterns from some bosses and enemies that made the game a little more forgiving for my up close and personal build. Dark Souls 3 is an incredible experience that absolutely shouldn't be missed by anyone willing to put forth the effort that this game demands and deserves.

    (I understand that some people are having technical issues with this game, but during my time with DS3 the only technical issue I encountered was an occasional frame stutter after interacting with the messages left by other players. The game ran beautifully at 60+ frames, and the load times were good as well.)    … Expand
  23. camptownrangers
    May 11, 2016
    10
    I didn't even think it was possible for a Souls game to be any better than Bloodborne, but here I am. From the beginning it only ever gets better, with some of the series' most climactic and amazing bosses.
  24. tempo_ykt
    May 25, 2016
    10
    Dark Souls III - is a masterpiece. The game brings the thrill of the gameplay, the story, the characters, the world. This game punishes for every imprudent action that you're making, this game makes you do the same thing after each your death, and sometimes you have to start the game from the beginning just because you failed the quest. But when you overcome all the tests that you justDark Souls III - is a masterpiece. The game brings the thrill of the gameplay, the story, the characters, the world. This game punishes for every imprudent action that you're making, this game makes you do the same thing after each your death, and sometimes you have to start the game from the beginning just because you failed the quest. But when you overcome all the tests that you just settle, you feel an incredible sense of satisfaction. This game makes me happy. Thank you Dark Souls.… Expand
  25. Monochr0m3
    May 12, 2016
    10
    The definitive Souls experience, this game is almost a perfect example of a Dark Souls game done right.
    Pros:
    - Immersive atmosphere - Amazing art direction - Best soundtrack in Souls series - Unique enemy design - Combat fluidity Cons: - Combat balancing, especially in PVP (straight swords everywhere) - Poise not working at all - A bit short compared to other Souls game (hope    The definitive Souls experience, this game is almost a perfect example of a Dark Souls game done right.
    Pros:
    - Immersive atmosphere
    - Amazing art direction
    - Best soundtrack in Souls series
    - Unique enemy design
    - Combat fluidity

    Cons:
    - Combat balancing, especially in PVP (straight swords everywhere)
    - Poise not working at all
    - A bit short compared to other Souls game (hope the DLC make up for it)
    - Teleporting between bonfires unlocked early on, reducing sense of immersion between levels
    - No hard mode/power stancing
    - More linear compared to Dark Souls 1    … Expand
  26. TwistedBengal90
    Apr 15, 2016
    10
    They need to have a Dark Souls 3 bundle with 5 additional controllers. This game "somehow" breaks controllers.

    Dark Souls 3 - 10/10

    Xbox 360 controller Durability - 0/10

    Now I'll be getting back to sweeping up the remains of my controller.
  27. ntiaga
    Apr 12, 2016
    10
    Several hours @ max settings, 1440p with basically perfect performance. Full button remapping options, even on controller. It's also a Dark Souls game.

    Praise the Sun!!
  28. Penfore
    Aug 14, 2016
    10
    Dear Dark Souls 3 Haters…

    You. Yes, you! The one screaming, "There is no poise!" and "They rehashed all the assets from the prior games!" and other slurs I dare not mention. Tread lightly. You are one. We are hundreds, thousands. Millions. You aren't just IN the minority; you ARE the minority. I don't feel awkward or anxious playing Dark Souls 3 around others, and your words    Dear Dark Souls 3 Haters…

    You. Yes, you!
    The one screaming, "There is no poise!" and "They rehashed all the assets from the prior games!" and other slurs I dare not mention.

    Tread lightly.

    You are one. We are hundreds, thousands. Millions. You aren't just IN the minority; you ARE the minority.

    I don't feel awkward or anxious playing Dark Souls 3 around others, and your words don't affect me. Many others, however, are coming out of their shells for the first time in their lives. This is the first time many are enjoying the beautiful world that has been created for us - and it IS beautiful. Incredibly so. DON'T ruin this for them.

    We Dark Souls 3 fans may have our differences, but we will not hesitate to come to the aid of our fellow undead, especially against someone who so virulently slurs that which has brought us all together.
    Don't take this the wrong way. I don't hate you. I don't fear you.

    I pity you.

    I'm sorry that you feel this way towards us. I'm sorry that Dark Souls 3 is such a bane to your existence. And I'm sorry that you are missing out on such a wonderful experience. Mostly, though, I'm sorry that you feel the need to go around and publicly chastise and berate others. I'm sorry that, to ensure your own validity, you need to make others feel invalid. I'm sorry that your self-worth is so infinitesimally miniscule that you have to make others feel less-than-human, at least in your own denatured mind, just to feel whole. I am truly sorry that day-in and day-out you have to put up with your worthless, meaningless, Shakespearean tragedy of a life.
    I ask you politely to cease your unnecessary cries for attention, and instead invite you to join our ranks. Uninstall Call of Duty, start up Dark Souls 3, and breathe in the splendour and the amazement of the interwoven levels, and then, maybe, just maybe, you'll see what you've been so hopelessly searching for this whole time.    … Expand
  29. Amsheagar
    Feb 3, 2022
    10
    Dark souls 3 is fascinating game. The graphics is incredible. The fight system is still very good. The monsters and the bosses are iconic and cool. I recommend every souls-like fan. It is must play game.
  30. evanMP
    Apr 13, 2016
    10
    Fantastic game, the gameplay, the boss fights, and the exploration!. This game deserves to be praised for being the epic culmination we were all waiting for.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2016
4
#4 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
14
#14 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. Easy Allies
    Dec 1, 2016
    90
    Despite an inconsistent frame rate once again hindering the console versions, Dark Souls III is still an undeniable success. Before playing, we felt ready to say goodbye to the series, looking forward to whatever From Software gave us next. Yet after finishing, it's hard not wanting more. Few companies can craft a world so completely enthralling. Whether you've played every entry, started with Bloodborne, or are brand new, this is a game you should absolutely make time for.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jun 29, 2016
    85
    Everything about Dark Souls III is great, but it fails to push the series forward. Bloodborne and both previous Souls squash it in terms of ambition. DkS3 is like a compilation album by your favorite band – you enjoy listening to it because you love these songs despite having heard them so many times before, but there’s no room for even a tiniest surprise. [06/2016, p.34]
  3. Riot Pixels
    Jun 6, 2016
    82
    It seems that From Software has finally realized that bad game design decisions were a poor addition to an already uncompromising game, and fixed them, while keeping the same level of ruthlessness.
    Read full review
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