Expand your journey through Lordran with Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss, the definitive downloadable expansion for the genre-defining action RPG. Originally released as part of the PC's Prepare to Die Edition and later brought to consoles, this expansion serves as a masterful continuation of From Software’s signature experience. It offers a "two-pronged proposition" that digs deeper into the most fertile elements of the core game: its decaying, beautiful environments and its potent competitive multiplayer.

A Deep Dive into the Abyss

As the first major add-on for the series, Dark Souls: Artorias of the Abyss succeeds in weaving a new adventure into an already tightly-knit world without breaking immersion. The expansion takes players on a journey through Lordran's far-flung past, introducing exotic and visually striking locations that feel distinct from the medieval stonework of the base game.

The single-player journey begins in the Oolacile Sanctuary, a location defined by its mossy idols and unlit bonfires. As you progress through areas like the Royal Woods, you will encounter a variety of unique threats—from the clumsy, ghoulish Gardeners to lumbering Golems with deceptive ranged attacks. True to the series' reputation, complacency is a deadly trap, and players must remain vigilant to avoid the dreaded "You Died" screen.

Key Gameplay Features

  • New Single-Player Adventure: Explore beautifully designed, exotic environments that chronicle the history of the Abyss.
  • Expanded Multiplayer: Experience new PvP arenas designed to enhance the game's competitive landscape.
  • Unique NPC Interactions: Interact with a new cast of characters, such as the crooked favorite The Marvellous Chester, whose presence can influence your item collection and boss encounters.
  • Challenging Boss Encounters: Test your skills against legendary foes, including the formidable Artorias the Abysswalker.
  • Immersive World-Building: Experience a minimalist approach to storytelling where exploration and environmental cues reveal the deep lore of the series.

Who is this expansion for?

While critics have noted that Artorias of the Abyss is primarily designed for "hardcore players," it is considered a "no-brainer purchase" for anyone currently under the spell of the original game. If you have mastered the mechanics of the base game and are looking for more intense combat, deeper lore, and even more challenging boss fights, this expansion is an essential addition to your library.

Platform Availability: This expansion is available on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.