Experience the legendary title that redefined the action-RPG genre with Dark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition. As the spiritual successor to the 2009 hit Demon’s Souls, this release brings one of gaming's most notorious and critically acclaimed experiences to PC players, following massive fan demand. Set within the grim, unforgiving landscapes of Lordran, this title is famous for its brutal difficulty and a world that relentlessly punishes even the most seasoned adventurers.

A World Defined by Peril and Mystery

In Dark Souls: Prepare To Die Edition, the story is found within the adventure itself. Players take on the role of the "Chosen Undead," an unnamed character escaping from the Undead Asylum. Your mission is a daunting pilgrimage: to embark on a journey across a seamless, open world to remove the affliction of the Darksign from the Earth. The setting spans vast, interconnected environments—from towering mountain peaks and thick forests to dark dungeons and subterranean lakes of lava.

The narrative approach is intentionally minimalist and vague, eschewing traditional, heavy-handed exposition in favor of environmental storytelling. This lack of hand-holding means you are thrown into the world with little guidance; there are no friendly tutorials or practice missions to ease your transition. You must learn the mechanics and the lore through observation, trial, and error.

Gameplay Mechanics and Features

The core gameplay revolves around a well-crafted combat system that demands precision and patience. To survive the constant dangers and easily overpowering enemies, players must master a variety of tools at their disposal:

  • Customizable Character: Tailor your Chosen Undead's features and background to suit your preferred playstyle.
  • Diverse Arsenal: Utilize a wide array of weapons, armor, magical enchantments, and specialized tools to navigate the world.
  • Asynchronous Multiplayer: Engage with an ingenious "notes" system that allows you to leave messages for other players or read tips left by the community to navigate treacherous paths.
  • PvP and Co-op: Enter multiplayer modes to invade the worlds of others for lethal combat, or cooperate with allies to take down the game's most formidable bosses.
  • Expanded Content: The Prepare to Die Edition includes new areas and enemies not found in the original console release, providing fresh challenges for returning players.

Who is this game for?

This title is a must-play for fans of challenging RPGs who crave deep immersion and atmospheric world-building. If you enjoy games that respect your intelligence by refusing to hold your hand, and if you find satisfaction in overcoming immense odds through perseverance, Lordran awaits. However, be prepared: the difficulty remains uncompromising, and every victory is hard-earned.

Technical Details

  • Genre: Action, RPG
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
  • Release Date: August 23, 2012 (PC Edition)
  • Metacritic Score: 85.00