Dark Souls

Dark Souls

A critically acclaimed action RPG series known for its challenging gameplay, intricate world design, and deep lore. Players navigate a dark fantasy world filled with formidable enemies and environmental storytelling.

Category
Game
Release Year
2009
Origin
Japan
Tags
action RPG
souls-like
challenging
dark fantasy
FromSoftware

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Dark Souls
Aliases
Souls Series, Dark Souls I
Type
Action RPG Video Game Series
Release Year
2009
Status
Active
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Hidetaka Miyazaki
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Original Work
Video Game
Genre
Action RPG, Dark Fantasy, Souls-like

Content Information

Synopsis
An action RPG set in the kingdom of Lordran, where players take on the role of an undead warrior seeking to ring the Bells of Awakening and uncover the truth behind the curse of the undead.
Main Characters
The Chosen Undead, Gwyn Lord of Cinder, Solaire of Astora
Setting
Kingdom of Lordran, a decaying medieval fantasy world
Themes
Death, rebirth, perseverance, sacrifice, the cycle of light and dark
Target Audience
Mature gamers seeking challenging experiences

Characters

The Chosen Undead
Player Character/Protagonist

An undead warrior who escapes the Undead Asylum and embarks on a quest to ring the Bells of Awakenin...

ProtagonistUndeadChosen OneWarrior
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Solaire of Astora
Warrior of Sunlight/AllyWarriors of SunlightMaleUnknown

A jolly knight from Astora who seeks his own sun. He can be summoned to help in various boss fights and is beloved by th...

Abilities: Lightning Spear Miracles, Sword Combat, Jolly Cooperation...
Quotes:
"Praise the Sun!"
""I am Solaire of Astora.""
"The sun is a wondrous body. Like a magnificent father!"
AllyKnightCovenant LeaderJolly Cooperation
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Gwyn, Lord of Cinder
Final Boss/Former LordLords of CinderMaleAncient

The former Lord of Sunlight who linked the First Flame and became a hollow shell of his former self, serving as the fina...

Abilities: Lightning Magic, Great Lord Greatsword, Immense Power...
Quotes:
"[No dialogue - Hollow]"
""I am Gwyn, Lord of Cinder.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
Final BossLordTragic AntagonistFormer Hero
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Seath the Scaleless
Lord Soul Boss/Betrayer DragonIndependentMale

An albino dragon who betrayed his own kind to side with Gwyn, becoming obsessed with immortality and crystal magic.

Abilities: Crystal Magic, Curse Breath, Tail Whip...
Quotes:
"[Roars and magical sounds]"
""I am Seath the Scaleless.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
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Patches
Merchant/TricksterIndependentMale

A recurring character known for his treacherous nature and tendency to kick people into pits, but also serves as a usefu...

Abilities: Merchant Skills, Trickery, Survival Instincts
Quotes:
"Heh heh... Thank you kindly. Safe travels, and don't you dare go Hollow."
""I am Patches.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
View Details

Media Forms

Video Games
Dark Souls trilogy, Demon's Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, Elden Ring
Merchandise
Figures, art books, soundtracks, clothing
Books
Official art books and strategy guides
Digital Content
DLC expansions, digital soundtracks

Commercial Information

Sales
Over 27 million copies sold across the series
Awards
Multiple Game of the Year awards, BAFTA Games Awards
Critical Reception
Universal critical acclaim, 89-95 Metacritic scores
Cultural Impact
Created the "Souls-like" genre, influenced countless games

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Dedicated global community known for cooperation and challenge-seeking
Communities
Reddit r/darksouls, Fextralife Wiki, Discord servers
Events
Speedrunning competitions, challenge runs, community events
Quotes
Praise the Sun!, Git Gud, You Died
Memes
Praise the Sun gesture, You Died screen, Solaire worship
Cosplay
Knight armor, Solaire, various boss characters

Historical Development

2009
Demon's Souls released as spiritual predecessor
2011
Dark Souls released, establishing the series
2012
Artorias of the Abyss DLC released
2014
Dark Souls II released with new director
2015
Scholar of the First Sin edition released
2016
Dark Souls III released, concluding the trilogy
2017
The Ringed City DLC completes the series
2018
Dark Souls Remastered released for modern platforms

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