Dark Souls II

In short: Dark Souls II is an RPG game released in 2014 by FromSoftware, available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

Dark Souls II

An action role-playing game known for its challenging difficulty and intricate world design. Players explore a dark fantasy setting, battling formidable enemies and uncovering the lore of Drangleic.

Dark Souls II, developed by FromSoftware, is an action role-playing game that continues the series' legacy of challenging combat and cryptic storytelling. Released in 2014, it thrusts players into the decaying kingdom of Drangleic, a land plagued by the curse of the Undead. As a chosen Undead, players must seek out powerful souls to prevent their own descent into madness and ultimately lift the curse. The game's core loop involves exploring vast, interconnected environments, engaging in precise, methodical combat against a wide array of grotesque monsters and formidable bosses. Death is a central mechanic, with players losing all their collected souls upon defeat, only to have a chance to retrieve them from their bloodstain. This risk-reward system, combined with limited healing resources and intricate level design, creates a constant sense of tension and accomplishment. Dark Souls II introduces several new mechanics while retaining the series' signature elements. The addition of the

Game details

Our review

Dark Souls II delivers another dose of punishing yet rewarding combat, deep lore, and intricate world design. While some changes might alienate long-time fans, the expanded build variety and challenging encounters ensure a memorable experience. The world, though less interconnected than its predecessor, offers vast areas to explore, brimming with secrets and dangers. Minor technical issues and a slightly less cohesive world prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor, but it remains a standout title in the action RPG genre.

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FAQ

Is Dark Souls II as difficult as the first Dark Souls?
Dark Souls II maintains the series' reputation for high difficulty. While some aspects might feel different, it still provides a significant challenge. Many players find the learning curve equally steep.
What are the main differences between Dark Souls II and its predecessor?
Dark Souls II features a different world design (less interconnected), a new 'Adaptability' stat affecting i-frames, and a penalty to max HP upon death. It also offers more build variety and a greater emphasis on bonfire aesthetics.
Is there a multiplayer component in Dark Souls II?
Yes, Dark Souls II features both cooperative and competitive multiplayer. Players can summon others for help with bosses or invade other players' worlds for PvP combat.
Are there different endings in Dark Souls II?
Dark Souls II has two main endings, influenced by specific choices made during the game. Both endings are cryptic and leave room for interpretation, characteristic of the series.
How long does it take to beat Dark Souls II?
On average, a playthrough of Dark Souls II can take anywhere from 40 to 60 hours for the main story, with completionist runs extending well over 100 hours, especially with the DLCs.

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Last updated: 06/10/2026