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- Best overall: Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4
- Best budget: Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam
- Best premium: Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4
- Best for starting the series: Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4
- Dark Souls III is the stronger pick for faster combat, modern pacing and a more direct first Souls experience.
- Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin offers a distinct world, flexible builds and a more methodical adventure.
- Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 bundles all three core games with their DLC in one collection.
- Match your edition to your platform and the included content before choosing a Black Friday 2026 listing.
- Physical editions suit collectors, while Steam editions offer a straightforward PC library addition.
Dark Souls III vs Dark Souls II comes down to pace, world design and how much friction you want in a tough action RPG. Dark Souls III delivers quicker, more aggressive encounters and a polished finale to the trilogy. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin takes a slower route, with adaptable builds, unusual areas and a different approach to challenge.
For Black Friday 2026, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across the main editions and platforms. Here's the bottom line: choose Dark Souls III for tighter combat, Dark Souls II for a fresh-feeling journey, or Dark Souls Trilogy for a complete console collection. Worth it for most players.
How We Picked
- Compared the core gameplay differences between Dark Souls III and Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin.
- Checked platform compatibility and whether each listing is a physical console edition or a Steam PC release.
- Prioritized editions with meaningful included content, including DLC and bundled games.
- Reviewed product specifications, owner feedback and edition details to identify clear use cases.
- Selected products for distinct needs, from first-time players to trilogy collectors and PC players.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Included content | Release year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4 | PS4 players wanting Dark Souls III and its DLC | PlayStation 4 | Base game + 2 expansions | 2017 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PlayStation 4 | PS4 players wanting slower combat and all DLC | PlayStation 4 | Base game + 3 DLC chapters | 2015 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 | Players and collectors who want the full trilogy | PlayStation 4 | 3 games + DLC | 2018 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4 | New players starting at the beginning | PlayStation 4 | 1 remastered game | 2018 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for Xbox One | Xbox players wanting the base game | Xbox One | Base game | 2016 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for Xbox One | Xbox players wanting Dark Souls II and its DLC | Xbox One | Base game + 3 DLC chapters | 2015 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for PC Steam | PC players who want Dark Souls III on Steam | PC Steam | Base game | 2016 |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam | PC players wanting Dark Souls II and its DLC | PC Steam | Base game + 3 DLC chapters | 2015 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4 is the best complete Dark Souls III pick for PS4 players who want the base game and expansions together. The edition includes 2 DLC expansions.
Best for: PS4 players who want Dark Souls III and both expansions
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Release year
- 2017
- Included expansions
- 2
- Players
- 1
- Includes Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City
- Fast, responsive combat and strong boss encounters
- Physical edition suits a console collection
- Requires a PlayStation 4 or compatible PlayStation 5 setup
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4 combines the base game with 2 expansions, making it a solid choice for players who want the full Dark Souls III adventure on a PlayStation console.
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#2
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PlayStation 4
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PlayStation 4 is the best methodical Souls adventure for PS4 players who value build variety and exploration. The edition includes 3 DLC chapters.
Best for: Players who want a slower-paced journey with all DLC
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Release year
- 2015
- Included DLC chapters
- 3
- Players
- 1
- Includes the Crown trilogy of DLC
- Supports a wide range of character builds
- Offers a distinct world and enemy layout
- The slower pace and stamina demands are not for everyone
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PlayStation 4 includes the main game and 3 DLC chapters. Pick it for deliberate combat, flexible character builds and a different world from Dark Souls III.
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#3 · Top pick
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 is the best overall collection for console players who want the complete main trilogy in one purchase. The set includes 3 games and their DLC.
Best for: Collectors and players starting the full series
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Included games
- 3
- Included DLC sets
- 3
- Players
- 1
- Bundles Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls II and Dark Souls III
- Includes the DLC for all 3 games
- Creates an easy series play order
- A larger commitment than buying one game
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 contains 3 games and their DLC, so players can follow the series across its main entries. Choose the collection if you want breadth rather than a single-game comparison.
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#4
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4 is the best starting point for PS4 players who want to begin at the first game. The remaster targets 60 frames per second.
Best for: Players beginning the series in release order
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Release year
- 2018
- Target frame rate
- 60 fps
- Players
- 1
- Introduces the series’ foundational world and combat
- Provides a refreshed presentation of the original game
- Fits naturally into a trilogy collection
- Combat feels slower than Dark Souls III
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4 is a strong first step for players interested in the series’ original design. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4's 60 fps target supports a smoother console presentation than the original release.
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#5
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for Xbox One
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for Xbox One is the best standard-edition pick for Xbox players who want fast combat without the bundled expansions. The game supports up to 6 players online.
Best for: Xbox players who want the core Dark Souls III game
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Release year
- 2016
- Online player limit
- 6
- Players
- 1
- Delivers brisk combat and memorable boss fights
- A focused choice for the base game
- Playable on compatible Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles
- Does not include the 2 expansions
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for Xbox One suits players who want the base adventure and quicker combat. The game supports up to 6 players online, and Xbox owners should check the listing for the exact edition.
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#6
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for Xbox One
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for Xbox One is the best Xbox pick for players who prefer deliberate encounters and extensive build options. The edition bundles 3 DLC chapters.
Best for: Xbox players who want the full Dark Souls II edition
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Release year
- 2015
- Included DLC chapters
- 3
- Players
- 1
- Includes the three Crown DLC chapters
- Offers slower, stamina-conscious combat
- Runs on compatible Xbox Series consoles
- Enemy placement and pacing feel different from other entries
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for Xbox One delivers the main adventure and 3 DLC chapters. Choose it for a measured combat rhythm, broad build choices and an Xbox-compatible physical edition.
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#7
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for PC Steam
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for PC Steam is the best PC pick for players who want adjustable settings and a faster combat style. The PC version supports resolutions up to 4K.
Best for: PC players seeking Dark Souls III on Steam
- Platform
- PC Steam
- Release year
- 2016
- Maximum resolution
- 4K
- Players
- 1
- Offers graphics settings for supported PC hardware
- Quick combat makes the game a strong action pick
- Adds the title to a Steam library
- Expansions are separate unless the selected listing includes them
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for PC Steam worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III for PC Steam brings the complete base-game adventure to PC, with support for resolutions up to 4K. Check the listing contents if you want the 2 expansions included as well.
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#8
Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam is the best PC choice for players who favor slower encounters and all 3 DLC chapters. The game supports up to 4K resolution.
Best for: PC players who want Dark Souls II and its DLC
- Platform
- PC Steam
- Release year
- 2015
- Included DLC chapters
- 3
- Maximum resolution
- 4K
- Bundles the main game with 3 DLC chapters
- Supports varied character builds
- Provides a distinct take on Souls combat
- The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam's methodical pacing can feel demanding
Is the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin for PC Steam includes the main game and 3 DLC chapters. The 4K resolution support and Steam library format suit PC players seeking a complete edition.
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Which is better, Dark Souls III or Dark Souls II?
Dark Souls III suits players who prefer fast combat, quick rolls and aggressive bosses. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin favors deliberate fights, careful stamina use and flexible builds. Both are single-player action RPGs with online features.
Choose by combat style: Dark Souls III connects closely to the series finale, while Dark Souls II offers a distinct world and rhythm.
Which Dark Souls game should beginners buy on Black Friday 2026?
Dark Souls Remastered is a natural starting point for players following release order. Dark Souls III works well for those drawn to faster combat. Each game has a self-contained story, so newcomers can start with either.
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 includes 3 games and their DLC. Choose the collection for a longer series run, or select one game to try a specific combat style.
What is included in Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition?
Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition includes the base game and 2 expansions: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City. Both add locations, enemies, bosses and equipment.
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition for PlayStation 4 bundles the complete game for PS4 players. Confirm the platform and edition on the listing.
What is included in Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin?
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin includes the main game and 3 Crown DLC chapters: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King and Crown of the Ivory King. It also changes enemy placement and adds a character.
Choose the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin edition for the expanded game. Match the listing to your PS4, Xbox One or PC Steam setup.
Should I buy a physical edition or a Steam version?
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One discs suit console collectors; Steam versions are digital PC copies. Check platform compatibility before buying.
The Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 collects 3 games physically. For PC, confirm that the Steam edition includes the DLC you want.
Buying Guide
Choose your combat pace
Pick Dark Souls III for faster attacks and dodges, or Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin for deliberate stamina management.
Match the edition to your platform
PlayStation 4 and Xbox One discs are not interchangeable. Steam copies are for PC. Confirm the platform in the listing.
Check the included expansions
Dark Souls III The Fire Fades Edition has 2 expansions. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin has 3 Crown DLC chapters. Verify the edition contents.
Pick a standalone game or a collection
Choose one game for a focused entry point, or the Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 for 3 games and their DLC.
Review compatibility and condition
For used discs, inspect the condition, case contents and seller notes. For PC, check system requirements and Steam edition details.
FAQ
Dark Souls III vs Dark Souls II: which game is harder?
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin often feels harder when groups of enemies and stamina limits punish rushed moves. Dark Souls III features quicker bosses and combat. Difficulty depends on a player’s preferred pace, build and approach.
Is Dark Souls III connected to Dark Souls II?
Dark Souls III and Dark Souls II share the same series world and broad mythology, but each follows a distinct journey. Dark Souls III includes references to earlier games. Players can enjoy either title on its own, though series fans spot more connections.
Does Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 include all DLC?
Yes. Bandai Namco Entertainment Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 includes 3 games and the DLC for each entry. Confirm the packaging and listing details before buying, especially when choosing a used copy or a different regional edition.
Does Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin include all DLC?
Yes. Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin includes 3 Crown DLC chapters: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King and Crown of the Ivory King. Select the platform edition that matches your console or PC.
Can I play Dark Souls III on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X?
Dark Souls III PlayStation 4 and Xbox One editions work on compatible newer consoles through backward compatibility. Performance and disc requirements depend on the console setup, so confirm the edition and hardware compatibility before purchase.
Which Dark Souls game is best for Black Friday 2026?
Dark Souls III is best for quicker combat, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is best for slower fights and flexible builds, and Dark Souls Trilogy for PlayStation 4 is best for a complete 3-game collection.