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DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin
Action
RPG
Single-player
Multi-player
Co-op
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Remote Play on Phone
Remote Play on Tablet
Remote Play on TV
Family Sharing

DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.

Developers: FromSoftware, Inc.
Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment FromSoftware, Inc.
Release Date: Apr 1, 2015
Price (USD): $39.99
Current Players: 1.4k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(82%)
build variety
Majula
Bonfire Ascetics
unique mechanics
deep story
difficulty
graphics
pacing
level design
Adaptability
enemy placement
inconsistent hitboxes
hollowing mechanic
forgettable bosses
The general sentiment towards Dark Souls II is quite polarizing. Players are divided between those who appreciate the game for its unique mechanics, expansive build options, and atmospheric elements, and those who struggle with its punishing difficulty, questionable enemy placement, and some of its mechanical changes. The game is not without its charm, offering intriguing lore and storylines, Majula's stunning hub environment, and enjoyable content for those who are open to its differences. Yet, its idiosyncrasies, particularly the Adaptability stat and hollowing mechanic, have prevented it from achieving the same acclaim as its peers in the Souls series. Ultimately, the game is seen as ambitious but flawed, appealing mostly to those who appreciate its experimental nature and can overlook its rougher edges.

Positive Points

  • The game offers a vast build variety and multiple playstyles, allowing for rich experimentation with weapons, spells, and character builds.
  • Majula, the hub area, is praised for its calming and atmospheric environment.
  • The game has unique mechanics such as Bonfire Ascetics and Powerstancing that add depth and replayability.
  • The DLCs are seen as a high point, offering more challenging and interesting content than the base game.
  • The story, atmosphere, and lore provide a deep and engaging experience that is both haunting and introspective.

    • Negative Points

  • Adaptability as a stat tied to dodge effectiveness is confusing and frustrating for many players.
  • Enemy placement often feels excessive and overwhelming, leading to frustration rather than a fair challenge.
  • Hitboxes and combat mechanics are sometimes seen as inconsistent and clunky, affecting the enjoyment of gameplay.
  • The hollowing mechanic, which reduces maximum health upon death, is criticized as overly punitive.
  • Boss battles are considered less memorable and varied compared to other entries in the series, resulting in some disappointment.

    • Mixed Points

  • The game's difficulty and pacing, with some players finding it punishing and others appreciating the challenge.
  • The graphics and art style receive mixed reactions, with some appreciating the aesthetics while others find it dated or lacking compared to other Souls games.
  • The open world structure and level design evoke mixed feelings, with some players enjoying the exploration and others frustrated by the perceived lack of cohesion.

    • Common Themes

  • DS2 is often regarded as the "black sheep" of the Souls series due to its divergences in design and mechanics.
  • The game is praised for its ambition and willingness to experiment, offering a different yet familiar experience from other Souls games.
  • Majula is consistently highlighted as one of the most beloved hub areas in the Souls series.
  • There's a strong division in player opinion, with some appreciating the unique elements DS2 brings to the table, while others are critical of its departures from the formula established by DS1 and DS3.
    • Updated 4/21/2026, 12:01:52 AM UTC
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