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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): $19.99
Current Players: 2.4k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(82%)
Majula hub
build variety
atmosphere
lore depth
unique mechanics
difficulty
world design
pacing
enemy placement
adaptability stat
durability issues
boss design
hollowing penalty
The sentiment toward Dark Souls II is noticeably polarized. On one hand, the game is appreciated for its unique mechanics and atmospheric design, crafting a distinct identity. On the other hand, criticisms frequently arise regarding enemy placement and adaptability, creating friction for players who prefer the design choices of other entries in the series. Despite these issues, some players find the exploration of themes and build variety compelling enough to revisit Drangleic.

Positive Points

  • Many players praise the game for its unique mechanics that differentiate it from other Souls games, such as bonfire ascetics, adaptability, and power-stancing.
  • The game's world-building and atmosphere receive high marks, with several players noting that locations like Majula are beautifully designed.
  • There is significant appreciation for the game's build variety and customization options, which allow for a vast number of playstyles.
  • The lore and story, while different from Dark Souls 1 and 3, are appreciated for their depth and connection to themes of identity, memory, and cycles.

    • Negative Points

  • Enemy placement is often criticized for being excessive and artificial in difficulty, leading to frustration rather than challenge.
  • The adaptability (ADP) stat is a common source of complaint, as it affects crucial gameplay elements like dodge i-frames and item usage speed.
  • Many players dislike the mechanics of weapon durability, hollowing penalties, and lengthy animations, which they feel hinder the flow of the game.
  • Numerous players find the game’s level and boss design to be underwhelming, with boss fights described as forgettable and lacking challenge.

    • Mixed Points

  • The game's difficulty receives mixed opinions; some see it as a fresh challenge compared to other FromSoftware titles, while others view it as unnecessarily frustrating.
  • The overall pacing and interconnectedness of the world are debated, with some players enjoying the variety while others find it lacks cohesion compared to Dark Souls 1.

    • Common Themes

  • Dark Souls II has a reputation as a divisive entry in the Souls series, with players either loving or hating its various design choices.
  • The game's atmosphere and hub world are consistently highlighted as strong points, regardless of other criticisms.
  • There is a divide among players about the game's mechanics, with some appreciating the experimental changes and others preferring the traditional Souls formula.
    • Updated 2/13/2026, 12:02:08 AM UTC
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