Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.
Player Statistics
Updated: October 10, 2026 10:14 AMAverage players
Players Online
At a glance
DARK SOULS™ II has 137 players in-game right now, 68% of its 24-hour peak of 202. Its all-time peak was 1,763 players on April 26, 2026. 33,399 Steam reviews rate it “Very Positive” (87% positive). Current price: $39.99.
What players say about DARK SOULS™ II
DARK SOULS II is a polarizing yet deeply valued entry in the series, frequently praised for its atmospheric world, particularly the hub area of Majula, and its experimental approach. While many players find its gameplay distinct and rewarding, others highlight frustrations with inconsistent hitboxes, excessive enemy placement, and mechanics such as the Adaptability stat that differ significantly from other titles in the franchise.
What players like
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Atmospheric hub area 12 of 120 reviews
Many players find Majula to be a standout feature, providing a warm and comforting sense of familiarity in an otherwise challenging and often isolating world.
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Extensive build variety 14 of 120 reviews
The game allows for significant customization through a wide array of weapons, armor, and systems like power-stancing, which many players appreciate for enabling diverse playstyles.
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Experimental design 9 of 120 reviews
Players often credit the game for its willingness to innovate and take risks, creating a unique experience that stands apart from the rest of the trilogy.
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Rewarding progression 8 of 120 reviews
Despite its flaws, many enjoy the journey of character growth and the scale of the environments, which provides a satisfying sense of discovery throughout the campaign.
What players criticise
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Unconventional mechanics 22 of 120 reviews
Features like the Adaptability stat—which must be leveled to improve dodge roll i-frames—and the mechanic of losing maximum health upon death are frequent sources of frustration.
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Unfair enemy placement 18 of 120 reviews
Critics frequently cite excessive 'enemy spam' and scenarios where the game throws large groups of enemies at the player, which some feel creates artificial difficulty.
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PC technical issues 11 of 120 reviews
Reviews frequently note that keyboard and mouse controls feel clunky, often recommending a controller for a playable experience.
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Inconsistent boss runbacks 9 of 120 reviews
Players often express frustration with the long or dangerous paths leading back to boss arenas after a death, which is seen as tedious rather than challenging.
Best for: Players who enjoy challenging action-RPGs with significant build variety and are interested in a unique, experimental take on the established series formula.
Not for you if: Players who prioritize tight, polished design or those who prefer the interconnected, cohesive world-building found in other games in the series.
DARK SOULS™ II — questions players ask
- Do I need to level Adaptability?
- Yes, many players strongly recommend leveling this stat to between 30 and 35 to gain dodge roll i-frames equivalent to other games in the series.
- Should I play with a controller?
- Yes, reviews frequently emphasize that the keyboard and mouse controls are poorly implemented and clunky, making a controller the preferred method of play.
- Is the original version better than Scholar of the First Sin?
- Opinions are divided; some prefer the original version for its enemy placement, while others argue that Scholar of the First Sin offers necessary adjustments, though it can feel more difficult.
Summarised automatically from 120 English Steam reviews — helpful and recent, positive and negative — on August 29, 2026.
Description
DARK SOULS™ II brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay innovations to both single and multiplayer experiences.
Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and the unrelenting challenge that only FROM SOFTWARE can deliver.
Key Features
- Go Beyond Death: dare yourself to engage against intense gameplay in a vast world powered by an all new engine that leaps graphics, sound & FX forward like never before
- A labyrinth of monsters & bosses: immerse yourself into mind-bending environments filled with new twisted monsters and deadly bosses that could only come from the imagination of FROM SOFTWARE
- Sensory assault: a wide range of threats will prey on human senses & phobias - auditory hallucinations, vertigo, acrophobia, etc
- Deeper and darker: more intricate customization options provide weapons and armor tailoring to player style
- Evolved multiplayer: updated multiplayer system enables improved online interaction to bring forward cooperative & competitive play
- Refined gameplay: DARK SOULS™ II features fluid motion-capture animations, an upgraded combat system, a vastly expanded suite of characters, deeper customization options, new weapons, armor abilities, and a balanced player progression system
Supported languages: english, french, italian, german, spanish - spain, polish, russian, korean, portuguese - brazil, traditional chinese
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Description and screenshots are provided by the publisher via the Steam Store page.
System Requirements
Windows
- OS *: Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8
- Processor: AMD® Phenom II™ X2 555 3.2Ghz or Intel® Pentium Core ™ 2 Duo E8500 3.17Ghz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® 9600GT, ATI Radeon™ HD 5870
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 12 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device
- Additional Notes: Controller support: Microsoft Xbox 360® Controller for Windows® (or equivalent) recommended
- OS *: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8
- Processor: Intel® CoreTM i3 2100 3.10GHz or AMD® A8 3870K 3.0GHz
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 750 or ATI Radeon™ HD 6870 or higher
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 15 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device
- Additional Notes: Controller support: Microsoft Xbox 360® Controller for Windows® (or equivalent) recommended
User Reviews
It is shocking, not just that this is worse, I went in half expecting that. It is shocking just how much worse this original version is.
If you just want to play the definitive version of Dark Souls 2, get Scholar of the First Sin.
Peak Souls 2.
My observations/opinions after completing the game and getting 100% achivments.
My opinion: Good game. (I prefer Dark Souls 1/3)
Pros:
+ Huge build variety
+ Great DLCs
+ Interesting atmosphere
+ More open-ended
+ Great replayability
+ Unique mechanics
Cons:
- Bad hitboxes
- Adaptability/ADP
- Gank-heavy areas
- Weak/forgettable bosses
- Inconsistent level design
- Losing maximum HP on death
- Stiff movement and combat
This game is truly one of the most confusing, boring, unresponsive, clunky, and disappointing games I have ever played. After player sekiro, dark souls 3, and elden ring, I expected something of at least similar standards. I was met with the worst 35 hours of my life. Genuinely one of the worst games I've ever played, fromsoft should be embarassed for releasing this pile of trash. 0 good bosses, 0 good areas, weapons were at least varied, worst combat ive ever engaged with. oh and I got a bug where I couldnt respec the entire game that was incredible
peak souls
Additional Information
| Developer | FromSoftware, Inc. |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Age rating | None |
| Release date | Unknown |
| Metacritic | 91 |
| User reviews | 87% positive (33399) |
User Reviews
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