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DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin

DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin

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.

84%
Very Positive
DeveloperFromSoftware, Inc.
PublishersBandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware, Inc.
Release DateApr 1, 2015
$39.99
Peak Players12.1K
Metacritic79
Controllerfull
PlatformsWindows
Action
RPG
AI Review Summary

Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is a polarizing entry in the series that emphasizes tactical positioning and build variety, though it is often criticized for frustrating enemy placement and obtuse mechanics like the Agility stat. While many veterans consider it the weakest of the trilogy, others find its unique systems and high-quality DLC content to be a rewarding, if unconventional, Souls experience.

Pros

  • The included DLC content is widely considered a high point, often surpassing the base game in quality.90%
  • Combat feels more tactical due to a heavy emphasis on positioning and stamina management.80%
  • The game offers immense build variety and unique mechanics that reward experimentation once understood.70%
  • Despite its reputation, many players find the difficulty manageable and the negativity surrounding the title to be exaggerated.85%

Cons

  • The Adaptability (ADP) stat and its effect on invincibility frames are poorly explained and frustrating for new players.95%
  • Enemy placement often relies on overwhelming numbers or 'gank squads,' leading to a feeling of artificial difficulty.90%
  • The world design lacks the interconnected logic and deliberate exploration found in other entries in the series.80%
  • Technical issues, such as incorrect default graphics card detection, may require external troubleshooting.40%

Notable Mentions

  • Many players specifically debate whether to skip this entry in favor of Dark Souls III.
  • The game is often cited as a 'love it or hate it' experience within the FromSoftware community.
  • Achieving a similar feel to the first game requires a significant investment in the Adaptability attribute.
Confidence: 71%
Based on the 195 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 18, 2026
Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak
1.8K
Peak · last 90 days
3.1K
All-time peak
12.1K

Price

Current price
$39.99
Lowest tracked
$19.99since Nov 24, 2025

Review Sentiment

Launch week
—
Last 30 days
83%
All-time positive
84%
Review Statistics
Total Reviews131.5K
Positive: 110.4K (84%)Negative: 21.2K (16%)

4%

Reviews from Steam Deck

0%

Dev Response Rate

69h

Avg Playtime at Review

88%

Credible Reviews