Dark Souls III is the third main game in FromSoftware's Dark Souls series. It was released in Japan on 24 March 2016 and worldwide on 12 April 2016 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows, and published by Bandai Namco outside Japan. You play the Ashen One, a being tasked with returning the Lords of Cinder to their thrones in the kingdom of Lothric.
Combat is stamina-based: attacks, rolls, blocks and sprinting all spend stamina. Most weapons have a Weapon Art; the Claymore and Lothric Knight Sword both have Stance, the Farron Greatsword has Parry, and Weapon Arts cost FP. You begin with 3 Estus Flasks and 1 Ashen Estus Flask, up to a maximum of 15 flasks, and Blacksmith Andre lets you choose how many of them are Ashen Estus Flasks (which restore FP).
Two expansions followed the base game: Ashes of Ariandel (October 2016) and The Ringed City (March 2017). The Ringed City contains the boss Slave Knight Gael. The Fire Fades Edition (April 2017) bundles the base game with both expansions. Online multiplayer returns from earlier games, with co-op summoning and hostile invasions, and Ashes of Ariandel added a dedicated PvP arena.
Most weapons carry a Weapon Art, used with L2/LT and paid for in FP. The Claymore and Lothric Knight Sword share Stance; the Farron Greatsword has Parry.
You start with 3 Estus Flasks and 1 Ashen Estus Flask (FP). Estus Shards raise the total to 15, and Undead Bone Shards strengthen each flask up to +10.
Summon other players for co-op or be invaded by hostile ones. The Ashes of Ariandel expansion added a dedicated PvP arena.
Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City add new areas and bosses, and are included in The Fire Fades Edition.
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.