Is Dark Souls On Game Pass? No, Dark Souls is not currently available on Xbox Game Pass. While Dark Souls III was briefly included, the other games in the series, including Dark Souls Remastered and Dark Souls II, have never been on the service.
The Dark Souls franchise has earned a legendary status among gamers, known for its challenging gameplay, intricate world-building, and rewarding sense of achievement. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the series has captivated millions of players worldwide.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the current status of Dark Souls on Game Pass, explore the possibilities for its future inclusion, and recommend alternative Soulslike experiences available on the platform.
Dark Souls Availability on Game Pass
As of now, none of the Dark Souls games—Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin, or Dark Souls III—are available on Xbox Game Pass. This may come as a disappointment to fans hoping to experience the iconic series through Microsoft’s subscription service.
In the past, Dark Souls has been part of Xbox’s offerings in other ways. The original Dark Souls was briefly available for free through the Games with Gold program, allowing Xbox Live Gold subscribers to add it to their library.
However, it has since been removed and is no longer part of that catalog. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
Why Isn’t Dark Souls on Game Pass?
Continued Popularity and Sales
The Dark Souls series remains highly popular, even years after its initial release. Its enduring appeal and consistent sales make it less likely for Bandai Namco, the publisher, to include the games in a subscription service where revenue is shared rather than generated directly from purchases.
Licensing Agreements
Adding games to Game Pass requires a licensing deal between the publisher and Microsoft. These agreements often involve negotiations about revenue sharing, exclusivity periods, and marketing rights, which may not align with Bandai Namco’s current strategy for the Dark Souls series.
Focus on New Releases and Related Titles
Bandai Namco and FromSoftware might prioritize marketing newer titles like Elden Ring over adding older games to Game Pass. Moreover, the success of Elden Ring may have influenced their decision to keep the Dark Souls series as a premium offering.
While the absence of Dark Souls on Game Pass is disappointing for fans, it doesn’t diminish the series’ legacy as one of the most influential franchises in gaming history.
For now, players seeking a Soulslike challenge can explore other options available through the service. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
Where Else Can You Play Dark Souls?
If you’re eager to dive into the world of Dark Souls, several platforms offer the series for purchase. Here’s where you can find each title and what you need to know about compatibility:
- Xbox Store:
All three main titles (Dark Souls: Remastered, Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin, and Dark Souls III) are available for purchase on the Xbox Store. These versions are compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?] - Steam (PC):
PC gamers can purchase the Dark Souls series on Steam, where each game supports enhanced resolutions and frame rates. Steam also offers the remastered and definitive editions of the games, ensuring the best experience for modern systems. - PlayStation Store:
The Dark Souls trilogy is also available on the PlayStation Store for PS4 and is backward compatible with PS5. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?] - Nintendo Switch:
Dark Souls: Remastered is the only title from the series available on Nintendo Switch, allowing players to experience it on the go. - Retail Stores:
Physical copies of the Dark Souls series are still widely available for consoles. These can often be found in gaming stores or online marketplaces.
Compatibility Highlights
- Xbox Consoles: All Dark Souls games are backward compatible with Xbox Series X|S, ensuring smooth gameplay and improved performance on modern hardware.
- PC: With customizable graphics settings and modding support, PC is an excellent platform for Dark Souls enthusiasts. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
- Cross-Play and Save: Some versions support limited multiplayer functionality, but cross-play between platforms is generally unavailable.
Dark Souls Alternatives on Game Pass
While Dark Souls is not available on Xbox Game Pass, the service offers several exceptional Soulslike titles that capture the essence of the genre. Here are some of the most notable options:
Lies of P
Inspired by Bloodborne, this gothic Soulslike reimagines the story of Pinocchio in a dark, plague-stricken city. Lies of P features fast-paced combat with an emphasis on parrying and weapon customization. Its atmospheric setting and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for Dark Souls fans seeking a fresh yet familiar experience.
Remnant 2
Blending third-person shooting with Soulslike mechanics, Remnant 2 introduces players to procedurally generated worlds and cooperative gameplay. Its focus on ranged combat and deep customization provides a unique twist on the genre while maintaining the challenge and reward fans expect. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Set in a mythological version of the Three Kingdoms era, this action RPG emphasizes quick reflexes and strategic combat. With mechanics like deflection-based counters and a unique morale system, Wo Long offers a fast-paced alternative to Dark Souls’ methodical combat, appealing to fans of both difficulty and lore-rich settings.
Hollow Knight
This Metroidvania masterpiece places players in the hauntingly beautiful underground kingdom of Hallownest. While it adopts 2D gameplay, Hollow Knight shares Dark Souls’ focus on exploration, cryptic lore, and punishing difficulty. Its rich world and precision combat resonate strongly with Soulslike enthusiasts.
Dead Cells
A rogue-lite with Soulslike elements, Dead Cells combines challenging combat with a randomized, ever-changing world. Players can experiment with various weapons and upgrades, keeping gameplay fresh and rewarding. Its fast-paced action offers a different but equally engaging take on difficult progression. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
These games deliver the challenging combat, immersive worlds, and rewarding progression that define the Soulslike experience, making them excellent choices for those looking to fill the void left by Dark Souls on Game Pass.
FAQs
Is Dark Souls Remastered free?
Dark Souls: Remastered is not free. It was released on May 25, 2018, and must be purchased. Be cautious of websites claiming to offer it for free, as they are likely unofficial and could pose security risks.
Is Dark Souls on Game Pass Xbox One?
No, none of the Dark Souls games are currently available on Xbox Game Pass, including for Xbox One. This means you won’t find the original Dark Souls, Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls II, or Dark Souls III in the Game Pass library.
Is Elden Ring on Game Pass?
No, Elden Ring is not currently on Xbox Game Pass. Due to its immense popularity and sustained strong sales, it’s unlikely to join the service in the near future. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
Is Dark Souls only on PC?
No, Dark Souls is available on multiple platforms. The original Dark Souls was initially released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Dark Souls: Remastered later expanded to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Conclusion
Dark Souls isn’t available on Xbox Game Pass. While Dark Souls III was briefly part of the lineup, none of the other titles in the series have been included.
That said, the dynamic nature of Xbox Game Pass means there’s always hope. With Microsoft’s continued expansion of its offerings and the undeniable popularity of Dark Souls, it’s not out of the question for the franchise to join the service in the future. [Is Dark Souls On Game Pass?]
In the meantime, there are plenty of excellent Soulslike alternatives on Game Pass to keep you challenged and entertained. Explore these titles, and when you’re ready, share your favorite Dark Souls moments, theories, or triumphs in the comments below. Let’s keep the flame alive!
Ready for your next adventure? Check out “Is Black Ops 2 On Game Pass?” to discover new ways to team up and survive!
Furqan Romi is a passionate Xbox enthusiast and gaming expert who brings years of experience to the world of gaming content. As the voice behind XboxMasters.com, Furqan dives deep into the latest Xbox games, consoles, and accessories, providing reviews, guides, and tips to help gamers level up their experience. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore fan, Furqan’s insights are your ultimate companion in the Xbox universe.