Does Dark Souls Remastered Come with DLC on Steam? Unveiling Lordran’s Complete Package
Yes, Dark Souls Remastered on Steam does include the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. This means that when you purchase Dark Souls Remastered on Steam, you’re getting the complete original game along with all the additional content that expands the lore and challenges of Lordran. It’s a single, integrated package, offering a seamless and enhanced Dark Souls experience. So, prepare to die… repeatedly… with extra content!
Diving Deeper: What to Expect from Dark Souls Remastered
Dark Souls Remastered isn’t just a graphical facelift; it’s a comprehensive upgrade. While the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, the remaster brings significant improvements to performance and visuals. This includes higher frame rates, improved textures, and enhanced online multiplayer functionality. But the cherry on top is definitely the inclusion of the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, giving you even more reasons to delve back into (or experience for the first time) the brutal world of Dark Souls.
The Artorias of the Abyss DLC seamlessly integrates into the main game’s narrative and world. It’s not a separate entity, but an expansion that fits naturally within the overarching story. Accessing the DLC requires a specific series of actions, including defeating a certain boss and finding a key item, but once unlocked, it opens up a whole new area of Lordran to explore, brimming with challenging enemies, formidable bosses, and compelling lore.
Why the DLC Matters
The Artorias of the Abyss DLC isn’t just extra content; it’s arguably some of the best content in the entire game. It delves into the backstory of Artorias the Abysswalker, a legendary knight whose tale is woven throughout the main game’s lore. The DLC allows you to encounter and fight Artorias himself, along with other memorable bosses like Manus, Father of the Abyss, and Kalameet the Black Dragon. These encounters are renowned for their difficulty and design, providing some of the most challenging and rewarding moments in Dark Souls.
Furthermore, the DLC adds new weapons, armor, and items to your arsenal, offering new build possibilities and strategies for tackling the game’s challenges. It’s a significant addition that enhances the overall experience and provides a deeper understanding of the world and its characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dark Souls Remastered and its DLC
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify details about Dark Souls Remastered and its included DLC:
1. How do I access the Artorias of the Abyss DLC in Dark Souls Remastered?
Accessing the DLC involves several steps:
- Defeat the Hydra in Darkroot Basin and rescue Dusk of Oolacile.
- Obtain the Lordvessel and place it with either Frampt or Kaathe.
- Defeat the Crystal Golem in the Duke’s Archives to obtain the Broken Pendant.
- Return to Darkroot Basin where you rescued Dusk, and a portal will appear, leading you to the DLC area.
2. What level should I be before starting the DLC?
It’s generally recommended to be around level 80 or higher before venturing into the DLC. The enemies are significantly tougher than those in the early and mid-game areas.
3. Is the DLC content integrated seamlessly into the main game?
Yes, the Artorias of the Abyss DLC is designed to feel like a natural extension of the main game, both narratively and geographically.
4. Does the inclusion of the DLC affect the overall difficulty of Dark Souls Remastered?
The DLC itself is significantly more challenging than much of the base game. While the base game remains unchanged in terms of difficulty, the DLC adds a substantial increase in difficulty for those who choose to undertake it.
5. Are there any new weapons or armor in the DLC?
Yes, the Artorias of the Abyss DLC introduces a range of new weapons, armor sets, and items, providing new options for character builds and gameplay strategies.
6. What are some of the key bosses featured in the Artorias of the Abyss DLC?
Key bosses include Artorias the Abysswalker, Manus, Father of the Abyss, and Kalameet the Black Dragon. These are considered some of the most challenging and rewarding boss encounters in the game.
7. Does Dark Souls Remastered include any other changes besides graphical improvements and the DLC?
Aside from graphical improvements, the remaster also features improved online multiplayer functionality and minor gameplay tweaks, such as password matchmaking.
8. Is Dark Souls Remastered easier than the original Dark Souls?
While the core gameplay difficulty remains the same, some argue that the improved performance and stability of the remaster make it a slightly easier experience overall. This is due to the original game’s frame rate issues, particularly in areas like Blighttown.
9. Does Dark Souls Remastered on Steam support mods?
Yes, Dark Souls Remastered on Steam supports mods, although modding tools and community support may vary compared to other games. Always exercise caution when installing mods from unverified sources.
10. How does the PC version of Dark Souls Remastered differ from the console versions?
The PC version of Dark Souls Remastered offers native 4K resolution and higher frame rates compared to the console versions, provided your hardware can support it.
11. Is Scholar of the First Sin the same as Dark Souls Remastered?
No. Scholar of the First Sin is a remastered version of Dark Souls 2, not Dark Souls 1. Dark Souls Remastered is specifically for the first Dark Souls game. Scholar of the First Sin includes all DLC and significant changes to enemy and item placements, and is often considered a more difficult version of DS2.
12. Can I transfer my save file from the original Dark Souls to Dark Souls Remastered on Steam?
No, save file transfers from the original Dark Souls (Prepare to Die Edition) to Dark Souls Remastered are not officially supported. You will need to start a new game.
13. What are the minimum and recommended PC specifications for Dark Souls Remastered?
Check the Steam store page for the most up-to-date system requirements. Generally, a mid-range gaming PC should be sufficient to run the game at reasonable settings.
14. Does the Nintendo Switch version of Dark Souls Remastered also include the DLC?
Yes, the Nintendo Switch version of Dark Souls Remastered also includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. This makes it a comprehensive package similar to the Steam version.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming and game-based learning?
The Games Learning Society is a fantastic resource for information on game-based learning and the educational potential of video games. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more details.
The Verdict: A Must-Have for Souls Fans
Dark Souls Remastered on Steam, with its included Artorias of the Abyss DLC, is a definitive version of a classic game. The graphical and performance improvements, combined with the added content, make it an essential experience for both newcomers and veterans of the Souls series. Prepare to die, explore a beautifully rendered Lordran, and uncover the secrets of Artorias and the Abyss.