Dark Souls 3 Sales: A Deep Dive into a Gaming Phenomenon

Dark Souls 3 has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, solidifying its position as one of the most successful and influential action RPGs of all time. This milestone, reached by May 2020, took the game roughly four years to achieve. The enduring popularity of Dark Souls 3 is a testament to its intricate design, challenging gameplay, and compelling world, all of which have captivated a dedicated fanbase.

The Journey to 10 Million: Dark Souls 3’s Sales Success

While the exact sales figures for Dark Souls 3 beyond the 10 million mark haven’t been publicly released, it’s clear that the game continues to be a significant seller. The game’s critical and commercial success was instrumental in boosting FromSoftware’s global recognition and paved the way for future triumphs, most notably with Elden Ring. Dark Souls 3 wasn’t just a financial success, but also a pivotal moment for the “Souls-like” genre, demonstrating that intensely difficult yet rewarding experiences could garner a massive audience. The game’s release was eagerly anticipated by fans, which translated to strong sales in the initial release period and continued sales years after launch. The consistent positive reception from both critics and players alike has kept Dark Souls 3 relevant and appealing, making its long-term sales performance quite remarkable.

A Look at the Franchise’s Growth

Dark Souls 3’s sales numbers are particularly impressive when considered against earlier entries in the series. While Dark Souls II reached over 2.5 million units sold globally by April 2015, Dark Souls 3 managed to quadruple that figure within a similar timeframe. This growth demonstrates the series’ increasing popularity and the wider appeal of the punishing yet rewarding gameplay. Moreover, Dark Souls 3 surpassed any of FromSoftware’s previous entries in terms of sales at the time, firmly establishing it as a major player in the action RPG market. This consistent trend in sales figures highlights the evolution of the franchise and the studio’s improved marketing reach.

FAQs: Unpacking Dark Souls 3 and Its Sales

How long did it take for Dark Souls 3 to sell 10 million copies?

It took Dark Souls 3 approximately four years to reach 10 million copies sold worldwide. This timeline indicates sustained sales performance rather than a quick burst followed by a decline.

How does Dark Souls 3’s sales compare to other FromSoftware titles?

Dark Souls 3 sold significantly more than any previous FromSoftware game at its time of reaching the 10 million mark. However, Elden Ring has since surpassed Dark Souls 3 in sales, becoming the most successful title from the studio.

Did Elden Ring outsell Dark Souls 3?

Yes, Elden Ring has outsold Dark Souls 3, and even exceeded the combined sales of both Dark Souls 3 and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Elden Ring’s widespread acclaim and open-world format broadened the reach of FromSoftware’s games.

How many copies did Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice sell?

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice sold over 10 million copies worldwide, reaching this milestone in four and a half years. This solidifies its position as a highly successful title within the FromSoftware portfolio.

How many copies did Elden Ring sell?

Elden Ring sold 13.4 million copies by the end of March 2022 and reached 20 million by February 2023. This rapid sales growth highlights the game’s immense popularity.

What makes Dark Souls 3 so special?

Dark Souls 3 is revered for its sprawling level design, thrilling combat, masterful indirect storytelling, and challenging gameplay. The game’s world and intricate weapon arts are key factors in its success and lasting appeal.

Is Dark Souls 3 the hardest Souls game?

Many consider Dark Souls 3 to be the hardest Souls game due to its challenging enemy encounters, complex level design, and demanding boss fights. This difficulty is a major draw for the series’ hardcore fanbase.

Is Dark Souls 4 ever going to be released?

It is highly unlikely that Dark Souls 4 will be released, as the series has been wrapped up as a trilogy. FromSoftware seems to be focused on exploring new IPs and continuing with their existing franchises.

Are Dark Souls 1, 2, and 3 connected?

Dark Souls 2 takes place in an entirely different location than Dark Souls 1 and 3, though it is still part of the same overarching universe. Dark Souls 3 is more closely connected to the first game, often bringing in elements from Dark Souls 1 in its narrative and locations.

Has Dark Souls 3 ever been completed with no hits?

Yes, The Happy Hob was the first person to complete the entire Dark Souls trilogy with no hits. This impressive feat showcases the dedication and skill of the Dark Souls community.

How many copies did Bloodborne sell?

Bloodborne’s lifetime sales remain in the sub-3 million range, as Sony has not provided updated sales figures. The limited numbers for Bloodborne are surprising, given its critical acclaim, but its exclusivity likely impacted sales.

How many copies did Demon’s Souls sell?

Demon’s Souls sold over 1.4 million copies by September 2021. The game’s remake also contributed to the overall sales figures and helped the game be more accessible to a broader audience.

How does the sales of Dark Souls 3 compare to Ghost of Tsushima?

Ghost of Tsushima has sold 9.73 million copies worldwide as of July 2022. While its sales are also impressive, Dark Souls 3 has exceeded Ghost of Tsushima’s figures.

How many copies did God of War Ragnarok sell?

God of War Ragnarök sold more than 11 million units worldwide in its first ten weeks after release. This figure highlights the popularity of the God of War series, but it is still not on par with the most successful From Software title, Elden Ring.

Is a Bloodborne 2 or Elden Ring 2 on the way?

There’s no confirmation of a Bloodborne 2, but Elden Ring 2 is seemingly in development, as suggested by a snippet from the game’s guidebook. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details about both.

Conclusion

Dark Souls 3’s achievement of selling over 10 million copies is a testament to its lasting appeal and influence on the gaming industry. The game’s success paved the way for future FromSoftware titles and solidified the Souls-like genre as a mainstream presence. While newer titles have surpassed its sales, Dark Souls 3 remains a cornerstone of the action RPG landscape, cherished for its challenging gameplay and immersive world. Its sales success demonstrates that games that demand skill and perseverance can achieve massive commercial success and have a long lasting cultural impact on the video game world.