This is a main entry in a celebrated action role-playing series, originally released in 2016. Set across the decaying, interconnected world of Lothric, players assume the role of the "Ashen One," an undead warrior resurrected for a final, desperate purpose. The central premise revolves around the impending end of the Age of Fire, signaled by the tolling of a bell. The First Flame, which sustains the world, is fading, and the chosen heroes meant to rekindle it—the Lords of Cinder—have abandoned their duty. The Ashen One must track down these defiant Lords, return them to their thrones, and ultimately decide the fate of the dying flame. The atmosphere is characterized by a sense of grand decay, mystery, and oppressive beauty, woven through a deep, lore-rich narrative that players must piece together through exploration and item descriptions.

Core Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay centers on methodical, high-stakes combat that demands precision and tactical awareness. Players engage in third-person action against a variety of formidable enemies and massive bosses. Success relies heavily on mastering stamina management, recognizing enemy attack patterns, and utilizing defensive maneuvers like dodging and parrying. The game features deep character customization, allowing players to build their warrior through various classes, weapon types, magic schools, and armor sets, offering significant replayability based on preferred combat styles.

Exploration is a cornerstone of the experience. The world design is intricate and layered, featuring numerous shortcuts and hidden pathways that connect disparate areas, rewarding thorough investigation. Progression is tied to acquiring souls from defeated foes, which serve as both currency for leveling up and experience points. Death results in the loss of all held souls, requiring players to return to the spot of their demise to reclaim them, adding a layer of tension to every encounter.

What defines the challenge in this RPG?

The reputation of this title stems from its demanding difficulty curve. Encounters are designed to test player skill and patience, often requiring multiple attempts to overcome significant obstacles. This difficulty is balanced by a robust system of player agency; every victory feels earned, providing a distinct sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, the game supports both online and local cooperative and competitive multiplayer features, allowing players to summon assistance for difficult areas or engage in player-versus-player duels.

What additional content is available?

While the base game offers a complete experience, two significant expansion packs were released post-launch, adding new areas, storylines, equipment, and challenging boss encounters to the world.

Storyline Context: The Fate of the Lords

As the Ashen One, your primary objective is to force the runaway Lords of Cinder—heroes who previously linked the flame—back to their thrones. This includes confronting figures like the Abyss Watchers, a legion locked in eternal conflict, and Aldrich, a being whose appetite spans both men and gods. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with the Soul of Cinder, an amalgamation representing all past Lords, where the player's final actions determine one of several potential endings for the Age of Fire.

Basic Game Information

Type: Main Game
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One
Release Year: 2016