Dark Souls III is one of the most popular games that has released this year and is finally receiving its first DLC expansion. Acting as one of two different additions, this new batch of content is dubbed “Ashes of Ariandel.” Even though it is still over a month away, we have some details on what players should expect when they make the trek back into this dark world.
Here’s everything you need to know about Dark Souls III DLC, Ashes of Ariandel:
1. It’s Set in an Undiscovered Location Called Ariandel
(Bandi Namco)
Dark Souls III is known for having a gorgeously macabre world and the new location called Ariandel certainly reflects this mentality. Unlike the rest of the games setting, Ariandel is a frozen wasteland that is constantly battered by powerful snowstorms and dense fogs. This can make fighting challenging as enemies can seemingly appear out of know where and lends this new area a cinematic quality.
Other areas we see in the reveal trailer include catacombs similar to those found in Irithryll of the Boreal Valley and churches that seem to draw inspiration from the Cathedral of the Deep. One of the most intriguing settings shown off has to do with a lonesome church on a snowy mountainside that could hide one of the new DLCs bosses.
The architecture of this structure is very similar to the one found at the Cathedral of the Deep and could mean a possible connection between the two. Since the Deacons of that church were pyromancers, this snowy world could be the complete opposite of that and focuses on frost magic.
2. There Will be Different Enemies and Bosses to Fight
(Bandi Namco)
One of the best aspects about getting new DLC for Dark Souls III is that our enemy variety will be increased, offering new challenges to experienced players. We got a glimpse at what monsters could be just around the corner and they all seems terrifying in their own right. Some of the basic monsters we will encounter come in the form of giant wolves, humanoid bug monsters, and large nordic inspired warriors.
A new boss is also shown off throughout the trailer and invokes feelings of From Software’s other game Bloodborne. Set in what looks like a church, this large monster can be seen punishing herself with a massive whip. The scene progresses where the room looks like it’s engulfed by fire and then the boss begins to attack the player with a massive metal bowl.
3. New Weapons, Magic, and Armor Will Be Added
(Bandi Namco)
In the press release sent to us by Bandi Namco, it has been confirmed that Ashes of Ariandel will include new weapons and armor. One of the new weapons we get a glimpse at is a golden sword that resembles a chain pattern going up to the tip of the blade. The sword itself is incredibly ornate and could very well be a great sword judging by the size alone. It’s also infused with dark magic, which could either be a property of the weapon or the player enchanting it.
There will also be new magic added into the game, which is showcased in both the trailers and press photos released. Some of the magic seemed to focus around light and faith-based attacks such as throwable discs of energy. Others are more frost focused, something we haven’t seen a ton of in Dark Souls III so far.
4. PvP is Getting Some Love in This Expansion
(Bandi Namco)
One of the biggest features that was left out of the core experience of Dark Souls III was the ability for players to fight against each other in arenas. Previously seen in Dark Souls II, this section allowed for different users to due battle in a sanctioned location free of any environmental hazards.
In the press release, we received they make mention of PvP getting some new features and the photo above was labeled as “PvP Area,” which could signify that arenas are coming back. The area showcased in the photo strongly resembles the location where the Soul of Cinder boss fight took place.While this is all speculation, we at least know that new features to the PvP system are coming.
5. Ashes of Ariandel Will Arrive at the End of October
(Bandi Namco)
We also have a release date for the Ashes of Ariandel DLC and it’s releasing on October 25 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. The MSRP for this expansion is $15 with the Dark Souls III Season Pass sitting at $25. The second expansion is still unnamed but is set to release in early 2017. Make sure to check back with us frequently for more news and updates on the Dark Souls III DLC.
