First 'Dark Souls 3' DLC expansion leaked ahead of October launch

By Danny Cowan August 23, 2016

dark souls 3 dlc ashes of ariandel dated for october darksouls3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

From Software’s infamously difficult action-RPG Dark Souls 3 will get its first DLC expansion in October, a now-deleted tweet from the official PlayStation Twitter account revealed this week.

The upcoming expansion, titled Ashes of Ariandel, will introduce new weapons, magic attacks, and an exclusive player-versus-player map, among other slated additions.

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Released worldwide in April, Dark Souls 3 continues From Software’s flagship series, and many consider it to be the franchise’s most difficult entry to date. Continuing traditions established in Demon’s Souls and its follow-ups, Dark Souls 3 equips players with swords, staves, and ranged weaponry as they explore labyrinthine environments packed with deadly creatures.

Dark Souls 3 also marked the return of the series after creator From Software produced the PlayStation 4-exclusive Bloodborne in 2015. Though it features similar gameplay to the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne stands apart from its predecessors with regard to characters, story, and gameplay progression. Dark Souls 3 put the series back on track with a multiplatform release for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PCs via Steam and other services.

The upcoming Ashes of Ariandel will add a flaming sword to player arsenals, along with new magic attacks like light boomerangs and ice storms. Buyers will also get access to “Immortal Competition,” a new map designed specifically for player-versus-player combat. No further details regarding Ashes of Ariandel’s featured content are currently known.

Deluxe editions of Dark Souls 3 shipped with a digital Season Pass, promising players two major expansions in the months after launch. Ashes of Ariandel will arrive as the first promised expansion of Dark Souls 3, with the second scheduled for an early 2017 release.

The Dark Souls 3 Season Pass is available for purchase via Steam, Xbox Live, and the PlayStation Network, for $25. Individual DLC packs will also be available for purchase separately after launch.

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