It is still uncertain whether there will be a Dark Souls 4 title. From Software is keeping quiet about the continuation of the series.
Dark Souls 4: What is known about the release
The third part of the action RPG “Dark Souls” was released in 2016. The DLC “The Ringed City” was released in March 2017. Since then, there has been no news of a sequel to the popular franchise.
- At the beginning of 2024, the director of the game series, Hidetaka Miyazaki, made a statement to the portal IGN. Here he indicated that his work as director was coming to an end.
- In the interview, Miyazaki also stated that he felt uncomfortable in administrative and organizational roles. He did not answer whether Miyazaki would leave FromSoftware. However, he no longer wants to be the creative head of the studio's universes (including Elden Ring). According to him, there are many people in the company who love the Souls games as much as he does and who enjoy his absolute trust.
- Whether a sequel to Dark Souls is already being worked on or not remains unanswered for now (as of August 2024). Miyazaki describes his role in the company as ambiguous and ultimately not yet clarified.
- However, the director is optimistic that his successors will have good ideas to either continue the series or create new stories and games.
Possible content for Dark Souls 4
The extent to which the Dark Souls series could get a sequel also depends on the potential of the plot.
- Since the third part ended depending on the player's decisions, it initially seems difficult that another part could continue the storyline.
- However, this circumstance should not be a major obstacle for FromSoftware. After all, the second part takes place thousands of years after the events of the first part and there were decisions to be made there that were relevant to the ending. Miyazaki also told IGN that consistency in the story was never a problem for the developers.
- If there is a sequel in the Dark Souls series, it is questionable whether the universe will still be in the Age of Fire. In the Dark Souls universe, this began with the killing of the dragons and ends with the extinguishing of the first flame. The end of Dark Souls 3 at least suggests that the age is coming to an end.
- There is potential in a sequel set in another era. Throughout the game, there are repeated references to a cycle of man and a cycle of darkness. This could provide material for a fourth part. A prequel during the age of fire or even before it would also be conceivable.
- Miyazaki also left open the question of whether a sequel could be based on Elden Ring and its open world. However, the game developer confirmed whether the company would release further Soulslike titles that could build on the success of the Dark Souls series. The world of Elden Ring at least has a lot of potential and starting points for further titles that would also be interesting for fans.