Dark Souls 3 Release Date Confirmed, Jaw-Dropping New Trailer Released

Bandai Namco has confirmed Dark Souls 3 will launch in North America, South America, and Europe on April 12. Along with this, developer From Software has updated its YouTube channel with a new gameplay video.

Judging from its title, the video seems to have been set for a debut at Sony's PlayStation Experience event this week but has appeared online a little early. It encapsulates a number of previously unseen areas and enemy types. The action starts with a player running along a path towards a large castle-like structure. A few steps in huge spears begin landing at his feet, as if thrown by a distant giant.

Later on in the video we're given a look at an open courtyard area, where what initially looks like a tree suddenly turns around and becomes a mammoth boss. It stomps its feet and inches around the arena, attempting to crush the player. It's an impressive and, frankly, disgusting-looking thing. There's also a quintessentially Dark Souls moment towards the end which we won't spoil. A second, more cinematic trailer has also been released and is available for you to watch below.

Bandai Namco has also detailed the Collector's and Day One editions of the game, which have different content depending on the regions. Details on each version can be found below.

Day One Edition (US) - $59.99

• Dark Souls 3 software
• Prima Starter Guide
• Official soundtrack
• Exclusive O-Sleeve packaging

The Collector’s Edition (US) - $129.99

• Dark Souls 3 software
• Prima Starter Guide
• Official soundtrack
• Official art book
• Cloth game map
• 10” Red Knight Statue
• Collector’s box

Apocalypse Edition (UK Preorder at GAME UK - Will Not Be Available Once Initial Stock is Exhausted)

• Game
• Metal case
• Official Soundtrack (CD)

Collector’s Edition (Available at selected UK retailers)

• Game
• Red Knight figurine
• A4 DARK SOULS Trilogy hardcover artbook
• Metal case
• Official Soundtrack (CD)
• 3x iron-on patches
• Cloth game-map
• Exclusive box

Prestige Edition (Available only at Amazon UK)

• Game
• A numbered 40cm premium Lord of Cinder hand-painted polystone resin figurine
• Red Knight figurine
• A4 DARK SOULS Trilogy hardcover artbook
• Metal case
• Official Soundtrack (CD)
• 3x iron-on patches
• Cloth game-map
• Exclusive display box

Speaking to GameSpot, Dark Souls creator Hidetaka Miyazaki indicated he is interested in wrapping up the Souls saga with this game and said he believes From Software should aggressively pursue new ideas. Read our full Dark Souls 3 interview here.