Dark Souls vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Dark Souls is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Set in a dark, medieval fantasy world, players control the Chosen Undead, navigating hostile environments filled with dangerous enemies, formidable bosses, and deep lore. Renowned for its punishing difficulty and intricate level design, the game requires careful management of combat, stamina, and resources. Players can experience the world through single-player exploration or utilize unique multiplayer components to leave messages, summon allies, or invade other worlds.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action-packed, open-world fantasy role-playing game. Players take on the role of the Dragonborn, a legendary hero with the power to absorb the souls of dragons and use their abilities. The game features a massive open world to explore, complete with a rich history, politics, and mythology.
- Deep and rewarding combat mechanics
- Masterclass in intricate, interconnected level design
- Rich, haunting atmospheric world and lore
- Innovative asynchronous multiplayer features
- Immersive open-world gameplay
- Rich storyline with complex characters
- Highly customizable characters
- Dynamic combat system
- Extremely punishing difficulty can frustrate some players
- Cryptic progression systems require careful attention or outside guides
- Steep learning curve for newcomers to the action RPG genre
- Steep learning curve
- Some quests can be repetitive
- Graphics may appear dated
What reviewers say
Dark Souls Reviews
No reviews yet.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews
4.0 (2)Love it
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been my go-to lately. Great atmosphere and exploration. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Good but flawed
Picked up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim recently. Upside: enormous freedom. Downside: bugs without mods.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Dark Souls
View all →Alternatives to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataDark Souls offers tighter, challenging combat and co‑op/invasion multiplayer at a lower price, while Skyrim provides a massive open world and richer story for a higher cost.
Key differences
- •Combat difficulty: Dark Souls is intentionally punishing; Skyrim’s combat is less lethal.
- •Multiplayer: Dark Souls includes cooperative and invasive multiplayer; Skyrim is single‑player only.
- •World size & freedom: Skyrim features a vast open world; Dark Souls has interconnected but smaller levels.
- •Price: Dark Souls costs $39.99; Skyrim costs $59.99.
- •Critic reception: Dark Souls scores 91/100 vs Skyrim 80/100.
Pricing & value
Dark Souls MSRP $39.99, $20 cheaper than Skyrim’s $59.99, offering better price‑to‑content ratio.
Gameplay & fun factor
Both excel in their own style—Dark Souls for precise, high‑risk combat; Skyrim for open‑world exploration.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Dark Souls supports both cooperative play and invasive multiplayer; Skyrim is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Skyrim’s vast open world, numerous quests, and faction paths give more raw content than Dark Souls’ tighter map.
Difficulty & accessibility
Skyrim’s learning curve is steep but less punishing; Dark Souls is extremely difficult and may frustrate newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Skyrim’s graphics are noted as dated; Dark Souls has no specific graphics comment, implying no clear advantage.
Platform availability
Skyrim lists PS3, PC, Xbox 360; Dark Souls platform info not provided, so Skyrim is confirmed on more platforms.
Choose Dark Souls if…
Hardcore players who want challenging combat and multiplayer at a lower price.
Choose The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim if…
Players seeking a huge open world, story depth, and single‑player experience.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Dark Souls costs $39.99; Skyrim costs $59.99.
Do either games support multiplayer?
Dark Souls includes cooperative and invasive multiplayer; Skyrim is single‑player only.
Which game is more difficult?
Dark Souls is described as extremely punishing; Skyrim has a steep learning curve but is less lethal.







