FindAlternative
Back to Dark Souls

Dark Souls vs The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Compare
Dark Souls
Dark SoulsEmbark on a perilous journey through the dark and decaying kingdom of Lordran.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimEpic Fantasy Open World Adventure
Overview
Description

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.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
—
Category
Action RPG
Action RPG
Best for
Hardcore gamers seeking deep challenges
Gamers and RPG fans
Specifications
General
msrp
$39.99−33%
$59.99
release date
2011-09-22
2011-11-10
Specifications
developer
FromSoftware
Bethesda Game Studios
publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment, Namco Bandai Games, Bandai
Bethesda Softworks
age rating
PEGI 16, ESRB M
ESRB M, PEGI 18+13%
multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
Single player
critic score
91/100+14%
80/100
platforms
—
PlayStation 3, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
4
User rating
Not enough data
4.0 (2)

What reviewers say

Dark Souls Reviews

No reviews yet.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews

4.0 (2)
Verified User

Love it

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been my go-to lately. Great atmosphere and exploration. No real complaints. Would recommend.

Verified User

Good but flawed

Picked up The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim recently. Upside: enormous freedom. Downside: bugs without mods.

Read all reviews →

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to Dark Souls

View all →
Dark Souls II
Dark Souls II

A brutal adventure through the cursed kingdom of Drangleic.

Compare
Darklands
Darklands

A gritty medieval RPG where alchemy, faith, and sword clash in the Black Forest

Compare
Elden Ring
Elden Ring

An open-world soulslike action RPG from FromSoftware and George R. R. Martin.

Compare
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Epic Fantasy Open World Adventure

Compare

Alternatives to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

View all →
Long Gone Days
Long Gone Days

A story-driven RPG with a unique blend of exploration and strategy

Compare
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

Explore a dystopian future in Night City

Compare

The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Dark 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.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

Dark Souls MSRP $39.99, $20 cheaper than Skyrim’s $59.99, offering better price‑to‑content ratio.

Dark Souls

Gameplay & fun factor

Both excel in their own style—Dark Souls for precise, high‑risk combat; Skyrim for open‑world exploration.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

Dark Souls supports both cooperative play and invasive multiplayer; Skyrim is single‑player only.

Dark Souls

Content & replayability

Skyrim’s vast open world, numerous quests, and faction paths give more raw content than Dark Souls’ tighter map.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Difficulty & accessibility

Skyrim’s learning curve is steep but less punishing; Dark Souls is extremely difficult and may frustrate newcomers.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Graphics & performance

Skyrim’s graphics are noted as dated; Dark Souls has no specific graphics comment, implying no clear advantage.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Platform availability

Skyrim lists PS3, PC, Xbox 360; Dark Souls platform info not provided, so Skyrim is confirmed on more platforms.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

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.