Difference between revisions of "Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition"
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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'''Key points''' | '''Key points''' | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{--}} A port of the console versions of the game with few configurable options.<ref name="GameSpy review">[http://uk.pc.gamespy.com/pc/dark-souls/1225854p1.html GameSpy: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition Review - Page 1]</ref> Use [[#DSfix|DSfix]] to increase rendering resolution and remove the 30 FPS cap along with many other options. |
| − | {{ii}} Using a controller is | + | {{ii}} Using a controller is strongly recommended over keyboard and mouse controls.<ref name="GameSpy review"/> If using keyboard and mouse controls, apply the [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/862-dark-souls-mouse-fix/ Dark Souls Mouse Fix] to fix mouse control issues. |
| − | + | {{ii}} {{DRM|GFWL}} was removed from the [[Steam]] version on February 16, 2015; product keys activate on Steam.<ref name="Steamworks">[http://steamcommunity.com/app/211420/discussions/0/626329187083042093/ HOW TO: Replace Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks functionality in Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition for PC :: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition General Discussions]</ref> | |
| − | {{ | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
| Line 39: | Line 38: | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
| − | {{ | + | {{ii}} High-resolution [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/446/ textures], [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/21/? fonts], and [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/171//? controller button prompts] are available to download (requires [[#DSfix|DSfix]]). |
| + | |||
| + | ===Dark Souls Configuration Utility=== | ||
| + | {{mm}} [https://github.com/SeanPesce/Dark_Souls_Config_Utility Description], [https://github.com/SeanPesce/Dark_Souls_Config_Utility/releases Downloads] | ||
| + | {{ii}} The Dark Souls Configuration Utility is a launcher, mod manager, and configuration tool for Dark Souls. | ||
| + | {{++}} Provides an easy-to-use, all-in-one resource for installing and configuring the most essential community fixes/mods. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===DSfix=== | ||
<div style="float:right;clear:right;margin-right:-6px"><gallery widths=112px perrow=2 caption="Unmodded and [[#DSfix|DSfix]] modded game."> | <div style="float:right;clear:right;margin-right:-6px"><gallery widths=112px perrow=2 caption="Unmodded and [[#DSfix|DSfix]] modded game."> | ||
File:Vanilla2.png|Unmodded - [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-darks-souls-pc-tech-comparison Eurogamer]. | File:Vanilla2.png|Unmodded - [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-darks-souls-pc-tech-comparison Eurogamer]. | ||
File:Mod2.png|Modded at 1920x1080 resolution - [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-darks-souls-pc-tech-comparison Eurogamer]. | File:Mod2.png|Modded at 1920x1080 resolution - [http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-darks-souls-pc-tech-comparison Eurogamer]. | ||
</gallery></div> | </gallery></div> | ||
| − | + | {{++}} DSfix increases the rendering resolution for better visual quality; without it the game outputs [[Wikipedia:Anamorphic widescreen|anamorphic]] 1024x720. It also allows the 30 FPS cap to be removed, HD or other alternate textures to be used, as well as giving options for anti-aliasing (AA), screen space ambient occlusion (SSAO), depth of field (DOF) blurring, anisotropic filtering (AF) and many other features. | |
| − | + | {{--}} Raising the FPS cap introduces minor clipping problems. It is, however, generally safe to play at 60 FPS, and you will be unlikely to encounter any issues. See [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]] for more information. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | {{++}} DSfix increases the rendering resolution for better visual quality; without it the game outputs [[Wikipedia:Anamorphic widescreen|anamorphic]] 1024x720. It also allows the | ||
| − | {{--}} Raising the FPS cap introduces minor clipping problems. It is, however, generally safe to play at | ||
{{Fixbox|1= | {{Fixbox|1= | ||
| Line 63: | Line 65: | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | === | + | ===Dark Souls Mouse Fix=== |
| − | {{ | + | {{mm}} [http://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/862-dark-souls-mouse-fix/ Download] |
| − | + | {{ii}} This fix makes Dark Souls use raw mouse input without any additional smoothing or acceleration. It offers flexible keybindings, automatic cursor support for the UI, improved targeting and an easy configuration using a GUI. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | }} | ||
===Dark Souls PVP Watchdog=== | ===Dark Souls PVP Watchdog=== | ||
| − | [https://bitbucket.org/infausto/dark-souls-pvp-watchdog BitBucket] | + | {{mm}} [https://bitbucket.org/infausto/dark-souls-pvp-watchdog BitBucket], [https://www.reddit.com/r/darksouls/comments/2qug03/and_were_back_in_business_ds_pvp_watchdog_can_now/ Main thread], [https://bitbucket.org/infausto/dark-souls-pvp-watchdog/downloads Download] |
| − | |||
| − | [https://www.reddit.com/r/darksouls/comments/2qug03/and_were_back_in_business_ds_pvp_watchdog_can_now/ Main thread] | ||
| − | |||
| − | [https://bitbucket.org/infausto/dark-souls-pvp-watchdog/downloads Download] | ||
{{ii}} '''Dark Souls PVP Watchdog''' is a tool designed to prevent some common forms of cheating and tampering in online sessions, and gives the player the ability to ban offenders from their worlds. | {{ii}} '''Dark Souls PVP Watchdog''' is a tool designed to prevent some common forms of cheating and tampering in online sessions, and gives the player the ability to ban offenders from their worlds. | ||
| Line 92: | Line 85: | ||
===Dark Souls Connectivity Mod=== | ===Dark Souls Connectivity Mod=== | ||
| − | [http://wulf2k.ca/ Developer's Site] | + | {{mm}} [http://wulf2k.ca/ Developer's Site], [http://wulf2k.ca/PC/DaS/DSCM.html Download], [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/1047/ NexusMods] |
| − | |||
| − | [http://wulf2k.ca/PC/DaS/DSCM.html Download | ||
| − | |||
| − | [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/1047/ NexusMods | ||
{{ii}} '''The problem:''' Recent versions of Dark Souls have trouble connecting to other nodes, making Multiplayer difficult or even impossible. | {{ii}} '''The problem:''' Recent versions of Dark Souls have trouble connecting to other nodes, making Multiplayer difficult or even impossible. | ||
{{ii}} '''Dark Souls Connectivity Mod''' is a tool that attaches itself to Dark Souls process, allowing it to connect to player nodes. | {{ii}} '''Dark Souls Connectivity Mod''' is a tool that attaches itself to Dark Souls process, allowing it to connect to player nodes. | ||
| Line 107: | Line 96: | ||
{{ii}} By default DSCM should already connect you to DSCM-Net, improving multiplayer connectivity. | {{ii}} By default DSCM should already connect you to DSCM-Net, improving multiplayer connectivity. | ||
{{ii}} DSCM and Dark Souls do not need to be started in any specific order. You can run DSCM before starting Dark Souls, or you can run DSCM after the game is already open. DSCM will "just work" no matter when it is started. | {{ii}} DSCM and Dark Souls do not need to be started in any specific order. You can run DSCM before starting Dark Souls, or you can run DSCM after the game is already open. DSCM will "just work" no matter when it is started. | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
| + | {{Fixbox|1= | ||
| + | {{Fixbox/fix|Skip intro|ref=<ref name="Refcheck Link Satonaka"/>}} | ||
| + | # Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | ||
| + | # Edit <code>DSfix.ini</code> | ||
| + | # Change <code>skipIntro 0</code> to <code>skipIntro 1</code> | ||
| + | # Save your changes. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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|vsync notes = See [[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)#Force Vsync|Force Vsync]]. | |vsync notes = See [[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)#Force Vsync|Force Vsync]]. | ||
|60 fps = hackable | |60 fps = hackable | ||
| − | |60 fps notes = Capped at | + | |60 fps notes = Capped at 30 FPS,<ref>http://www.pcgamer.com/dark-souls-review/</ref><ref>https://steamcommunity.com/groups/frameratepolice#curation/app/211420/</ref> see [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]]. |
|120 fps = hackable | |120 fps = hackable | ||
|120 fps notes = See [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]]. | |120 fps notes = See [[#High frame rate|High frame rate]]. | ||
| Line 217: | Line 215: | ||
:* Slope interactions are slightly different at 60 FPS, may cause getting "stuck" on small obstructions from time to time.<ref name="floor collision">[https://1drv.ms/v/s!Atjpv5mn5OaYpbMtj2Yw-3ceRSfvPA floor collision issues] by [[User:Link Satonaka|Link Satonaka]], fps overlay in top left corner</ref> | :* Slope interactions are slightly different at 60 FPS, may cause getting "stuck" on small obstructions from time to time.<ref name="floor collision">[https://1drv.ms/v/s!Atjpv5mn5OaYpbMtj2Yw-3ceRSfvPA floor collision issues] by [[User:Link Satonaka|Link Satonaka]], fps overlay in top left corner</ref> | ||
:* Undead Dragon's "toxic sludge" doesn't render properly when playing at 60 FPS.<ref>{{refurl|url=https://clips.twitch.tv/bananasaurus_rex/BreakableWaspKappaPride|title=Watch Bananasaurus_Rex on Twitch|date=November 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{refurl|url=http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=42694121#post42694121|title=Dark Souls internal rendering resolution fix (DSfix) - Page 111 - NeoGAF|date=November 20, 2016}}</ref> | :* Undead Dragon's "toxic sludge" doesn't render properly when playing at 60 FPS.<ref>{{refurl|url=https://clips.twitch.tv/bananasaurus_rex/BreakableWaspKappaPride|title=Watch Bananasaurus_Rex on Twitch|date=November 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{refurl|url=http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=42694121#post42694121|title=Dark Souls internal rendering resolution fix (DSfix) - Page 111 - NeoGAF|date=November 20, 2016}}</ref> | ||
| − | {{ii}} By default, | + | {{ii}} By default, DSfix includes a hotkey to toggle <code>unlockFPS</code> mid game. Simply press {{key|Backspace}} at any time to switch between 30 FPS and your configured <code>FPSlimit</code>. |
}} | }} | ||
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# You will find a folder named after your GFWL profile. Open it and copy the file named <code>DRAKS0005.sl2</code>. | # You will find a folder named after your GFWL profile. Open it and copy the file named <code>DRAKS0005.sl2</code>. | ||
# Go back one level and paste said file into <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls</code>. | # Go back one level and paste said file into <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\NBGI\DarkSouls</code>. | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====Game only uses part of the screen==== | ||
| + | {{Image|Dark Souls small window antialiasing.png|[[#DSfix|DSfix]] anti-aliasing conflict}} | ||
| + | {{ii}} Using [[#DSfix|DSfix]] with in-game anti-aliasing enabled causes the game to only use part of the screen. | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Fixbox|1= | ||
| + | {{Fixbox/fix|Disable the in-game anti-aliasing|ref={{cn|date=April 2017}}}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 06:58, 12 April 2017
 |
|
| Developers | |
|---|---|
| From Software | |
| Publishers | |
| Bandai Namco Entertainment | |
| Engines | |
| PhyreEngine | |
| Release dates | |
| Windows | August 23, 2012 |
 |
|
Warnings
- For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
| Dark Souls | |
|---|---|
| Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition | 2012 |
| Dark Souls II | 2014 |
| Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | 2015 |
| Dark Souls III | 2016 |
| Dark Souls: Remastered | 2018 |
Key points
- A port of the console versions of the game with few configurable options.[1] Use DSfix to increase rendering resolution and remove the 30 FPS cap along with many other options.
- Using a controller is strongly recommended over keyboard and mouse controls.[1] If using keyboard and mouse controls, apply the Dark Souls Mouse Fix to fix mouse control issues.
- Games for Windows - LIVE DRM was removed from the Steam version on February 16, 2015; product keys activate on Steam.[2]
General information
Availability
| Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | |
Optional Steam unlock.[3] | |
|
| Amazon.com | |
|
||
 |
|
|
||
| Incorrect store name. See here for available options. | |
|
||
| Steam | |
|
- All non-Steam versions require Games for Windows - LIVE DRM.[2]
- All product keys activate on Steam.[2]
Essential improvements
- High-resolution textures, fonts, and controller button prompts are available to download (requires DSfix).
Dark Souls Configuration Utility
- Description, Downloads
- The Dark Souls Configuration Utility is a launcher, mod manager, and configuration tool for Dark Souls.
- Provides an easy-to-use, all-in-one resource for installing and configuring the most essential community fixes/mods.
DSfix
- DSfix increases the rendering resolution for better visual quality; without it the game outputs anamorphic 1024x720. It also allows the 30 FPS cap to be removed, HD or other alternate textures to be used, as well as giving options for anti-aliasing (AA), screen space ambient occlusion (SSAO), depth of field (DOF) blurring, anisotropic filtering (AF) and many other features.
- Raising the FPS cap introduces minor clipping problems. It is, however, generally safe to play at 60 FPS, and you will be unlikely to encounter any issues. See High frame rate for more information.
| Instructions |
|---|
Dark Souls Mouse Fix
- Download
- This fix makes Dark Souls use raw mouse input without any additional smoothing or acceleration. It offers flexible keybindings, automatic cursor support for the UI, improved targeting and an easy configuration using a GUI.
Dark Souls PVP Watchdog
- Dark Souls PVP Watchdog is a tool designed to prevent some common forms of cheating and tampering in online sessions, and gives the player the ability to ban offenders from their worlds.
- Disclaimer: read the overview in the first link.
| Instructions |
|---|
Dark Souls Connectivity Mod
- Developer's Site, Download, NexusMods
- The problem: Recent versions of Dark Souls have trouble connecting to other nodes, making Multiplayer difficult or even impossible.
- Dark Souls Connectivity Mod is a tool that attaches itself to Dark Souls process, allowing it to connect to player nodes.
- A side-effect of being able to choose a node, Co-Op and PvP with select players becomes possible.
| Instructions |
|---|
Skip intro videos
| Instructions |
|---|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
Template:Game data/row
| System | Location |
|---|---|
| Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/211420/pfx/[Note 1] |
Save game data location
Template:Game data/row
| System | Location |
|---|---|
| Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/211420/pfx/[Note 1] |
- For the Games for Windows - LIVE version
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLivemust also be backed up.
Save game cloud syncing
| System | Native | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Cloud | Syncs up to 100 MB of save data. |
Video settings
Video settings.
Multi-monitor
| Instructions |
|---|
Borderless fullscreen windowed
| Instructions |
|---|
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
| Instructions |
|---|
Anti-aliasing (AA)
- Anti aliasing may be forced with the compatibility flag 0x004000C0. Sparse Grid Supersampling gives a blurry effect. Multisampling combined with transparency supersampling seems to work well (this author uses 4x on each). Some dark diagonal line artefacts are visible on my system occasionally with these settings but aren't obtrusive. DSfix's antialiasing should be turned off for this.
High frame rate
| Instructions |
|---|
Ambient occlusion (AO)
- Ambient occlusion can supposedly be enabled with either 0x00000029 (Skyrim, soft AO) or 0x00000003 (Fallout 3, stronger AO effect). DSfix's AO should be turned off if you're forcing it here.
Input settings
![Control scheme tips.[4]](/wiki/File:Dark_Souls_controls_Tru3Magic.jpg)
Control scheme tips.[4]
Audio settings
Localizations
| Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | ||||
| Traditional Chinese | ||||
| French | ||||
| German | ||||
| Italian | ||||
| Korean | ||||
| Polish | ||||
| Russian | ||||
| Spanish | ||||
| Japanese |
Network
- Online features in non-Steam versions require a Microsoft account (optional for offline play).
Multiplayer types
| Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAN play | ||||
| Online play | 4 | Co-op, Versus |
||
Ports
| Protocol | Port(s) and/or port range(s) |
|---|---|
| TCP | 53,80,443,3074 |
| UDP | 53,88,3074 |
- This game supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic port configuration.
- UPnP is working in the Games for Windows - LIVE version if the Games for Windows - LIVE Network Settings says "UPnP is available, in use"; if not, refer to this guide.
VR support
| 3D modes | State | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nvidia 3D Vision | See Nvidia 3D Vision. | ||
Nvidia 3D Vision
- The game suffers from poor Nvidia 3D Vision support.
| Instructions |
|---|
Issues fixed
Performances issues
General fixes
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
Lower-spec machine fixes
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
- Certain areas of the game are more demanding on your hardware causing slowdown in-game. It seems that the engine, when faced with an area where it struggles to render 30 FPS, will cut down to 15FPS. The most famous is Blighttown, but large animated characters can also produce this slowdown.
- Unlock the FPS cap with DSfix (unlockFPS 1), set the frame cap at 30 (FPSlimit 30) and enable Vsync (enableVsync 1) For the most part you will have the same experience, but where the game would usually dip to 15FPS it will only drop as far as it needs to (results depend on your machine).
ATI/AMD-specific fixes
- Appears that ATI/AMD graphics cards are underutilised.
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
Nvidia Optimus-specific fixes
| Instructions |
|---|
Crashes
Lifting FPS-cap using DSFix
| Instructions |
|---|
VSFilter.dll
- Crash occurs after start screen.
| Instructions |
|---|
Monitor refresh rate
| Instructions |
|---|
Windows 7
- Crash on startup
| Instructions |
|---|
Windows 8
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
RivaTuner
| Instructions |
|---|
Controller issues
Controller not working
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
DirectInput controllers have wrong mapping
- Use X360ce to fix the issue by emulating the official Xbox 360 Controller.
| Instructions |
|---|
Miscellaneous
Jittery mouse controls
- Mouse controls feel very jittery, with unintuitive results when the camera collides with a wall or the floor.
| Instructions |
|---|
Xbox button prompts always shown
| Instructions |
|---|
Black screen on startup
- The game's window remains black after launching and is "Not Responding" if clicked on.
- The issue can also occur when a USB DAC is plugged in i.e. Fiio E17K.[citation needed]
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
Minimize with multiple monitors
- Fix binds the mouse to a single screen (DSFix has this feature built in).
| Instructions |
|---|
Progress bar stuck during installation
- Problem may be caused by setup utility getting stuck whilst installing DirectX and Games for Windows - LIVE.
| Instructions |
|---|
Manual Save Game conversion from GFWL version to Steam version
Useful if the automatic conversion fails. However, this will only transfer your game state WITHOUT your achievements.
| Instructions |
|---|
Game only uses part of the screen
DSfix anti-aliasing conflict
- Using DSfix with in-game anti-aliasing enabled causes the game to only use part of the screen.
| Instructions |
|---|
Steam requesting UAC on every launch
The issue is that Steam is trying to install Gfwlivesetup.exe but Steam also stopped supplying the executable with new downloads.
| Instructions |
|---|
| Instructions |
|---|
Other information
API
| Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct3D | 9 |
| Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows |
Middleware
| Middleware | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | Havok | |
| Audio | FMOD | |
| Input | XInput | |
| Cutscenes | Bink Video | |
| Multiplayer | Steamworks, Games for Windows - LIVE | Steam version uses Steamworks, non-Steam uses GFWL.[2] |
System requirements
| Windows | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | ||
| Operating system (OS) | XP, Vista, 7 | |
| Processor (CPU) | AMD Phenom II X2 545 3.0 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 3.0 GHz |
|
| System memory (RAM) | 2 GB | |
| Hard disk drive (HDD) | 4 GB | |
| Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon HD 4870 Nvidia GeForce 9800 GTX+ DirectX 9.0c compatible |
|
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/211420/. - Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (211420) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 GameSpy: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition Review - Page 1
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 HOW TO: Replace Games for Windows Live functionality with Steamworks functionality in Dark Souls™ Prepare To Die Edition for PC :: Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition General Discussions
- ↑ Retail version can now be added to Steam library - Steam Users' Forums
- ↑ To the Dark Souls pc players. I made this out of frustration - thought I'd share... : gaming
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