Scholar of the First Sin is the 60fps definitive edition of the only mainline Dark Souls not directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, built instead by Tomohiro Shibuya and Yui Tanimura. It pushes the formula outward rather than refining it: the widest weapon and build variety in the series, powerstanced dual-wielding later revived in Elden Ring, and a sprawling Drangleic anchored by the warm hub of Majula. Reworked enemy placement makes this edition a fresh test for returning players.
The division is real. Movement is stiffer than its neighbors, boss runbacks past dense enemy mobs grind, and the Adaptability stat hides dodge invincibility frames behind a number many players never raise, fueling its lasting unfair-hitbox reputation. Defenders counter that its experiments and build freedom carried ideas into Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring, a case Miyazaki himself has since endorsed. It rewards players willing to relearn the rules and frustrates anyone expecting the polish of the entries around it.
Overall, player feedback for DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin is divisive, with many players appreciating its unique design and challenging gameplay, while others express frustration with some of its mechanics and perceived flaws. Despite the criticisms, a significant portion of the community sees it as an underrated entry in the series that deserves more recognition for its ambitious attempts to innovate on the formula.
Based on 101 reviews from playstation, steam
