Home Gaming Dark Souls 2 on PC is broken

Dark Souls 2 on PC is broken

2 min read
112

DS2

History has a way of repeating itself. When Dark souls was released on PC, it was broken. Despite good intentions and promises from Bandai Namco regarding the PC port of Dark Souls 2, it seems we’re looking at a broken port of the Pc version of everybody’s favourite death simulator.

Here’s a list of the things that Bandai knows is wrong with the Pc version right now. Issues range from just not working, to infuriatingly, working but then not recognising any game inputs, making the bloody thing much more difficult than it need be.

Dark Souls 2 PC issues
  • Crashing on startup: We are currently investigating and escalating this issue. Some possible work-arounds can be found here: http://steamcommunity.com/app/236430/discussions/0/558754259683457381/
    We’ll keep this space updated as we know more
  • Reports of some previously VAC banned players are unable to play online in Dark Souls II. We will update this space when we have more information on this topic.
  • Dark Souls II does not recognize or take input from my controller. If you are experiencing this problem, try the following: "Open up Device Manager and under Human Interface Devices, right click and disable all HID-compliant game controllers, and if you have a G13 disable the Logitch G13 Joystick. Restart the game and it should work. You may also need to disable any virtual HID-compliant game controllers as well." If you continue to experience this issue, please get in touch with our support team and let them know what controller you are trying to use. We’ll do our best to assist you from there. We will continue to update this space with more information on this issue.
  • Reports of players having issues with Keyboard and Mouse controls. We are currently investigating this topic. Please post here with detailed descriptions of your experiences. We will continue to update this space with details as we have them.
  • I do not know where my pre-order bonuses are. "Should be located in "x:\Steam\SteamApps\common\Dark Souls II\DARK SOULSâ- DIGITAL EXTRAS" if you have it. Make sure you have the preorder content listed under the games dlc as well." Thank you Cute Little Girl for the post. We will continue to update this space with more information as we have it. If you still don’t have access to your pre-order items, please get in touch with our support team.

You can see the list of issues on the Steam support forum. another issue not listed is that many are experiencing a black screen issue. The game seems to run – but players are confronted with little more than 1920×1080 black pixels. Others complain of not being able to remap controls, with others still complaining of terrible input lag.

Dark Souls 2 looks pretty good on the PC (compared to Dark Souls 1, at least) – but that extra visual fidelity means nothing if the game doesn’t work. The game is out digitally today – but has been delayed here on PC until May 2. You might want to wait until it’s been patched a few times.

Last Updated: April 25, 2014

112 Comments

  1. Umar's Sin

    April 25, 2014 at 12:01

    Damn was really hoping some of the PC could join on the discussions for DS 2

    Reply

    • Wincethis

      April 25, 2014 at 12:11

      Yeah. Damn.

      Reply

    • Uber Dewber

      April 26, 2014 at 06:57

      I can, it’s great : )

      Reply

  2. Admiral Chief in Space

    April 25, 2014 at 12:04

    Broken DS1 stopped me from further jamming it, seems as though DS2 will also not get any attention from me.

    In related news, MAY ALL FILTHY TERRIBAD PORTS AND THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THEM HAVE IMMENSE PYN IN GAT AT THIS VERY MOMENT!!!!!!

    Reply

    • Wincethis

      April 25, 2014 at 12:12

      So, all good then?

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in Space

        April 25, 2014 at 12:16

        Indeed, I have FTL!

        Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      April 25, 2014 at 12:13

      You can say “hulle ref my moer meter tot innie rooi”

      Reply

    • Matthew Holliday

      April 25, 2014 at 12:24

      They should just make everything for PC and port it to console.
      will fix the problem and it just makes sense to work on the STRONGER platform.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in Space

        April 25, 2014 at 12:27

        Hehehe

        Reply

      • Tyler Skelton

        April 27, 2014 at 00:51

        Does anyone know why they start working on consoles first? Optimization should come after they make the game as best as they can. Considering it would be easier to take things out for console instead of create more for a PC version after they already have finished the game.

        Reply

        • Alex

          April 28, 2014 at 17:48

          Sales sales sales. At any given time, there are as many people playing BF4 on PS3 as there are on PC. It’s terrible on PS3, but hey people are buying it.

          As for Japanese games, much of the Asian market has gaming computers, but personal computers are not popular in Japan. It’s all console.

          Reply

      • Alex

        April 28, 2014 at 17:46

        You should realize that Japanese people do not own gaming computers. Hell, they hardly own computers at all. It’s a big world out there yo.

        Reply

    • Kougeru

      April 25, 2014 at 16:50

      Ds1 got fixed by modders before the game even game out

      Reply

    • Upgrade

      April 25, 2014 at 19:11

      I don’t know what people are talking about. I installed the game fine, loaded up the game fine, everything is maxed out, and my fps is a constant 58-60 fps. I haven’t been dropped yet and input is fine. Maybe people should clean their PC once in awhile.

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief in Space

        April 25, 2014 at 20:47

        Controls are broken, both KB+MS as well as controller

        Reply

        • Blarg

          April 25, 2014 at 23:51

          Controls work fine…

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief in Space

            April 26, 2014 at 13:41

            …and I’m the king of England

          • AtlasRedux

            April 26, 2014 at 20:57

            Controls works fine (on controller).
            Keyb+mouse I have no idea and not really interested.
            Gaphics work excellent.
            I don’t get the deal about the crashes, everything just works here.

          • Adrián Alucard

            April 27, 2014 at 14:19

            with keyboard if you use “shift” and “control” keys, mouse buttons won’t respond while pressing those keys, it’s very unconfortable

        • Alex

          April 28, 2014 at 17:50

          The controls for controller are perfect, with the addition of an option to change the jump command to pushing down the left stick. I use a PS3 controller with no problems.

          Reply

    • Alex

      April 28, 2014 at 17:45

      I realize it’s risky to buy right now, but I’ve played 2/3’s of it and haven’t spotted one issue. It runs like butter and the game is awesome. I play with a controller though.

      Reply

  3. Hammersteyn

    April 25, 2014 at 12:07

    A broken game on PC. Well I never.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Space

      April 25, 2014 at 12:10

      Lazy ass port

      Reply

      • Unavengedavo

        April 25, 2014 at 12:21

        Hehe… this will change your outlook on life…(and that sentence)
        http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/hyphen.jpg

        Reply

        • Mossel

          April 25, 2014 at 13:11

          How do you find all these gems? Teach me, Master Avo.

          Reply

          • Unavengedavo

            April 25, 2014 at 13:13

            That’s from xkcd.com 😀

          • Mossel

            April 25, 2014 at 13:16

            Yes! Another site my work hasn’t blocked yet. This day is officially over. I will now waste valauble tax payer money and feel nothing.

          • Mark Treloar

            April 25, 2014 at 14:45

            Mr President?

          • Mossel

            April 25, 2014 at 14:49

            Yes, this is Jacob. What can I (not) do for you, son?

  4. Rags

    April 25, 2014 at 12:10

    Top review on Steam:
    “Game is so hard I can’t even launch it

    11/10”

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Space

      April 25, 2014 at 12:10

      XD

      Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      April 25, 2014 at 12:11

      HAHAHA

      Reply

    • Wincethis

      April 25, 2014 at 12:12

      WIN!

      Reply

  5. Wincethis

    April 25, 2014 at 12:12

    Come on. How sodding difficult can it be to make a game for CONSOLES on a PC and have it play ON THE BLOODY PC!?

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief in Space

      April 25, 2014 at 12:16

      Mindboggling

      Reply

  6. Wincethis

    April 25, 2014 at 12:15

    • Admiral Chief in Space

      April 25, 2014 at 12:17

      HAHAHAHAHAHA OWNED

      Reply

      • Wincethis

        April 25, 2014 at 12:22

        Is it just me, or can you not stop laughing at this?

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief in Space

          April 25, 2014 at 12:27

          Hehehe, funny indeed

          Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      April 25, 2014 at 12:18

      Right on the trip switch.

      Reply

      • Wincethis

        April 25, 2014 at 12:21

        Left hook for the win! Did I tell you I am left handed 0-o

        Reply

        • Unavengedavo

          April 25, 2014 at 12:26

          A left handed ginger? O_o… You truly are the spawn of evil :O
          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias_against_left-handed_people

          Reply

        • Admiral Chief in Space

          April 25, 2014 at 12:28

          That explains QUITE a bit

          Reply

          • Wincethis

            April 25, 2014 at 12:29

            Come here and say that! Just let me get the camera ready so I can post another gif 😛

          • Admiral Chief in Space

            April 25, 2014 at 12:31

            One of my perks is that I am immune to left-handed gingers

          • Wincethis

            April 25, 2014 at 12:31

            You know how building your immune system works, right? It explains your fear of gingers greatly.

          • Admiral Chief in Space

            April 25, 2014 at 12:34

            I feel the same way about gingers as the way I feel about any other human tbh.
            Absolute loathing
            😛

          • Wincethis

            April 25, 2014 at 12:34

            So the human race has done a number on you? Come here, let me pretend to care 😉

          • Kensei Seraph

            April 25, 2014 at 12:36

            You’re a huge fan of Infamous aren’t you.

          • Wincethis

            April 25, 2014 at 12:36

            Alas 🙁 Not played it yet!

          • Kensei Seraph

            April 25, 2014 at 12:49

            Hm… It seems my joke may have been to subtle.

          • meep

            May 25, 2014 at 10:01

            that was a sucker punch, the short ass is a pussy

    • Kensei Seraph

      April 25, 2014 at 12:30

      Is it just me or does the guy who shows up halfway through throw something at the tall guy?

      Reply

      • Unavengedavo

        April 25, 2014 at 12:32

        Nope, he still has the “disk” in his hand after the guy hit the floorO_o

        Reply

        • Kensei Seraph

          April 25, 2014 at 12:35

          I don’t see the disc and the tall guy is still wearing a hat when he hits the ground.
          Unless he’s waring 2 hats?

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief in Space

            April 25, 2014 at 12:36

            I had another look, hat is off….the “hat” you see is the bush of hair

          • Unavengedavo

            April 25, 2014 at 12:41

            Nope, it’s definitely his hat falling off(refresh)

  7. Galbedir

    April 25, 2014 at 12:27

    I was actually contemplating buying this this morning, seems I’ll be holding off for now.

    Reply

  8. V For Vincennes

    April 25, 2014 at 12:35

    Hm. And here I’ve been playing my 360 version for a month and a half and enjoying it. Works just fine. Poor PC Master Race.

    Reply

    • Kougeru

      April 25, 2014 at 16:51

      Pc works great for me and looks a ton better

      Reply

      • V For Vincennes

        April 25, 2014 at 16:59

        *shrug* Haven’t touched a PC game since the first Starcraft, or maybe Aliens Vs. Predator. Been so long I can’t even remember. The platform just isn’t my bag.

        Reply

    • Valek

      April 26, 2014 at 12:40

      friend, the pc version works just fine for me, and i can tell you, at max settings…that 60fps goodness destroys your little 360 version 😛

      plus our community is far more active. i have had 10x the invasions and co-op partners in the pc version on day one, than i had with the ps3/360 versions for the entire month ahead it was out.

      Wait till we also start modding the game, adding textures and other fun things. you will end up seeing that there is a reason its the “master” race.

      Reply

      • V For Vincennes

        April 26, 2014 at 22:19

        *thumbs up*

        Reply

  9. Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!

    April 25, 2014 at 12:39

    eish

    Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      April 25, 2014 at 14:49

      #RESOLUTIONGATE

      Reply

  10. Rock789

    April 25, 2014 at 12:47

    “players are confronted with little more than 1920×1080 black pixels”. I think it’s just because they clearly haven’t found a torch or lantern yet… 😉 🙂

    Reply

    • Kromas

      April 25, 2014 at 12:48

      Emphasis on “Dark” in Dark Souls. 😛

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        April 25, 2014 at 13:03

        They did it on purpose. They know us Master Racers are so hardcore that we’d play it blindfolded. Very considerate if you think about it.

        Reply

        • guest

          April 25, 2014 at 15:14

          Dat Master Race HD darkness. PC is so good that even it’s black colour is better than filthy consoles o_O

          Reply

  11. Alien Emperor Trevor

    April 25, 2014 at 12:55

    Oh look, further validation to not preorder. Nothing makes me happier than being right. Which is why I’m always happy.

    Reply

  12. KingKappie

    April 25, 2014 at 13:58

    Yay lets go Master Race

    Reply

  13. Sk3tz0

    April 25, 2014 at 14:26

    Maybe the Master Race can MOD Dark Souls 2 into working.. ??

    Reply

  14. Stefan

    April 25, 2014 at 15:04

    Not sure what the fuss is about

    Been playing it for a solid 4hrs since launch last night on Steam (12am) and it looks gorgeous and plays like a hot knife through butter at a solid 60fps per second. Never dropping once.

    Already owning the PS3 version its honestly like playing a totally different game the experience is so smooth. This is definitely the definitive version of the game. Now time to offload the PS3 version.

    Well, well done From Software – seems you have learn’t a bit since the last game

    Reply

    • Tim Nuttall

      April 25, 2014 at 21:37

      Yeah I have to say it s working great for me too. Steady framerate without seeming to tax my graphics card at all. KB + MS seem very responsive so far. Seems we got lucky somehow.

      Reply

  15. Kyle b

    April 25, 2014 at 15:09

    Its working perfectly for me, excellent performance and everything maxed out 🙂

    Reply

  16. Dhuraal

    April 25, 2014 at 15:45

    The is a consistent, for me and others, lag between trying to do something (attacking, blocking, rolling, etc) and the action being performed. I click the mouse or press the button and at least a full second passes before anything happens :/

    Reply

  17. schitsophrenic-toothbrush

    April 25, 2014 at 16:36

    Hopefully they can fix it for the PC folk! Im playing it on Xbox 360 and loving the game!! first DS game ive played, still playing it, currently 70hrs in and almost done!!!!!!

    Reply

  18. Kougeru

    April 25, 2014 at 16:49

    This post is really exaggerating. It should be “Dark Souls 2 on PC is broken for small minority”. Seriously, no one I know is having any issues and looking at the number of people actually complaining (Excluding VAC issue because those previous cheaters dont deserve to play online anyway) is very small.

    Reply

  19. Stiggie

    April 25, 2014 at 18:52

    Haven’t had one of these problems, more than likely idiots trying to play the game. Loving it. looks beautiful and runs so smooth at 60FPS.

    Reply

  20. MatthewWillox

    April 25, 2014 at 19:19

    I have it on Steam. Launched last night after preloading it earlier in the week. Zero problems.

    Reply

  21. ReverendoSticatzi

    April 25, 2014 at 19:25

    Someone proposes to disconnect/connect the HDMI cable to fix the startup crash. Seriously? That’s new even form me after 15+ years of gaming.

    Reply

  22. Stoshy

    April 25, 2014 at 20:50

    Cannot. Connect. To. Dark. Souls 2. Servers. Stuck. In. Offline. Mode.

    Reply

  23. Esotsm Kolner

    April 25, 2014 at 20:59

    On PC there is one really annoying problem: click the mouse – 2 secs – action in game. How to fix this?

    Reply

  24. Link

    April 25, 2014 at 23:27

    My friend cant get into online on DKS2. He cant connect to the servers if somebody knows what the problem is please tell me

    Reply

  25. Zeroblamp

    April 25, 2014 at 23:47

    Played for around six hours so far, not had a single issue, nor have two of my friends who also bought the game on Steam. Well, with the exception of all the dying. I’d assume the fault lies more with outdated drivers / software, as opposed to the game itself.

    Reply

  26. Cr8ToR

    April 26, 2014 at 01:39

    DS2 Keyboard + Mouse settings SUCKS
    C’mon it’s KEYBOARD and MOUSE you can do better

    Reply

  27. Nekaz

    April 26, 2014 at 02:07

    i like how i’ve already compiled a list of problems 20 bullet points long after an hour of gameplay

    Reply

  28. BF4 Glitch Free

    April 26, 2014 at 02:40

    It’s so stupid, I mod mw2 when there is less than 1,500 players, and not to mess with anyone but for peoples wishes to have fun and now I can’t play Dark Souls 2 online.

    Reply

  29. text

    April 26, 2014 at 05:09

    vac banned: well you shouldn’t of been hacking now should you…..

    Reply

    • BF4 Glitch Free

      April 26, 2014 at 10:08

      Hey modding for fun is way different than hacking, especially when it’s a game that almost no people play anymore.

      Reply

  30. Blackthorne191

    April 26, 2014 at 07:11

    so i played through all of DS1 with KB & MS. it took a little while to get the hang of the controls but now i actually like them a lot (my only complaint is the targeting).

    too bad for me DS2 PC controls are totally different–and total crap. whats this “double-click” for R2 crap. very disappointed with the new PC controls. for some reason From Software decided the best way to simplify the controls was to make people press two buttons for one input… horrible, will definitely have to invest in a controller if i want to play DS2 on PC

    Reply

  31. Arjen Barnard

    April 26, 2014 at 11:21

    There is an unnecessary amount of hate against souls at the moment… Played it from 7am yesterday morning with no bugs whatsoever

    – “…On PC is broken” is a bit strong.

    Reply

  32. Biff Jay

    April 26, 2014 at 14:44

    What the hell happened to the very simple need for Keyboard visual cues and not controller! Once again I am skipping this game. Forget it. Learning the controls should not be a headache in itself.

    Reply

  33. darkestofsouls

    April 26, 2014 at 21:30

    I have encountered literally none of these problems. and DS1 was great after the controller fix and texture patches so…. i don’t even have fully updated drivers and DS2 works perfect, never crashing, great controller support. comparing to the PC release of DS1 is just silly

    Reply

  34. Tyler Skelton

    April 27, 2014 at 00:48

    Got falsely banned on MW2 years and years ago. It never effected any other game I had but now I can’t play Dark Souls online? If I would have known that I would have bought it on another account…

    Reply

  35. Adrián Alucard

    April 27, 2014 at 14:16

    I have a question. If I use shift or control keys (walk and guard) i can’t attack while pressing, but if i use other keys it works, possible fix?

    Reply

  36. stanman

    April 28, 2014 at 09:44

    This Post is bullshit. The game is not broken. Period.
    Its not one of those EA titles that are unplayable or shitty.
    Its a good game, i enjoy it a lot and never had any problems (I play offline only)

    Reply

    • Stanman

      April 28, 2014 at 09:46

      Btw. I am playing with a PS3 controller and it works like a charm!

      Reply

  37. Merry Jhon

    April 28, 2014 at 09:56

    my co-W­­­­­­?­­­­­­r­­­­­­?er’s mother-in-law ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­? $­­­­­­­­­61 ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­rly on the ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­r. She has been out of a ?­­­­­?­­­­­? for 6 ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­? but last ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­? her ?­­­­­­?­­­? was $­­­­­­­­­21288 just W­­­­­­?­­­­­­r­­­­­­?ing on the ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­r for a ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­W ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­rs. Read more on this web ?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?­­­­­­?,…WorkBarr.CoM

    ???? ??? ??? ???? ???They’ve been saved by the other teams and by 2 non-elimination legs – enough already with these two!s!!

    Reply

  38. Mads Myrmel Bjelland

    April 28, 2014 at 13:06

    DS1 became really good on PC for my friend and I with a quick mod. I’m sure they’ll figure this game out as well!

    Reply

  39. alex

    April 28, 2014 at 17:43

    This really comes down to mixed experiences. Which sucks, but for me personally, the game is less buggy than pretty much all of the games I’ve played in the last two years. I play with a PS3 controller, so the keyboard control problems do not affect me. I’m about 2/3 of the way through and have yet to spot one glitch or issue. I’m using an AMD 7950 and Windows 7.

    Reply

  40. remly

    April 28, 2014 at 18:57

    I didnt know if I should buy Dark Souls 2, because I’, not really into this sort of games, but my buddy reccomende it to me. And now I’m addicted. I bought it at http://www.kinguin.net check it, they have the lowest prices

    Reply

  41. macio

    April 28, 2014 at 23:15

    “Previously VAC banned players” should be shot in the back of the head and not have their issues troubleshot… just saying.

    Reply

  42. TheBaryGusey

    April 29, 2014 at 00:35

    That stinks for people who can’t play the game. I guess I’m one of the lucky ones who hasn’t crashed once nor had any other problems.

    Reply

  43. Sad Guy

    April 29, 2014 at 20:42

    The mouse and keyboard controls just suck by default. I mean you have to right click to use the main weapon. In what game is it like that? Fix everything!

    Reply

  44. Dante Scales

    April 30, 2014 at 01:08

    If you happen to be wonder what exactly seems to be happening with the mouse and keyboard control problem. It seem (for myself that is) my mouse control have a one second delay before the animation plays, airgo you attack shortly after you press the button. Now I now i have gone back and checked the check the keyboard and they are instant! Instant! Worst than that it seems to pause a few seconds sometimes and prevents you from doing any attacks at all. I don’t know what is actually happening in game, but I know my my key and mouse inputs, they are not that slow, even dark souls one didn’t have that problem and we all know how bad the port was.

    Anyone else want to jump in on this? I’m sure you’ve noticed some lag on mouse inputs.

    Reply

    • Fatman McGee

      May 2, 2014 at 13:03

      Get AutohotKey with the DS2 script, it makes the game completely playable with M+KB. Finished it just now, playing all the way with MKB.

      Reply

  45. Serenade9

    May 3, 2014 at 18:39

    I hate to be that guy, but I got it running without any problems on launch day. No glitch’s or crashes at all for me thus far.

    Reply

  46. GodHand

    May 5, 2014 at 11:20

    Game works fine, it just irks me that I have to disable the controller to play the game and re-enable it for every other game.

    Reply

  47. Johan du Preez

    May 6, 2014 at 11:12

    And 24hours after the game got released the ds2fix is released by the community to fix the game. People will flock to buy DS3 for pc again and complain about the same problems again.

    Reply

  48. eM

    May 24, 2014 at 13:22

    Game has worked perfectly for me since launch. But then I run a tight ship of a pc. I wish people shouting “it’s brokeeeen!” would post their DxDiags and services lists.

    Reply

  49. Pineapple

    February 20, 2015 at 06:04

    yo

    Reply

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