Difference between revisions of "Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition"
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
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{{Fixbox/fix|Install DSfix|ref=<ref name="Refcheck Link Satonaka">{{Refcheck|user=Link Satonaka|date=2016-11-22}}</ref>}} | {{Fixbox/fix|Install DSfix|ref=<ref name="Refcheck Link Satonaka">{{Refcheck|user=Link Satonaka|date=2016-11-22}}</ref>}} | ||
# Disable in-game anti-aliasing. | # Disable in-game anti-aliasing. | ||
− | # Download the latest version of [http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?tag=dsfix DSfix]. | + | # Download the latest version of [https://web.archive.org/web/20170502195428/http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?tag=dsfix DSfix]. |
# Extract DSfix into the <code>DATA</code> folder in the installation folder. | # Extract DSfix into the <code>DATA</code> folder in the installation folder. | ||
# Edit <code>DSfix.ini</code> to set your resolution (for example, renderWidth 1366 renderHeight 768). | # Edit <code>DSfix.ini</code> to set your resolution (for example, renderWidth 1366 renderHeight 768). | ||
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|antialiasing notes = Creates an overly blurry effect (disable when using [[#DSfix|DSfix]]). See [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]. | |antialiasing notes = Creates an overly blurry effect (disable when using [[#DSfix|DSfix]]). See [[#Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]. | ||
|vsync = hackable | |vsync = hackable | ||
− | |vsync notes = See [[ | + | |vsync notes = See [[#Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]. |
|60 fps = hackable | |60 fps = hackable | ||
|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]]. | |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]]. | ||
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{{Fixbox/fix|borderlessFullscreen 1|ref=<ref name="Refcheck Link Satonaka"/>}} | {{Fixbox/fix|borderlessFullscreen 1|ref=<ref name="Refcheck Link Satonaka"/>}} | ||
# Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | # Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | ||
− | # Open <code> | + | # Open <code>DSfix.ini</code>. |
# Change <code>borderlessFullscreen 0</code> to <code>borderlessFullscreen 1</code> | # Change <code>borderlessFullscreen 0</code> to <code>borderlessFullscreen 1</code> | ||
# Save your changes. | # Save your changes. | ||
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===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Anti-aliasing (AA)|Anti-aliasing (AA)]]=== | ||
{{ii}} 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. | {{ii}} 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===[[Glossary:Vertical sync (Vsync)|Vertical sync (Vsync)]]=== | ||
+ | {{Fixbox|1= | ||
+ | {{Fixbox/fix|Enable Vsync|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}} | ||
+ | # Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | ||
+ | # Open <code>DSfix.ini</code>. | ||
+ | # Change <code>enableVsync 0</code> to <code>enableVsync 1</code>. | ||
+ | # Save your changes. | ||
+ | }} | ||
===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]=== | ===[[Glossary:Frame rate (FPS)|High frame rate]]=== | ||
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{{Fixbox/fix|Make changes in dsfix.ini|ref=<ref>[http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report New 120Hz Games Report 120hz.net: New 120Hz Games Report]</ref>}} | {{Fixbox/fix|Make changes in dsfix.ini|ref=<ref>[http://120hz.net/showthread.php?3258-New-120Hz-Games-Report New 120Hz Games Report 120hz.net: New 120Hz Games Report]</ref>}} | ||
# Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | # Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | ||
− | # Open <code> | + | # Open <code>DSfix.ini</code>. |
# Change <code>unlockFPS 0</code> to <code>unlockFPS 1</code> | # Change <code>unlockFPS 0</code> to <code>unlockFPS 1</code> | ||
# Optionally, change <code>FPSlimit 60</code> to the desired frame rate cap. | # Optionally, change <code>FPSlimit 60</code> to the desired frame rate cap. | ||
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'''Notes''' | '''Notes''' | ||
− | {{--}} Some side effects affecting gameplay:<ref>http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?p=251</ref> | + | {{--}} Some side effects affecting gameplay:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160404195452/http://blog.metaclassofnil.com/?p=251 DSFix 1.8 | metaclassofnilblog]</ref> |
:* Chance to fall through the floor when sliding down ladders | :* Chance to fall through the floor when sliding down ladders | ||
:**'''Undead Burg''' | :**'''Undead Burg''' | ||
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{{Fixbox/fix|Add keyboard/mouse icons|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}}} | {{Fixbox/fix|Add keyboard/mouse icons|ref={{cn|date=March 2017}}}} | ||
* Use [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/840/ Modern keyboard interface icons]. | * Use [http://www.nexusmods.com/darksouls/mods/840/ Modern keyboard interface icons]. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Run the game at screen refresh rate==== | ||
+ | {{--}} Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|1= | ||
+ | {{Fixbox/fix|Set refresh rate manually|ref={{cn|date=May 2017}}}} | ||
+ | # Install [[#DSfix|DSfix]]. | ||
+ | # Open <code>DSfix.ini</code>. | ||
+ | # Change <code>forceFullscreen 0</code> to <code>forceFullscreen 1</code>. | ||
+ | # Change <code>fullscreenHz 60</code> to the screen refresh rate. | ||
+ | # Save your changes. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 07:46, 25 May 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, use Dark Souls Input Customizer 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 is a launcher, mod manager, and configuration tool which bundles many of the following (and other) 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 Input Customizer
- The Dark Souls Input Customizer (DSIC) allows full customization of the controls of Dark Souls. It uses an intuitive input system that allows the rebinding of every action to arbitrary combinations of keys or buttons on the controller, mouse or keyboard. Although this can in part also be achieved with existing tools, DSIC is much more flexible and wraps it all up in an easy to use package, with additional functionality that is specially tailored to Dark Souls. DSIC also fully includes the Dark Souls Mouse Fix, which does not have to be installed separately.
Dark Souls PVP Watchdog
- BitBucket, Main thread, Download
- 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 |
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Skip intro videos
Instructions |
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Game data
Configuration file(s) location
Template:Game data/row
System | Location |
---|---|
Steam Play (Linux) | <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/211420/pfx/[Note 1] |
Save game data location
Template:Game data/row
System | Location |
---|---|
Steam Play (Linux) | <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/211420/pfx/[Note 1] |
- For the Games for Windows - LIVE version
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\XLive
must also be backed up.
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Steam Cloud | Syncs up to 100 MB of save data. |
Video settings
Multi-monitor
Instructions |
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Borderless fullscreen windowed
Instructions |
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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.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Instructions |
---|
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]
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 |
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Issues fixed
Performances issues
General fixes
Instructions |
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Instructions |
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Lower-spec machine fixes
Instructions |
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Instructions |
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- 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 |
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Instructions |
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Nvidia Optimus-specific fixes
Instructions |
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Crashes
Lifting FPS-cap using DSFix
Instructions |
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VSFilter.dll
- Crash occurs after start screen.
Instructions |
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Monitor refresh rate
Instructions |
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Windows 7
- Crash on startup
Instructions |
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Windows 8
Instructions |
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Instructions |
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Instructions |
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RivaTuner
Instructions |
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Controller issues
Controller not working
Instructions |
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Instructions |
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DirectInput controllers have wrong mapping
- Use X360ce to fix the issue by emulating the official Xbox 360 Controller.
Instructions |
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Miscellaneous
Jittery mouse controls
- Mouse controls feel very jittery, with unintuitive results when the camera collides with a wall or the floor.
Instructions |
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Xbox button prompts always shown
Instructions |
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Run the game at screen refresh rate
- Fullscreen mode defaults to 60 Hz, even if the screen refresh rate is set higher than that.
Instructions |
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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 |
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Instructions |
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Instructions |
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Instructions |
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Minimize with multiple monitors
- Fix binds the mouse to a single screen (DSFix has this feature built in).
Instructions |
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Progress bar stuck during installation
- Problem may be caused by setup utility getting stuck whilst installing DirectX and Games for Windows - LIVE.
Instructions |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Instructions |
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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 | |
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 File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/211420/
in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (211420) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.
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 (retrieved)
- ↑ To the Dark Souls pc players. I made this out of frustration - thought I'd share... : gaming
Categories:
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