'Dark Souls 3: Ashes of the Ariandel' DLC news: new expansion goes live; launch trailer is out

Screengrab from the "Dark Souls III: Ashes of Ariandel" DLC announcement trailerYoutube/Bandai Namco Entertainment America

Game publisher Bandai Namco released the first downloadable content (DLC) for its "Dark Souls 3," and it is titled "Ashes of Ariandel." A launch trailer was also released together with the expansion pack.

Seven months after the game was released, fans can now experience the painted world of Ariandel. The new DLC brings in new areas to explore and new bosses to challenge. Gamers will also have new weapons and spells to try out, as well as a new PvP area where players can challenge other online players.

"You must journey into a painted world to uncover the secrets hidden in the cold darkness. Arm yourself with all new weapons and armor and face off against new enemies and bosses designed to test all of your skills. Then, team up with and take on players from around the world in the all-new PvP Arena," the video description stated.

The new challenges presented in the new DLC are geared towards high-level characters, and a level 100 character seems to still lack a few levels more. This is according to Philipp Kollar of Polygon, who tried the new offerings for the game. He also added that the visual component is superbly made.

Players must get into the Cathedral of the Deep and make their way into the Cleansing Church bonfire. A new non-playable character (NPC) will be standing to the right of the altar and will present the new task after chatting a few times. After presenting a cutscene, players will then be transported to the snowy world of Ariandel.

"Dark Souls 3" was developed by FromSoftware, and "Ashes of Ariandel" is the first of the two planned DLC for the game. Series creator and game director Hidetaka Miyazaki mentioned previously that the second expansion pack will be released sometime in early 2017, although no definite date was given. He also mentioned that the current game would be the last game of the series but said that they are not totally closing the door for a future project. He said that other game developer studios may have some great ideas for the series and may create a fourth installment, Dual Shockers previously reported.

"Dark Souls 3: Ashes of the Ariandel" is now available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC.