'Dark Souls 3' DLC release date, news: 'Ashes of Ariandel' trailer showcases PvP fight

A screenshot of "Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel" DLCSteam/From Software

The first expansion content for "Dark Souls 3" will feature a new mode, a dedicated PvP arena.

Publisher Bandai Namco and developer From Software released a new trailer showcasing the upcoming new feature for "Dark Souls 3." The new PvP Arena will go live once the "Ashes of Ariandel" DLC drops on Oct. 25. However, instead of a new, separate game mode, the new PvP arena gameplay will only build on the multiplayer mode for the game. This means that, as with the previous modes in the multiplayer feature, the dedicated PvP servers will still give players the same mechanics and gameplay as the multiplayer modes, such as choosing and infusing their weapons, refilling Estus, and a straight-out battle.

Meanwhile, aside from expanding the multiplayer mode with a new, dedicated PvP arena gameplay, "Ashes of Ariandel" will also continue the single-player campaign for "Dark Souls 3." The synopsis for the new DLC reads, "Players are tasked to enter the land of Ariandel and defeat the evil within to uncover the mystery of what has caused the land to become defiled." As an expansion, "Ashes of Ariandel" will also add new items in the player inventory such as weapons, gears and armor sets, and magic.

The "Ashes of Ariandel" DLC is the first of two planned expansion packs for "Dark Souls 3." The second one is expected to come out early next year. Meanwhile, it is confirmed at this point that the game will only have two DLCs before developer From Software moves on to other projects.

However, the studio clarified that "Dark Souls 3" is the final installment in the franchise at this time, and it may return for another sequel in the future. From Software president Hidetaka Miyazaki said: "As president of From Software, I'm not completely denying the possibility of bringing back the franchise in the future. There could be someone else in my company who wants to work on new installments. But we believe that the series will end after the two DLC."