'Dark Souls 3' latest news, updates: 'Ashes of Ariandel' mistakenly released early, Bandai apologizes for error

'Dark Souls 3' promo imagedarksouls3.com / Bandai Namco

Bandai Namco has now released a statement apologizing to fans regarding the error they had made when the highly anticipated brand new downloadable content (DLC) update — "Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel" — was released a few days earlier that previously announced.

Several fans have already downloaded the new DLC a bit earlier than the previously announced Oct. 25 release date.

One player had reported a few days ago that he was apparently able to download the DLC expansion pack. The player was even able to play the DLC on his Xbox One console in offline mode. The player also posted a photo of his character within the game's new region.

Other users also reported on Reddit their success in downloading and playing the game, with one player showing other gamers some instructions on how to get the game for themselves. The game is apparently downloadable for the game's Season Pass holders who would just need to click on the "Manage Downloads" part of their account online.

After Microsoft and Bandai Namco were made aware of the situation, they immediately corrected the mistake and removed the download link from Xbox One accounts. They then proceeded to release a statement to apologize for the mistake and to reiterate the game's release dates.

"Due to a logistical error, the Dark Souls III Ashes of Ariandel DLC was made available for download for a short period of time for Xbox One players. We have since corrected this scheduling error," said Bandai. 

"We regret any confusion this may have caused to players and Dark Souls III fans; we look forward to seeing everyone within the world of Ariandel," continued the company.

The "Dark Souls 3: Ashes of Ariandel" DLC expansion pack is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, Oct. 25 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and for the PC via Steam. The DLC will be the first of two planned DLCs that will be included in the game's $25 Season Pass.