The End of Dark Souls III 

John Souls, herald of such quotes as: “Every soul has its dark.”

"i cant believe the (firekeeper) ending is hidden behind a secret area" laughs in Anri

Shen: I'm not that good. Also Shen: *Proceeds to play DLC underleveled by 40 levels*

The absolute comedic timing of 23:40 1. Accidentally wallops Gael 2. Tries to put away her sword as a sign of goodwill 3. Pulls out a bigger sword instead

Hey everyone, Editor here. Just wanted to pop in and say a quick message. This video series is easily my biggest undertaking ever as an editor, and it's one I look back on with pride. It also introduced me into the rabbit hole that is the Soul series properly, and an experience I have zero regrets with (bar the unicorns.) They're fantastic games that I'm glad I no longer sleep on. I just wanted to thank everyone for making this series the rousing success that it is. From the viewers sharing their experiences, to Shen's guests and friends adding their own flair. This series was a hefty project with over 100 hours of content to cut down, but worth it whenever I read all the comments enjoying the videos with my goofy edits. And of course a big thank you to Shen for trusting me with such a passionate project and large undertaking. You've changed my life forever and for the better. I'm glad I was able to assist in this series that means so much to you.

I love that John Souls player trying to make himself into a boss by switching weapons and going into a “Phase 2”. I wish more Dark Souls players were like this, it’d be so cool. Or maybe I’m just running into the “gank squad” crowd all too often

Shen's speech at the end got me emotional. She's absolutely right: Help get people to enjoy this game without scaring them away about it's difficulty. Ease them into it and make more people want to play this fantastic game series.

Shen: Hits Gael Shen: Oh so sorry, let me put away my weapon: Also Shen: *Pulls out an even bigger sword* lmao

I love how the twist of the Ringed City is that Gael turns out to be the final boss after aiding you so much before, so to parallel that John Souls, the one who's been helping you this whole time, invaded you in order to be your own personal Gael, the final thing standing between you and the end of Dark Souls. It's beyond poetic.

Now we wait for John Ring “Every Ring has an Elden”

"Ashen One, hearest thou my voice still?" Will forever be one of the most chilling things I have ever heard in a game, and will always love it dearly. What a beautiful way to end a video, and I'm so glad I was able to see yet another persons experience with such a masterful game. Thank you.

Friede's 'Leave us be' after how many times Shen threw herself at that boss started sounding more like 'Fuck off' the more Shen fought her, lol

I've noticed that when From Software makes the "Phase 2" part of a boss fight, they always do one of three things: 1. One enemy becomes two 2. Two enemies become one 3. MOAR FIRE!

Shen: “Who wants to see DLC?” Me: *YES*

The fact that Shen accidentally discovered the correct way to slay the Ancient Wyvern is so *funny* because I died like 20 times before I figured it out

Shen being utterly quiet the first time she reaches Gael's second phase. It's so perfect. You kinda just have to sit back and watch it unfold.

This is the moment we all dreaded, John Souls journey comes to an end. His name is forever etched into the history of soulsborne games. Farewell my friend.. you'll never be forgotten.

The adventure of John Souls, and his companion, John Souls, concludes.

That last fight against Gael was absolutely beautiful. It's insane how the consequence of the extreme difficulty of the bosses is that perfectly timed dodges and maneuvers by the player look absolutely badass

I've gotta admit. I didn't know you could die from fire damage when Friede gets revived in stage 3. I've never seen anyone on no health stand directly next to her body and stay there the whole time. Congrats, you might be the first person to do that.

I just love how it’s two parts like a climactic conclusion to a story. The story of Shen’s outlandish, incredible, and incredibly hilarious play throughs of Dark Souls in this case

I love how Gundyr's REAL fight has his second phase just be him but more determined

Shen’s speech at the end reminds me of Hawkeye Gough’s speech about the dragon wars, how they brought out the best and worst of our emotions…

I love how Gael is Basically you, a no name who by effort and perseverance alone beat every odd , every obstacle, out lasted every god and keeps doing his job even after losing his sanity at the literal end of time

The ending of Dark Souls III is so damn poetic After all the struggles to keep the Flame going, after all the suffering done onto the giants,dragons men and pygmies by the gods , all the architecture and history....is just gone in a sea of ash and dust The only thing left is an old man with a broken sword and an unkindled undead, fighting for the fate of the new world

43:22 If people are going to claim dealing with griefers is part of The Real Dark Souls Experience, then summoning allies is legit too. This whole series has been great, for real.

Its okay Shen, I've literally beaten most of all the souls games with help my first time playing. You beating most of the games on your own and only summoning when you really needed the help is still impressive and valid 👏

I absolutely love midir. He is my favorite boss in the whole series. I stick around the ringed city just to help people fight him.

I think you've perfectly encapsulated here why panic rolling and retreating away from a boss gets people killed.

Leave it to Shen to turn a hilarious and goofy gameplay into a heartfelt love letter to all of the Souls series. Thanks for the good times, and long may the sun shine.

When it came to Shen’s speech at the end I completely agreed with not gatekeeping a “pure” dark souls experience I’ve played through the games on my own and with friends, and I enjoyed it with my friends so much. It was a journey of us overcoming odds and I loved every second of it I don’t care if it wasn’t the hardcore perfect Dark Souls experience It was my Dark souls experience

"...The first days of Elden Ring, when it comes out, is...going to be truly special." It was. And it has been. Thanks for this Shen!

Shenpai is one of the best people I have ever came across on this platform.

Gael probably has my favorite OST out of all of the DS3 bosses. I once heard his fight described as two nobodies fighting at the end of the world and I loved it

47:52 "A little confused on where to go, but I'll figure it out" *instant death* "Ah....." I laughed way harder at this than I should have 🤣😂

I’m so sorry for Shen getting rocked by all the bosses. My ptsd had flared up and I know exactly the feeling in the monotone sighs and groans. Congratulations Shen and goodbye John Souls

1:33:19 "If you truly love these games you'd help the person getting into these games" Ironically, that's the entire point of multiplayer. It's not a coop, it's an assistance. When you rest on a bonfire, you see so many souls passing by, the game tells you that you are not alone in this harsh, unforgiving world. "The way I see it, our fates appear to be intertwined. In a land brimming with Hollows, could that really be mere chance? So, what do you say? Why not help one another on this lonely journey?" "Of course, we are not the only ones engaged in this." -Solaire of Astora I've been wathing you for some time lately and very interested in your soulslike experience. I'm so glad you enjoyed them (and tolerated Dark Souls 2). I can't wait to see you in Elden Ring. Thank you for playing these games. I'll be sure to pass by your streams one time or another. Btw i love your horny bi personality lol!

Shen's final synopsis on the series is a perfect encompassing of my feelings. It's a stellar series that deserves an attempt, an earnest attempt in the understanding that you do not have to focus on the difficulty, to not allow the hype to drag you down, that the feeling is worth it.

I'm a super emotional sucker, so your closing speech? Brought tears to my eyes. You presented your thoughts eloquently, and it made me remember all the fantastic times I've had with this series starting all the way back when I was a teenager borrowing my best friend's PS3 to play Demon's Souls shortly after its release. Just like you said, there is so much to this franchise that makes it stand out in the video gaming industry, and the legacy it has created thanks to how amazing and truly special each of these games are. I'm so glad you persevered to the end through every game in the franchise, and I've loved watching your VODs and long form videos for them all. I can't wait for Elden Ring, and to see you play it fresh off release along with everyone else. Playing a Soulsborne game when nobody knows anything at all yet? So engaging and exciting. It's all a mystery, you never know who you are going to meet in online or how far they are. Messages are all brand new, so there is the most potential for mischief or genuinely helpful tips right there at the start. Gosh, I'm getting giddy just thinking about all the little things that make playing a new FromSoft game so great! 😤💜

That outro really caught me by surprise, you suddenly sounded very mature and expressed a wonderful depth of thought. Thanks for the great series, it's been a fun ride. Subbed for sure.

Shen that speech at the end brought a tear to my eye. Love this series, one of the best ever made. Can’t wait to see you in Sekiro, and then see ya on the frontlines for Elden Ring.

Can’t wait for the sekiro videos and seeing someone else go through the same pain of chained ogre as I did.

52:32-57:20 is like one big trip down memory lane. So happy I curiously got Dark Souls 1 10 years ago, all these games, armors and weapons, bosses, locations, the lore, the music. So excited for more in Dark Souls 4- I mean, Elden Ring!

A cool detail about the final boss is that it's the memory of all those who linked the fire. So that's why it has so many styles, they're the styles of the players though the years. And it all ends with the first who linked the fire, Gwen.

And so, the legend of John Souls comes to a close. I look forward to witnessing the life of his cousin John Ring.

Rather fitting, the final boss of the souls games isn't a god, it isn't a dragon, and it isn't a monster. Its a human, an undead just like you, who has been fighting for just as long as you have, and like you, he carries every soul he has taken with him since then. The final boss of Dark Souls is ourselves, and its a fight for everything up to this point, rather fitting that the weapon he carries is a similar design to the broken straight sword from the start of DS1, even his death animation mimics our own. Truly two souls at the end of all things.

that final speech is just, wouw, thank you so much for your great series on this great series.

I’m always a little disappointed whenever someone doesn’t get to witness Gundyr launch them into the air, and kick them while they’re still falling. Coolest move in the entire series.

"You know, it feels like Shen got worse over the course of DS3? Which is weird, because it looks like she's playing fine?" *Shen is SL79 by the time of Ringed City* "Ah so she is making it harder on purpose, I see."

Dark Souls III will always be my favorite, not for the hyper-polished combat or beautiful aesthetic, but for the incredible conclusion to the story that manages to stick a landing not found in the previous 2 games. Also, I always give the eyes to the Fire Keeper just so I can hear the music change.

Nameless King to this day is still my favourite boss, the lord, the drip, the fight. Love it all.

As someone who binged all of your Souls stuff, I can honestly say that the amount you've matured and grown as you played through these games is truly inspiring. Good job, Shen!

The fact that she did her dark Souls playthrough of the Ring City with her estus flask only being at +5 is I think the most impressive thing she did

The message near the end was such a beautiful and wonderfully worded love letter to the series and I agree wholeheartedly. I can't wait to hopefully see both veterans and new players exploring elden ring in it's first few days.

Really love your Dark Souls content c: Also holy crap I can't even imagine editing all of this you did such a good job!

The Artorias' armor set was my favorite set, while my friend liked to use the Ornstein set. He tried to get me to use smough's set, but I hated using slow, heavy, weapons and armor.

I like the part where you mentioned that the games are done a great disservice by the perception that their only redeeming quality being how hard they are. The community basically got caught up in the marketing of Namco Bandi ie Prepare to Die Edition, which actually contrasts from what From Software's vision of the game was. From Software never had any intentions of centering the games around its difficulty but once the community got it in their heads, every From Software game was judged based on its difficulty and no other merit from that point foreword.

This was a beautiful series of videos to watch. Your last segment regarding your thoughts as a whole on the franchise has more of an impact, given that you showed your whole run-throughs of the individual games.

Missed so many shortcuts. Started watching you through a friend. Love your videos and you are awesome.

Absolutely loved this series Shen. So happy to see you get into the souls world and thrive here. Can't wait to watch you play elden ring. And while we wait... Maybe sekiro?

Little did Shen know the lore implications that would lie ahead by wearing Artorias' armor to Archdragon Peak. Side note: The End of Fire ending has to be my favorite ending. Usurpation of the flame is good, but I prefer a true end to the Age of Fire.

I've just realised Shen's playing the DS3 end game with a god damned uninfused Broadsword. Same vibes as when I beat DS1 with a +5 Raw Halberd.

1:32:00 That speech you gave there is absolutely fantastic. Can't wait to see you play Elden Ring. You earned a sub from me.

Thx for the videos :D the last section where you talk about the games was awesome!!

Shen : I love this game so much! Also Shen : _too frustrated to talk during boss and then summon to win the fight anyways_ this is it, you are a true dark souls fan

Darksouls 3 bosses in a nutshell: "BUT THERE'S MORE!"

What an epic ending! Thank you and the team behind the scenes very much for your always great content!

I'm Uber late to your videos, but I just wanted to say, I'm so glad I came across your demon souls run. I found I about a week ago and since then everytime I'm chilling I try to watch some of your videos. Your personality is a shining beacon to all who feel lost. Love your enthusiasm and how much you seem to enjoy this. I sincerely hope your future is filled with nothing but happiness and bright things.

I think it's so ironic how there were speculations on "what is the dark soul" ever since the first game released. But the answer was always in front of us ever since the first game. The souls of the enemies and bosses is white and radiant. Humanity is the same icon as the other souls but black. Gael just sucked the humanity from every human soul in the world. That's why his soul is the dark soul.

ah, yes "Nameless Death King montage"

watching this 2 years later - as I have just discovered your channel - and Im also new to being in love with the Souls series - the fact that you quoted that ridiculous song singing my home states name made me little cold heart warm - huge props for all your victories and thanks for making the content that helps life feel a little better - cheers!

The ending to this video is so good. I feel the same way. Anytime I have a friend who even HINTS at wanting to try I immediately jump on and tell them that I will play with them and start a new character to run through. I just want people to play and experience it.

Yo, big respect for Shen going back through and fighting the bosses solo again, they're _very_ hard. I consider myself "good at Souls" and I cheesed the living hell out of Friede. That nun is no joke.

Watching Shen use a broadsword in late game: I cry Watching Shen get to Archdragon Peak knowing full well what's coming: I laugh maniacally

Shen, I love you're gameplay! So many laughs. I binged your Souls series this week and it was great fun. First full playthrough of the series I've watched. I'm finally able to get the game myself now, going to start playing this week, wish me luck. And I wish you the best in life (🍫) Take care.

Shen I must say I fallen for this channel even before this series but your series has filled me with so much joy and happiness. I want to thank you, I recently bought ds3 and played it blind and recently a week ago I beat it, I was so glad to see you post these videos and thank you, and keep making fun videos!!!

12:37 "Seeing Artorias' armor i'm...really horny" Also very, very relatable

You probably already know this, but Oceiros had originally been programed to walk around with his crying baby (Ocelot). And when he crushes Ocelot and goes feral, the baby was supposed to be smushed into his hand and scream in pain during phase two. Also congratulations Shen! Not many people have the strength of will to brave Dark Souls games anymore

I love how she’s defeated demons and kings, yet her worst nightmare is a crab

wish I got to see her reaction to phase 2 of mydir, I remember I spend months fighting him, so many hours spent either dying or prepping materials, and I finally beat him, and I could not have been happier, one of my favorite bosses.

Friend: hey what kind of content does that shenpai streamer you told me about make? Me: uhhhhh, its complicated

Gotta say, Shen's right. We need more Soulsporn of Big Armored Himbos.

wonderful playthrough! Heres to hoping you eventually cover the second game too!!

Thank you so much for making these videos Shen! You're voice and personality are ducking hilarious.

Honestly, thanks for this series, Shen. It was a wild ride that pulled myself back into the From Software games as well as convincing some of my friends to try the games out themselves even though they were in past apprehensive. These videos are amazing, having me in stitches from laughter at one point and in emotional tears by the end of it all. This was a wild ride and I hope we can see even more in future

I was living in a weird anxiety funk the past couple days so bad I had to take a day off from work. I watched your part 1 for dark souls 3 yesterday and some how my anxiety finally calmed down I was able to take a moment breath and laugh and enjoy a quite mind. Your fun videos with amazingly funny editing always seem to help me out of whatever funk I’m in. I can’t wait to see more of your videos! I wish I could join more streams but sadly I work when your streaming but that’s why I’m so so glad you post highlights here and have your bod channel. Thank you for being a light in the dark shen.

Hey Shen! First off, I wanted to say thank you for sharing your experience with us, and the journey of the legendary John Souls. I discovered your channel not too long ago, and the long videos of games I love have really been treats to watch. Being that this is the last of the series, at least until Elden Ring, I wanted to share a well-thought-out message about my own experience, and your message at the end of this video. Disclaimer - This will probably be a really long message, so sorry if it feels over-the-top 😅 I'm a writer at a heart, so I relish in sharing my emotions with other people. I started my "Dark Souls" experience only two years ago on 7/4/19, although it already feels like it's been an eternity. Believe it or not, but I actually started with Dark Souls III 💀 I knew nothing of it or the series, getting the game in a "buy two get one for free" sale as just another game to get. Aaaaand I nearly quit right from the beginning, after Gundyr took me an hour and many, many heartbreaking attempts to defeat. Great first experience 😂 Jokes aside, this game really ignited something special for me. Having no WiFi at the time, I had no choice but to go at it alone. But even to this day I decide to keep it that way, not having any friends that enjoy the games anyway, and not really enjoying PvP myself. And I can figure that that might sound horrendous to you, Shen XD What you said about the possibility of dropping Demon's Souls again is certainly something I can understand. But, I hate to hear you sad about it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you were sad that your experience involved a fair bit of hand-holding? And that it only felt possible to play through one of the games by yourself with minimal help after playing the other four? I can see where you're coming from if that's the case. But, those experiences are cherished regardless. I certainly would have been more upset to see you get so frustrated at a boss that you didn't want to play a game anymore. Whatever lets you have the most fun, I say, even if it might involve shortcuts 💛 And now that this experience is put on hold, I look forward to whatever your next will be. No matter what it may come with, always have fun! And we will too. I believe I went from DS3 > DS1 > Bloodborne > Sekiro > Demon's Souls (PS5) > DS2, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy Elden Ring :3 And by the way, do you intend to try Sekiro?

The recap at the start was great, also reminded me that I still needed to finish the 2nd half of the first dark souls 3 video

No shame on having trouble with Nameless King. He's viewed as the generally hardest non-DLC boss in the game (and is still typically most people's 4th hardest after Elfriede, Gael, and Midir. Sometimes 5th after Demon Prince). However, many people will either curse or laud him for same reason: Camera. Nameless King's most difficult factor is that he is so mobile that it is a struggle to even keep the camera on him. As such, Lock-on is actually not recommended against him. Essentially, he is the boss that really tests to see how good you've gotten with the camera (or how well you cope with not being able to use the camera well). And that messes with people who are used to the camera only really screwing with them in corners. Pair that with a boss who is hyper-aggressive and, well...

Shen has made me finally after ages of owning dark souls 3 play it and complete it, after seeing their demon souls and dark souls 2 playthroughs. It was amazing watching the progress Shen's made through the series. So glad i found this channel randomly through Hades. (Also has some of the funniest edits I've seen in a while)

thank you for all the great content you put out, just recently found and starting watching your content and it always is very relaxing and enjoyable to watch. It really is top tier content keep it up and look forward to watching your elden ring exp. and videos thank you again for the great content

I am deeply passionate about stories, and helping and cooperating with others on their difficult journeys, both in life and in fiction. To see you go through the entire franchise that started such a wave in so many communities, and then foster that very same mindset is thoroughly inspiring in our modern age that just seems to keep getting darker. Please keep being such a bright spot, you're an inspiration.

I dont even like the souls games but watching you play them is delightful

I'm really glad Shen got this ending. It's my personal favorite. I know most people shot for the Lord of Hollows ending, and see it as the "True" ending, but the Firekeeper letting the fire fade is just something really touching

I absolutely in love with the speech at the end. Thank you Shenpai, I didn't expect that.

From Software: *Does anything* Shenpai: "IS THIS BLOODBORNE?!?!"

Damn, could you imagine how easy this would be if Shen actually spent her souls? She would be top tier

I feel so bad for watching you stand on top of Friede and dying because of her going to phase 3 just... Wow

I loved every moment of your videos! The only thing that I wish you would do from here is experience the faith and magic builds! I look forward to seeing more of your game play! Gg

Incredible Adventure Greatwork All The Accomplishments, all The Screaming Hilarious Love These Exceptionally Long Videos Amazing Edling Just so much Fun John Souls at The End Is The Greatest Original Event in a Souls Playthrough I Have ever Seen Thank You Great Man