Dark Souls: Design Works art books are back with new covers

New printings of the Dark Souls: Design Works trilogy are now available from Udon

It’s been a good long time since we’ve had a reason to bring up Dark Souls: Design Works — and it’s amusing to go back and read Chris’ thoughts about the art book from 2014. If you’re in the mood to look at some badass dark-fantasy imagery, it’s never too late. Udon Entertainment has issued reprints of the Design Works books for the whole trilogy.

The main difference with these reprints is that they sport new cover art. I’m sure some readers will prefer the original tome-like cover design, which is classy, but I’ll admit that I’m a sucker for the crazed Gwyn concept art — that fiery backdrop really pops.

These hardcover books focus on concept art, key visuals, and character and monster designs, but there are interviews with From Software developers, including big boss Hidetaka Miyazaki. So if you want to see the Capra Demon up close, this is your chance.

Where to buy ’em

• Dark Souls: Design Works on Amazon for $33.08
• Dark Souls II: Design Works on Amazon for $44.99
• Dark Souls III: Design Works on Amazon for $44.99

At 128 pages, Dark Souls: Design Works is the lightest of the group; the scattershot Dark Souls II has 240 pages, while Dark Souls III comes out on top with 336 pages.

Remember the first time you gazed out on Irithyll of the Boreal Valley? An unforgettable sight, for sure. (Followed by an equally unforgettable gotcha moment.)

According to Udon, the three Dark Souls: Design Works books are now back in stock “while supplies last.” The original printings “may still be available at some retail outlets.”

If you’ve already been there and done that with the Dark Souls trilogy, it’s worth reminding everyone that Elden Ring will be getting a pair of official guide books — the Books of Knowledge — from Future Press later this year. I’m imagining some future grandkids unearthing a whole shelf full of From Software art books in a cluttered storage unit.