Proof that the remaining 10% is worth dying repeatedly for here:
These are recommendations made by Tropers for Dark Souls Fan Fics, all of which have been signed. After a few samples, you will be able to judge whether you might be interested in the 'fic, based on who recommended it. No-name recommendations will be zapped. No one would back up the rec. Discussion of the recommendation is welcome on the discussion page. As such discussion is important, do remember to add the discussion page to the watchlist, if need be. Feel free to leave a review of any recommendations using the reviews section, if you do wish to leave a review please do make it substantive.
Authors and Sites
General Fics
Best Workout Ever
by AetherPaw- Recommended by Feranard Coldheart, Ninjat 126
- Status: Dead. Last updated 2015
- Synopsis: What happens when a Dark Souls player gets warped into Dark Souls? Really, really bad things.
- Comments: Yes, it's a self-insert fic. But the author tells it pretty realistically by giving his Author Avatar realistic reactions to the events in the game. On top of that, he adds some very funny moments without taking away from the seriousness of the Dark Souls world.
- Seconded. Author Avatar isn't OP or useless, good humour while maintaining tension, characters have been portrayed well so far, and the author does a great job of giving a depiction of Lordran as if it was a real, living world, not a location in a video game. Even game mechanics are translated! The only problem: The author takes so long to update...
Old Soul by The Extreme Piercing
- Recommended by Thagomizer, Ninjat 126, demonwarlord
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: More than once, Quelana wondered whether Nemeta was a trick played upon her by the Flames of Chaos, a beguiling, infuriating illusion that would lure her to oblivion.
- Comments: An excellent fic. Has some incredible world-building and twists on canon which all make perfect sense to the point of being Fridge Logic, some truly hilarious moments, and ending that is absolutely breathtaking. It's not without issues, namely in one severe out of character moment by the protagonist in order to drive the plot, but that should not dissuade you from reading this work.
- Seconded. Expands on the lore in ways that make sense, brilliantly keeps up characterisation on most of the cast (although there are some slips here and there) and really lets you get into the heads of our main duo, Ms. Of Izalith and our fearless Chosen Undead, Nemata.
Lady of Cinder and Fire by MorriganKate
- Recommended by Wild Card Courier
- Status: Dead. Last updated 2012
- Synopsis: An unfortunate Undead. Long forgotten lore of the past. An ancient land, hidden and filled with Hollows and worse. Accompany Claire OC , a Pyromancer from the Great Swamps on her journey to the cinder of the first flame.
- Comments: The story actually starts before the Chosen Undead even arrives at the Asylum, which is interesting. The plot follows a kindhearted and inexperienced pyromancer trying to survive the events of the game. There are some minor discrepancies, like food helping the Undead slow the hollowing process and the OC meeting Solaire before facing the Taurus Demon, but it makes for a better read than one would think.
- Recommended by Dead Brain, Ninjat 126
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Seek Guidance; Hurl Lightning Spear. Everything starts to make sense. Praise the motherf &*ing sun.
- Comments: Probably one of the best parodies I've ever seen. It keeps up with the game's pacing and lore, while poking fun of every aspect there is. It also has Solaire doing a suplex on Maneater Mildred. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU WANT?.
- At first, I was skeptical. Sure, a few good lines, but didn't seem like the author could keep the momentum. Then, along comes everyone's favourite Sunbro, the best Chosen Undead ever, and the abovementioned suplex. Give it a chance, it's worth the read.
- Now with a TvTropes page!.
Poka Poka Dark Souls Life by Jam Session (Circle) & Miyasumi
- Recommended by MrTerrorist
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A hilarious doujin where the author tells his adventures when playing Dark Souls.
- Comments: This doujin will make you laugh and as many will know and understand the various moments in the game the author encountered.
Priscilla! (Doujinshi) by Serizawa Enono
- Recommended by MrTerrorist
- Status: Dead. Last updated 2017
- Synopsis: The cute antics of Priscilla the Crossbreed.
- Comments: A cute and funny slice of life doujin about Priscilla the Crossbreed and her Dark Is Not Evil minions. It finally lends some context and credence to Priscilla's dubious claim that "This land is peaceful, its inhabitants kind". You too will mourn the lack of a Priscilla-tan covenant...
Briefest Respite by Alain
- Recommended by AlienofDoom
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A pair of undead come across the same bonfire.
- Comments: A nice look into how the world of Lordran really functions for those who have to live there.
- Recommended by demonwarlord
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "His heart clicked the seconds away. There had been a time when he had lived and breathed; now all he did was fight and kill, kill and fight." A story told from the viewpoint of Ornstein the Dragonslayer relating his thoughts during/about his eternal vigil in Anor Londo until his death.
Why can't I just take the ring after I fight Artorias? by Gensh
- Recommended by rexis12, Dead Brain
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Questioning only briefly why he's there anyway, a human from the real world ignores the rules of the game and drags Oscar of Astora on a grand adventure to discover the truth of the conflict between Light and Dark. But more importantly to impress his waifu.
- Comments: This fic is when you take For Want of Nail and just keep hammering it down. Every little edit the MC makes just pushes Dark Souls even further into Holy Shit levels, one example Oscar survives and shit just goes awry from there. It's a very cheeky fic that does pretty well to incorporate how dark and unpredictable Dark Souls is, with the usual enthusiasm of a 'Self-Insert' trying to make things better, while at the same time is making it worse. While not exactly the best written as some scenes come of a awkward sometimes, some scenes where they show just how much change is happening due to the MC involvement is very unique and interesting.
- Recommended by Xorn 15
- Status: Dead. Last updated 2016
- Synopsis: "As the legends foretell, the end of the Age of Fire draws near, and it is the duty of the Ashen One to serve as a vessel for souls, traversing the deadly lands of Lothric and returning the Lords of Cinder to their thrones. This is not that story. [AU]"
- Comments: What would have happened if the Ashen One never arose to seek the Lords? This story takes the route of showing the conflict between the remaining defenders of Lothric and the forces of Aldrich and Sulyvan as the Deep Lord makes his move to usher in his Age of the Deep. Features very good characterization and well written fights (prime example being the Aldrich and Ludleth fight in Chapter 5)
- Recommended by Hello 101
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A small drabble based on Dark Souls III, going by the "Usurp The Fire" ending.
- Comments: A small one-shot post Dark Souls 3, assuming that the Usurp the Fire ending was the Earn Your Half Full Ending for the Dark Souls universe by "transferring" the First Flame into every human in the world, ensuring that humanity itself would keep the threats of the Abyss and the fire fading more at bay as long as they existed. More positive than the normal series, but it also makes clear that the world is far from perfect, but there's hope for the future beyond the Fire fading away for good and the imminent death of all that is. Has a minor Ashen One/Fire Keeper romance. There are also several other fics by the author in the same or similar universes which are similar in tone.
Breaking the Cycle by theseeker64
- Recommended by Paragon Emil
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The Knight Lautrec has stumbled upon a terrible realization: Lordran is being cycled over and over endlessly by a stream of 'Chosen' heroes. Now he's intent on finding a way to put an end to the madness, and is enlisting the aid of Quelana, Mother of Pyromancy, Patches the Hyena, and others to resolve this eternal conflict - and break the cycle.
- Comments: A 350 000+ word loveletter to the first Dark Souls. Should clearly be sold in stores.
- Recommended by Nitramy
- Status: Complete (base game only, no DLCs)
- Synopsis: Dark Souls 2 — Bring a Buddy Edition.
- Comments: Quite possibly the funniest, most quotable and most relatable depiction of a two-person romp through Drangleic. The soundtrack (based on Tiny Tim's "Livin' in the Sunlight") is the cherry on top of a sundae of hilarity.
Girolduses Journey by Drakeblood
- Recommended by swmiohz
- Status: Dead. Last updated 2016
- Synopsis: An undead is freed from the asylum, and begins to rediscover his lost connection to the land of Lordran.
- Comments: After the usual intro, the story begins to diverge as Giroldus takes charge of his fate, eventually forming an unexpected romance. While it does play out like a power fantasy at times, it generally only veers into this territory if it would add more action to the story, and this trait does not stop Giroldus from dying. Sadly, as of this comment, the story was left on a cliffhanger.
Crossover Fics
- Recommended by: bf2234
- Status: Ongoing
- Crossover With: Naruto
- Synopsis: The Fire fades. The Dark rises, until Fire flourishes once more. On and on it goes, an endless cycle without purpose, without hope, without end. But I present to you a query: what would happen should a foreign cinder enter this great game of Fire and Dark? Sometimes, a single golden spark carried on the wind is all it takes to set the stage for something...new.
- Recommended by AnonFangeekGirl
- Status: Complete
- Crossover With: Cuphead
- Synopsis: What if Dark Souls was animated like Cuphead? Would you play that? (We would). Before you ask, no, this is not actual gameplay! It will never be a game, but one can dream right?
- Comments: An animated parody featuring several Dark Souls boss fights with the animation style and gameplay of Cuphead (in order: Ornstein & Smough, Nadjka, Sif, Gaping Dragon, a Mass of Souls, High Lord Wolnir, and Yhorm). The boss mechanics are exceptionally well-translated to 2d; one could almost see these as actual Cuphead fights, just with the Chosen Undead and Solaire as the playable characters.
Twisted Reflections by vendetta543
- Recommended by Roaring Thunder, Dead Brain, demonwarlord
- Status: Dead. Last updated 2021
- Crossover With: The Familiar of Zero
- Synopsis: A certain pink-haired mage summons the Chosen Undead.
- Comments: I went into this fanfic thinking it's going to be...less than good. After all crossing over an anime with a game like Dark Souls doesn't seem like an idea I'd even consider. However - this proved me wrong as this is a very well-written piece. Not only does it keep up with the lore of both sources, it also gives some great characterization to most characters. Definitely worth a read, though you must consider the fact of some one the ideas being made-up by the author. If that doesn't bother you - go right in, you won't regret it.
- Now has it's own trope page in Twisted Reflections.
- Recommended by nitewind, Leid
- Crossover with: Worm
- Status:
- Synopsis: When Taylor triggers in Winslow it turns out that something else hitched a ride.
Is It Wrong to Try to Avoid Girls in Dark Dungeons? by shadenight123
- Recommended by Ninmikey 01
- Status: Completed
- Crossover With: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
- Synopsis: Sometimes life gives you lemons. Sometimes it gives you ashes. A Self-Insert Fic featuring Shadenight 123 Praising the Sun and trying to git gud to conquer the Dungeon. Also featuring a genderbent Bell Cranel that is still a Harem Magnet.
- Comments: Another work from the fiction spawning mind of Shadenight 123. Expect frequent updates so long as the muse holds. So far it has the SI working with Dark Souls mechanics partially fused with Danmachi's Falna blessing status for development. The Sun Shall be Praised.
Fate Souls And Singularities by Mundatorem (SpaceBattle Link)
- Recommended by Witherbrine 98
- Crossover with: Fate/Grand Order
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Singularities. Points in Human History which have become corrupted with the presence of a Holy Grail with the end result being the incineration of Humanity. However, it is not the Grails alone which are divergent. The Incineration comes about as one world in particular comes to an end. The two become linked as figures from a different Throne reach across the barriers between worlds.
- Has a Trope page
Souls Art Online by Shadenight123 (FF.Net Link)
- Recommended by: Leid
- Crossover with: Sword Art Online
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The game this time is an MMO take on the first Dark Souls game, seen through Kirito's eyes as the first days pass, he helps newbies and somehow becomes the head of a guild. Dark Souls is living up to the name as monsters become tougher, racism fractures players between the 'undead' and 'alive' sides and the game itself appears to be aiming to screw people over, whether it's from making particular mobs live up to their lore or devise dastardly traps for people to wander into.
- Has a Tropes page
Persona 5 Royal King Of Swords by TheArkatex312
- Recommended by: VictorioMWolff-Haddock
- Crossover with: Persona 5
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: SAVE EVERYONE. Those are the words spoken to the Ashen One as he awakens in a new world. In this new world, he'll find new enemies and a threat so big, even with his strength, he might not be able to stop them. He'll also find the Phantom Thieves, a group dedicated to exposing corrupt adults and stealing their hearts with a power called Persona. With the guidance of a spirit that seems to know more than it lets on, the Ashen One must navigate through relationships, enemies and Palaces to save everyone, and perhaps in the end, save himself. After all, what is a King?
- Comments: Its pretty damningly good, where the Metaverse slowly merges with Dark Souls world, and Yalbadoth becomes a more proactive nemesis, while Ash's...personality clashes well with the peaceful modern world's philosophy.
Beyond the Abyss and Oblivion by FanficsbyVe
- Recommended by : Materioptikon
- Crossover with: The Elder Scrolls
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: As Artorias wanders across the Abyss, he find himself in a land where Time and Light hold meaning once again. And as he transcends into a new world, other lost souls follow and find new life in Nirn.
- Comments: The author admits it started mostly as a joke, however, it rapidly grew in scope and complexity as more characters begin establishing themselves and grow roots, allowing their stories to merge and intertwine with that of the land. There are sequels that allow other Soulsborne characters to escape their disastrous ends and give them a chance to establish themselves in Nirn.
- Recommended by VictorioMWolff-Haddock
- Crossover with: Fate/Apocrypha
- Status: Dead. Last updated September 2020
- Synopsis: The reserve system of the Greater Grail had been activated. Two sides are pitted against each other, Red vs Black. However, the 3rd Holy Grail War had never ended officially, with the continued survival of the Ruler servant. An exploit that an external influence used to intervene in the Grail War that would fight for humanity's salvation.
- Comment: A Fantastic read. The Dark Souls bosses truly make both Factions run for their money.
The Slave Knight by FRAGILE CALCIUM
- Recommended by VictorioMWolff-Haddock
- Crossover with: Monster Girl Encyclopedia
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: After his defeat at the hands of the Ashen One, Gael awakens in a world far different from his. A world where blind desires and compassions for lust roam freely. How will this world handle one such as Gael, and more importantly, will Gael be able to keep himself under control or will he become a mad beast once more?
Is It Too Much To Ask To Be Left Alone? by Ashbel Longhart
- Recommended by VictorioMWolff-Haddock
- Crossover With Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: Bell Cranel died to a Minotaur in the Dungeon. Years later, he finds himself in Lordran after escaping the Undead Asylum only to die over and over. And then he burned for many, many years. And after many centuries, what seemed like a dream, Bell finds himself back in the Dungeon. So what does he do now that he's back home? To be frank, he just wants to be left alone.
You're the Son of Legends, Harry! by Quatermass
- Recommended by VictorioMWolff-Haddock
- Crossover With Harry Potter
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: After the war ended, Harry finds out he is only a Potter by adoption. Years after the dust has settled, and discontented with Magical Britain, Harry journeys to his homeworld with Luna, when he stumbles across a forlorn Crossbreed, and vows to free her. Thus begins a journey that will shake the foundations of Lordran, and prove Harry can live up to his birth parents' legacy...
