Dark Souls III is an action role-playing game played from a third-person perspective. The player controls a customisable character who explores interconnected areas, fights enemies and bosses, and rests at bonfires, which function as checkpoints.[2] Defeating enemies earns souls, which are used as both currency and experience points. If the player dies, the player's carried souls are dropped at the place of death; they can be recovered by returning to that location, but are lost permanently if the player dies again before retrieving them.[2]
Combat is based on managing health, stamina, and focus points (FP). The player can fight with melee weapons, bows, shields, throwable items, and magic; shields can block or deflect attacks, while dodge-rolling allows attacks to be evaded.[3] Weapons have standard and strong attacks, and some attacks can be charged.[3] Dark Souls III introduces weapon and shield "Skills", special abilities that vary by equipment and consume FP.[3][2] Stamina limits actions such as attacking, blocking, and dodging, leaving the player vulnerable when depleted.[4]