Dark Souls Remastered Version 1.04 ((exclusive)) -

The Dark Souls Remastered version 1.04 (often referred to in documentation alongside Regulation 1.04) was a pivotal update released in July 2018 aimed at stabilizing the multiplayer environment and refining technical performance following the game's launch. Key Technical Improvements & Bug Fixes

The 1.04 update focused heavily on rectifying critical gameplay bugs that could hinder progress or break immersion:

The Four Kings Display: Addressed a bug where the Four Kings boss would not display properly within The Abyss.

Ending Sequence Softlock: Fixed a glitch where the game’s ending could trigger in the Kiln of the First Flame without the player actually defeating the final boss.

Corrupted Save Data: Resolved an issue where a player’s clear data might become erroneous if the application was closed under specific conditions after defeating Gwyn.

UI Corrections: Fixed a bug where the number of Estus Flasks would not display correctly after a player returned to their world via the Black Separation Crystal. Online Multiplayer & Security Updates

Enhancing the "Remastered" multiplayer experience was a primary goal for this patch: dark souls remastered version 1.04

Cheating Prevention: Improved security protocols against cheating during online sessions to ensure a fairer PvP environment.

Matchmaking Stability: Fixed a matching error where sessions would stop if a player attempted to join a session containing blocked players.

Invisible Phantoms: Addressed a bug that occasionally caused players to become invisible during online multiplayer.

Asynchronous Messaging: Fixed an issue where player-written messages were not appearing for others in the asynchronous online system. Platform-Specific Enhancements

While the update rolled out across all consoles, the PC version received tailored fixes through the Steam Community:

Refresh Rate Crashes: Fixed a crash that occurred when users accessed PC settings on monitors with locked refresh rates higher than 60Hz. The Dark Souls Remastered version 1

Language Compatibility: Resolved a bug preventing the game from proceeding past the initial loading screen when launched in Traditional or Simplified Chinese.

Book of the Guilty: Fixed a crash specifically triggered when trying to read the Book of the Guilty.

Welcome to Lordran, Undead.

Dark Souls: Remastered (specifically the patch 1.04/Regulation 1.06 era, which is the final stable version on consoles and PC) is the definitive way to experience this masterpiece. While later versions (like the recent "Network Test" or potential Switch updates) exist, 1.04 is widely considered the standard for the classic meta.

This guide covers the mechanics, progression, and secrets you need to survive.

PlayStation 4 / PS4 Pro

Status: Mandatory patch. Version 1.04 improves Pro support with checkerboard rendering fixes.
Size: ~1.2 GB.

The Compendium of Lordran: Dark Souls Remastered (v1.04)

A. The Quality Build (The Jack of All Trades)

Stats: 40 VIT / 40 END / 40 STR / 40 DEX.
Why: You can wield 90% of the weapons in the game effectively. You rely on raw physical damage.
Key Weapons: Claymore, Zweihander, Balder Side Sword, Great Scythe.
PvP Strategy: Versatility. You don't have the damage of a specialized build, but you have an answer for every situation.

7. Legacy: How 1.04 Shaped the Remaster’s Reception

After version 1.04, review bombing ceased. Critics who initially panned the remaster’s technical flaws (including Eurogamer and Digital Foundry) issued follow-up notes praising the patch. The game’s Metacritic user score on PC rose from 6.2 to 7.8 within two weeks of 1.04’s release. PlayStation 4 / PS4 Pro

Moreover, 1.04 became the baseline for future updates, including the final Version 1.05 (which added Nintendo Switch cloud saves) and Version 1.06 (minor PvP balancing). Without 1.04, the remaster might have remained a cautionary tale. Instead, it became the definitive way to experience Dark Souls for a new generation.

3. The Matchmaking System (Co-op & PvP)

In v1.04, the "Soul Memory" system of DS2 does not exist, but "Weapon Memory" does.

Parry Timing

In Remastered, parry windows are generous compared to DS3/Elden Ring.

Small Shields (Target Shield, Buckler): Have the largest active parry frames. Use these for learning.
Medium Shields: Standard parry frames. Good for reaction parries.
Parry Tools (Target Shield): Start the animation as the enemy's arm begins to move toward you, not when the weapon hits you. In v1.04, latency is a major factor—if the opponent is lagging, parry slightly earlier.

Graphics & Performance

Lighting Adjustments: Reduced the overly aggressive ambient occlusion in certain areas (notably the Depths and Tomb of the Giants) that made some paths invisible.
Frame Pacing: Improved frame pacing on base PS4 and Xbox One, reducing micro-stutter in Blighttown (yes, even the remaster had mild stutter at launch).

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Dark Souls Remastered 1.04

Q: Does version 1.04 change the enemy placement or AI?
A: No. Enemy behavior and placement are identical to the original Dark Souls.

Q: Can I revert to 1.03 on PS4/Xbox?
A: No. Console patches are mandatory unless you have a physical disc and play entirely offline without connecting to the internet.

Q: Is 1.04 the latest version?
A: No, the final version as of 2025 is 1.06, but 1.04 contains the most significant stability fixes. Later patches are incremental.

Q: Does 1.04 improve the Nintendo Switch version?
A: Yes, but separately. The Switch 1.04 patch fixed audio compression issues and save corruption.