A closed beta test for Dark Souls II will occur exclusively on Playstation 3 starting October 5th, 2013. The game, developed by From Software, is the sequel to 2011’s smash hit action-rpg – which in itself was a kind of spiritual successor to the surprise hit of 2009, Demon’s Souls.

Being part of the Souls series, the game will of course be punishingly difficult, and players of the beta will experience that first hand. The beta will give players the opportunity to play through “one of the most treacherous areas of the Dark Souls II world”, which will of course contain all sorts of diabolical traps, monstrous enemies, and hopefully even a boss. All of which are likely to kick players’ asses.

More updates concerning the beta, such as registration info, will be added to the game’s official Facebook page as they happen.

Dark Souls II will launching on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC in March 2014. Don’t forget to praise the sun and let us know what you think in the comments below.