What Souls Game Should I Play Before Elden Ring?
The Souls series has left an indelible mark on the gaming world, and its latest installment, Elden Ring, has generated immense excitement among gamers. If you’re looking to get the most out of your Elden Ring experience, playing some of the previous Souls games can certainly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the game. So, which Souls game should you play before diving into Elden Ring?
The Recommended Order
Playing the Souls games in chronological order is not necessary to enjoy Elden Ring. However, if you do want to play the games in a specific order to get the most out of your experience, here’s a suggested order: Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls 2, Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3, and then Sekiro. This order brings you up to the release of Elden Ring, making it easier to appreciate the game’s connections to the rest of the series.
Why Play the Souls Games Before Elden Ring?
Playing the Souls games before Elden Ring provides several benefits:
- Established Mechanics: Familiarity with the Souls formula, including the challenging gameplay and exploration-based design, can help you appreciate Elden Ring’s unique twists on these mechanics.
- Story Connections: Understanding the lore and characters of the other Souls games can enrich your experience with Elden Ring, as many of its story elements and characters pay homage to the previous games.
- Improved Learning Curve: If you play the Souls games before Elden Ring, you’ll be more prepared for its challenging combat and exploration sections, making it easier to learn and adapt to new mechanics.
Which Soul Game Should I Play First?
If you’re new to the Souls series, Demon’s Souls is an excellent place to start. This critically acclaimed game introduced many of the mechanics that would define the Souls series, making it a great introduction to the world of FromSoftware. Additionally, Demon’s Souls’ unique atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and mysterious storyline will provide a fascinating foundation for your journey through the Souls series.
What to Expect from Playing the Souls Games Before Elden Ring
Here are some key takeaways you can expect from playing the Souls games before Elden Ring:
- Established Themes: The Souls series is known for exploring themes of mortality, redemption, and the human condition. Playing the games beforehand will help you appreciate the ways in which Elden Ring continues to explore these themes.
- Mature Storytelling: The Souls series is characterized by its mature storytelling approach, often featuring complex narratives and morally ambiguous characters. Playing the games before Elden Ring will help you appreciate the depth and sophistication of the storytelling in each game.
- Refined Combat Mechanics: Playing the Souls games before Elden Ring will help you develop a deeper understanding of the combat mechanics, strategies, and tactics that apply to Elden Ring as well.
Conclusion
Playing the Souls games before Elden Ring can elevate your experience with the new game, providing a rich understanding of the series’ mechanics, story, and themes. By following the recommended order and starting with Demon’s Souls, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of Elden Ring and unlock its many secrets. Remember, the Souls series is all about perseverance, so don’t be afraid to die (a lot) in your journey to become an Elden Ring master!
Additional Tips
| Game | Tips for New Players |
|---|---|
| Demon’s Souls | Start with Boletaria, explore slowly, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. |
| Dark Souls | Learn the basic swordplay, explore the interconnected world, and don’t be afraid to die (a lot). |
| Dark Souls 2 | Adapt to the new combat mechanics, explore the vast open world, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. |
| Bloodborne | Master the Bloodborne combat mechanics, focus on exploration, and learn to navigate the dark environments. |
| Dark Souls 3 | Focus on the storytelling, master the combat mechanics, and be prepared for a challenging world. |
| Sekiro | Master the prosthetic tools, focus on exploration, and be prepared for a challenging world with a more linear design. |
Please note that these tips are general and may not be applicable to every player’s experience.