What Order Should I Play Dark Souls?
The Dark Souls series is a challenging and engaging set of games that has gained a huge following worldwide. However, the order in which you play the games can significantly impact your overall experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best order to play the Dark Souls series, discussing the pros and cons of each option.
Playing the Series in Chronological Order
Playing the series in chronological order means starting with the first game, Dark Souls, followed by Dark Souls 2, Bloodborne, and finally Dark Souls 3. This order makes sense if you’re looking for a linear story progression, as each game builds upon the previous one’s lore and world.
Pros of Playing in Chronological Order:
- Easy to Follow the Story: Playing the games in order allows you to follow the story’s progression, making it easier to understand the world’s lore and connections between games.
- Improved Immersion: Each game builds upon the previous one’s atmosphere and world, making for a more immersive experience.
- Better Connection to the Series: By playing the games in order, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the Dark Souls universe, its characters, and its themes.
Cons of Playing in Chronological Order:
- Overlapping Gameplay: Playing the games in order may result in repetitive gameplay mechanics and similar boss fights.
- Lower Replay Value: Once you’ve completed the series, replaying each game might feel less engaging due to the linear storytelling.
Playing the Series in Reverse Order
Starting with Dark Souls 3 and working your way back to the first game may be a good option if you’re looking for a change of pace. This order allows you to experience the series’ more refined mechanics and game design, as well as the culmination of the lore.
Pros of Playing in Reverse Order:
- Refined Gameplay Mechanics: Playing the series in reverse order means experiencing the most polished gameplay mechanics first, followed by earlier iterations.
- Lore Conclusion: Finishing the series with Dark Souls 3 allows you to conclude the lore and understand the world’s ultimate fate.
- Different Challenges: Playing the games in reverse order offers different challenges and obstacles to overcome.
Cons of Playing in Reverse Order:
- Confusing Storyline: Playing the games out of order can make the storyline more difficult to follow, as you’ll encounter events and characters without proper context.
- Lower Immersion: The series’ atmosphere and world-building might feel less immersive due to the altered order of events.
Playing Each Game Individually
Playing each Dark Souls game independently, without worrying about the order, can be a great option if you’re looking for a self-contained experience.
Pros of Playing Each Game Individually:
- Unique Storylines: Each game has its own unique storyline and world, offering a distinct experience.
- New Challenges: Playing each game individually provides new challenges and obstacles to overcome.
- Flexibility: You can choose which game to play next based on your preferences.
Cons of Playing Each Game Individually:
- Less Connection to the Series: Playing each game independently can make it difficult to develop a deep understanding of the Dark Souls universe and its connections between games.
- Missing Context: Some events, characters, or lore may not make sense without the context of previous games.
Table: Dark Souls Game Release Order
| Game | Release Year |
|---|---|
| Dark Souls | 2011 |
| Dark Souls 2 | 2014 |
| Bloodborne | 2015 |
| Dark Souls 3 | 2016 |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | 2019 |
| Elden Ring | 2022 |
Conclusion
The best order to play the Dark Souls series depends on your personal preferences and goals. If you want to follow the story and lore, playing in chronological order might be the best option. However, if you’re looking for a change of pace or a unique experience, playing in reverse order or each game individually could be the way to go.
Regardless of the order you choose, Dark Souls remains an engaging and challenging series that offers a unique experience. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran of the series, we hope this article has provided you with the information you need to plan your next gaming adventure.
References:
- Vintageisthenewold. (n.d.). What Order To Play The Soulsborne Games. Retrieved from https://www.vintageisthenewold.com/faq/view-answer/11361520/
- Steam Community. (n.d.). Dark Souls. Retrieved from https://steamcommunity.com/app/221980/desc/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvcOac3Mgww