Should I Play Dark Souls 2 First?
The Dark Souls series is notorious for its challenging gameplay and rich lore. If you’re new to the series, you might be wondering which game to start with. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question, specifically focusing on whether you should play Dark Souls 2 first.
Direct Answer:
No, Dark Souls 2 should not be your first game in the series. The recommended order is Dark Souls -> Dark Souls 3 -> Dark Souls 2. This order allows you to experience the series’ storyline and gameplay progression in a coherent manner.
Why Not Dark Souls 2 First?
Here are a few reasons why Dark Souls 2 should not be your first game:
- Lack of Context: Dark Souls 2 takes place in a different time period and has a distinct storyline that builds upon the events of Dark Souls 3. Without playing the first game, you’ll miss out on the series’ lore and character development.
- Difficulty: Dark Souls 2 is considered one of the most challenging games in the series, and it’s not a good introduction to the Dark Souls gameplay style. Dark Souls is a more accessible game, making it a better starting point.
- Quality of Life Features: Dark Souls has fewer quality of life features than Dark Souls 2, which can make the gameplay experience more enjoyable and less frustrating.
Dark Souls vs. Dark Souls 2: A Brief Comparison
Here’s a brief comparison between Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2:
| Dark Souls | Dark Souls 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Storyline | Takes place in the kingdom of Lordran | Takes place in the kingdom of Drangleic |
| Gameplay Style | More slow-paced and methodical | Faster-paced and more action-oriented |
| Difficulty | Challenging, but more manageable | Extremely challenging |
| Quality of Life Features | Fewer features, such as less healing and fewer estus shards | More features, such as more estus shards and a more refined leveling system |
Conclusion
While Dark Souls 2 is a great game in its own right, it’s not the best starting point for new players. If you’re new to the series, start with Dark Souls to experience the game’s core mechanics and storyline. Then, move on to Dark Souls 3, which is a more refined and challenging experience. Finally, you can play Dark Souls 2, which will offer a unique gameplay experience and a deeper understanding of the series’ lore.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Play the games in order: The Dark Souls series has a complex storyline and character development that spans multiple games. Playing the games in order will help you understand the narrative and appreciate the series’ world and characters.
- Start with Dark Souls**: Dark Souls** is a more accessible game that will help you get a feel for the series’ gameplay style and mechanics.
- Take your time: The Dark Souls series is notorious for its challenging gameplay and frustrating difficulty spikes. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.