Should I Play Dark Souls Remastered or 3 First?
The world of Dark Souls is rich in history, lore, and challenging gameplay. With the remastered version of Dark Souls launching, many newcomers and returning fans are pondering whether to start their journey with the remastered classic or jump straight into Dark Souls 3, the most recent installment in the series. In this article, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of each approach, helping you decide which path to take.
Should I Play the Original First?
Dark Souls is a series renowned for its challenging gameplay and intricate storylines. Some argue that playing the original Dark Souls first will help you better understand the series’ lore and mechanics, which might make the journey more enjoyable. Here’s why:
- Easier Understanding of the World: By playing the first game, you’ll learn about the world’s setting, history, and factions, setting the stage for the rest of the series.
- Familiarity with Gameplay Mechanics: The first game introduced players to the series’ unique gameplay mechanics, such asSouls clustering, Estus flasks, and summoning co-op. Knowing these mechanics will make you more comfortable with the series.
- Appreciate the Sequels’ Evolutions: After playing the original, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for how the subsequent games build upon and expand the world.
However, playing the remastered original might not offer a drastically different experience. The remake maintains the original’s dark atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and challenging combat. But, it also includes visual and audio updates, new mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements that might affect your experience:
- New Mechanics: The remastered version introduces new combat mechanics, item usage, and boss AI, which might alter the way you approach the game.
- Streamlined Experience: The remake offers improved guidance, clearer story beats, and a refined user interface, making it easier to navigate the game.
Should I Dive Straight into Dark Souls 3?
Dark Souls 3 is a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of the series. However, if you jump directly into Dark Souls 3 without experience with the originals, you might miss crucial context:
- Disconnection from the World’s Lore: Dark Souls 3 has a complex and interconnected world, with allusions to the previous games. You might find the story less engaging or meaningful without knowing the background of the series.
- Difficulty Overwhelming New Players: The game’s aggressive difficulty spikes, intricate fight mechanics, and high demand for character optimization might leave new players feeling overwhelmed or frustrated.
- Unclear Sequel Potential: Without the context of the previous games, you might not appreciate the subtle clues and plot threads that link Dark Souls 3 to the wider series.
Here’s the table comparing both options:
| Playing Original First | Starting with Dark Souls 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Better Understanding of the World | ||
| Familiarity with Gameplay Mechanics | ||
| Appreciate Sequels’ Evolutions | ||
| New Mechanics | ||
| Streamlined Experience | ||
| Connection to Series Lore | ||
| Challenge Level | Low-Medium | High |
Final Thoughts
While both approaches have their benefits, here’s a recommended pathway:
- Remastered Original (optional): If you’re completely new to Dark Souls or want to appreciate the changes and improvements made in the remake, playing the remastered original is a good starting point. This will give you a solid understanding of the game’s core mechanics and introduce you to the series.
- Dark Souls 3 (recommended): If you’re short on time or want to jump straight into the most modern and complex installment, play Dark Souls 3 first. Familiarize yourself with the game’s story, lore, and gameplay mechanics through online resources or guides, and then supplement your knowledge with a run-through of the original remastered Dark Souls.
Keep in mind that both experiences will reward you with intense combat, haunting atmospheres, and a rich storytelling experience. Whichever path you choose, you’re in for a treat – just remember to respawn patiently and take your time to master the art of Dark Souls gameplay.