Should I play DS before Elden Ring?

Should I Play Dark Souls Before Elden Ring?

Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has sparked a lot of excitement among gamers. As the spiritual successor to the Dark Souls series, many fans are wondering whether they should play the Dark Souls trilogy before diving into Elden Ring. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing Dark Souls before Elden Ring and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.

Direct Answer:

To be honest, there is no hard and fast rule about playing Dark Souls before Elden Ring. However, we do recommend playing Dark Souls if you’re new to the series or haven’t played any of the games before. The Dark Souls trilogy offers a unique gaming experience that sets the stage for Elden Ring’s world and mechanics. On the other hand, if you’re an experienced gamer or have already played Dark Souls, you can definitely jump into Elden Ring without playing the previous games.

Why Play Dark Souls Before Elden Ring?

Here are some compelling reasons to play Dark Souls before Elden Ring:

• Familiarity with the World: Dark Souls is set in a world called Lordran, which shares a similar dark fantasy setting with Elden Ring. Understanding the lore and world of Dark Souls can help you appreciate the similarities and differences in Elden Ring’s world, the Lands Between.
• Mechanics and Controls: Dark Souls’ combat mechanics, such as the shield and parry system, are similar to those in Elden Ring. Familiarizing yourself with these mechanics can make it easier to learn Elden Ring’s combat system.
• Challenging Experience: Dark Souls is notoriously difficult, and playing through the trilogy can help you develop the skills and strategies needed to overcome the challenges in Elden Ring.

Why Not Play Dark Souls Before Elden Ring?

On the other hand, here are some reasons why you might not need to play Dark Souls before Elden Ring:

• Elden Ring’s New Mechanics: While Elden Ring retains some of the Dark Souls’ mechanics, it also introduces new features like the parkour system and dual-wielding. These changes might require some adjustment, but you won’t need to have played Dark Souls to understand them.
• Standalone Story: Elden Ring has its own unique story and characters, which are not directly connected to the Dark Souls series. You can still enjoy the game without knowing the lore and world of Dark Souls.
• Different Game Feel: Elden Ring has a different feel and pace than Dark Souls, thanks to its larger open world and more emphasis on exploration. You might find that you enjoy Elden Ring’s unique gameplay without needing to play Dark Souls.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, whether you should play Dark Souls before Elden Ring depends on your personal gaming preferences and experience. If you’re new to the series or want to get a deeper understanding of the world and mechanics, playing Dark Souls might be a good idea. However, if you’re an experienced gamer or don’t mind jumping into a new game without prior knowledge, you can definitely start with Elden Ring.

Here’s a summary of the pros and cons in a table:

Final Verdict:

While playing Dark Souls before Elden Ring can offer some benefits, it’s not a requirement to enjoy the game. Elden Ring is designed to be accessible to new players, and its unique features and mechanics can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the Dark Souls series. If you’re unsure, you can always start with Dark Souls and then move on to Elden Ring, or jump straight into Elden Ring and see how you like it.