What Dark Souls Should I Start With?
The Dark Souls franchise has gained a massive following over the years, but for new players, navigating the series can be intimidating. With three main titles and a spin-off in Elden Ring, determining which game to start with can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down the franchise and provide guidance on where to begin your Dark Souls journey.
Answer: Start with Elden Ring
While opinions about the difficulty level of the Dark Souls games vary, there’s no denying that Elden Ring is the most newcomer-friendly among the series. Published by Bandai Namco and developed by FromSoftware, Elden Ring’s open-world design and abundant resources make it an easier entry point for new players. Here are the reasons why:
Easier Difficulty: While still challenging, Elden Ring’s difficulty curve is more gradual, allowing newcomers to adjust to the rhythm of the game without sudden spikes in difficulty.
More Resources: Elden Ring offers more resources for players to manage their energy and health, making progress feel more achievable.
Open-World Exploration: The game’s open world allows for exploration and navigation, giving players a greater sense of freedom and curiosity.
New Player Focus: Elden Ring specifically targets new players with guides, tutorials, and mechanics designed to ease the player into the game.
If you’re new to the franchise, start with Elden Ring. We’ll discuss the other options below, but Elden Ring is the most natural starting point.
Do I Need to Play in Order?
While story connections exist between the games, playing in sequence is not strictly necessary. Each game has distinct storylines, and connections are mostly cosmetic. This means you can jump from one game to another and still enjoy the experience without feeling lost.
From Dark Souls 1 to 3
Here’s a brief overview of the mainline Dark Souls titles:
| Game | Summary |
|---|---|
| Dark Souls | The original game that defined the Souls series. Fast-paced combat and challenging worlds. |
| Dark Souls II | Improved graphics, new mechanics, and darker atmosphere. |
| Dark Souls III | The series’ conclusion, with interconnected worlds and epic boss fights. |
Which Should I Play Next?
Since you’ve started with Elden Ring, proceed to Dark Souls if you enjoy the series’ core mechanics. However, if you’re short on time or prefer other gameplay styles, Dark Souls II and III are also excellent choices:
- Dark Souls 2: If you love the atmosphere and world designs, Dark Souls 2 is a great choice for its unique setting and enhanced graphics.
- Dark Souls 3: Finish the series with Dark Souls 3, which refines the combat and pacing, offering a more extensive world to explore.
Remember, the order isn’t crucial, so select the game that resonates with you the most.
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