What is a Good Souls Game to Start With?
For beginners and casual gamers, the Dark Souls series can be a daunting endeavor. With six main titles and numerous spin-offs, it’s overwhelming to determine where to start. Fortunately, this guide aims to help you find the perfect Souls game for your next gaming adventure.
Early Works vs. Latest Entries
When considering starting your Souls journey, you’re faced with the age-old question: to play from the beginning or to begin with the latest game in the series. A straightforward answer is to begin with the earliest games. Why? Because Dark Souls 1, released in 2011, Dark Souls 2, and Dark Souls 3 were all revolutionary titles in their own right. You’ll find fewer story dependencies and more standalone elements compared to newer entries in the series. Additionally, you can get a feel for the fundamentals of the gameplay before getting overwhelmed by later, more complex titles.
Here are some key benefits to playing the early works:
| Game | Story Standalone | Gameplay Introduction | Timeless Mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS1 | Higher percentage of standalone story elements | More gradual gameplay difficulty | Solid mechanics that still hold up |
| DS2 | Somewhat reliant on DS1 | Slightly easier combat than DS1 | Building upon the foundational DS1 mechanics |
Starting with the first three titles allows you to gradually improve your skills, while not feeling overwhelmed by intricate narrative connections or uninitiated combat mechanics. Don’t worry; I’ve taken the liberty of guiding you through the next logical steps.
Choosing Between Old and New: Where Should You Start?
Ultimately, the answer boils down to personal preference:
| Game | Reasons to Play |
|---|---|
| Dark Souls (2011) | Less story dependencies, gradually introduction to gameplay mechanics |
| Dark Souls 3 (2016) | Latest entry, easier game to jump into (graphically and mechanics wise), more refined worldbuilding and lore |
| Demon’s Souls (2009) | In terms of gameplay, DS Remake (2020) improves upon the original DS: faster-paced and visually impressive |
If you:
- Prefer gradual learning: Dark Souls and Dark Souls 1
- Opt for a more contemporary Souls experience: Dark Souls 3
- Need a refresher before trying the latest Dark Souls series: Demon’s Souls remake
Where’s Elden Ring? Now, you may ask what about Elden Ring, released in 2022. Keep in mind that this is yet another separate spin-off series, focusing more on exploration and dynamic traversal within a vast open world, rather than pure dungeon crawler gameplay. The main title is more polished in the exploration department compared to most Souls games.
So, what’s your new "starting point"?
Now you know the Early Work vs. Latest Entries, Choosing Between Old and New, and why the Elden Ring is another adventure of its own.
Don’t worry if the prospect is still daunting – our "Dark Souls Series Start Point" guide helps newcomers understand the intricacies, encouraging you to dip into one of the five series starter games. Trust this walkthrough, and I ensure an unforgettable Souls adventure. Which game will be the cornerstone of your gaming escapades?