What Souls Game Should You Start With?
The Souls series is notorious for its challenging gameplay, dark atmosphere, and immersive world. With multiple games to choose from, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll guide you through the Souls series and help you determine which game is best suited for you.
The Order of the Games
Before we dive into the specific games, it’s essential to understand the chronology of the Souls series. Here’s a brief overview:
- Demon’s Souls (2009): The first game in the series, set in the world of Boletaria.
- Dark Souls (2011): The game that made the Souls series famous, set in the world of Lordran.
- Dark Souls II (2014): A direct sequel to Dark Souls, set in the world of Drangleic.
- Bloodborne (2015): A fast-paced action RPG set in the city of Yharnam.
- Dark Souls III (2016): The final installment in the Dark Souls trilogy, set in the world of Lothric.
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019): An action-adventure game set in feudal Japan.
- Elden Ring (2022): A new IP developed by FromSoftware, set in the Lands Between.
Which Game is Best for Beginners?
If you’re new to the Souls series, we recommend starting with Elden Ring. Here’s why:
- Easy to pick up: Elden Ring has a more accessible difficulty curve than other Souls games, making it an excellent introduction to the series.
- Exploration-focused: The game’s world is designed for exploration, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden secrets.
- Less emphasis on backtracking: Unlike other Souls games, Elden Ring’s world is more connected, reducing the need for tedious backtracking.
If You Want a More Traditional Souls Experience
If you’re looking for a more authentic Souls experience, we recommend starting with Dark Souls. Here’s why:
- Classic Souls gameplay: Dark Souls is the game that defined the Souls series, offering a challenging experience that requires strategy and perseverance.
- Immersive world: Lordran is a richly detailed world, full of lore and history, which adds depth to the game.
- Atmosphere and storytelling: Dark Souls’ atmosphere and storytelling are second to none, making it an excellent example of the Souls series’ ability to transport players to another world.
If You Want a Change of Pace
If you’re looking for a change of pace, we recommend starting with Bloodborne. Here’s why:
- Fast-paced action: Bloodborne is a fast-paced action RPG, offering a distinct change of pace from the Souls games.
- Unique world: Yharnam is a dark, Victorian-era inspired city, which is unlike any other Souls game.
- Complex combat: Bloodborne’s combat system is more complex than other Souls games, requiring players to think strategically about their attacks and defenses.
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Souls Game
Here’s a table summarizing our recommendations:
| Game | Best for | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | Beginners, Exploration-focused | Easy to pick up, Exploration-focused, Less emphasis on backtracking |
| Dark Souls | Classic Souls experience, Immersive world | Classic Souls gameplay, Immersive world, Atmosphere and storytelling |
| Bloodborne | Change of pace, Fast-paced action | Fast-paced action, Unique world, Complex combat |
Conclusion
Choosing the right Souls game can be daunting, but by considering your preferences and experience level, you can find the perfect game to suit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, the Souls series has something to offer. So, which Souls game will you start with?