Can I play Dark Souls 3 without playing Dark Souls 1?

You can play Dark Souls 3 without playing Dark Souls 1, as the game is designed to be enjoyed as a standalone experience, with its own unique story and gameplay mechanics, although playing the first game can provide a deeper understanding of the lore and references to previous games. The story of Dark Souls 3 is connected to Dark Souls 1, but it is not necessary to play the first game to understand and enjoy the third installment, making it a great entry point for new players.

Understanding the Connection Between Dark Souls Games

To fully appreciate the Dark Souls series, it’s essential to understand the connection between the games, and how they relate to each other in terms of storyline and gameplay.

FAQs

The following FAQs provide additional information to help you navigate the Dark Souls series and answer any questions you may have about playing Dark Souls 3 without playing Dark Souls 1.

1. Q: Do I need to play Dark Souls 1 to play Dark Souls 3? A: No, you don’t need to play Dark Souls 1 to play Dark Souls 3, but playing the first game can enhance your understanding of the story and lore.
2. Q: Is Dark Souls 3 a good entry point for new players? A: Yes, Dark Souls 3 can be a great entry point for new players, with its refined gameplay and rich lore, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the series.
3. Q: How is Dark Souls 3 connected to Dark Souls 1? A: Dark Souls 3 is connected to Dark Souls 1 through its story and lore, with many references to the first game, but it can still be enjoyed as a standalone experience.
4. Q: Can I play Dark Souls 3 without using bonfires? A: While it’s possible to play Dark Souls 3 without using bonfires, it’s not recommended, as bonfires provide essential healing and checkpoints throughout the game.
5. Q: Which is better, Dark Souls 1 or 3? A: Both Dark Souls 1 and 3 are excellent games, but Dark Souls 1 is considered more original and groundbreaking, while Dark Souls 3 is more refined and polished.
6. Q: Can I start with Dark Souls 3? A: Yes, you can start with Dark Souls 3, but be prepared for a challenging experience, as the game is designed to be difficult, even for experienced players.
7. Q: Do I need to play all Dark Souls games in order? A: No, you don’t need to play all Dark Souls games in order, as each game has its own unique story and gameplay, but playing them in order can provide a deeper understanding of the series.
8. Q: Is Dark Souls 3 before or after Dark Souls 1 in the timeline? A: Dark Souls 3 takes place after Dark Souls 1 in the timeline, but the story is not directly connected, and each game can be enjoyed as a standalone experience.
9. Q: Can I play Dark Souls 2 without playing Dark Souls 1? A: Yes, you can play Dark Souls 2 without playing Dark Souls 1, but playing the first game can provide a better understanding of the lore and references to previous games.
10. Q: Is Dark Souls 3 harder than Dark Souls 1? A: Dark Souls 3 is considered one of the hardest games in the series, with aggressive enemies and challenging bosses, but the difficulty level can vary depending on the player’s skill level and experience.
11. Q: Are all Dark Souls games connected? A: Yes, all Dark Souls games are connected through their story and lore, but each game has its own unique setting and gameplay, making them standalone experiences.
12. Q: Is Dark Souls 3 a solo game or can I play with others? A: Dark Souls 3 can be played solo, but it also features multiplayer elements, allowing players to summon and invade each other’s worlds.
13. Q: How long does it take to complete Dark Souls 3? A: The completion time for Dark Souls 3 can vary depending on the player’s skill level and playstyle, but it can take around 36 hours to complete the main story and up to 92 hours to achieve 100% completion.
14. Q: Is Dark Souls 3 suitable for beginners? A: While Dark Souls 3 can be challenging, it’s considered a great entry point for new players, with its refined gameplay and rich lore, making it an excellent starting point for those new to the series.
15. Q: How many endings does Dark Souls 3 have? A: Dark Souls 3 has a total of 4 endings, each requiring specific choices and actions throughout the game, adding replay value and encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles.