Can You Play Dark Souls Not in Order? A Soulsborne Veteran’s Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can play the Dark Souls series out of order. While there are undeniable benefits to experiencing them chronologically, the freedom to jump in wherever your interest lies is a significant part of what makes these games so appealing. Now, let’s dive into the details.
The Case for Playing in Order (and Why It’s Not Essential)
The most compelling argument for playing the Dark Souls games in order (Dark Souls, Dark Souls II, Dark Souls III) revolves around lore and world-building. The first Dark Souls lays the foundational lore, introducing key concepts like the Age of Fire, the Undead Curse, and the struggles of deities and mortals alike. Subsequent games expand upon these themes, adding layers of complexity and nuance. Playing chronologically allows you to witness the gradual evolution of the world and its inhabitants. You’ll also pick up on subtle callbacks and references that add depth to the experience.
However, the beauty of the Dark Souls narrative is its deliberate ambiguity and fragmented storytelling. The story is not presented linearly; instead, it’s pieced together from item descriptions, environmental details, and character interactions. This means that even if you jump into Dark Souls III first, you can still understand the core narrative and appreciate the game on its own merits. You might miss some of the deeper lore connections, but the main plot points will still be accessible.
Gameplay Differences and Why They Matter (or Don’t)
Another factor to consider is the gameplay evolution throughout the series. Each Dark Souls game introduces new mechanics, refines existing ones, and tweaks the overall combat feel. For instance, Dark Souls II introduced significant changes to combat, such as adaptable stats and limited healing items. While some fans appreciate these changes, others find them frustrating. Dark Souls III, on the other hand, is generally considered to have faster and more fluid combat, drawing inspiration from Bloodborne.
Starting with Dark Souls III might make it harder to adjust to the slower, more deliberate combat of the earlier games. However, this is simply a matter of personal preference. Some players might prefer the slower pace, finding it more strategic and methodical. The difficulty of each game varies from player to player, which is discussed in further detail below.
Personal Experience and the Joy of Discovery
Ultimately, the best order to play the Dark Souls games is the one that excites you the most. If you’re drawn to the gothic horror aesthetic of Bloodborne, start there! If the faster combat of Dark Souls III appeals to you, jump right in! The most important thing is to experience these incredible games and immerse yourself in their challenging but rewarding world. Regardless of the order you choose, each Dark Souls game will undoubtedly give you an incredibly rewarding experience.
The challenges in the Dark Souls games are hard but fair. It’s all part of the plan. Once you embrace that idea, Dark Souls becomes so much more than a conventional video game. It becomes a highly cerebral adventure that takes careful planning and execution to progress and survive. The Games Learning Society can provide insights into the design choices that make these games so compelling. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Dark Souls FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about playing the Dark Souls games out of order:
1. Is it okay to play Dark Souls out of order?
Yes! There is no “wrong” way to play these games. Each entry stands alone, and while there are connections, you won’t be completely lost if you start with Dark Souls III or Dark Souls II.
2. Does it matter what Dark Souls you play first?
Not really. Starting with Dark Souls provides a solid foundation in lore, but you can still enjoy the other games without it.
3. Is it important to play Dark Souls 1 and 2 before 3?
No. Dark Souls III is a fine entry point. The story is loosely related, and there are references, but the core experience is self-contained.
4. Which Dark Souls is the easiest?
This is subjective. Many consider Dark Souls III the most accessible due to its faster combat and quality-of-life improvements, but it still has challenging enemies and bosses. It has been suggested that Bloodborne is an easier start into the Souls-like genre for beginners.
5. Which souls-like should I play first?
Many suggest starting with Dark Souls, but Dark Souls III can also be a great entry point due to its more modern gameplay and a lower barrier to entry.
6. Is it okay to play Dark Souls 2 first?
Yes, though it might be jarring compared to Dark Souls or Dark Souls III due to its gameplay changes. It has a slightly different feeling from the other games in the series.
7. Should I start with DS1 or DS3?
DS1 offers a stronger lore foundation, while DS3 provides a more polished and faster-paced experience. Choose whichever appeals more.
8. Is Dark Souls 1 more difficult than 3?
DS1 has challenging early areas, while DS3 has tough late-game bosses. Overall, difficulty is subjective. Most agree that the difficulty in the first game is front-loaded.
9. Is the first Dark Souls the hardest?
Many consider Dark Souls II the hardest due to its level design and enemy placement. However, the boss fights aren’t as challenging.
10. Are all Dark Souls games connected?
Yes, but loosely. They share a world, themes, and some characters, but each game tells its own story.
11. Should you play all Dark Souls before Elden Ring?
No. Elden Ring is a standalone experience, though fans of the Dark Souls series will appreciate its similarities. Elden Ring takes the formula of the Souls-like games and expands it to an open-world environment.
12. Is Dark Souls 3 good for beginners?
Yes. It’s arguably the most accessible Dark Souls game due to its fluid combat and quality-of-life improvements.
13. Does it matter if I start with Dark Souls 3?
No, it doesn’t matter too much. You can still enjoy the game and understand the main story without prior knowledge.
14. Is DS1 and 3 connected?
Yes, DS3 is a direct sequel to DS1. The stories are connected, and DS3 relies heavily on the lore established in DS1.
15. Is Dark Souls 1, 2, or 3 easier?
Subjective, but many rank them 3 > 1 > 2 in terms of difficulty for new players. Dark Souls II is often considered the most challenging overall.