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Do I Need to Play Dark Souls in Order? A Souls Veteran’s Guide

The short answer is: no, you don’t need to play the Dark Souls games in order. While there are narrative connections and recurring themes, each entry stands relatively well on its own. However, whether you should play them in order is a more nuanced question, heavily dependent on your gaming experience, tolerance for difficulty, and interest in lore. Let’s delve into the depths of this question, exploring the pros and cons of different starting points in FromSoftware’s acclaimed series.

The Case for Playing in Order (Dark Souls 1 -> 2 -> 3)

For many seasoned “Souls” veterans, the “correct” way to experience the Dark Souls trilogy is to play them in chronological order, starting with Dark Souls 1. There are several compelling reasons for this:

Foundational Lore and World-Building: Dark Souls 1 lays the groundwork for the entire series. It introduces the core concepts of the Age of Fire, the Undead Curse, Lordran, and key characters like Gwyn and Artorias. Understanding this foundation enhances the appreciation of the later games’ narratives and themes. Dark Souls 2 does introduce a small concept that becomes integral for understanding the cycle later.
Gradual Difficulty Curve (Potentially): While debatable, some argue that Dark Souls 1 offers a more forgiving introduction to the “Souls-like” genre compared to its sequels. Its pacing is slower, and the level design, though intricate, is generally considered less punishing than the later entries, especially for newcomers.
Experiencing the Evolution of Gameplay: Playing the games in order allows you to witness the evolution of the combat mechanics, level design, and overall presentation. This can be particularly rewarding for fans interested in the development history of the series.
Emotional Impact of Recurring Characters and Locations: While the stories are largely self-contained, Dark Souls 3 heavily references the events and locations of Dark Souls 1. Experiencing the original first creates a powerful sense of nostalgia and emotional resonance when revisiting familiar places or encountering characters in the final installment. Dark Souls 3 uses Dark Souls 1 as the foundation on which to tell the story.

Why It Might Be Okay (or Even Preferable) to Start Elsewhere

Despite the arguments for chronological order, there are valid reasons to consider starting with a different Dark Souls game:

Dark Souls 3 as an Accessible Entry Point: Many consider Dark Souls 3 to be the most polished and refined game in the trilogy. It features faster combat, more linear level design (at least initially), and stunning visuals. This makes it potentially more accessible and appealing to newcomers who might be intimidated by the slower pace and more obtuse design of Dark Souls 1. The story is related to the previous games, and there are a lot of references. But as always, the story is up to interpretation.
Dark Souls 2: A Divisive but Unique Experience: While often criticized for its departure from the established formula, Dark Souls 2 offers a distinct gameplay experience with its own unique mechanics and world. Some players actually prefer its slower, more strategic combat and intricate level design. Starting with Dark Souls 2 allows you to appreciate its quirks without comparing it directly to its predecessor. DS2 doesn’t do much, as it completely changes the gameplay. It does, however, introduce a small concept that becomes integral for understanding the cycle later.
Avoiding Burnout: The Dark Souls games are notoriously challenging, and playing them back-to-back can lead to burnout. Starting with a potentially less difficult entry like Dark Souls 3 can help ease you into the series without overwhelming you early on. Actually the 3rd one could be a good entry point.
Focusing on Gameplay Over Lore: If you’re primarily interested in the challenging combat and rewarding exploration that define the Dark Souls series, the specific order in which you play the games is less important. Each entry offers a similar core gameplay loop that can be enjoyed independently of the overarching narrative.

The Importance of Personal Preference and Gaming Background

Ultimately, the best starting point for the Dark Souls series is a matter of personal preference and depends heavily on your previous gaming experiences. If you’re a seasoned gamer with a high tolerance for difficulty, starting with Dark Souls 1 might be a rewarding challenge. However, if you’re new to the “Souls-like” genre or prefer a more accessible experience, Dark Souls 3 might be a better option. Remember, the Games Learning Society is a great resource to learn more about video game communities and cultures. Explore GamesLearningSociety.org to gain insights.

Navigating the Dark Souls Experience: Key Considerations

Regardless of where you choose to start, keep these tips in mind to maximize your enjoyment of the Dark Souls series:

Embrace the Difficulty: Death is an integral part of the Dark Souls experience. Don’t be discouraged by frequent defeats; instead, learn from your mistakes and adapt your strategies.
Explore Thoroughly: The Dark Souls games are filled with hidden secrets, items, and lore. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny of the world.
Experiment with Builds: Dark Souls offers a wide range of weapons, armor, and spells. Experiment with different builds to find a playstyle that suits you.
Utilize Online Resources: Don’t be afraid to consult online guides, wikis, and communities for help. The Dark Souls community is incredibly supportive and willing to offer advice.
Consider Multiplayer (But It’s Not Required): While you can play Dark Souls entirely solo, the multiplayer features (co-op and PvP) add another layer of depth to the experience. Summoning other players for help or invading their worlds can be both challenging and rewarding. You can beat any Dark Souls game without multiplayer, it’s just harder to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the issue of Dark Souls game order:

1. Is Elden Ring Connected to Dark Souls?

No. There is no official connection between Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Dark Souls I – III occupy their own universe, and so do Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Demon’s Souls.

2. Is Dark Souls Really the Hardest Game?

Dark Souls is undoubtedly challenging, earning a reputation for its unforgiving gameplay. Expect to die numerous times, and then some.

3. Is Dark Souls 3 Harder Than 1?

The game becomes a lot easier for the player if they make good use of Spirits, but that doesn’t quite drop it beneath DS2’s difficulty. Dark Souls 2’s overall difficulty is still lower than Elden Ring’s thanks to its simple, slow enemies, and Elden Ring’s toughest fights take cues from the Fume Knight. I would say that three is the most aggressive of the three, of course your first souls game is always gonna be your hardest, but I would say 3 would be the hardest for a new player in terms of the aggressive enemies and some specifically tough late game bosses.

4. Which Dark Souls Game is the Easiest?

Dark Souls 2 is the least favorite of the series by fans, and the consensus of the community is that it is the easiest in the series. Every FromSoftware Souls Game, Ranked From Easiest to Hardest 7 Elden Ring, 6 Bloodborne, 5 Dark Souls 3, 4 Dark Souls, 3 Demon’s Souls, 2 Dark Souls 2, 1 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

5. How Hard Is Dark Souls 3 for Beginners?

Before Elden Ring, Dark Souls 3 was the culmination of all the lessons FromSoftware learned while producing Soulsborne games. That led to a variety of vital quality-of-life improvements that made Dark Souls 3 the most accessible game in the Dark Souls franchise as well as arguably the easiest.

6. Can I Play Dark Souls 3 Without Playing 1 and 2?

Yes. Dark Souls 1 and 3 take place in the same area whilst Dark Souls 2 is in an entirely different place.

7. Do I Need to Play Dark Souls 1 Before 2?

Well, there is no link between storylines, so you could play Dark Souls II without playing Dark Souls 1, but I would recommend playing the first game, because if you don’t, you will have no idea what you’re doing in Dark Souls II.

8. Does It Matter If I Start with Dark Souls 3?

You don’t have to play the first 2 games in order to enjoy the 3rd one. Actually the 3rd one could be a good entry point. The story is related to the previous games, and there are a lot of references.

9. Which Is the Most Difficult Dark Souls?

Dark Souls 2: Scholar Of The First Sin.

10. Is Dark Souls 3 a Solo Game?

Yes, you can beat any Dark Souls game without multiplayer.

11. Should I Play Dark Souls 3 Before Dark Souls?

When games have a number attached to the end of their title, people tend to question whether they should start with the first game or if the sequel is a viable entry point. Veterans of Dark Souls and hardcore fans will suggest playing the first game, but in reality, it’s perfectly fine to start with Dark Souls 3.

12. What Order Should I Go In Dark Souls 1?

Undead Asylum, Undead Burg, Undead Parish, Darkroot Garden, Lower Undead Burg, Depths, Blighttown, Sen’s Fortress, Anor Londo.

13. Should I Play Elden Ring or Dark Souls First?

Yes. The challenges are immense, but so is the reward. This is absolutely a game that benefits from longer sessions of uninterrupted play, which many people don’t have the time for.

14. Are All Dark Souls Games Connected?

Each game is standalone for the most part. Dark Souls 1 and 2 take place in the same universe, although the only connection they have are a few vague references.

15. Why Dark Souls 3 is Better than Dark Souls 1?

The meat of any Soulsborne is the boss battles. While Dark Souls has some furious opponents, the third entry has far better and more memorable fights. Between enthralling music to superb enemy design, every element of the bosses proves themselves worthy foes.

Final Verdict

While playing in order offers a richer narrative experience and a potentially smoother difficulty curve, there’s no single “right” way to approach the Dark Souls series. Consider your own preferences and gaming background, and choose the starting point that appeals to you the most. No matter where you begin, prepare to die, learn, and ultimately, triumph in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The choice is yours, brave adventurer. Go forth and embrace the darkness!

Do I need to play Darksouls in order?