Do you have to play Dark Souls in chronological order?

To answer the question directly, no, you don’t have to play Dark Souls in chronological order, as each game is designed to be standalone with its own unique story and gameplay mechanics, but playing them in order can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Dark Souls universe. The Dark Souls series is known for its complex lore and interconnected world, so playing the games in order can help you pick up on subtle story references and character connections that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Understanding the Dark Souls Series

The Dark Souls series is a collection of action role-playing games developed by FromSoftware, known for their challenging gameplay and rich lore. The series includes Dark Souls 1, Dark Souls 2, and Dark Souls 3, as well as other related games like Demon’s Souls and Bloodborne.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 FAQs to help you better understand the Dark Souls series and whether you need to play the games in chronological order:

1. Can I play Dark Souls out of order? – From a gameplay perspective, there is no official order to play them, but playing certain entries first can ease you into the series.
2. Should I play Dark Souls in chronological order? – There’s no real need to play them in order from a story point of view, but Dark Souls 3 is more connected to the first game.
3. Can I play Dark Souls 3 without playing 1 and 2? – Yes, you can start with any game, though the gameplay in 3 is probably the hardest.
4. Does it matter what Dark Souls game you play first? – Yes, DS1 sets the base lore out, giving you the required knowledge to enjoy the story.
5. What order should I play the Dark Souls games in? – The best order is Dark Souls 1, Dark Souls 3, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and then Dark Souls 2 and Demon’s Souls.
6. What order should I go in Dark Souls 1? – The recommended order is Undead Asylum, Undead Burg, Undead Parish, and so on.
7. Can I directly play Dark Souls 3 first? – Yes, the story is related to the previous games, but it’s a good entry point with many references to the previous games.
8. How long is Dark Souls 1? – The game’s 42 hours see players exploring the map and defeating required bosses.
9. Can I play Dark Souls 3 if I haven’t played the others? – Yes, you’ll be fine, but Dark Souls 2’s story is very disjointed from the other two games.
10. Should I play Elden Ring or Dark Souls first? – Yes, Elden Ring benefits from longer sessions of uninterrupted play, and it’s a great introduction to the Soulslike genre.
11. Why is Dark Souls 1 better than 3? – The first Dark Souls works better as it is more original, while Dark Souls 3 relies too heavily on the previous game.
12. Are all Dark Souls games connected? – Each game is standalone, but Dark Souls 1 and 2 take place in the same universe.
13. Can you still play Dark Souls 1 after you beat it? – Yes, after “beating” Dark Souls, you can play New Game Plus (NG+).
14. Is Sekiro harder than Dark Souls? – Sekiro is more difficult due to its complex gameplay mechanics and taxing player reaction times.
15. Which Dark Souls is the shortest? – Dark Souls 3 features the shortest average playtime, while Dark Souls 2 is the longest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while you don’t have to play Dark Souls in chronological order, doing so can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Dark Souls universe. By playing the games in order, you can pick up on subtle story references and character connections that might otherwise go unnoticed. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the series, the Dark Souls games offer a unique and rewarding experience that’s sure to challenge and engage you.