Does It Matter If I Start With Dark Souls 3? A Deep Dive for New Souls Seekers
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The short answer is: no, it doesn’t inherently matter if you start with Dark Souls 3. You can absolutely jump into its world, its combat, and its challenges without having played the previous entries. However, whether it’s optimal is a more nuanced question, and one we’ll dissect in detail. Think of it like this: you can start watching a popular TV series in its third season and still enjoy it. You’ll get the main plot points, the character dynamics (mostly), and the overall atmosphere. But you’ll inevitably miss some inside jokes, character backstories, and overarching narrative threads that would be richer with prior knowledge. That’s Dark Souls 3 in a nutshell.
The Allure of the Ashen One: Why DS3 Makes a Compelling Entry Point
Dark Souls 3 is often recommended as a starting point for several reasons:
- Refined Gameplay: Arguably, DS3 boasts the most polished and fluid combat mechanics of the original trilogy. Its pace is faster, the animations are smoother, and the overall “feel” is incredibly satisfying. This makes the initial learning curve less daunting, allowing you to focus on mastering the core mechanics rather than wrestling with clunky controls.
- Accessibility (Relatively Speaking): While still undeniably challenging, DS3 offers a slightly more forgiving experience than its predecessors in some areas. The level design is generally more linear, providing a clearer sense of direction for newcomers. While still featuring the “Souls” difficulty, the core game has a more accessible base than the original, and most especially Dark Souls 2.
- Active Community: DS3 still maintains a vibrant online community, making it easier to find co-op partners, seek advice, or engage in PvP. This support network can be invaluable for new players struggling with the game’s difficulty.
- Visually Stunning: The environments in DS3 are breathtaking. The world of Lothric is filled with gothic architecture and grotesque monsters. The art direction may be the best out of the three, which can help draw new players in.
- Story is Understandable Alone: While there are tons of references to past games, the general story of the game stands well on its own. You can follow the main objective without knowing any prior game.
The Potential Drawbacks: What You Might Miss
Starting with DS3 isn’t without its potential downsides:
- Lore Implications: Dark Souls is renowned for its intricate and deliberately obtuse lore. DS3 is heavily steeped in the lore of the first Dark Souls, drawing upon characters, locations, and events from that game. Playing DS3 without this background knowledge will likely result in a less profound appreciation for the narrative’s nuances. You won’t be lost, but you’ll definitely be missing pieces of the puzzle.
- Expectations: DS3 is considered one of the more difficult games in the series. If you start there, you may be setting your expectations for the rest of the franchise to an unattainable level. The original Dark Souls is slower and more methodical, and Dark Souls 2 has unique mechanics that might feel jarring if you’re used to DS3’s faster pace.
- Spoilers: Playing DS3 before the earlier games will inevitably expose you to spoilers, potentially diminishing the impact of experiencing those games for the first time.
- The Metroidvania Feel is Gone: The original Dark Souls had a great level design that had a huge impact on gaming as a whole. The map was interconnected and really let you explore. This is completely missing in the sequel, and especially 3.
The Verdict: It Depends On What You Want
Ultimately, the decision of where to start your Dark Souls journey is a personal one. If your primary goal is to experience a mechanically polished and visually stunning action RPG with a challenging but manageable learning curve, then Dark Souls 3 is a perfectly reasonable entry point.
However, if you prioritize experiencing the story in its intended order, appreciate the nuances of the lore, and want to avoid spoilers, then starting with Dark Souls 1 is the better approach.
Think about the experience you want to have. Do you want to jump into the best-feeling game right away, or do you want to get the full context? There’s no wrong answer.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Starting with Dark Souls 3
1. Is Dark Souls 3 the hardest game to start with?
From the article, the difficulty level of Dark Souls is: 3>1>2. While your first Souls game will always feel the hardest, DS3’s faster pace and aggressive enemies can be overwhelming for newcomers. Demon’s Souls is comparitively easier, however.
2. Will I be completely lost in the story if I start with Dark Souls 3?
No, you won’t be completely lost. The main narrative of DS3 is self-contained enough to be understood without prior knowledge. However, you’ll miss many of the deeper connections to the first game’s lore and characters.
3. Does Dark Souls 2 matter to the story of Dark Souls 3?
Yes and no. DS3 makes fewer direct references to DS2 than it does to DS1. However, DS2 explores themes and concepts that are relevant to the overall Dark Souls universe, enriching your understanding of the lore.
4. Is Dark Souls 3 easier than Dark Souls 1?
While Dark Souls 3 may be smoother and more accessible, the original Dark Souls front-loads its difficulty. Many find the latter half of DS3 to be much more challenging due to the faster pace. So, it depends on your playstyle.
5. What are the key differences between Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3?
Dark Souls 1 has a interconnected world to explore and DS3 focuses on linear gameplay. DS3’s combat is faster and more aggressive, while DS1 is more methodical. DS3 is graphically superior, but DS1 has a unique world design.
6. Is it important to play Demon’s Souls before Dark Souls 3?
No, it’s not important. Demon’s Souls is a distinct entity, though it introduced many of the core mechanics and themes found in the Dark Souls series.
7. Can I play Dark Souls 3 after Elden Ring?
Absolutely! 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.
8. How long does it take to beat Dark Souls 3?
When focusing on the main objectives, Dark Souls III is about 32 hours in length. However, 100% completion will take around 99 hours.
9. Is co-op play important in Dark Souls 3?
Co-op can make the game significantly easier, especially for newcomers. However, it also changes the experience. It is up to the player, but most agree it is much easier.
10. What is the best class to start with in Dark Souls 3 for beginners?
The Knight class is often recommended as it has high health, good armor, and a decent starting weapon, making it more forgiving for new players.
11. Will I enjoy Dark Souls 3 if I don’t like difficult games?
Dark Souls 3 is a difficult game. However, many find the challenge rewarding. If you’re willing to be patient and learn from your mistakes, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
12. Is there a “right” order to play the Dark Souls games?
While there is no official order, playing them in release order (DS1, DS2, DS3) is generally recommended for the best understanding of the lore and narrative progression.
13. Does Dark Souls 3 feel like Bloodborne?
Some say that DS3’s combat just feels like a dumbed down dark souls with a bunch of Bloodborne plopped into it.
14. Is Dark Souls 3 more beginner-friendly than Dark Souls 2?
Most players agree that Dark Souls 3 is more beginner-friendly than Dark Souls 2. DS2 has its own unique systems that may seem foreign to newcomers.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore of Dark Souls?
There are tons of resources to learn about the lore of Dark Souls. From YouTube videos and written articles, there are various avenues to help you learn and understand the story. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) also researches how games like Dark Souls facilitate learning and problem-solving skills.
In conclusion, starting with Dark Souls 3 is a valid option, but be aware of the trade-offs. Consider what you’re looking for in a gaming experience and choose the starting point that aligns best with your preferences. Good luck, Ashen One!