Dark Souls 2: A Timeline Enigma – Is it Before or After Dark Souls 1?
The question of where Dark Souls 2 fits within the timeline of the Dark Souls universe is one that has plagued fans since its release. While the series isn’t known for its straightforward narrative, understanding the placement of Dark Souls 2 relative to its predecessor is key for appreciating the overall lore and recurring themes. So, let’s cut to the chase: Dark Souls 2 takes place significantly after Dark Souls 1. It’s not a direct sequel in the traditional sense, but rather a continuation set within the same cyclical world, many ages later.
The evidence for this lies in several key factors, including geographical shifts, the evolution of magic, the state of the world, and subtle but powerful lore implications. Dark Souls 2 introduces a new land, Drangleic, a kingdom that exists in the same world as Dark Souls 1‘s Lordran, but centuries, possibly millennia, later. This isn’t a mere hop across a mountain range; it’s a generational shift, a world that has moved on while still haunted by the echoes of the past.
Evidence for a Post-Dark Souls 1 Setting
The Passing of Time
The most obvious clue is the overwhelming sense of time having passed. Items from Dark Souls 1, such as specific rings and weapons, appear worn, aged, and sometimes even broken in Dark Souls 2. This suggests a long period has passed since the events of the first game. The magic system also shows signs of evolution. Hexes, treated as a distinct spell category in Dark Souls 2, are a sign of the world’s magical understanding evolving and becoming more refined. This temporal distance strongly implies that Dark Souls 2 isn’t a story that runs parallel or even shortly after the original, but is set well into the future.
Geographical and Societal Changes
The world of Drangleic itself provides significant clues. The geography of the world has changed dramatically. While Lordran and Anor Londo are referenced, they’re spoken of with a sense of myth and distant history. The societal structures are different too; we see the rise and fall of various kingdoms and powers, demonstrating that history has marched onward after the events of Dark Souls 1. Drangleic is not simply a new kingdom adjacent to Lordran, but a kingdom that exists far from the events of the past.
Echoes of the Past, Not Direct Connections
While there are allusions to Dark Souls 1 – such as the reappearance of certain armour sets, weapons, and even familiar themes – they are not necessarily direct connections. Rather, they are remnants and echoes of a world that has been, reinforcing the idea that Dark Souls 2 is living in the shadow of a past age. Characters from Dark Souls 1 are gone, not simply absent, and their legacies are often interpreted, misconstrued, and adapted in this new age. It’s a world that remembers, but also forgets, and the stories of old are treated as legends. This further separates the events of Dark Souls 2 from a direct proximity to the original game.
FAQs About Dark Souls 2’s Place in the Timeline
Is Dark Souls 2 a direct sequel to Dark Souls 1?
No, Dark Souls 2 is not a direct sequel in the conventional sense. While it shares the same universe and themes as the original, it introduces a new story, location, and characters, taking place many years later. The game focuses on a different cycle of the curse, showing how it has evolved and manifested across the ages.
Is Dark Souls 2 a prequel to Dark Souls 1?
Absolutely not. All evidence points to Dark Souls 2 taking place significantly after Dark Souls 1. The aging of items, the evolution of magic, and the state of the world all suggest a future timeline. There are no canonical elements that could justify it being a prequel.
Does Dark Souls 2 take place in the same universe as Dark Souls 1 and 3?
Yes, Dark Souls 2 is set within the same universe as Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3. However, the games do not share a tightly interwoven narrative. Each game exists as a separate chapter in the cyclical history of this world. They all share the same core mechanics and thematic elements, creating a consistent shared universe.
Are any characters from Dark Souls 1 present in Dark Souls 2?
No, there are no directly returning characters from Dark Souls 1 in Dark Souls 2. While there are references to characters like Gwyndolin, these are merely mentions and the characters are long gone. The absence of these characters in Dark Souls 2 reinforces the significant time gap between the games.
Why are there references to Dark Souls 2 in Dark Souls 3?
References to Dark Souls 2 in Dark Souls 3, such as mentions of Forossa, Mirrah, and the presence of items like Lucatiel’s set, canonize the events of Dark Souls 2. These references demonstrate that Dark Souls 2 is part of the world’s history, even if the main narrative connection isn’t direct. It shows how the legacies of Drangleic still linger across the ages.
Is the story of Dark Souls 2 canon?
Yes, the story of Dark Souls 2 is considered canon within the Dark Souls universe, despite its more standalone nature compared to Dark Souls 3. The references in Dark Souls 3 confirm that the events of Dark Souls 2 happened within the established lore of the series.
How is Dark Souls 2 connected to Dark Souls 1 story-wise?
The story connection between Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 2 is primarily thematic and cyclical. Both games explore the themes of undeath, the curse, and the cyclical nature of the world. However, the specific stories, characters, and locations are different, further highlighting the time lapse between the games.
Is Dark Souls 2 harder than Dark Souls 1?
Generally, many players consider Dark Souls 2 to have a different kind of difficulty compared to Dark Souls 1. Dark Souls 2 is known for its punishing enemy placements, more challenging level design, and numerous optional bosses. Dark Souls 1 has harder bosses overall, but Dark Souls 2 is arguably a more challenging overall experience.
Is there a specific order to play the Dark Souls games?
From a story perspective, there is no essential order to play the Dark Souls games. Each game is a largely standalone experience. However, from a gameplay perspective, most players recommend starting with Dark Souls 1, due to its balance of difficulty, complexity, and world-building.
Is the game world of Dark Souls 2 in the same location as the game world of Dark Souls 1?
No, Dark Souls 2 takes place in a new kingdom called Drangleic, which is geographically distant from Dark Souls 1‘s Lordran. This change in location emphasizes the passing of time and the geographical evolution of the world.
Why does Anor Londo look different in Dark Souls 3 compared to Dark Souls 1?
The changing appearance of locations like Anor Londo between Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3 reflects the passage of time, the decay of the world, and the influence of the cyclical nature of the Dark Souls universe. The changes in the world are a reflection of the countless ages that have gone by since the events of Dark Souls 1.
Is Elden Ring connected to the Dark Souls universe?
No, Elden Ring is not officially connected to the Dark Souls universe. It exists in its own separate setting and lore. Though some of the core gameplay mechanics are very similar, the world, story and characters are independent of the Dark Souls series.
Which Dark Souls game is the easiest?
While difficulty is subjective, Dark Souls 3 is often considered easier than Dark Souls 2, with Dark Souls 1 sitting somewhere in the middle. The general consensus is that Dark Souls 2 is the most challenging of the original trilogy.
How does Dark Souls 3 connect to Dark Souls 1 and 2?
Dark Souls 3 strongly leans into the narrative of Dark Souls 1, acting as a spiritual sequel. Dark Souls 3 expands upon the themes and lore of the first game and features more direct ties to the events of Dark Souls 1. While the story connection isn’t direct with Dark Souls 2, there are lore references cementing its place in the overall universe.
Is it essential to play Dark Souls 1 and 2 before Dark Souls 3?
No, you do not need to play Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 2 to enjoy Dark Souls 3. While it does build upon the lore, it’s designed to be accessible as an entry point for the series. The story elements are presented in a way that can be enjoyed without complete knowledge of the previous games.
In conclusion, Dark Souls 2 is a game that stands on its own within the Dark Souls universe, taking place many ages after the events of Dark Souls 1. It is not a prequel but a distant future, where the legacies of the past are still felt but the world has moved on and the cycle continues. Understanding this context helps in appreciating the game and the broader lore of the series.