Dark Souls 3 vs. Dark Souls 1: Which Game Demands More of Your Time?

The eternal question plaguing gamers diving into the punishing yet rewarding world of FromSoftware: Is Dark Souls 3 longer than Dark Souls 1? The answer, in most cases, is no. While playtime varies considerably depending on player skill, playstyle, and completion goals, Dark Souls 1 generally requires more hours to complete than Dark Souls 3. However, this seemingly simple answer hides a multitude of nuances, including the impact of exploration, difficulty, and even individual player experience. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison, exploring the factors that influence playtime in both games.

A Tale of Two Souls: Core Game Length

The most straightforward metric for comparison is focusing on the core gameplay loop: progressing through the main story, defeating essential bosses, and reaching the end credits. For this, it’s generally accepted that Dark Souls 3 offers a slightly leaner experience.

• Dark Souls 1 (Remastered): Average playtime for a first playthrough typically lands between 35-50 hours. A more thorough exploration, including optional areas and bosses, can easily push this closer to 60-70 hours.
• Dark Souls 3: Average playtime for a first playthrough is usually around 30-45 hours. Again, with exploration and optional content, expect to spend 50-60 hours.

These numbers aren’t set in stone. A highly skilled player familiar with “Souls-like” games could complete either title significantly faster. Conversely, a new player struggling with the mechanics or a completionist determined to uncover every secret will undoubtedly spend far more time with both games.

The Labyrinthine World: Map Design and Exploration

One of the critical differences influencing playtime is the world design. Dark Souls 1 features a more interconnected and labyrinthine world. While Dark Souls 3 is praised for its level design, it follows a more linear progression with distinct, separated zones.

• Dark Souls 1: Lordran is a masterclass in interconnected level design. You’ll often find yourself unlocking shortcuts and pathways that loop back to earlier areas, creating a sense of exploration and discovery. This intricate map, while rewarding, can also lead to players getting lost or spending significant time backtracking, thus increasing their playtime. The early-game areas like the Undead Burg, Undead Parish, and Darkroot Garden are especially conducive to thorough exploration.
• Dark Souls 3: Lothric’s world, while visually stunning, is more linear. Each area is distinct and leads logically to the next. This streamlined design makes navigation easier, but it also reduces the amount of time spent exploring. The grand scale and detail of areas like the Irithyll of the Boreal Valley can still add to the experience.

Difficulty and Learning Curve: Triumphs and Tribulations

Another crucial factor is the difficulty curve and the time it takes to overcome the game’s challenges. While both games are notoriously difficult, some argue that Dark Souls 1 has a steeper initial learning curve.

• Dark Souls 1: The slower combat, more deliberate movement, and unforgiving stamina management can be daunting for newcomers. Players often spend a considerable amount of time learning enemy attack patterns, mastering parrying, and understanding the game’s complex systems. The infamous Blighttown area alone has been known to significantly extend playtime due to its challenging environment and frustrating navigation.
• Dark Souls 3: While Dark Souls 3 features faster, more aggressive combat, it is arguably more accessible to new players. Many veterans consider it easier to co-op with others, and the mechanics of the game will be easier to adapt to. However, while the initial learning curve may be gentler, some bosses like Slave Knight Gael and Darkeater Midir present formidable challenges.

Completionist Endeavors: The Pursuit of 100%

For players aiming for 100% completion, the playtime difference between the two games becomes even more pronounced. This involves collecting all items, completing all quests, defeating all bosses (including optional ones), and unlocking all achievements or trophies.

• Dark Souls 1: Achieving 100% in Dark Souls 1 requires extensive farming for rare items, mastering challenging boss fights, and navigating obscure questlines. The unique covenant system also adds to the grind, as players need to rank up in each covenant to obtain specific rewards.
• Dark Souls 3: While 100% completion in Dark Souls 3 is still a significant undertaking, some aspects are less time-consuming than in Dark Souls 1. However, certain item farming and covenant rewards remain time-intensive.

The Impact of Multiplayer: Cooperation and Competition

The multiplayer aspect of Dark Souls can also influence playtime, although in different ways. Both games offer cooperative play, allowing players to summon others for help with difficult areas and bosses.

• Dark Souls 1: While online activity has diminished over time, the original Dark Souls had a thriving multiplayer community. Summoning help or engaging in PvP could both extend and enhance the gameplay experience.
• Dark Souls 3: Dark Souls 3 arguably features the most active and refined multiplayer system in the series. The game’s vibrant online community ensures that players can readily find assistance or engage in PvP battles, potentially adding hours to their playtime.

Ultimately, the question of whether Dark Souls 3 is longer than Dark Souls 1 depends heavily on individual playstyle and goals. However, on average, Dark Souls 1 tends to demand more of your time due to its more labyrinthine world, steeper learning curve, and completionist requirements.

Learning more about video games can be done through various organizations, such as the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover insightful research and studies on the educational impacts of video games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Dark Souls game is the shortest?

Based on average playtime, Dark Souls 3 is generally considered the shortest of the original Dark Souls trilogy.

2. Is Dark Souls 3 harder than Dark Souls 1?

That’s a matter of opinion, but many players find Dark Souls 3 harder due to its faster combat and aggressive enemies, while Dark Souls 1 is difficult due to its slower combat and more obtuse world design.

3. How long does it take to beat Dark Souls 1 if you’re new to the series?

A new player can expect to spend 40-60 hours beating Dark Souls 1 for the first time, depending on their skill and exploration habits.

4. Is Dark Souls 3 a good starting point for the series?

While it’s often recommended to start with Dark Souls 1 for the story context, Dark Souls 3 can be a more accessible entry point due to its more streamlined gameplay.

5. Which Dark Souls game has the best level design?

Both games have excellent level design, but Dark Souls 1 is praised for its interconnected world, while Dark Souls 3 is known for its visually stunning and intricate individual levels.

6. How long does it take to 100% Dark Souls 3?

Achieving 100% completion in Dark Souls 3 typically takes 70-100 hours, depending on the player’s efficiency.

7. Which game has more replay value, Dark Souls 1 or Dark Souls 3?

Both games offer high replay value, but Dark Souls 3 benefits from a more active online community, making subsequent playthroughs more dynamic.

8. What makes Dark Souls 1 so difficult?

Dark Souls 1’s difficulty stems from its unforgiving stamina management, complex world design, and punishing combat.

9. Does Dark Souls 3 have more optional content than Dark Souls 1?

No. Dark Souls 3 has few optional areas compared to Dark Souls 1.

10. Is Dark Souls 3 easier with a friend?

Yes, cooperative play in Dark Souls 3 can significantly reduce the difficulty, especially when tackling challenging bosses.

11. How does Bloodborne compare in length to Dark Souls 3?

Bloodborne is roughly comparable in length to Dark Souls 3, with average playthroughs ranging from 30-50 hours.

12. Which Dark Souls game has the best boss fights?

This is subjective, but Dark Souls 3 is often praised for its spectacular and challenging boss fights.

13. What are some tips for speeding up a Dark Souls 1 playthrough?

Focus on essential bosses, optimize your build, and avoid unnecessary exploration to reduce playtime in Dark Souls 1.

14. Which game has a better story, Dark Souls 1 or Dark Souls 3?

The story and lore of both are great, but the general lore of Dark Souls 1 are less obtuse and more accessible.

15. Is Elden Ring longer than both Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3?

Yes, Elden Ring is significantly longer than both Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3, with average playthroughs exceeding 50 hours.