Is Dark Souls 3 More Fun Than Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
The question of whether Dark Souls 3 is more fun than Elden Ring is ultimately subjective, boiling down to personal preference. However, we can dissect the core elements of each game to provide a comprehensive comparison and help you decide which title aligns better with your gaming desires. In short, Dark Souls 3 offers a more focused, linear, and arguably more tightly designed experience, while Elden Ring provides a vast, open-world adventure with unparalleled freedom and customization. Which you find “more fun” hinges on whether you prefer meticulously crafted corridors or sprawling landscapes with endless possibilities.
The Case for Dark Souls 3: Focused Intensity
Dark Souls 3 shines through its refined, linear structure. This isn’t to say it’s entirely devoid of exploration, but the critical path is much more defined than Elden Ring’s. This focus translates to several key advantages:
- Superior Level Design: The intricately woven levels of Dark Souls 3, such as Irithyll of the Boreal Valley and Lothric Castle, are masterclasses in environmental storytelling and enemy placement. Each area feels deliberately crafted to challenge and reward players.
- More Polished Boss Encounters: While Elden Ring boasts a sheer volume of boss fights, Dark Souls 3 often features more refined and memorable battles. Think of the Soul of Cinder or the Nameless King; their mechanics, lore, and overall presentation are exceptionally well-executed.
- Tighter Narrative Integration: The narrative in Dark Souls 3, while still cryptic, feels more integrated into the gameplay experience. The lore, characters, and world events are all closely intertwined, creating a more cohesive and impactful story.
- Faster Paced Combat: Dark Souls 3 is known for its faster-paced combat compared to other souls games. Your player can move quickly, dodge faster and even use the sidestep with range.
The Case for Elden Ring: Open-World Freedom
Elden Ring’s immense open world fundamentally changes the formula. This expansive freedom provides a very different kind of fun:
- Unparalleled Exploration: The Lands Between are brimming with secrets, dungeons, and hidden encounters. The sheer scale of the world and the freedom to explore it at your own pace are incredibly compelling. This vastness is a key component that has many returning to Elden Ring.
- Build Variety and Customization: Elden Ring offers an astounding array of weapons, spells, armor, and skills (Ashes of War). This allows for incredibly diverse builds, enabling players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle in a way Dark Souls 3 doesn’t quite match.
- Accessibility and Flexibility: Features like spirit summons and the ability to respec your character make Elden Ring more approachable for new players. The open world also allows you to circumvent difficult areas and return later when you’re stronger.
- Sheer Content Volume: The sheer amount of content in Elden Ring is staggering. From main questlines to side quests to optional dungeons, there’s always something new to discover.
Core Differences: A Summary
| Feature | Dark Souls 3 | Elden Ring |
|---|---|---|
| ————– | ———————————– | ———————————— |
| World | Linear, interconnected areas | Open world, expansive |
| Level Design | Intricately crafted, focused | Vast, exploration-driven |
| Bosses | Fewer, more polished | More numerous, varied quality |
| Narrative | Tighter integration | More fragmented, player-driven |
| Build Variety | Good, but less extensive than ER | Excellent, highly customizable |
| Difficulty | Consistently challenging | Can be adjusted through exploration |
| Accessibility | More challenging for newcomers | More approachable |
| Combat | Fast-paced, precise | Slower, more strategic |
Music and Art Direction
The music composition in Dark Souls 3 is often considered noticeably superior, which adds to the engaging environment while playing. Both games contain a number of flaws that prevent them from being the ideal experience. The overall esthetic is one of the biggest factors that fans say leads them back to Dark Souls 3.
Conclusion: Defining “Fun”
Ultimately, the “more fun” game is determined by what you find enjoyable. If you crave a challenging, meticulously crafted, and narratively driven experience, Dark Souls 3 is likely the better choice. If you prioritize exploration, freedom, and character customization in a vast open world, Elden Ring will undoubtedly capture your imagination.
It’s also worth noting that both games are critically acclaimed and offer incredible experiences in their own right. Playing both is highly recommended to fully appreciate the unique strengths of each title. Perhaps a better question isn’t which is more fun, but rather, which should I play first? And that really comes down to your experience with FromSoftware games, your desired difficulty level, and whether you want a guided or open-ended adventure.
This exploration of video games offers a glimpse into their potential for learning and skill development. For further insights into the intersection of games and education, explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Elden Ring easier than Dark Souls 3?
Elden Ring can be easier due to its open world allowing you to level up and find powerful equipment before tackling difficult bosses. Dark Souls 3 offers a more consistent difficulty curve, but can feel more punishing in the early game.
2. Should I play Dark Souls 3 before Elden Ring?
It’s not essential, but playing Dark Souls 3 first can help you acclimate to FromSoftware’s gameplay style. Elden Ring is more forgiving, but Dark Souls 3 provides a solid foundation.
3. Is Dark Souls 3 worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! Dark Souls 3 remains a fantastic game with excellent level design, boss battles, and combat. It’s a timeless classic.
4. How long does it take to beat Dark Souls 3?
The main story takes around 30-40 hours, while 100% completion can take upwards of 80-100 hours.
5. Is Elden Ring too hard for a beginner?
Elden Ring is more approachable than other Souls games, but it’s still challenging. Features like spirit summons and online co-op can help ease the difficulty.
6. Does Elden Ring have better graphics than Dark Souls 3?
Yes, Elden Ring has significantly better graphics due to being a newer game built for more powerful hardware.
7. Is Dark Souls 3 linear?
Dark Souls 3 is relatively linear compared to Elden Ring. While there are some optional areas, the main path is fairly defined.
8. What makes Elden Ring so popular?
Elden Ring’s popularity stems from its open world, freedom of exploration, deep customization, and challenging but rewarding gameplay. It offers something for everyone.
9. Is Dark Souls 3 as good as the original Dark Souls?
This is a matter of opinion. Some prefer the original for its interconnected world and atmosphere, while others prefer Dark Souls 3 for its refined combat and boss battles.
10. Does Elden Ring have multiplayer?
Yes, Elden Ring features online co-op and PvP multiplayer, allowing players to summon friends for assistance or invade other players’ worlds.
11. Is Dark Souls 3 a horror game?
Dark Souls 3 has horror elements, but it’s primarily an action RPG. The dark atmosphere, grotesque enemies, and oppressive world contribute to a sense of dread and unease.
12. What is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 3?
The Nameless King and Darkeater Midir are generally considered the hardest bosses in Dark Souls 3.
13. Can I play Elden Ring offline?
Yes, Elden Ring can be played entirely offline. However, you’ll miss out on online co-op and PvP features.
14. How does Elden Ring compare to Skyrim?
Both are open-world RPGs, but they differ significantly. Elden Ring focuses on challenging combat and exploration, while Skyrim emphasizes storytelling, quests, and character development.
15. What should I play after Dark Souls 3?
If you enjoyed Dark Souls 3, consider playing Bloodborne or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which offer similar gameplay experiences with unique twists. Or dive into the world of game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.