Is Dark Souls 3 Still Worth Playing After Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
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Absolutely! Dark Souls 3 remains a fantastic gaming experience even after venturing into the Lands Between in Elden Ring. While Elden Ring undeniably elevates the “Souls-like” formula with its vast open world and innovative mechanics, Dark Souls 3 offers a more focused, linear, and arguably more refined version of the classic Dark Souls gameplay. It’s a masterclass in level design, atmospheric storytelling, and challenging combat that stands the test of time. If you’re hungry for more FromSoftware brilliance, diving into (or revisiting) Dark Souls 3 is highly recommended.
The Enduring Appeal of Dark Souls 3
Elden Ring cast a long shadow. Its sprawling world and sheer scale redefined what a FromSoftware game could be. However, Dark Souls 3, a game rooted in the grim and gothic world of Lordran, presents a unique, and arguably more tightly crafted experience. Here’s why it still holds up:
- Masterful Level Design: Unlike Elden Ring’s open world, Dark Souls 3 features interconnected, intricate levels that are a joy to explore. Each area is meticulously designed, packed with secrets, and filled with memorable encounters. The deliberate, interconnected nature of these levels makes the overall experience very rewarding.
- Refined Combat System: Dark Souls 3 perfects the combat formula established in earlier games. It’s faster and more fluid than its predecessors, demanding precise timing and strategic thinking. Weapon arts add another layer of depth, providing a greater range of tactical options.
- Intense Boss Battles: The boss encounters in Dark Souls 3 are legendary. Each boss is a unique challenge, demanding careful observation of attack patterns and skillful execution. Defeating these formidable foes is incredibly satisfying.
- Atmospheric Storytelling: Dark Souls 3 excels at environmental storytelling, using the world itself to convey a sense of dread, decay, and the cyclical nature of its lore. This creates an immersive and haunting atmosphere.
- A Different Flavor of Difficulty: While both games are challenging, Dark Souls 3’s difficulty often feels more focused. The narrower environments and linear progression mean enemies and encounters are carefully placed to test your skills in a more concentrated way.
Why Play Dark Souls 3 After Elden Ring?
If you enjoyed the core mechanics of Elden Ring – the challenging combat, the intricate level design, and the sense of accomplishment after overcoming difficult challenges – you’ll find a lot to love in Dark Souls 3. Think of it as a concentrated dose of that familiar FromSoftware magic. It’s a great way to appreciate the roots of Elden Ring, understanding the evolution of the gameplay style.
Furthermore, after the grand scale and freedom of Elden Ring, you may find the tighter, more focused experience of Dark Souls 3 to be a refreshing change of pace. It’s like reading a short story after finishing an epic novel – a different form of storytelling with its own unique appeal.
For educators, Dark Souls 3 provides examples of problem solving, persistence, and overcoming challenges. The game could potentially be used as a case study for the Games Learning Society, a platform which explores how games contribute to innovative learning and engagement. The educational aspects of games, including the design that fosters critical thinking and resilience, are paramount to the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dark Souls 3
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further help you decide if Dark Souls 3 is for you after playing Elden Ring:
1. Does Elden Ring take place after Dark Souls 3?
No. Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3 are not connected in any way. They exist in completely separate universes with distinct lore and gameplay mechanics. While Elden Ring draws inspiration from the Dark Souls series, it’s a standalone title.
2. Which Dark Souls game is most like Elden Ring?
While no Dark Souls game is a perfect match for Elden Ring due to its open world, Dark Souls 3 is considered the closest in terms of gameplay and combat. It features a faster-paced combat system and a similar emphasis on weapon arts.
3. Is Dark Souls 3 harder than Elden Ring?
This is subjective and depends on your playstyle. Some players find Dark Souls 3 harder due to its more linear structure and reliance on precise timing. Others find Elden Ring harder due to its open-world exploration and the sheer number of challenging encounters.
4. Can you still play Dark Souls 3 after you beat the game?
Yes, absolutely. After defeating the final boss, you can choose to either start a New Game Plus (NG+) or continue exploring the world and completing any remaining tasks. To start NG+, simply rest at the Firelink Shrine bonfire and select “Begin Journey 2.”
5. How long is Dark Souls 3 full gameplay?
A standard playthrough of Dark Souls 3 takes around 30-35 hours. A completionist run, including all optional areas, bosses, and items, can take upwards of 90-100 hours.
6. Is Ghost of Tsushima a good game to play after Elden Ring?
Ghost of Tsushima offers a different kind of open-world experience. It’s less challenging than Elden Ring and features a more easily understandable narrative. But its strong sword combat and engaging open world could make it an enjoyable follow-up.
7. Are the Souls Games and Elden Ring connected?
No, there is no official or established connection between the Dark Souls trilogy and Elden Ring. They are independent entities with their own unique worlds and stories.
8. Does Dark Souls 3 break the cycle?
The ending of Dark Souls 3 is ambiguous, but it suggests that the cycle of fire and dark will continue regardless of your actions. There is no definitive “good” or “bad” ending, and the fate of the world remains uncertain.
9. What is the hardest class in Dark Souls 3?
Sorcerer is generally considered the hardest starting class in Dark Souls 3. Sorcerers have low health, stamina, and require a significant investment in stats to become effective.
10. Which ds3 ending is hardest to achieve?
The “Usurpation of Fire” ending is widely considered the most difficult to achieve because it requires following a specific questline involving multiple intricate steps and character interactions.
11. How hard is Dark Souls 3 without DLC?
Dark Souls 3 is a challenging game even without the DLC. The base game offers plenty of difficult bosses, complex level design, and demanding combat. The DLCs add even more challenging content, but the base game is a substantial experience on its own.
12. Which Elden Ring ending is canon?
There is no officially confirmed “canon” ending for Elden Ring. However, many players believe the default ending, where the player mends the Elden Ring without alterations, is the most likely candidate.
13. Do I need to play other Dark Souls before Elden Ring?
No, playing the previous Dark Souls games is not required to enjoy Elden Ring. While there are some shared gameplay mechanics and thematic elements, Elden Ring is a standalone experience that can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge.
14. Is Sekiro in the same universe as Dark Souls?
No, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is not set in the same universe as the Dark Souls games. It’s a separate game with its own unique setting, story, and gameplay mechanics.
15. What games to play after beating Elden Ring?
Besides Dark Souls 3, consider Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Demon’s Souls Remake, or even something like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order if you prefer a more traditional story and slightly easier difficulty.
Final Verdict
Dark Souls 3 is an incredible game that deserves to be played and appreciated, regardless of whether you’ve played Elden Ring or not. Its refined combat, intricate level design, and haunting atmosphere make it a truly unforgettable experience. So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding action RPG, don’t hesitate to dive into the world of Dark Souls 3 – you won’t be disappointed.