Is Dark Souls 2 Shorter Than Dark Souls 1? A Deep Dive

The answer, unequivocally, is no. Dark Souls 2, particularly the Scholar of the First Sin edition, is demonstrably longer than Dark Souls 1 in terms of sheer playtime. While subjective experiences can vary wildly, and individual playstyles will significantly impact the time spent in either game, the consensus, supported by data and player experiences, points to Dark Souls 2 requiring a greater time investment for both main story completion and 100% completion runs. Let’s delve into the nuances of this comparison, exploring various factors that contribute to Dark Souls 2‘s extended playtime and addressing common misconceptions.

Understanding Playtime Variation

Playtime in Dark Souls games isn’t a fixed metric. It’s influenced by several key factors:

• Player Skill: Experienced Souls players will naturally progress faster than newcomers, regardless of the game.

• Playstyle: Aggressive players who rush through areas will finish quicker than methodical explorers.

• Build Choice: Some character builds are inherently more efficient at clearing content.

• Use of Summons: Summoning other players for co-op assistance can dramatically reduce boss fight difficulty and overall progression time.

• Completionist Tendencies: Players striving for 100% completion, including all achievements, item collection, and optional content, will spend significantly longer in each game.

These variables make direct playtime comparisons tricky, but trends emerge when considering larger datasets and analyzing game design elements.

Why Dark Souls 2 Feels Longer

Several elements contribute to the perception and reality of Dark Souls 2 being a lengthier experience:

• Larger World Map: Dark Souls 2‘s world, Drangleic, boasts a significantly larger and more interconnected map than Lordran in Dark Souls 1. This increased scale translates directly to more areas to explore and more time spent traversing the world.

• Enemy Density and Placement: Dark Souls 2 is notorious for its enemy ganks and deliberate, often frustrating, enemy placements. While opinions on the quality of these placements vary, they undeniably slow down player progression.

• Adaptability Stat: The introduction of the Adaptability (ADP) stat, which governs agility and iframes during rolls, forced players to invest levels into a seemingly secondary stat. Neglecting ADP significantly increases difficulty, indirectly extending playtime.

• Boss Count: While the overall number of mandatory bosses might be similar, Dark Souls 2 includes a larger number of optional bosses and mini-bosses, contributing to the overall time commitment.

• DLC Content: The Scholar of the First Sin edition includes three substantial DLC packs (Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King), adding considerable playtime.

Comparing Completion Times

Aggregate data from websites like HowLongToBeat.com further supports the argument that Dark Souls 2 is longer. While exact numbers fluctuate based on reported data, the general trend shows Dark Souls 2 consistently requiring more hours for both main story completion and completionist runs.

The Subjectivity of Difficulty

It’s important to note the interplay between length and perceived difficulty. Some players might find Dark Souls 1 more challenging due to its tighter level design and interconnected world. Others may struggle with Dark Souls 2‘s enemy placement and ADP mechanic. Difficulty, regardless of its source, contributes to the perception of length. A difficult area or boss will naturally take longer to overcome, extending the overall playtime. The learning science principles and the challenges of game design can be further explored at Games Learning Society website.

FAQs About Dark Souls 2’s Length and Other Aspects

1. Is Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin significantly longer than the original Dark Souls 2?

Yes, the Scholar of the First Sin edition is longer due to the inclusion of all three DLC packs and some adjustments to enemy placements and item locations in the base game. These additions can easily add 20-40 hours, depending on your playstyle.

2. Which Dark Souls game has the longest playtime overall?

Elden Ring is, generally, recognized as the longest, followed by Dark Souls 2 and then Dark Souls 1. DLC content impacts the overall number.

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

This is subjective. Dark Souls 1 has some tougher bosses, but Dark Souls 2 is often considered to have more challenging level design and enemy placements. The ADP stat in Dark Souls 2 also adds a layer of complexity to the difficulty.

4. Does Dark Souls 2 have a connected story to Dark Souls 1?

The stories are loosely connected through themes of cycles, curses, and the fading of the flame. There are references to characters and events from Dark Souls 1, but Dark Souls 2 tells its own self-contained story within the same overarching lore.

5. Should I play Dark Souls 1 before Dark Souls 2?

While not strictly necessary, playing Dark Souls 1 first is recommended to understand the lore and gameplay mechanics of the series. It will provide valuable context for Dark Souls 2.

6. What makes Dark Souls 2 so different from Dark Souls 1?

Dark Souls 2 has a different director, resulting in changes to gameplay mechanics, level design, and overall tone. The introduction of ADP, power stancing weapons, and a more linear world structure contribute to its unique feel.

7. Is Dark Souls 2 underrated compared to other Souls games?

Many fans consider Dark Souls 2 to be underrated. While it has its flaws, it introduced several innovations to the series and offers a unique experience that shouldn’t be dismissed.

8. How long does it take to beat Dark Souls 1?

On average, it takes around 42 hours to beat the main story of Dark Souls 1, and around 105 hours for 100% completion.

9. How long does it take to beat Dark Souls 2?

On average, it takes around 43.5 hours to beat the main story of Dark Souls 2, and around 118 hours for 100% completion. These numbers can easily increase in Scholar of the First Sin due to the DLC content.

10. Which Dark Souls game is the shortest?

Dark Souls 3 generally has the shortest average playtime.

11. What is the hardest boss in Dark Souls 1?

Many players consider Black Dragon Kalameet to be the hardest boss in Dark Souls 1. His high damage output, massive health pool, and relentless attacks make him a formidable challenge.

12. Can I get invaded in Dark Souls 2 while hollow?

Yes, unlike Dark Souls 1, you can be invaded while hollow in Dark Souls 2, which is a source of frustration for many players.

13. Is Dark Souls 2’s story canon within the Dark Souls universe?

Yes, the lore of Dark Souls 2 is considered canon, but its specific plot points are often downplayed or ignored in later installments.

14. What are some tips for surviving longer in Dark Souls 2?

Prioritize leveling ADP early on to improve agility and iFrames. Pay attention to enemy placements and learn their attack patterns. Experiment with different weapons and builds to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to use summons for challenging areas or bosses.

15. Does Dark Souls 2 have good PVP (player versus player) combat?

Many players consider Dark Souls 2 to have the best PVP combat in the series, citing improved mechanics and less reliance on glitches and exploits.

Conclusion

While personal experiences may differ, the data and design elements of Dark Souls 2 strongly suggest that it is, indeed, a longer game than Dark Souls 1. From its expansive world and dense enemy encounters to its unique mechanics and substantial DLC content, Dark Souls 2 requires a significant time investment to fully experience. Whether that is viewed as a positive or negative is, of course, a matter of personal preference. Regardless, understanding the factors that contribute to its length is essential for anyone considering embarking on a journey through Drangleic. Understanding how the game can be learned can also be explored at GamesLearningSociety.org.