Dark Souls III: A Temporal Deep Dive – Is It Truly a Sequel to Dark Souls I?

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Yes, Dark Souls III (DS3) is undoubtedly set after Dark Souls I (DS1) in the series’ complex and intentionally ambiguous timeline. While the exact number of years separating the two games is never explicitly stated, the evidence overwhelmingly points to DS3 being a continuation of the narrative and thematic threads established in DS1, albeit after a significant passage of time and cyclical resets. This isn’t a simple linear sequel; rather, it’s a continuation within a world defined by cycles of fire and dark.

Unraveling the Temporal Threads: Evidence for the Succession

The relationship between Dark Souls I and III isn’t just about chronological order. It’s about the echoes of history reverberating through a world steeped in fading glory and recurring patterns. Several key elements solidify DS3’s position as a successor, despite the time-bending nature of the series:

• Recurring Characters and Legacies: Figures like Gwyn’s legacy, Anor Londo, and even literal characters (or their descendants/reincarnations) appear in DS3, directly linking it to the events and figures of DS1. The presence of familiar armor sets, weapons, and enemy types further reinforces this connection. The mention of characters like Lord Aldrich, whose story is heavily tied to Gwyndolin from DS1, proves that the events of DS1 happened a very long time ago.
• The Cycle of Fire and Dark: The central conflict of DS1, the prolonging of the Age of Fire, is a major driving force behind the events of DS3. The Lords of Cinder, individuals who previously linked the First Flame, are resurrected in DS3 to fulfill their duty once more, indicating a continuation of the same cycle initiated in DS1.
• The Fading Flame and Entropy: DS3 portrays a world much further along in the decay and entropy cycle than DS1. The First Flame is weaker, the world is more fractured, and the weight of history is palpable. This sense of advanced decay implies a significant amount of time has passed since the events that players influenced in Lordran.
• Geographical and Environmental Echoes: While drastically changed and warped, recognizable locations from DS1, such as Anor Londo and even the original Firelink Shrine (found in the Demon Prince boss arena within the Ringed City DLC), appear in DS3. These locations are warped and different, which means time has passed. This reuse and reimagining of locales solidify the connection between the two games, demonstrating a shared history.
• Lore Expansion: DS3 builds upon the established lore of DS1, expanding upon the histories of characters, gods, and the very nature of the world. This expansion requires an understanding of the events and characters introduced in DS1, signifying that DS3 is designed to be experienced after it.

While Dark Souls II has its place in the overall lore, DS3 stands as a more direct successor, grappling with the consequences and legacies set in motion during the first game. The games are connected by lore, and the interconnected story is told by interpretation.

Time’s Mutable Nature in the Dark Souls Universe

It’s crucial to understand that time in the Dark Souls universe isn’t necessarily linear or consistent. The concept of cycles introduces the possibility of temporal distortions and repeating patterns. This ambiguity allows for diverse interpretations and makes establishing a precise timeframe nearly impossible. However, despite the cyclical and often warped sense of time, the games take place in chronological order.

Why a Precise Timeframe is Impossible

Several factors contribute to the difficulty of determining a precise time gap:

• The Cyclical Nature of the World: The constant rekindling (or failing to rekindle) of the First Flame creates repeating patterns and distortions in the timeline. Events from the past can echo in the present, making linear progression difficult to track.
• Memory and Legend: History in the Dark Souls universe is often passed down through stories and legends, which are subject to distortion and embellishment over time. This makes relying on historical accounts challenging.
• Deliberate Ambiguity: FromSoftware intentionally leaves many aspects of the timeline and lore ambiguous, encouraging player interpretation and speculation. This ambiguity is a core aspect of the Dark Souls experience.

While the exact number of years remains a mystery, the overwhelming evidence supports DS3 being a direct sequel to DS1, albeit after a considerable passage of time within a world governed by cyclical patterns. It’s a journey through the ruins of a once-glorious past, grappling with the consequences of choices made long ago in the age of Gwyn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the relationship between Dark Souls I and Dark Souls III, addressing common points of confusion and offering further insights into their connection.

1. Is Dark Souls 2 canon? While Dark Souls 2 is part of the Dark Souls series and expands upon the lore, it’s often considered less directly connected to the main narrative arc of Dark Souls 1 and 3. The game is connected by the lore, but stories are pretty disconnected.

2. How many years apart are Dark Souls 1 and 3? The exact number of years is never explicitly stated, and the cyclical nature of the world makes it difficult to pinpoint. However, it’s clear that a significant amount of time has passed, likely centuries or even millennia, given the state of decay and the echoes of past events. It can be calculated that 2,000 years have passed since Gwyn linked the fire.

3. Is Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls 3 the same as in Dark Souls 1? While there are multiple Firelink Shrines throughout the series, the one in DS3 is a corrupted version of the original. You can actually find the original Firelink Shrine in the Demon Prince boss area in the Ringed City DLC.

4. Is Dark Souls 3 a direct sequel to Dark Souls 1? Yes, DS3 is very much connected to DS1 and is like a direct sequel lore-wise.

5. Are Dark Souls 1 and 3 in the same universe? Yes, DS3 is practically the sequel to DS1. While the time difference between the two games is huge, the world itself is still the same.

6. Does Dark Souls 3 break the cycle of fire and dark? While one ending offers a glimmer of hope, the overall message suggests that the cycle will likely continue in some form, whether you rekindle the First Flame or let it fade. It is implied that no matter what we do, the cycle will continue.

7. Does Dark Souls 1 have a canon ending? There is no official “true ending” in any of the Dark Souls games, as it is left ambiguous intentionally. The timeline of the Dark Souls games as well as how (or if) they are all actually connected is unclear.

8. Is Dark Souls 3 the longest game in the series? Dark Souls 3 features the shortest average playtime out of all the games in the series.

9. Is Dark Souls 2 harder than Dark Souls 1? Dark Souls 2 = harder combat on a moment-to-moment basis. Besides the omni-directional locked on rolls the player character is also generally weaker. Takes longer to heal.

10. Is Elden Ring connected to Dark Souls? There is no official connection between Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Dark Souls I – III occupy their own universe, and so do Elden Ring, Bloodborne, and Demon’s Souls.

11. Is Anor Londo the same in Dark Souls 3 as in Dark Souls 1? Anor Londo is a Location in Dark Souls 3. The legendary city of the gods that has since been taken over by Aldrich, Devourer of Gods. Once radiant and warm with sunlight (albeit fake), it is now entirely dark and cold due to the absence of Dark Sun Gwyndolin. This demonstrates that it is the same location, but after a long period of time.

12. Does Dark Souls 3 have multiple endings? There are a total of 4 endings in Dark Souls 3. To earn each one, you need to make specific choices or follow specific quest lines.

13. Are you the same character in Dark Souls 1 as in Dark Souls 3? Each Dark Souls protagonist is not the same person, as each story is different.

14. How are Dark Souls 1 and 3 Linked? Dark Souls 3 uses Dark Souls 1 as the foundation on which to tell the story of the fading First Flame in order to elucidate the themes of entropy and decay, and the inherent beauty that exists even in a dying world.

15. How many hours is DS3? When focusing on the main objectives, Dark Souls III is about 32 Hours in length. If you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 99 Hours to obtain 100% completion.

The Dark Souls series thrives on mystery and player interpretation. While the timeline may be intentionally obscured, the connections between Dark Souls I and III are undeniable. DS3 stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the First Flame and the cyclical nature of a world teetering on the brink of darkness. You can learn more about the educational and societal impact of gaming by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.