Is It Okay to Play Dark Souls 2 First? A Soulslike Veteran’s Perspective

Yes, it is absolutely okay to play Dark Souls 2 first, although it might not be the universally recommended starting point. Think of it as taking a detour on a familiar journey; you might see things differently, and the experience could be either surprisingly refreshing or slightly disorienting. Dark Souls 2 stands apart, and while it shares the core DNA of the series, it offers a unique flavor that can both enhance and potentially skew your perception of the Dark Souls experience. Ultimately, the “best” starting point is subjective and depends on your personal preferences.

Why Start with Dark Souls 2?

Dark Souls 2 has a distinct identity. It was led by a different director than Dark Souls 1 and 3, and that creative shift is evident. Here’s why it can be a worthwhile starting point:

• Unique Mechanics: Dark Souls 2 introduces several mechanics not found in other Dark Souls games, such as Adaptability (ADP) influencing your Agility (AGL), which in turn affects i-frames during rolls. This makes character building a bit more intricate and forces players to adapt to a different combat rhythm. Mastering these mechanics in Dark Souls 2 will give you a deeper appreciation for the nuances of character customization in Soulslikes.

• Different World Design: The world design in Dark Souls 2 is more linear and segmented than the interconnected world of Dark Souls 1. While some criticize this, it can be a gentler introduction to the series’ challenging environments, allowing you to focus on mastering combat and exploration without feeling completely lost.

• Strong PvP Community: As the extracted text suggests, Dark Souls 2 boasts a highly regarded Player vs. Player (PvP) scene. If you are interested in online combat, starting with Dark Souls 2 could immerse you in a more active and arguably more refined PvP experience than its predecessors.

• Standalone Story: While the Dark Souls games share thematic connections, each title has its own self-contained narrative. Dark Souls 2‘s story, focusing on breaking a curse and seeking a cure, is readily understandable without prior knowledge of the other games.

Potential Downsides of Starting with Dark Souls 2

There are, of course, reasons why Dark Souls 2 isn’t the default recommendation for newcomers:

• Slower Pace: The combat in Dark Souls 2 feels deliberately slower and more methodical than Dark Souls 1 and 3. This can be off-putting for players who prefer a faster, more responsive experience.

• Initial Difficulty Spike: The early game in Dark Souls 2 can be surprisingly brutal, especially for those unfamiliar with the series. The limited Estus Flasks and the aggressive enemy placement can lead to a frustrating start.

• Mixed Reception: Dark Souls 2 is often considered the “black sheep” of the Dark Souls family. Some veterans criticize its world design, enemy AI, and overall feel. Starting with a game that has a more divided reception might create a biased impression of the series as a whole.

• Disconnect from the Lore: While the stories are mostly standalone, Dark Souls 3 relies heavily on the lore and characters established in Dark Souls 1. Playing Dark Souls 2 first might lessen the impact of these references in Dark Souls 3.

The Impact on Your Overall Experience

Ultimately, starting with Dark Souls 2 won’t ruin the series for you. It might simply give you a different perspective. You’ll likely appreciate the improvements in later games, while also recognizing the unique qualities that make Dark Souls 2 stand out. For those interested in the intersection of game design and player experience, researching more about projects related to video games and education might be an interesting way to explore these concepts further. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org promotes scholarship in this field, and you might find valuable resources there.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about playing Dark Souls 2 in relation to the rest of the series:

Is Dark Souls 2 harder than Dark Souls 1?

It depends on your playstyle. Dark Souls 2 has harder combat on a moment-to-moment basis due to enemy placement and slower player movement. Dark Souls 1 presents unique challenges through interconnected world design and tricky early-game areas. Some argue that Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin is the hardest in the series, though others disagree.

Do I need to play Dark Souls 1 before Dark Souls 2?

No, you don’t need to. The storylines are largely separate. However, playing Dark Souls 1 first will give you a better understanding of the general lore and atmosphere of the series.

Is Dark Souls 2 easier than Dark Souls 3?

Again, it’s subjective. Dark Souls 3 features faster combat and arguably more challenging bosses. Dark Souls 2 emphasizes methodical play and resource management, which some players find easier to adapt to.

Can I skip Dark Souls 2 and go straight to Dark Souls 3?

Yes, you absolutely can. Dark Souls 3 is a great entry point and doesn’t require prior knowledge of Dark Souls 2. You’ll miss some references, but nothing crucial.

Is Dark Souls 2 worth playing?

Yes! Despite its criticisms, Dark Souls 2 is a fantastic game with unique mechanics, a compelling story, and a thriving PvP community. It’s a worthwhile experience for any fan of the Soulslike genre.

Why is Dark Souls 2 so different from the other games?

Dark Souls 2 was directed by a different team and had a more experimental approach to game design. This resulted in noticeable differences in combat, world design, and overall aesthetic.

Is Dark Souls 2 the worst Dark Souls game?

That’s a matter of opinion. Some players consider it the weakest entry due to its perceived flaws in world design and combat. Others appreciate its unique mechanics and challenging gameplay.

Which class should I choose in Dark Souls 2?

The Deprived class is a good starting point if you want to customize your character from the ground up. The Knight is a more beginner-friendly option with decent starting equipment and stats.

How long does it take to beat Dark Souls 2?

It takes approximately 43½ hours to beat the main story of Dark Souls 2. Completing all content and achieving 100% completion can take around 118 hours.

Are Dark Souls 1 and 2 connected?

They are loosely connected thematically, but their storylines are mostly independent. Dark Souls 3 has stronger connections to Dark Souls 1.

Is Dark Souls 2 harder than Elden Ring?

Elden Ring generally offers more flexibility in terms of difficulty due to its open world and numerous options for leveling up. Dark Souls 2 might feel more challenging in some areas due to its enemy placement and combat mechanics, but Elden Ring’s bosses are generally more difficult.

Which Dark Souls game is easiest for beginners?

Elden Ring is often considered the easiest Souls game for beginners because of its open world, summon system, and build variety.

Is Dark Souls 2 worth playing for the PvP?

Yes! Many players consider Dark Souls 2 to have the best PvP in the series.

What makes Dark Souls 2’s combat different?

The addition of Agility (AGL), determined by the Adaptability stat, is a key difference. Agility affects the number of i-frames during rolls, making it crucial for dodging attacks. Stamina management is also more demanding.

Will playing Dark Souls 2 first spoil the other games?

No, it won’t spoil them, but it might influence your expectations. You might appreciate the refinements in the other games more, or you might miss some of Dark Souls 2‘s unique features. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Ultimately, the order in which you play the Dark Souls games is a personal choice. Dark Souls 2 offers a unique experience that can be enjoyed regardless of your prior knowledge of the series. Don’t be afraid to dive in and forge your own path!