What’s the Best Souls Game to Start With? Your Definitive Guide
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The Souls series, developed by FromSoftware, has captivated and challenged gamers for over a decade. Known for their brutal difficulty, intricate level design, and cryptic lore, these games aren’t for the faint of heart. But they’re also incredibly rewarding, offering a unique sense of accomplishment unlike anything else in gaming. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, the question becomes: Which Souls game should you start with?
The answer, while subjective, leans heavily towards Dark Souls. Its relatively straightforward narrative, iconic world design, and well-balanced difficulty make it the most accessible entry point for newcomers. While still challenging, Dark Souls teaches the fundamental mechanics and design philosophies of the series in a way that is both rewarding and less punishing than some of its successors. It’s the original blueprint upon which the series’ success was built.
Why Dark Souls is a Great Starting Point
Several key factors make Dark Souls the ideal starting point:
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Relatively Clear Progression: While still possessing the non-linear elements that are hallmarks of the series, Dark Souls offers a clearer sense of direction compared to some of the later entries. This allows new players to gradually familiarize themselves with the interconnected world without feeling completely lost. The iconic Undead Burg and Undead Parish serve as excellent introductory areas.
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Manageable Difficulty Curve: While undeniably difficult, the difficulty curve in Dark Souls is generally considered more forgiving than Dark Souls II or Bloodborne. Players have time to learn the basics of combat, understand enemy patterns, and explore the world at their own pace.
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Iconic Setting and Lore: The world of Lordran is a masterpiece of game design. Its bleak atmosphere, stunning visuals, and cryptic lore create a truly unforgettable experience. This world, and the stories it holds, have had a profound influence on the broader gaming landscape.
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Focus on Fundamentals: Dark Souls places a strong emphasis on fundamental gameplay mechanics like dodging, blocking, and managing stamina. Mastering these core skills is crucial for success, not just in Dark Souls but in any of the other games in the series.
Alternatives to Dark Souls
While Dark Souls is the recommended starting point, other options might appeal depending on your preferences:
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Dark Souls III: While faster-paced and more demanding than Dark Souls, Dark Souls III boasts stunning visuals and refined combat mechanics. Its more linear structure can be beneficial for newcomers who prefer a more guided experience, but be prepared for tougher boss encounters early on. It also heavily relies on the lore of the first Dark Souls, so some narrative nuance might be missed.
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Demon’s Souls (Remake): The game that started it all! The Demon’s Souls remake for the PS5 offers a visually stunning and relatively faithful recreation of the original. Its unique level structure, where levels are divided into distinct archstones, can be less overwhelming than the interconnected world of Dark Souls. However, some of its mechanics feel dated compared to later entries, and the difficulty can be surprisingly high in certain areas.
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Elden Ring: FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece, Elden Ring, offers a vast open world to explore. Its open nature can be both a blessing and a curse for newcomers. While it allows for more freedom and flexibility, it can also be overwhelming. The sheer size of the world and the number of enemies can be daunting, but the ability to summon spirits to aid in combat and the wealth of build options make it more approachable than some of the other titles.
Games To Avoid As A Starting Point
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Dark Souls II: Widely considered the “black sheep” of the series, Dark Souls II features a distinct art style, slower combat, and often criticized level design. While it has its fans, its mechanics and overall feel diverge significantly from the other Souls games, making it a less ideal starting point. Its reliance on enemy density and ganks can be especially frustrating for new players.
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Bloodborne: While an incredible game, Bloodborne is significantly faster and more aggressive than the Dark Souls games. Its emphasis on parrying with guns and its lack of shields can be a jarring transition for players accustomed to the slower, more methodical combat of Dark Souls. Its Victorian-era aesthetic and Lovecraftian horror themes might also not appeal to everyone.
Embracing the Challenge and the Community
No matter which Souls game you choose to start with, remember that dying is part of the experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons, builds, and strategies. The most important thing is to learn from your mistakes and persevere.
The Souls community is also a valuable resource. Online forums, wikis, and videos offer a wealth of information and support. Don’t hesitate to seek help from experienced players, but also be wary of spoilers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further guide you on your Soulsborne journey:
1. Are the Souls games really that hard?
Yes, the Souls games are known for their difficulty, but it’s not unfair difficulty. They demand patience, observation, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. Death is a frequent occurrence, but it’s also a learning opportunity.
2. Do I need to play the games in order?
While playing the games in order provides a richer narrative experience, it’s not strictly necessary. Each game features its own self-contained story and characters. However, Dark Souls III relies heavily on the lore of the first game, so playing Dark Souls beforehand is recommended.
3. Which class should I choose for my first playthrough?
For Dark Souls, the Knight or Warrior are excellent starting classes. They both offer a balanced mix of strength and dexterity, allowing you to experiment with different weapons and armor. The Pyromancer is also a viable option, offering strong offensive capabilities early on.
4. Should I use a shield?
Using a shield is highly recommended for beginners. Shields provide a safe way to block incoming attacks and create openings for counterattacks. Learning to parry is also valuable, but it’s more challenging and requires practice.
5. How important is leveling up?
Leveling up is crucial for improving your character’s stats and survivability. Focus on increasing your Vitality (for health), Endurance (for stamina), and Strength or Dexterity (depending on your weapon of choice).
6. What’s the deal with bonfires?
Bonfires serve as checkpoints where you can rest, replenish your health and Estus flasks (healing potions), and level up. Resting at a bonfire will also respawn all the enemies in the area (except for bosses).
7. What are Humanity/Embers?
Humanity (in Dark Souls) and Embers (in Dark Souls III) are items that allow you to become human (or “embered”) and summon other players for co-op or PvP. They also increase your maximum health.
8. What’s the best way to find weapons and armor?
Exploration is key to finding new weapons and armor. Check every corner, search every chest, and defeat every enemy. Some weapons are also obtained by defeating bosses.
9. What is “gitting gud”?
“Gitting gud” is a meme within the Souls community that refers to improving your skills and overcoming the game’s challenges. It’s a lighthearted way of saying that practice makes perfect.
10. Is it okay to summon help?
Summoning help is perfectly acceptable, especially for new players. Co-op play can make the game easier and more enjoyable. However, keep in mind that summoning another player will also increase the difficulty of the enemies.
11. What are covenants?
Covenants are factions that you can join in each game. Joining a covenant can grant you access to unique items, spells, and multiplayer features.
12. Should I play blind or look up guides?
This is a matter of personal preference. Playing blind can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating if you get stuck. Using guides can help you progress more quickly, but it can also spoil some of the surprises. A balanced approach is often the best.
13. What is “Souls-like”?
“Souls-like” is a genre term used to describe games that borrow heavily from the gameplay mechanics and design philosophies of the Souls series. Common elements include challenging combat, intricate level design, and cryptic lore.
14. Is Bloodborne a Souls game?
While developed by FromSoftware, Bloodborne is often considered its own entity. It shares many similarities with the Souls games, but it also features distinct mechanics and a unique setting. It is part of the broader “Soulsborne” umbrella.
15. Will I enjoy the other Souls games if I like my first one?
If you enjoy your first Souls game, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the others. Each game offers a unique experience, but they all share the same core DNA. Be prepared for subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle differences that change up the gameplay from title to title.
Choosing the right starting point can make all the difference in your Souls experience. While Dark Souls is generally recommended, ultimately the best choice depends on your individual preferences. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and prepare to die… a lot. Good luck, and may the flames guide thee.