Dark Souls 1 vs. Dark Souls 3: A Detailed Comparison

The debate between Dark Souls 1 and Dark Souls 3 is a common one among fans of the notoriously challenging action RPG series. While both games share core mechanics and a similar grim atmosphere, they differ significantly in level design, combat, story presentation, and overall feel. In essence, Dark Souls 1 emphasizes interconnected world design and a slower, more methodical combat pace, while Dark Souls 3 focuses on more individualized, linear levels and faster, more aggressive combat.

Level Design: Interconnectivity vs. Individualized Environments

One of the most significant differences lies in their approach to level design. Dark Souls 1 is famed for its meticulously crafted, interconnected world. From Firelink Shrine, players can explore numerous paths that loop back upon each other, creating a sense of a truly cohesive world. The interconnectedness is not merely for aesthetic appeal; it also provides shortcuts and multiple paths for exploration, making the world feel like a complex puzzle waiting to be solved. This design encourages players to learn the layout intimately, rewarding them for their explorations with new routes and hidden areas.

In contrast, Dark Souls 3 adopts a more linear, segmented level design. Each area is largely self-contained, with fewer opportunities for looping back on prior locations. While areas are visually stunning and detailed, they feel more like individual stages connected by a hub area rather than a seamless, sprawling world. This change was intentional, allowing for more intricate set pieces and a more focused, deliberate progression. While shortcuts do exist in DS3, the sense of interconnectedness found in DS1 is significantly diminished.

Combat: Slower Pacing vs. Faster, More Fluid Action

The combat mechanics are also noticeably different. Dark Souls 1 features a slower, more deliberate combat system that emphasizes precise timing and careful movements. Players must commit to their actions, making each swing, block, or dodge a crucial decision. This slower pace lends itself to a more strategic and defensive playstyle, often involving baiting enemies and managing stamina carefully.

Dark Souls 3 elevates the combat speed, introducing faster, more fluid movements and attacks. Players can roll more quickly, attack with less recovery time, and engage in more aggressive tactics. This shift also includes new mechanics like weapon arts, special attacks that add another layer of depth and dynamism to combat. This makes the combat feel more action-oriented, requiring quick reflexes and a proactive approach to enemy encounters. This change in pace has made DS3 often feel more accessible to players who might find the slow and methodical nature of DS1 cumbersome.

Story and Lore: Direct Sequel vs. Open World

While both games share lore and themes, their approach to storytelling differs. Dark Souls 1’s narrative unfolds gradually through item descriptions, environmental details, and character interactions, allowing players to piece together the world’s history at their own pace. The focus is on the fall of Lordran and the struggle to either continue or extinguish the First Flame.

Dark Souls 3, in many ways, is a direct sequel to Dark Souls 1. It references key locations, characters, and events, creating a sense of closure for many narrative threads. However, the storytelling is more direct, with a greater emphasis on cutscenes and character dialogues, especially when compared to the first game. This makes the story a little more accessible while also providing plenty of lore for the devoted fan to uncover. The setting of Lothric shares many parallels with Lordran, strengthening the connection between the two.

Accessibility and User Interface

Dark Souls 3 made deliberate strides toward user interface improvements and overall accessibility. The menu systems are streamlined, offering a more user-friendly experience. The inclusion of the Estus Flask and its ability to refill at bonfires greatly improved player longevity without the hassle of managing a more limited resource of healing items.

Dark Souls 1, being the first of the series, was a little clunkier, especially when it came to inventory management and other technicalities. Its controls and general quality of life features were less developed compared to subsequent entries in the series. This doesn’t make DS1 any less of a masterpiece but does make the learning curve a little steeper for a new player to the Souls games.

Difficulty and Aggression

Both games are renowned for their difficulty, but their approach to challenge varies. Dark Souls 1‘s difficulty arises from its punishing interconnected level design and slower combat that punishes mistakes severely. Enemies are often placed strategically, creating traps and ambushes that require careful observation and planning.

Dark Souls 3, on the other hand, is known for its fast-paced and aggressive enemy AI. Enemies have more varied and complex attack patterns, often pressuring the player with relentless assaults. The bosses in Dark Souls 3 are especially demanding, requiring precise dodging and quick reflexes. Many consider Dark Souls 3 to be the hardest of the Dark Souls series because of its emphasis on relentless enemy aggression and difficult boss fights, especially in the late-game areas.

Which Game Should You Play First?

While Dark Souls 3 is more modern and features streamlined mechanics, starting with Dark Souls 1 is still a viable choice, particularly for players interested in the complete experience. Playing DS1 first allows you to fully appreciate the development of the series, fully grasp the lore, and experience the interconnected world. However, if your main focus is to have a smoother experience as your first Soulslike, Dark Souls 3’s accessibility may be easier to digest for new players. Ultimately, both are excellent games, and the decision comes down to personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Dark Souls 1 and 3 the same game?

No. While they share core mechanics and lore, they are vastly different games, most notably in world design, combat, and story progression. Dark Souls 3 is a spiritual successor to Dark Souls 1, but it does not have the same world interconnectedness as the first game.

2. Should I play Dark Souls 1 or 3 first?

It’s recommended to play Dark Souls 1 first to fully appreciate the story and world design. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to begin with Dark Souls 3 if you prefer a more streamlined experience.

3. Is Dark Souls 3 the hardest game in the series?

Many consider Dark Souls 3 to be the hardest game in the Dark Souls series because of its fast-paced combat, aggressive enemies, and challenging bosses.

4. Is Dark Souls 1 easier than 3?

Generally speaking, yes. The combat pace is slower and the world design is less aggressive than in Dark Souls 3. However, the interconnectedness of DS1 can sometimes make the exploration and progression more challenging.

5. What is the biggest difference in level design between DS1 and DS3?

Dark Souls 1 features a highly interconnected world, where you can loop back and forth between many locations. Dark Souls 3 has more segmented levels, less overall interconnection, and is more linear in its approach.

6. Is the story connected between the two games?

Dark Souls 3 is very much a direct sequel to Dark Souls 1. The story and lore are deeply connected, and many themes from DS1 are explored further in DS3.

7. What is the combat like in DS1 compared to DS3?

Dark Souls 1 has slower, more methodical combat, while Dark Souls 3 is faster, more fluid, and more aggressive.

8. Can you play Dark Souls 3 without playing Dark Souls 1?

Yes, you can, but you will appreciate the story of Dark Souls 3 more if you play Dark Souls 1 beforehand. Dark Souls 3 makes heavy references to key locations and themes within Dark Souls 1.

9. Which game has a better user interface?

Dark Souls 3 has a significantly more streamlined and user-friendly interface compared to the clunkier and less developed UI of Dark Souls 1.

10. Is Dark Souls 1 too hard for beginners?

Dark Souls 1 can be quite challenging for beginners due to its less developed mechanics, punishing interconnected world design, and slower combat. However, it’s still manageable with patience and persistence.

11. What character class is best for Dark Souls 1 beginners?

The Warrior class is highly recommended for beginners due to its solid starting stats, good equipment, and versatility.

12. Are there any direct story connections to Dark Souls 2?

Dark Souls 2 is loosely connected to the other two, with some minor references but otherwise stands on its own as part of a different story with its own world.

13. Is Elden Ring connected to Dark Souls?

No, Elden Ring and the Dark Souls trilogy are not connected. They exist in separate universes.

14. How is combat fluidity different between DS1 and DS3?

In Dark Souls 1, your character moves slowly and deliberately, and each action takes time. In Dark Souls 3, player movements are faster and more responsive, making the combat feel much more action-oriented.

15. Which game is more popular?

Dark Souls 3 is generally considered to be more popular, mostly due to its streamlined mechanics, more accessible UI, and faster-paced combat.