Finding Your Feet: What’s the Easiest Souls-like Game to Start With?

So, you’re intrigued by the allure of the Souls-like genre – that intoxicating blend of challenging combat, intricate level design, and a world dripping with lore. But the stories of controller-smashing frustration have you a little…hesitant? You’re not alone. The good news is, not all Souls-like games are created equal. The easiest Souls-like game is a subjective question, but based on the consensus, Elden Ring and Dark Souls II tend to be considered the easiest entry points. Elden Ring provides more options due to its open-world nature, and Dark Souls II due to a larger window for error at lower levels. Let’s delve into why these titles, and a few others, offer a more forgiving initiation into this rewarding but demanding genre.

Defining the Souls-like Genre

Before we dive into specific titles, let’s quickly define what we mean by “Souls-like.” While the term is often used loosely, there are a few key characteristics that generally define the genre:

• Challenging Combat: Expect unforgiving encounters, requiring precise timing, strategic resource management, and learning enemy patterns.
• Punishing Death Mechanic: Death typically results in the loss of accumulated currency (souls, echoes, runes, etc.) and a return to a previous checkpoint.
• Intricate Level Design: Interconnected maps with shortcuts, hidden paths, and a sense of exploration are key.
• Atmospheric World: Typically dark, gothic, or fantastical settings with a strong sense of mystery and foreboding.
• Indirect Storytelling: Lore is often pieced together through item descriptions, environmental details, and cryptic dialogue.

Elden Ring: Open-World Freedom Makes a Difference

While Elden Ring, the recent masterpiece by FromSoftware, retains the core elements of the Souls formula, its open-world structure significantly alters the difficulty curve.

• Exploration as Empowerment: Faced with a challenging boss? Simply ride off in another direction and explore a different region. Level up, find new weapons and armor, and return when you’re better prepared. This freedom mitigates frustration and allows players to progress at their own pace.
• Spirit Ashes for Assistance: Elden Ring introduces Spirit Ashes, summonable allies who can provide valuable support in combat, drawing enemy aggro and dealing extra damage. This mechanic is particularly helpful for newcomers struggling with the game’s more difficult encounters.
• Abundant Resources: The Lands Between are teeming with resources, from crafting materials to upgrade items, making it easier to tailor your character and equipment to your preferred playstyle.

Dark Souls II: A More Forgiving Foundation

Dark Souls II often receives mixed opinions within the Souls community, but its relatively lower difficulty compared to other titles in the series makes it a solid choice for beginners.

• Adaptability: Stats like Adaptability make Dark Souls II more forgiving in its rolls and quick time uses.
• More Manageable Enemies: While some argue the enemy placement is less inspired than in other Souls games, the individual encounters are often less punishing, allowing players to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed.
• Emphasis on Exploration: Dark Souls II rewards exploration with hidden items and secrets, encouraging players to venture off the beaten path and discover new strategies and builds.

Other Beginner-Friendly Souls-like Options

While Elden Ring and Dark Souls II stand out as particularly accessible, several other Souls-like titles offer a more forgiving experience:

• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order: This action-adventure game blends Souls-like combat with a compelling Star Wars narrative. The difficulty can be adjusted, and the focus on exploration and puzzle-solving provides a welcome change of pace.
• Death’s Door: With gorgeous visuals and a fantastic soundtrack, Death’s Door offers a unique experience. It has a memorable set of bosses to be tackled, though the title is generally seen as easier than most on this list.
• Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen: This action RPG is open-world and offers a more forgiving experience with a unique pawn system. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen offers a different take on the genre with its pawn system, party-based combat, and dynamic open-world exploration. It’s not strictly Souls-like, but it shares the challenging combat and emphasis on strategic resource management.

Beyond Difficulty: Finding the Right Fit

Ultimately, the “easiest” Souls-like game is the one that resonates most with you. Consider your preferred playstyle, the setting and story you find most engaging, and your tolerance for frustration. The Souls-like genre offers a rewarding experience, but it requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. The key to success is finding a game that keeps you motivated and encourages you to overcome its challenges.

And remember, there’s a whole community out there ready to help! From walkthroughs to build guides, the online Souls-like community is incredibly supportive and passionate. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you’re stuck.

Learning and understanding the principles of game design can also enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of Souls-like games. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org promote research and education in game-based learning, providing valuable insights into the mechanics and design choices that make these games so compelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What makes a game a “Souls-like”?

A “Souls-like” game typically features challenging combat, a punishing death mechanic, intricate level design, a dark or fantastical atmosphere, and indirect storytelling.

2. Is Elden Ring a good starting point for the Souls-like genre?

Yes, Elden Ring‘s open-world structure, Spirit Ashes, and abundant resources make it a more accessible entry point compared to other Souls games.

3. Why is Dark Souls II considered easier than other Dark Souls games?

Dark Souls II generally has more manageable enemies and emphasizes exploration, offering a more forgiving experience for beginners.

4. Is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order a true Souls-like game?

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order incorporates elements of Souls-like combat and exploration, but it also features a compelling narrative and adjustable difficulty settings, making it more accessible to a wider audience.

5. I’m not good at difficult games. Should I even try a Souls-like?

Absolutely! The Souls-like genre can be incredibly rewarding, even for players who aren’t typically drawn to challenging games. Start with one of the more accessible titles and be patient with yourself.

6. What if I get stuck on a boss?

Don’t be afraid to take a break, explore other areas, or consult online resources for tips and strategies. Summoning other players for co-op can also be a helpful option.

7. Are all Souls-like games dark and depressing?

While many Souls-like games feature a dark and melancholic atmosphere, some titles, like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, offer a more hopeful and adventurous tone.

8. Do I need to play the Dark Souls games in order?

While there are some recurring themes and characters, each Dark Souls game has its own self-contained story. You can start with any title in the series without missing out on too much.

9. What’s the difference between Dark Souls II and Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin?

Scholar of the First Sin is an updated version of Dark Souls II that includes all DLC, improved graphics, and rebalanced gameplay.

10. Are there any Souls-like games that aren’t as combat-focused?

While combat is a core element of the Souls-like genre, some titles, like Hollow Knight, place a greater emphasis on exploration and platforming.

11. What if I don’t like the punishing death mechanic?

Some Souls-like games offer options to mitigate the impact of death, such as retaining a portion of your currency or providing opportunities to retrieve your lost items.

12. Why are Souls-like games so popular?

Souls-like games offer a unique blend of challenge, exploration, and atmosphere that resonates with players who are looking for a more immersive and rewarding gaming experience. The sense of accomplishment after overcoming a difficult boss or navigating a treacherous level is incredibly satisfying.

13. What’s the hardest Souls-like game?

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is often considered the hardest Souls-like game due to its demanding combat system that requires precise parrying and timing. Bloodborne is also quite difficult.

14. Are Souls-like games only for hardcore gamers?

Not at all! While Souls-like games can be challenging, they are accessible to players of all skill levels with the right mindset and a willingness to learn.

15. Where can I learn more about game design principles that are applied in Souls-like games?

The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ is a great resource for learning more about game-based learning and the principles of game design.

Hopefully, this guide has shed some light on the Souls-like genre and helped you identify a suitable entry point. Good luck, and remember: Don’t give up, skeleton!