Which Soulsborne Game Should You Play First? A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re looking to delve into the challenging and rewarding world of Soulsborne games, you might be wondering where to start. The genre, known for its brutal difficulty, intricate level design, and deep lore, can seem intimidating to newcomers. So, which game should you pick as your first foray? The answer, while subjective, leans heavily towards Elden Ring.

Elden Ring presents itself as the most newcomer-friendly option within the FromSoftware library for a multitude of reasons. Its open-world design allows players to tackle challenges at their own pace, providing a degree of flexibility not found in other Soulsborne titles. If you encounter a particularly tough boss, you can simply explore another area, level up, and return later with increased strength. This freedom, coupled with the availability of Spirit Summons, which provide valuable assistance during battles, makes Elden Ring significantly more accessible than its predecessors.

While the term “Soulsborne” originally encompassed Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne, it has since expanded to include titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and, of course, Elden Ring. Each of these games offers a unique experience, but Elden Ring is specifically designed with accessibility in mind while still retaining the core mechanics that make the genre so beloved. Starting here provides a smoother learning curve and a less overwhelming introduction to the demands of Souls-like combat.

Why Elden Ring is a Great Starting Point

Several factors make Elden Ring an ideal first Soulsborne game. Firstly, its open world drastically changes the pace compared to the linear structures of other games in the genre. You’re not constantly confined to tightly knit corridors, giving you the breathing room to explore, experiment, and learn at your own rhythm. This is especially beneficial when you’re still figuring out the combat mechanics, as you can engage with a variety of enemies and encounter different challenges without the pressure of constantly progressing.

Secondly, the Spirit Ashes system offers players an added layer of support. These summons, which can be upgraded throughout the game, provide invaluable assistance during boss battles and tougher encounters. They can draw enemy aggression, allowing you to get in some crucial hits or buy time to heal. While veterans might view this as a form of “easy mode”, it serves as a great safety net for newcomers who are still adapting to the game’s punishing nature.

Finally, while Elden Ring certainly has its share of challenging moments, the game also features diverse builds and playstyles. You can choose to be a mighty melee fighter, a powerful magic user, or even a sneaky assassin. This level of customization lets you play in a way that aligns best with your preferences, making the game feel less rigid and more approachable.

Stepping Stones After Elden Ring

Once you’ve experienced the Lands Between and mastered some of the core gameplay mechanics, other Soulsborne titles might appeal to you. If you’ve enjoyed the open world but want something more linear, consider Dark Souls Remastered. Its more focused experience can be beneficial in further understanding the formula of Souls-like games. If you crave faster-paced combat, Bloodborne might be your next stop. Be warned though, its aggressive combat can be initially off-putting.

Why Not Start with the Classics?

While there’s merit in starting with the “first” entries in the series, such as Dark Souls Remastered, they can be incredibly punishing for beginners. These games lack the open world and summonable allies, making it much more difficult to learn their nuances. Starting with Elden Ring not only gives you a solid grasp of the basics but it also helps you understand the design philosophy that permeates through FromSoftware’s catalog. It also makes going back to the older games much easier since you would have a firm foundation.

Alternative Souls-Like Options

If you’re hesitant to jump directly into the world of FromSoftware, a Soulslike game from another developer might be a good starting point. Titles like Tunic, Steelrising, and Remnant: From the Ashes offer similar gameplay mechanics with different settings and levels of difficulty. These games often provide a more gentle learning curve, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the genre before taking on the challenge of a FromSoftware title.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Elden Ring actually easier than other Soulsborne games?

Yes, Elden Ring is generally considered more accessible than other Soulsborne games due to its open world, summonable allies, and more forgiving upgrade system. While still challenging, it provides more opportunities for players to overcome obstacles at their own pace.

2. Should I play Dark Souls before Elden Ring?

Not necessarily. While Dark Souls is a foundational game in the genre, Elden Ring is designed to be a great starting point regardless of prior experience. You can definitely enjoy them in any order, but starting with Elden Ring is often recommended for new players.

3. Is Bloodborne harder than Elden Ring?

Many players find Bloodborne to be more challenging than Elden Ring. Its faster-paced combat and emphasis on aggression can be initially difficult to adjust to, making it a tougher game for beginners.

4. What if I don’t like Dark Souls? Will I like Elden Ring?

Possibly. Elden Ring is a successor to Dark Souls, but with significant modifications to make it more approachable. If you were turned off by the linear structure and unforgiving difficulty of Dark Souls, you may find Elden Ring’s open world and more options for player agency much more appealing.

5. Is Sekiro harder than all the other Soulsborne games?

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is widely considered to be the most difficult Soulsborne game. It places an emphasis on parrying and precise timing, and it does not allow for the same degree of customization found in other titles. It should not be your starting point.

6. Are there any “easy modes” in Soulsborne games?

No, Soulsborne games generally do not have difficulty settings. Their inherent challenge is part of the appeal. However, Elden Ring provides the most choices for mitigating difficulty through exploration, summons, and character builds.

7. Is Bloodborne as violent as some say?

Bloodborne is notably more gruesome and violent than Dark Souls. It uses visceral imagery and a more graphic depiction of violence, which may not appeal to all players.

8. How long does it take to beat a Soulsborne game?

Playtimes vary greatly, but on average, a first playthrough of Elden Ring can take 50 to 80 hours or more. Other games in the series usually take less time, but this depends on player skill and exploration.

9. Should I play with or without summons?

Summons in Elden Ring are designed to aid players struggling with certain areas or bosses. Using them is completely acceptable, especially if you’re new to the genre. Experiment and see what works best for you.

10. Is Lords of the Fallen a good introduction to Soulsborne games?

Lords of the Fallen, while considered a Soulslike game, is generally seen as less challenging than FromSoftware titles. However, its focus is more on combat mechanics and might not offer the same level of world-building or exploration found in more established games.

11. Can I play Elden Ring even if I’ve never played a game like this before?

Absolutely. Elden Ring is an excellent entry point for those completely new to the genre. While the game can be difficult, its open world and freedom of approach allow players to learn at their own pace and develop the necessary skills gradually.

12. Why are Soulsborne games considered so hard?

Soulsborne games are known for their punishing difficulty, which requires patience, precision, and a willingness to learn from failure. Enemies are unforgiving, boss fights require mastery of mechanics, and death carries a consequence. The games force players to adjust and engage differently.

13. What’s the difference between Dark Souls and Bloodborne?

Dark Souls uses a more deliberate and methodical combat system with shields and rolling, while Bloodborne encourages a more aggressive playstyle with dodges and fast weapons. Bloodborne also has a distinctive Victorian horror setting.

14. What makes Elden Ring a Soulsborne game?

Elden Ring shares core gameplay elements with the other games such as challenging combat, intricate world design, and a deep yet cryptic story. Even the way that you lose currency when you die is a trademark of these types of games. This, combined with its difficulty, makes it fall under the Soulsborne moniker.

15. Is Ghost of Tsushima a Soulsborne game?

Ghost of Tsushima is not a Soulsborne game although it draws inspiration from the genre. Its combat is challenging and has some similarities, but it’s not as punishing and has a more story-driven approach.