Will Dark Souls 4 Ever Happen? The Future of the Beloved Franchise
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The burning question on every Souls fan’s mind: will we ever see a Dark Souls 4? The short answer is, unfortunately, highly unlikely. While never say never in the unpredictable world of video game development, the evidence and official statements heavily suggest that FromSoftware has moved on from the mainline Dark Souls series. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case, and explore what the future might hold for fans of the Souls-like genre.
Why Dark Souls 4 is Unlikely
Miyazaki’s Stance
The key reason for the bleak outlook on Dark Souls 4 is Hidetaka Miyazaki, the mastermind behind the series. He has repeatedly stated his desire to explore new creative avenues and move on to different projects. He has expressed a lack of personal interest in continuing the Dark Souls saga, indicating that his creative vision for the world has reached its natural conclusion. This suggests that the core creative driving force behind Dark Souls has no intention of returning to that specific world.
Dark Souls 3 as a Conclusion
Dark Souls 3 was designed, at least thematically, as the conclusion to the trilogy. The game’s narrative explicitly addresses the cyclic nature of the world and the fading of the First Flame, bringing the central themes of the series to a conclusive point. While the endings are open to interpretation, they provide a sense of closure, indicating that the story is complete, rather than needing further expansion.
FromSoftware’s Focus
FromSoftware’s current direction appears to be firmly set on exploring new intellectual properties (IPs) and expanding upon existing ones beyond the Dark Souls framework. The massive success of Elden Ring, which many see as a culmination of previous Souls games and other IPs, showcases their ability to innovate. They seem more focused on branching out rather than revisiting past successes. Additionally, their work on Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon highlights a desire to explore other genres entirely, further reducing the likelihood of a return to Dark Souls.
The Risk of Over-Saturation
There’s also a valid argument for why FromSoftware might choose not to continue Dark Souls: the risk of over-saturation. By ending the series at its height, they preserve its legacy and prevent the potential for diminishing returns that can occur with frequent sequels. While fans may desperately want more, from a creative and business perspective, moving on might be the wiser choice.
The Hope Remains, However Dim
Despite all the evidence, there’s a tiny glimmer of hope. Miyazaki himself has conceded that he wouldn’t completely object if one of his employees had a truly compelling idea for a new Dark Souls game further down the line. This indicates that the door isn’t entirely closed, just very firmly shut. It’s a long shot, but it is possible that some inspired creative spark could lead to a revival of the series, albeit in a way that would feel new and justified.
Is There a Future for Souls-Like Games?
Even without a Dark Souls 4, the future for Souls-like games is bright. Elden Ring’s success proves that the formula still resonates deeply with gamers and that FromSoftware continues to innovate within the genre. We can confidently expect further entries in the Souls-like genre, potentially from FromSoftware themselves or other studios inspired by their work. Whether these will carry the Dark Souls name or become entirely new titles is what remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will Bloodborne 2 ever happen?
The odds of Bloodborne 2 are slightly higher than Dark Souls 4, but there has been no official word from FromSoftware. They seem focused on other projects, but a sequel remains a possibility in the future.
2. Is Elden Ring the end of the Souls series?
Elden Ring feels like a culmination of the Souls series, but not necessarily the end. It’s a blend of various FromSoftware IPs and it’s so massive that a sequel is unlikely in the immediate future.
3. Is Elden Ring 2 in development?
Yes, Hidetaka Miyazaki seemingly confirmed that a sequel to Elden Ring is in development, as per a snippet from the game’s guidebook.
4. Which Souls game has the best story?
Bloodborne is generally considered to have the best and most expansive lore among the Soulsborne games.
5. Which Souls game is Elden Ring most like?
Dark Souls 3 is considered the closest experience to Elden Ring in terms of gameplay and combat, despite not being as open-world.
6. Which is the most difficult Dark Souls game?
Many consider Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin to be the most difficult, while some say that Dark Souls 3 is harder. The level of difficulty is often subjective and can vary between players.
7. Which Dark Souls game is the easiest?
Elden Ring is often considered the easiest game by some, while others find Dark Souls 3 the easiest entry.
8. Will I like Elden Ring if I hated Dark Souls?
Yes, Elden Ring is generally considered more approachable and is often recommended to those who may have disliked the Dark Souls games.
9. Is Demon’s Souls connected to Dark Souls?
While there are references between the two, they are considered “spiritual sequels,” not directly connected. Their worlds are not related.
10. Which Dark Souls game is most active?
Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne are the most active in terms of online play.
11. Which Dark Souls game sold the best?
Dark Souls III sold over ten million copies, surpassing previous entries in the series.
12. How much did Elden Ring sell?
As of March 2023, Elden Ring sold over 20.5 million copies worldwide.
13. Does Dark Souls 3 break the cycle?
The first two endings in Dark Souls 3 do not break the cycle. They only continue it.
14. Which Dark Souls 3 ending is canon?
There is no official canon ending for Dark Souls 3, similar to the original Dark Souls.
15. Why should you play Elden Ring twice?
Playing Elden Ring multiple times can offer a new level of challenge and a deeper appreciation for the game’s intricate systems. New Game Plus allows you to re-experience the game with a scaled-up difficulty, making it fresh even on subsequent playthroughs.
Conclusion
While the prospect of a Dark Souls 4 seems remote, the legacy of the series and the genre it birthed live on. FromSoftware’s commitment to innovation and the massive success of Elden Ring highlight a bright future for Souls-like games, even if it may not involve a direct return to the Dark Souls universe. We can only continue to wait and see what FromSoftware has in store for us in the coming years. The passion for the series remains, and perhaps, one day, a compelling new vision will revive the flame.