The consensus generally points to Demon’s Souls (PS5 remake) as the easiest souls game, owing to its more forgiving mechanics and level design compared to others in the series.
So, you’re curious about jumping into the world of Souls games but are a bit intimidated by their reputation? You’re not alone! Many wonder “what is the easiest souls game” to start with. The difficulty of these games is legendary.
There are several titles in the series, and some feel more punishing than others. It is understandable to want the most accessible entry. Some games simply have more complex elements than others.
If you’re looking for the best way to begin your journey, the answer might surprise you. Don’t let the hype about difficulty scare you away from trying.
What is the Easiest Souls Game?
So, you’re curious about jumping into the world of Souls games, huh? That’s awesome! They’re known for being challenging, but trust me, the feeling of accomplishment when you beat a tough boss is amazing. But, if you’re a little nervous, you might be wondering, “Which Souls game is the easiest to start with?” Well, that’s a great question, and we’re going to dig deep into that today. We’ll look at different games, what makes them tough, and what makes some a little more forgiving than others. Let’s get started on this exciting journey!
Understanding the “Souls-like” Genre
Before we jump into specific games, let’s talk about what makes a game a “Souls-like.” This genre, inspired by FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series, is all about deliberate combat, a focus on exploration, and a high level of difficulty. These games usually feature:
- Tough Enemies: Even basic enemies can pose a real threat if you’re not careful.
- Stamina Management: Every action, from attacking to dodging, uses stamina. You’ll need to manage it wisely.
- Learning from Death: Death is a part of the learning process. You’ll die a lot, but you’ll get better each time.
- Labyrinthine Level Design: Levels are often interconnected and filled with secrets and shortcuts.
- Bonfires or Checkpoints: You rest at these to heal and level up, but enemies respawn when you do.
These mechanics can make the games seem intimidating at first, but they also contribute to the incredibly rewarding feeling you get when you overcome a challenge.
Why Difficulty Varies in Souls Games
Even though they share similar ideas, each Souls-like game has a slightly different approach to difficulty. Some are faster-paced, others rely more on exploration, and others have tools that can help players who are struggling. These differences create a different feel from game to game. Here are some things that can impact how hard a Souls game feels:
Game Speed
Faster-paced games can feel harder because they require quicker reactions. Slower games allow for more thoughtful planning and can be a little easier to pick up.
Enemy Aggression
Some games feature enemies that are very aggressive and attack constantly, while others may give the player more breathing room. This has a big impact on how stressful the game feels.
Level Design Complexity
Levels with complex layouts and lots of hidden traps or ambushes can be very challenging to navigate.
Available Player Tools
Some games give you things that make things easier, like the ability to summon help, strong magic, or a variety of equipment options.
Boss Difficulty
Bosses are usually the biggest challenges in these games, and some are just straight up harder than others. A game with easy regular enemies but tough bosses could be harder than one where all the enemies are moderately difficult.
Candidates for the “Easiest” Souls Game
Now that we understand what makes a Souls game, and what impacts their difficulties, let’s examine some specific titles that are often considered easier or more approachable for newcomers.
Dark Souls Remastered: The Classic Experience
While it’s the game that started it all, Dark Souls Remastered isn’t typically cited as the easiest. It’s got a slower pace and its level design is more interconnected. However, it has a few elements that make it more forgiving than other Souls games. For example, the game has a generally more forgiving stamina cost, as well as more options for shield block and magic, at the start of the game. Also, it has a very large community, which means there’s plenty of information available online if you’re stuck. However, it is important to note that while the first half is generally considered easier, the latter half can be quite challenging. It throws a lot of curveballs and some very difficult boss fights at the player. This makes it a poor choice as the “easiest”.
Why it might be easier:
- Slower combat pace allows for more strategic thinking.
- Abundance of online resources and guides.
Why it might still be tough:
- Intricate level design can be confusing at first.
- Some bosses can be very difficult, especially later in the game.
- It throws the player in the deep end at the start of the game and doesn’t offer much in the way of guidance.
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin: A Different Flavor
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin is often seen as the “black sheep” of the series. It features a lot of changes from the first Dark Souls game, some consider these changes for the worse, but they also make it a more approachable game for many players. It also adds in a few different mechanics, like the adaptability stat that raises invulnerability frames. The ability to add levels and health to the player in this way adds a greater level of player power, which is not present in other games in the series. Although many claim the game’s base level design is far inferior to its predecessors, the game also has a few less intricate boss fights, which may be simpler for new players to get through.
Why it might be easier:
- More opportunities to heal and replenish supplies.
- Adaptability stat provides an additional option to increase player power.
- Fewer areas with complex interlocking level design, which can be easier to navigate.
Why it might still be tough:
- Enemy placement can feel unfair at times.
- The game is generally considered to be a bit clunkier, with less satisfying combat overall.
Dark Souls III: The Fast-Paced Frenzy
Dark Souls III is a fast and fluid game. While it’s very well made, its pace makes it less of a good starting point for many. The enemy encounters can be brutal, and the bosses can feel relentless. It really emphasizes speed and reaction time over planning, which might make it less approachable for beginners.
Why it might be easier:
- More responsive controls than previous entries.
- Generally clearer level layouts than other Dark Souls titles.
Why it might be tough:
- Fast-paced combat requires quick reflexes.
- Aggressive enemies can be overwhelming for newcomers.
- Some areas can feel very difficult and hard to traverse, with lots of challenging enemies and tricky level design.
Demon’s Souls (Remake): The Granddaddy
Demon’s Souls was the first ever Souls game made by From Software. This was recently remade for the PlayStation 5. While it has a lot of the things fans love about the series, like challenging combat and intricate level design, it might not be the easiest for everyone to get into. Many of the mechanics that would go on to be refined in later games were in their most basic form here. This can be charming to some, but also quite frustrating.
Why it might be easier:
- The remake has some slight tweaks that make the game a bit easier to navigate.
- Unique level structure, that separates areas, and lets the player choose where they go.
Why it might still be tough:
- The game’s original systems are very different from other Souls-like titles.
- The game’s unique systems can be confusing for new players, such as world tendency.
Elden Ring: The Open World Gamble
Elden Ring takes the Souls formula into a huge open world. While it’s a really fun game with a lot to see and do, its open world approach might be a double-edged sword in terms of difficulty. The game gives you a lot of options for how to approach challenges, such as letting you run past enemies or explore optional dungeons, which makes the main story less difficult. However, it also features incredibly large areas, that are home to more dangerous enemies, which may lead to players feeling lost, confused, and overwhelmed.
Why it might be easier:
- Open world gives you more freedom to explore and find equipment.
- Ability to summon spirits to help with bosses.
- The open world allows players to grind up levels and get stronger before facing bosses.
Why it might still be tough:
- Large world can be overwhelming for new players.
- Certain bosses and areas can be very difficult.
- The open world also features some of the toughest optional bosses and areas in any Souls game.
Lords of the Fallen (2014): A Solid First Attempt
Lords of the Fallen, a game by Deck13, is another Souls-like that has a very slow, deliberate pace. This, as well as some more lenient enemy patterns, make it feel more approachable than some other games. The game features a heavier combat system, where movement feels slow and deliberate, and it has a large focus on armor, which allows for many types of player builds that feel very powerful. It also has a smaller level of interconnectedness, meaning players won’t get lost quite so easily.
Why it might be easier:
- Slower combat allows for more calculated actions.
- The game has generally simpler level layouts and more linear progression.
Why it might still be tough:
- The game’s combat system can feel a bit clunky and slow, which some may dislike.
- Boss fights can sometimes feel like they rely on cheap mechanics, which might feel frustrating.
Lords of the Fallen (2023): Reforged But Still Challenging
The 2023 reboot of Lords of the Fallen aims to provide a more modern, Souls-like experience. While its graphics and mechanics are vastly improved, its difficulty has taken a slight step up from the original. The world is much more interconnected, and the combat is more aggressive and faster-paced. While this game is a significant improvement over its predecessor, it is not considered an “easy” game to get into.
Why it might be easier:
- Improved combat system and graphics over the original.
- More class options, for a more varied range of player build possibilities.
Why it might still be tough:
- Faster combat pace requires more precise timing.
- Interconnected world can be complex and confusing for some.
- Some areas are exceptionally difficult, with some of the most difficult enemies from any souls game.
Nioh and Nioh 2: Ninja Souls
The Nioh series of games mixes the Souls formula with fast-paced, action-oriented combat similar to Ninja Gaiden . While these games are great and feature a level of depth not really found anywhere else, the complexity of its combat system makes it too difficult for most newcomers to approach. The combat system makes use of “stances” that are used in tandem with various weapons to create a very deep system. This leads to a complex gameplay loop, which can seem very overwhelming for new players.
Why it might be easier:
- More linear level design, making it easier to navigate.
- Plenty of options to customize your character and build.
Why it might still be tough:
- Unique combat system is complex and difficult to learn.
- Enemies can be very aggressive and challenging.
- The game generally requires you to engage with its mechanics to succeed, rather than just brute force.
Code Vein: Anime Souls
Code Vein is a Souls-like with a strong anime aesthetic. It uses similar mechanics to other games in the genre, but also adds in a strong party system. The AI controlled party members help the player with fights, which can be very valuable for some new players. It’s generally considered one of the easier games in the genre. It has a much less oppressive atmosphere, and the overall difficulty is lower than other Souls-like games.
Why it might be easier:
- AI-controlled companions provide helpful support.
- More forgiving difficulty curve overall than other games in the genre.
- More linear level structure makes it easier to navigate.
Why it might still be tough:
- Some players may find the art direction and story to be a bit cliché and off-putting.
- The game’s combat system isn’t as tight as in other Souls-like titles.
Mortal Shell: A Unique Take
Mortal Shell stands out from the other games on this list, due to its unique “shell” mechanic, which allows the player to swap bodies and use their abilities. The combat system is also quite deliberate and slow, with a major focus on timing, much like Dark Souls, but the game has more of an emphasis on patience and tactical engagements. This, as well as the game’s smaller scope, makes it generally a bit less intimidating.
Why it might be easier:
- Smaller world and fewer areas can make it less overwhelming.
- Unique shell mechanic allows for varied gameplay approaches.
Why it might still be tough:
- The game has some challenging enemies, which may be difficult for some players.
- The game may feel very punishing for those not used to slower, tactical gameplay.
The “Easiest” Recommendation
Based on the information we’ve covered, Code Vein stands out as arguably the easiest Souls-like game for newcomers. Its AI companions, more forgiving difficulty curve, and simpler level design make it a less intimidating entry point. However, Lords of the Fallen (2014) is also a very good option for people who may not like the aesthetics of Code Vein, and offers a slower, more methodical Souls experience, in a linear structure, that may help those who want to explore the genre, before diving into the more intricate titles.
It’s important to note that “easiest” is subjective. What one player finds easy, another might struggle with. However, some of these titles offer the player more tools and systems that make them slightly more forgiving.
Ultimately, the best way to find out which Souls game is easiest for you is to jump in and try one. Don’t be afraid to die, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the journey. These games can be difficult, but the feelings of satisfaction when you overcome an obstacle are like nothing else in gaming. Good luck, and may your journey be filled with triumph!
Ranking Every Souls Game Easiest to Hardest (Including Elden Ring)
Final Thoughts
Dark Souls 3 often gets mentioned as the more approachable title, due to its faster pace and generally less punishing level design. Elden Ring, with its open world and multitude of options, offers more flexibility for handling difficulty spikes.
Bloodborne presents a unique challenge. While it’s fast, aggressive combat can overwhelm newcomers. Demon’s Souls, with its segmented structure, lets you tackle areas in a less overwhelming manner.
So, considering everything, when people ask ‘what is the easiest souls game’, a solid answer would usually land on either Dark Souls 3 or Elden Ring. They provide a slightly smoother starting experience compared to the other options.
