What Souls Game Should I Play First?

‘You should play Dark Souls Remastered first if you are wondering what souls game should i play first. It offers a challenging but fair starting point for the series.’

So, you’re drawn to the world of brutally difficult yet rewarding action RPGs, pondering what souls game should i play first? It’s a common question and a good one. The choices within this genre can feel a bit overwhelming at first, with each game offering a slightly different experience.

Don’t worry; we can make it easy. Starting with the original Dark Souls will teach you the core mechanics. You will then get a better understanding for the other soulsborne titles.

What Souls Game Should I Play First?

So, you’re ready to jump into the world of Souls games? That’s awesome! These games are known for being tough but super rewarding. They have amazing worlds to explore, cool characters to meet, and battles that will get your heart pumping. But with so many games in the series, it can be tricky to know where to start. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you figure out the best first step into this awesome, and sometimes a bit scary, genre.

Understanding the “Souls” Formula

Before we dive into specific games, let’s talk about what makes a Souls game a Souls game. These games, created by FromSoftware, have some special things in common. Think of them as the ingredients that make a special recipe.

Key Characteristics of Souls Games:

• Tough but Fair Difficulty: Souls games are known for being challenging, but it’s not unfair. You’ll die – a lot. But each death is a lesson. You learn from your mistakes and get better.
• Focus on Combat: These games are all about fighting. You’ll need to learn enemy patterns, use different weapons, and time your dodges just right.
• Exploration is Key: These games encourage you to explore every nook and cranny. You’ll find hidden items, secret paths, and sometimes even optional bosses.
• Intricate Lore: The stories in Souls games aren’t told in a straightforward way. You piece them together from item descriptions, character conversations, and the environment itself. It’s like a puzzle that you slowly solve.
• Unique Multiplayer: Souls games have a special type of online multiplayer. You can summon other players to help you with tough bosses, or invade other players’ worlds to fight them.

Breaking Down the Main Contenders

Okay, now let’s get to the games! We’ll look at some of the best options for your first Souls experience. Each game has its own flavor, but they all share those core “Souls” ingredients we just talked about.

Dark Souls Remastered: The Classic Starting Point

Many people recommend Dark Souls Remastered as the first Souls game. It’s a great place to start because it’s the game that really made the series popular. It has a well-designed world, and it teaches you the basics of the gameplay in a clear way.

• Pros:
  • Relatively straightforward level design compared to later entries, making it easier to understand the world.
  • A good balance of challenge and reward, not overwhelmingly difficult for beginners.
  • A great story with interesting characters.
  • Remastered version means smoother performance and nicer graphics than the original.
  • Large community for help if you get stuck.
• Cons:
  • Can feel a bit clunky compared to later games.
  • Some areas can be frustrating for new players.
  • The story isn’t always very direct, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Dark Souls III: A More Modern Experience

Dark Souls III is another very popular choice for a first game. It’s generally considered to be more refined than the first Dark Souls. The movement and combat feel smoother, and it’s a bit faster-paced.

• Pros:
  • More fluid combat and movement make it feel more modern.
  • Visually stunning with incredible environments and enemy designs.
  • A great soundtrack adds a lot to the atmosphere.
  • It has a more readily accessible story for some players.
• Cons:
  • Can be more difficult than Dark Souls Remastered.
  • Its faster pace can be overwhelming for brand-new players to the series.
  • It can feel a bit less interconnected in terms of level design than Dark Souls.

Demon’s Souls (Remake): A Polished Introduction (But Exclusivity)

The Demon’s Souls Remake for the PlayStation 5 is a visually gorgeous and mechanically solid entry in the series. This remake has modernized the original game, making it a great entry point for new players, if you have a PS5.

• Pros:
  • Beautiful graphics and sound design.
  • Introduces the world of Souls games in a fantastic way.
  • The level design is unique and memorable.
  • The story and lore are intriguing.
• Cons:
  • Is only available on PlayStation 5 making it less accessible.
  • It has some elements that can feel dated even with the remake, such as some mechanics.
  • Its difficulty might be a bit uneven for some players, though not harder overall than the other games here.

Elden Ring: The Open-World Adventure

Elden Ring is a different kind of Souls game because it’s open-world. This means you have a huge world to explore freely. It has a lot to offer newcomers, but the sheer scale of it might be a bit much for some.

• Pros:
  • Massive open world to explore at your own pace.
  • Tons of content, with side quests and secrets everywhere.
  • Lots of freedom in how you approach challenges.
  • Many options for character building and customization.
• Cons:
  • The open world might be overwhelming for new players.
  • Can be difficult to know where to go next.
  • The difficulty can vary a lot in different areas.
  • Some people feel that open-world elements dilute the focused experience in previous games.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – A Different Flavor

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is another FromSoftware game, but it plays a bit differently from the Dark Souls games. It focuses more on parrying and fast-paced combat. While it has similar difficulty, it feels different, and you might not want to choose it as your first Souls game.

• Pros:
  • Focuses on a faster-paced, more action-oriented combat.
  • Unique parrying system that is very rewarding to learn.
  • A more straightforward story with a focus on a specific character.
• Cons:
  • The different combat system can be a hard learning curve if you are expecting a standard Souls game experience.
  • Less variety in builds.
  • Can be less forgiving if you do not learn parrying.

Bloodborne: The Fast and Furious Option

Bloodborne is a fast and aggressive game. It encourages players to fight up close and personal with its unique “rally” system, which allows players to regain health by attacking after being hit. While amazing, it might not be the best starting point for everyone.

• Pros:
  • Unique aesthetic and setting unlike other souls games.
  • Fast and rewarding combat.
  • Intriguing story and lore.
• Cons:
  • Can be a more challenging experience for first-time players.
  • The rally mechanic might take time to get used to.
  • It’s a PlayStation exclusive, so it’s not available on other platforms.

So, Which Should You Choose? A Detailed Comparison

Okay, let’s bring it all together! Here’s a comparison chart to help you make your decision:

Recommendations Based on Your Preferences

Here’s a breakdown of recommendations based on what you’re looking for:

For the Classic Souls Experience:

If you want to start with what many consider the quintessential Souls game, Dark Souls Remastered is the way to go. It has the core design principles and the classic feel of the series.

For a More Modern Feel:

Dark Souls III is a good choice if you want the smoother combat and more updated graphics. It’s a more approachable experience for some, though can be more difficult than the first Dark Souls.

For the Visually Stunning Introduction:

If you have a PlayStation 5 and want a stunning experience, the Demon’s Souls Remake is a great way to begin. The graphics are top-notch.

For Open-World Exploration:

If you enjoy exploration and a vast world to explore, Elden Ring will certainly give you that in spades. Just be aware it may be initially overwhelming due to its sheer scope.

For Something Different:

If you’re comfortable with a different combat system, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an excellent game. But it’s not recommended as your first souls experience due to its heavy focus on parrying.

For Fast-Paced Combat:

If you want a fast-paced, aggressive experience and have a PlayStation, then Bloodborne is an excellent choice, but it is a more difficult experience for a new player.

Tips for New Souls Players

No matter which game you choose, here are a few tips to help you on your journey:

• Be Patient: You’ll die a lot. Don’t get discouraged. Each death is an opportunity to learn.
• Observe Your Enemies: Pay attention to their attacks, and how you can avoid them or take advantage of openings.
• Explore Everything: Check every corner, and talk to every NPC. You might find some hidden treasures or helpful clues.
• Experiment: Try different weapons, armor, and spells to see what works best for you.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to look online for guides or join the game’s community to ask questions.

Starting a Souls game for the first time is a big step, but it’s a journey that many players find very rewarding. Each game is an adventure with its own challenges, stories, and secrets. Take your time, be ready to face defeat, and learn from every experience. You’ll get better over time and the feeling of succeeding in these games is unmatched.

Picking a first souls game is a really personal thing. There’s no right or wrong choice, and ultimately it depends on your preferences. Don’t get too hung up on the ‘perfect’ game. Just start playing and have fun. The amazing world of Souls games awaits you.

Wanna Play a Soulsborne Game? Watch This

Final Thoughts

If you crave a more traditional, linear experience, start with Dark Souls Remastered. Its interconnected world provides a fantastic introduction. However, for a faster, more forgiving combat style, consider Bloodborne.

For a less punishing start, Elden Ring offers open-world exploration. This provides freedom and a less intense initial experience. Ultimately, what souls game should i play first is a personal choice, but these are solid options for beginners.