Navigating the intricate world of FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games can be a daunting task for newcomers and veterans alike. With the release of Elden Ring, many players are eager to explore the rich history of the franchise but may be unsure of the best order to experience these challenging titles. This guide will illuminate the optimal pathway through the series, ensuring you grasp the evolution of gameplay mechanics and narrative depth while preparing yourself for the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or a hesitant newcomer, understanding the right sequence to tackle these masterpieces will enhance your journey through the dark and captivating realms of FromSoftware.
Every Soulsborne game series is unique and you will learn different techniques in each. However, it’s true that starting out with a specific entry in this genre is the most sensible way to go. For this reason, you should check out the list below, which ranks the games from the best choice to get you started in this genre, to the last game on the list, which will test all the skills you’ve acquired on your journey.
Demon’s Souls (2020)
Demon’s Souls (2020), a remake of the original 2009 title, serves as a pivotal entry point for newcomers to the Soulsborne series. This game introduces players to the hauntingly beautiful kingdom of Boletaria, where they must confront the malevolent Old One and its minions. The remake enhances the original’s graphics and gameplay mechanics, making it more accessible while preserving its challenging nature. Players will experience the foundational elements that define the Souls genre, such as intricate level design, deep lore, and punishing combat. Starting with Demon’s Souls allows players to appreciate the evolution of FromSoftware’s game design as they progress through subsequent titles like Dark Souls and Elden Ring.
The remake of Demon’s Souls is a very successful game. The game is a Playstation 5 exclusive. Even though it’s one of the newest games on the market, it’s exactly like the good old Demon’s Souls from 2009. This series started out the Soulsborne genre.
What makes it a great choice to start out your adventure with this genre is that its mechanics are accessible to new players and the gameplay is very slow, which helps a lot in learning the patterns of opponents and in mastering the use of weapons and spells. What’s more, the subsequent games in the series are just as slow as Demon’s Souls, so the pacing of the following titles won’t cause you issues. Starting out your adventure with this genre with games that offer livelier gameplay, such as Sekiro or Dark Souls 3, could make it difficult to get used to the much slower pacing of the remaining titles in the series.
Dark Souls 2
Dark Souls 2, released in 2014, is often regarded as a divisive entry in the Soulsborne series. While it retains the hallmark difficulty and atmospheric storytelling of its predecessors, it introduces a more expansive world and varied environments, which some players appreciate for their exploration potential. However, the game has been criticized for its inconsistent level design and changes to gameplay mechanics that differ from the original Dark Souls. Despite these critiques, many fans recommend playing Dark Souls 2 after the first Dark Souls, as it offers a unique experience that builds on the established lore and gameplay mechanics, making it a worthwhile addition to the journey through FromSoftware’s challenging universe.
Dark Souls 2 is the second game in the Dark Souls series and, despite the fact that its atmosphere is slightly different from its predecessor, the style and pace of the game is just as slow (maybe even more). While it seems like chronologically you should play Dark Souls Remastered first, and the games aren’t that different, Dark Souls 2 is the better choice for a second game for newcomers to the genre.
Mainly because it’s a game with a lot more bosses. Consequently, most of these bosses are relatively easy to defeat. While you will still have to watch out for them (and some bosses are very difficult to beat), defeating most of them shouldn’t be an impossible challenge for a beginner and the satisfaction gained from besting a boss should encourage you to explore this genre further.
Dark Souls Remastered
Dark Souls Remastered serves as an essential entry point in the Soulsborne series, offering players an updated experience of the original classic. This version enhances graphics, improves performance, and includes quality-of-life adjustments, making it more accessible to newcomers while retaining the challenging gameplay that fans love. Players will encounter the iconic interconnected world of Lordran, filled with formidable enemies and intricate lore, setting the stage for the epic journey that culminates in Elden Ring. As a precursor to FromSoftware’s later titles, Dark Souls Remastered is crucial for understanding the evolution of game mechanics and storytelling within the franchise.
The third game you should check out is Dark Souls Remastered, which is the beginning of the Dark Souls series. This game improves the mechanics that appeared in Demon’s Souls without changing them completely. It improves and expands on elements from Demon’s Souls. Moreover, the pace of the gameplay is practically constant (although it’s a bit faster than in DS2), so you’ll feel like you’re playing the same, but improved game with new spells and weapons.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to get used to the fact that initially, you won’t be able to jump between bonfires. You will only unlock the fast travel option after a certain point of the game. This can be seen as part of the game’s difficulty meant to enrich your experience.
Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls III, released in 2016, serves as the concluding chapter of the acclaimed Dark Souls trilogy. It invites players back into a world steeped in lore and dark fantasy, where they take on the role of an Unkindled, tasked with rekindling the First Flame to prevent the impending Age of Darkness. This installment refines the series’ signature gameplay mechanics, offering a faster-paced combat system and intricate level design that rewards exploration and strategic thinking. With its challenging enemies and memorable boss battles, Dark Souls III is often regarded as one of the most polished entries in the franchise, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and a fitting prelude to Elden Ring’s expansive world.
It’s true that this is the most accessible Dark Souls game for new players. The only problem is that the game’s pacing changes dramatically, as it’s much faster than its predecessors, which might make it difficult to go back to the more slowly-paced games. In addition, Dark Souls 3, due to its faster gameplay pacing (although not as fast as in other games), will be a great way to prepare for the subsequent games, which are even faster paced.
However, if you disagree with this statement and think that jumping between fast and slow gameplay won’t pose a problem for you, then potentially starting your adventure with the Soulsborne games from Dark Souls 3 might be a good alternative for you.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne, released in 2015, is a standout entry in the Soulsborne series, known for its gothic horror aesthetic and fast-paced combat mechanics. Set in the cursed city of Yharnam, players assume the role of a Hunter tasked with uncovering the mysteries surrounding a plague that has transformed its inhabitants into nightmarish creatures. The game introduces the Rally system, allowing players to regain health by countering enemy attacks, which encourages a more aggressive playstyle compared to its predecessors. As players navigate through Yharnam’s labyrinthine streets and face off against grotesque foes, they experience a rich narrative steeped in Lovecraftian themes, making Bloodborne an essential title for those exploring the Soulsborne universe.
The next game in the Soulsborne genre is quite different from Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls. We’re talking about Bloodborne, of course. Despite changing up some of the mechanics, however, it’s still based on what you have seen in previous games while bringing a breath of fresh air and increasing the pace of combat. You, e.g. will stop depending on your shield. Instead, you’ll focus on quick dodges and gun parries.
It’s a good idea to play this title after Dark Souls 3. The challenge level will be higher due to the pace of the game, but it won’t become overwhelming. If you started playing Bloodborne after completing titles like Dark Souls Remastered or Dark Souls 2, the pace and speed of some of the choices you need to make amidst combat would be much higher than if you switched from DS3 to BB.
Moreover, parrying attacls in Bloodborne, due to its fast pacing, will help you advance to the next game on this list.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, players step into the role of a one-armed shinobi named Wolf, who is on a quest to rescue his kidnapped lord and restore his honor. Set in the tumultuous Sengoku period of late 1500s Japan, the game combines intense swordplay with stealth mechanics, allowing for a unique gameplay experience distinct from other titles in the Soulsborne series. Unlike traditional RPG elements, Sekiro emphasizes skill over character builds, challenging players to master its combat system through precision and timing. With a rich narrative woven through themes of loyalty and revenge, Sekiro offers a gripping journey filled with formidable foes and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-play for fans of action-adventure games.
Sekiro is a game that is undoubtedly one of the most difficult Soulsborne games. This is mainly due to the game’s pace, which is the fastest of all the games by From Software studio.
Additionally, the game’s main mechanic, i.e. deflecting opponent’s blows, is one of the biggest challenges in the game. It’s used to deal damage to the opponent, as breaking their poise is much more profitable than attacking them just to chip away at their health bar.
Sekiro is simply a different game and you can’t play it in the same way as the aforementioned titles. This forces those who previously played games of this genre to adapt to a different playstyle. This fact has led some players to believe that Sekiro should be the first game to start with.
The problem is that this game is considered one of the most difficult Soulsborne games for this reason alone. Even learning how to parry, although it definitely makes transitioning to games such as the Dark Souls series easier, isn’t necessary to complete them. In the case of Sekiro, it’s basically required. Additionally, the game is about perfectly parrying each subsequent attack as opposed to continuously pressing one button to block. For this reason, you should play Bloodborne before taking on Sekiro, because you will have an easier time learning how to parry attacks in the former, which are critical in the latter game.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring, released in February 2022, represents a significant evolution in FromSoftware’s iconic Soulsborne series. It combines the challenging gameplay and intricate world-building familiar to fans with an expansive open-world design, allowing for greater exploration and freedom than its predecessors. Players encounter a rich tapestry of lore and complex characters, all while navigating a beautifully crafted environment filled with perilous foes and formidable bosses. Elden Ring serves not only as a culmination of the series’ mechanics but also as an accessible entry point for newcomers, making it essential for anyone looking to delve into the Soulsborne genre.
The latest production by From Software, Elden Ring should be at the very end of your list. It’s a game that took the best elements of its predecessors, threw in and switched up most of the mechanics, added an open world, new enemies and some original ideas to create a completely new game.
The gameplay is as fast as in Bloodborne and even Sekiro, subsequent mechanics and concepts have the same basis as in the previous games, however, they have been updated and refined enough that it would be very difficult for you to start your adventure with the Soulsborne genre from this game. There are plenty of bosses in the game world and you will encounter dangers lurking in every corner, so this title will be (for the moment) the perfect culmination and test of your skills.
Summary
The article provides a comprehensive guide on the optimal order to play FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games, particularly for newcomers to the genre. It suggests starting with Demon’s Souls, followed by Dark Souls, Dark Souls II, Bloodborne, and Dark Souls III, before tackling Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and finally Elden Ring. This progression allows players to gradually familiarize themselves with the mechanics and challenges inherent in each title, culminating in the more complex and expansive gameplay of Elden Ring. The recommended order not only highlights the evolution of gameplay mechanics but also enhances the overall experience by building skills and understanding of the genre as players advance through the series.
To summarise the whole list, the intention was to list the games based on their pacing, starting from the slowest and ending with the fastest. At the start of the list, the differences are negligible (Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls Remastered, Dark Souls 2), but the pacing starts increasing with Dark Souls 3. The subsequent games keep on increasing in pace, adding newer mechanics, such as focusing on dodging instead of using a shield, gun parries, damaging opponents by deflecting attacks rather than directly attacking them.
This list offers the optimal order to play the games. Just like with a good book or movie, first you need to build the atmosphere and tension before the action proper can begin. It’s no different in the case of the Soulsborne genre. Your best bet is to start with something slow, with less content, then compare it to the newer and faster titles, rather than to start with the game richest content, increasingly lowering your expectations for the remaining titles, while adapting to their slower pacing.
What are the key differences between playing the Soulsborne games in release order versus difficulty order
Playing the Soulsborne games in either release order or difficulty order offers distinct experiences, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
Release Order
Pros:
- Evolution of Mechanics: Playing in release order allows players to witness the evolution of gameplay mechanics and design philosophies from Demon’s Souls through to Elden Ring. This progression highlights how FromSoftware refined its approach to combat, world-building, and storytelling over time.
- Historical Context: Understanding the context in which each game was developed can enhance appreciation for the series as a whole. Players can see how earlier titles influenced later ones, both in terms of gameplay and narrative themes.
Cons:
- Difficulty Adjustment: Players who start with Elden Ring, which is considered more accessible, may find it challenging to adjust to the slower pacing and less forgiving mechanics of earlier titles. This could lead to frustration or diminished enjoyment.
Difficulty Order
Pros:
- Gradual Learning Curve: Starting with the easier titles allows players to build their skills progressively. This approach helps newcomers acclimate to the challenging nature of the series without being overwhelmed from the outset.
- Focus on Boss Encounters: Playing by difficulty can emphasize learning specific combat strategies needed for tougher bosses. This method often ranks games based on boss fight difficulty, which many players find a more relevant metric for their experience.
Cons:
- Disjointed Experience: Since the Soulsborne games are largely standalone, playing them out of release order may lead to a disjointed understanding of the series’ narrative and thematic continuity. Players might miss out on the historical significance of each title’s innovations.
In summary, choosing between release order and difficulty order ultimately depends on whether players prioritize narrative continuity or a manageable learning curve. Each path offers a unique way to experience FromSoftware’s celebrated catalog.
How does the difficulty of boss fights change when playing the Soulsborne games in release order versus difficulty order
The difficulty of boss fights in the Soulsborne games can vary significantly depending on whether players choose to experience them in release order or difficulty order. Here’s a breakdown of how each approach affects the challenge presented by boss encounters.
Release Order
Boss Fight Progression:
- Demon’s Souls: As the first game, it introduces players to the series’ mechanics. While some bosses can be challenging, many are considered easier compared to later titles, with less sophisticated AI and more straightforward strategies to defeat them.
- Dark Souls: This title raises the bar with more complex boss designs and mechanics. Bosses like Ornstein and Smough and Manus present significant challenges, marking a noticeable increase in difficulty from Demon’s Souls.
- Dark Souls II: Generally regarded as having uneven difficulty, some bosses are easier, but others can be quite tough, depending on player build and strategies employed.
- Bloodborne: Introduces a faster-paced combat system with aggressive bosses like Ludwig and the Orphan of Kos, which are often cited as some of the hardest in the series.
- Dark Souls III: Combines lessons learned from previous games, presenting a mix of challenging bosses, notably in its DLCs, which are among the toughest encounters in the franchise.
- Sekiro: While not traditionally part of the Soulsborne genre, its bosses require precise timing and skillful deflection, making it one of the hardest experiences if played last.
- Elden Ring: Offers a mix of accessibility and challenge; however, facing bosses after experiencing earlier titles may feel less daunting due to familiarity with mechanics developed throughout the series.
Difficulty Order
Boss Fight Progression:
- Demon’s Souls: Starting here allows players to ease into the series with relatively easier bosses. This gradual introduction helps build confidence and skill.
- Dark Souls II: Following Demon’s Souls, this game can be seen as a step up but still offers manageable challenges for players who have acclimated to the mechanics.
- Dark Souls: The boss fights become significantly tougher here, requiring players to apply skills learned in previous games effectively. This creates a more challenging transition from Dark Souls II to Dark Souls .
- Dark Souls III: With its faster pace and more refined mechanics, this title presents formidable bosses that demand quick reflexes and strategic planning. Players will find this a natural progression after mastering earlier titles.
- Bloodborne: The shift to a more aggressive playstyle can be jarring but rewarding. Bosses here are designed to test everything learned so far, making it a fitting challenge after Dark Souls III .
- Sekiro: As one of the most difficult games in terms of boss fights due to its unique combat system focused on deflection rather than blocking or dodging, it serves as an ultimate test for players who have honed their skills through previous titles .
- Elden Ring: Finally, players may find themselves facing optional bosses that can rival those in Sekiro, providing a climactic challenge that leverages all skills acquired throughout their journey .
In summary, playing in release order exposes players to an evolving challenge that builds complexity over time but may feel overwhelming if starting with later titles. In contrast, playing by difficulty order allows for a gradual increase in challenge that can help players develop their skills effectively before tackling the most demanding encounters.
