Dark Souls Trilogy: Why You Should Start Over in 2025

by

It’s not too far-fetched to argue that the Dark Souls series is among the most culturally influential video game franchises ever made. Beyond demonstrating that there’s still demand for difficult and intricate interactive experiences, the Dark Souls games paved the way for a new golden age of third-person action RPGs, leaving an impact on titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and the latest iterations of God of War.

Additionally, the success also boosted FromSoftware’s fame, placing them among the most esteemed and reliable game developers currently active. Notably, their reputation peaked after the launch of Elden Ring, which attracted a larger audience than any other FromSoftware release to date. This increased exposure sparked the interest of countless gamers, inviting them on adventures through games like Bloodborne, Sekiro, Demon’s Souls, and, undeniably, Dark Souls. Even for those who have already traversed the iconic Souls trilogy, revisiting it in 2025 might be an opportunity worth seizing.

The Dark Souls Trilogy: Why It Deserves To Be Replayed

Dark Souls Is a Nice Change of Pace from Elden Ring

For many gamers, it’s likely that Elden Ring is the most recent game developed by FromSoftware they’ve experienced. With its vast open-world landscape, incredible customization options, and top-tier Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, Elden Ring might seem like the ultimate expression of the FromSoftware Souls formula, but this is a point up for discussion. While Elden Ring undoubtedly showcases exceptional game design, it’s worth noting that some aspects of FromSoftware’s earlier releases may arguably be executed better.

One aspect to consider is the “repeat play value” in games like Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring. While a typical playthrough of Dark Souls 3 might last around a third of the time compared to Elden Ring, this difference stems from its density and meticulous design. However, Elden Ring’s replayability could be reduced due to factors such as its expansive size and the fact that many of its strengths are only fully realized once. The thrill of discovering new areas within The Lands Between tends to diminish after an initial playthrough.

Playing the Dark Souls series again offers a distinctly new perspective. Though there’s a hint of nostalgia, it fosters mastery rather than resentment. Multiple runs provide chances to refine abilities, explore various tactics, and conquer obstacles that previously seemed insurmountable with greater ease. However, the most significant aspect is the chance for extensive build experimentation in Dark Souls.

In the game Elden Ring Nightreign, you’ll find Dark Souls-style bosses, making it even more tempting to go through another round of Dark Souls. This way, players can relive the initial encounters before they are reintroduced in Nightreign.

In terms of character creation, Elden Ring could potentially offer a wider range of builds due to its diverse array of unique weapons. However, Dark Souls makes it simpler for players to experiment with different builds because the focus is more concentrated – it’s less complicated when there are fewer elements to manage. The replayability aspect of Dark Souls also contributes to this ease. Since combat is emphasized more in Dark Souls compared to Elden Ring due to its limited exploration, players can more effectively refine their chosen build and enhance their skills. Additionally, the materials needed for upgrades are easier to acquire because of this narrower focus.

As a fan who’s ventured into the sprawling world of Elden Ring, I must admit that revisiting the Dark Souls series might initially seem a bit constrained. However, for those of us passionate about gaming history and the action-RPG genre lineage, diving back into the Dark Souls trilogy – yes, even the sometimes overlooked Dark Souls 2 – can be both educational and rewarding. The linearity and focused design of these games set them apart from many modern releases that prioritize scale over intricate gameplay.

Read More

2025-03-13 20:13