Dark Souls 3 Locations That Live On From DS1, Explained

As a seasoned veteran of the dark and enigmatic world of FromSoftware games, I can attest to the labyrinthine nature of their storytelling. The Dark Souls trilogy, in particular, has been a constant source of fascination for fans trying to piece together its intricate narrative tapestry.

In most games developed by FromSoftware, the storyline can be challenging for fans to grasp fully. Instead of traditional storytelling methods like lengthy cutscenes, each game offers only a basic framework through an introductory and concluding cutscene for its action-RPGs. To uncover significant details about the characters, world, or overall plot, players must carefully examine item descriptions, dialogues, and environmental clues to construct their interpretation of the FromSoftware narrative. This is particularly relevant in the Dark Souls series.

Though games like Elden Ring and Bloodborne stand independently, the Dark Souls trilogy adds an additional layer of mystery due to their technical interconnectedness. Fans have spent years trying to uncover definitive links between the stories of Dark Souls 1, 2, and 3. Notably, some connections are more apparent than others; for instance, certain locations in Dark Souls 3 make direct references to itself.

Anor Londo Is a Direct Recreation in Dark Souls 3

The strongest nod to the first game in the trilogy is undoubtedly Anor Londo in Dark Souls 3. Unlike other locations in this third installment that subtly echo the series’ debut, Anor Londo is strikingly similar to its initial form and shares the same name. Although the route to the castle is slightly altered in Dark Souls 3, the castle itself remains almost unchanged, with its long stairway and imposing silhouette towering over the player. Instead of the beloved duo bosses Smough and Ornstein, the halls of Dark Souls 3’s castle house Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, who appears to have consumed Dark Souls 1’s Dark Sun Gwyndolin.

Other Dark Souls 3 Locations That Seem to Reference DS1

Firelink Shrine

In Dark Souls 3, there’s a replica of Firelink Shrine, but if you’re looking for the original, it can be found in the Ringed City DLC from the first game. After you plunge into the hole to confront the Demon Prince, look behind you and you’ll see a stone structure near the bonfire that resembles the entrance to Firelink Shrine from the initial game. This stone doorway and wall are designed to mimic the pathway leading to Frampt. Once you’ve vanquished the Demon Prince, you’ll spot more similarities, like a central circular area, surrounding stone walls, and a well.

Painted World of Ariandel

In the additional content for Dark Souls 3, titled Ashes of Ariandel, there’s a nod back to the original Dark Souls. The location, the Painted World of Ariandel, is reminiscent of the optional area in Anor Londo from the first game – the Painted World of Ariamis. Although the designs of these painted worlds differ significantly, they share similarities such as a long wooden bridge and a boss arena for Crossbreed Priscilla, which appears in the Painted World of Ariandel in Dark Souls 3.

Smouldering Lake

Delving a bit into speculative realms, it’s widely thought that the Smouldering Lake in Dark Souls 3 serves as a nod to the Lost Izalith from Dark Souls 1. The most obvious connections are found within the Demon Ruins section of Smouldering Lake, where stone-encased Capra and Taurus Demons can be seen scattered around. A petrified spider, along with Quelana’s pyromancy tome, is also present, suggesting that this lifeless spider could be none other than the deceased Quelana herself.

Kiln of the First Flame

In Dark Souls 3, the ultimate destination shares a name with the final location in the initial game of the trilogy. Despite appearances that vary significantly between them, their functions within the game and the underlying lore are identical. Players must conquer a formidable boss to either prolong the Age of Fire or allow it to perish.

2024-09-22 02:07