Every Soulsborne Tutorial Area, Ranked

As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate the significance of tutorial areas in gaming history. They’ve been the gateway to some of the most thrilling journeys I’ve embarked on, carving themselves into the annals of our shared gaming experience.

Some learning materials will guide you step by step, others may challenge you with a push to “Improve on your own”, and some will draw you into an environment so thoroughly that you’ll find it hard to detach.

Soulsborne games offer a blend of elements that are hard to resist, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself hooked on the immersive gameplay, compelled to return for more.

This analysis will focus on the general ambiance of the Soulsborne tutorial levels, considering both their narrative elements and the ominous visuals that set the tone for your adventure. The gameplay mechanics across these areas are quite similar, so we’ll be looking beyond that to explore the atmospheric aspects instead.

7. Things Betwixt

Dark Souls 2

Among the more contentious games from FromSoftware, Dark Souls 2 ranks lowest on this list primarily because of an unusually peculiar tutorial it offers.

Instead of feeling the typical fear and hopelessness one might encounter upon awakening in a cell, or simply in an isolated location, you find yourself becoming the object of laughter from a group of elderly ladies within their home.

Additionally, bypassing the tutorial section of that particular area, which is typically marked by fog walls, results in a smaller, highly linear experience since there’s less space to explore.

Even though Majula looks stunning, the beginning of Dark Souls 2 doesn’t offer much excitement to look forward to.

6. Ashina Reservoir

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

In comparison to the other Soulsborne series games, Sekiro often seems unique or different; however, this doesn’t mean it lacks quality, quite the contrary, it offers an exceptional gaming experience, but it definitely carves out a distinct niche for itself.

The learning zone, on the other hand, seems quite understated and fails to impress in any significant way. In truth, it’s rather chilly and desolate, and surprisingly guiding compared to other games within this genre, which feels unusual for a Soulsborne title.

Moreover, the adversaries encountered are somewhat predictable, consisting mainly of common soldiers that offer little resistance. Interestingly, Dark Souls 2 outperforms Sekiro in this regard. However, the ancient temple ambiance in Sekiro gives it an edge, albeit a narrow one.

5. Cave of Knowledge

Elden Ring

Despite Elden Ring’s main game being extraordinarily impressive, it seems unusual to rank it lower on the list. However, this merely emphasizes that even exceptional games may have their imperfections.

Initially, the area boasts a captivating theme, complete with winding pathways and gusty breezes upon exiting the chapel. However, it lacks activities until you find yourself abruptly colliding with stone.

Or, more concisely: The initial area is thematically appealing with its winding paths and windy exit from the chapel, but there’s not much to engage in before a sudden collision with stone.

The main issue with the tutorial area lies in the fact that it’s almost entirely set within a cave. It’s well-known that caves in FromSoftware games are not particularly engaging.

In simpler terms, we’re after breathtaking landscapes and grand realms, rather than stone barriers and flora. Just like in Dark Souls 2, you have the option to bypass the tutorial, although it’s debatable whether this is necessarily beneficial.

For certain games toward the top of the list, I cherish the tutorial experience and find myself eager to finish them despite already knowing the controls and item-equipping techniques. Conversely, with Elden Ring, I’m in a hurry to reach Limgrave immediately.

4. Forlorn Outpost

Demon’s Souls

This game, Demon’s Souls, marked the beginning of an exceptional gaming format known as Soulsborne. The tutorial may seem a tad unconventional due to its early inception, but the nostalgia factor is incredibly strong. And, thanks to the Bluepoint remake, it looks more stunning than ever before.

As far as not meeting your end (a strange occurrence that transports you directly to the nexus regardless of whether you reach the Vanguard), this guide will lead you on a journey through a stunning, devastated landscape, allowing you to try out your fresh gear while admiring the vibrant greenery and leaping over shattered walls.

The game features a good mix of different types of enemies, giving you ample room for exploration without overly guiding you, thereby enabling an engaging experience within the mysterious realm.

Moreover, an array of diverse grasses is available for your use, giving you a chance to explore various healing remedies and gain some initial advantage as you approach your first significant hurdle.

3. Cemetery Of Ash

Dark Souls 3

Although some players might find Dark Souls 3’s tutorial a bit too straightforward, I personally think it covers many aspects that make the initial area an excellent starting point.

You’ll encounter a diverse range of enemies in this game, starting with common mobs. However, you should be prepared for an imposing Crystal Lizard later on, which will truly test your skills. Near the Firelink Shrine, there’s a mini-boss waiting for you, and let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park! This tutorial might be one of the more demanding ones, refusing to hold back, which I personally find exciting.

Moreover, upon reaching your initial bonfire, you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring panorama of distant mountains and Firelink Shrine, which appears majestically on the skyline.

The scene is both captivating and aesthetically pleasing, with a sense of grandeur. It appears as though everything around you is on the verge of collapse, teetering at the edge of an apocalyptic end.

2. Central Yharnam

Bloodborne

Bloodborne delivers an unforgettable experience by plunging players headfirst into a chilling world filled with eerie hospitals, madness, flames, and revolution – what more could you ask for? The game leaves you stranded in the heart of darkness with no way out.

As a captivated explorer, I find myself lost in the eerie allure of Yharnam – a city that combines gothic beauty with grotesque grandeur. Every step within its winding alleys makes me acutely aware of my insignificance amidst its haunting inhabitants. The bloodcurdling screams of the tormented echo through the darkness, sending chills down my spine.

In various forms, such as sophisticated gentlemen, fierce dogs, or towering enforcers, this realm persistently seeks your demise, repeatedly sending you back to the Hunter’s Sanctuary until you conquer the madness.

The theming of Bloodborne is impressive, and it successfully draws players into its unique atmosphere from the get-go. However, if Dark Souls veterans opt for a passive approach, they may find themselves struggling due to its demanding gameplay style that rewards aggressive play. Yet, despite its difficulty, Bloodborne maintains a balance of being challenging yet fair – offering the necessary tools for victory, but requiring players to master their usage.

1. Undead Asylum

Dark Souls 1

Is there anything else I should add? Dark Souls 1 could serve as a masterclass in game design from FromSoftware, and it’s not only because it’s my preferred Soulsborne title. It truly encapsulates everything perfectly.

As a gamer diving into this chilling game, I found the initial scenes grim and somber, starting with my escape from a dismal cell that felt like a tomb. The lifeless prisoners I encountered along the way only added to the gloom of the cold, foreboding prison environment. And let’s not forget about the demon lurking in the shadows – a menacing presence I had to learn to steer clear of until I was better prepared for our inevitable encounter. Overall, the game’s tutorial does an excellent job setting the thematic tone.

You might feel a deep sense of sorrow for Oscar’s story, or be intrigued enough to ponder over the massive crow who befriends you and leads you forward. Moreover, there’s an added bonus – you’ll have the chance to return later and uncover even more mysteries.

You encounter a crow that seems exchangeable, a unique ring, a strange doll, and formidable Black Knights. This place is captivating from the get-go, but it becomes even more intriguing upon revisiting (assuming you can figure out how to come back).

Right now, the Undead Asylum still appears impressive, making me eager to revisit its tutorial yet another time as I embark on my hundredth journey in Dark Souls 1.

2025-04-09 17:10