Unlock the Dark Souls: The Ultimate Guide for Newcomers to FromSoftware Games!

by

Summary

  • Dark Souls 2 offers a structured entry point for newcomers despite its black sheep status and controversial design decisions.
  • Elden Ring’s open world and overwhelming mechanics provide a great challenge for new players seeking a comprehensive FromSoftware experience.
  • Dark Souls remains the best starting point for beginners, offering a satisfying introduction to the trademark game design of FromSoftware.

FromSoftware games have earned a well-deserved tough reputation, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unapproachable for beginners. In fact, certain FromSoftware games offer an excellent starting point for exploring their catalog.

In contrast to certain FromSoftware games that may intimidate novice gamers due to their high demand for swift reflexes, other titles from this developer offer a structured design that guides beginners effectively, making the challenging gameplay a bit less daunting.

5. Dark Souls 2

Best For Newcomers Looking For Something A Little Different

Dark Souls 2 stands out as the less orthodox title within the FromSoftware library. Due to its deviation from the usual direction by series luminary Miyazaki and certain design choices that strayed from the traditional Dark Souls formula, such as the introduction of the ADP stat, it faced criticism from fans. However, even with these controversial aspects, it serves as a decent starting point for diving into FromSoftware games, especially for newcomers seeking a more linear experience compared to the open-world structure of Elden Ring.

Personally, I’ve found myself revisiting and appreciating Dark Souls 2 more these days. Although it deviated significantly from its predecessors, its innovative ideas, especially in terms of themes and storytelling, have proven to be quite influential in future FromSoftware games. The DLC for this game is simply outstanding, boasting some of the finest level and boss designs across the entire series. While Dark Souls 2 may not be the ideal starting point for a FromSoftware newbie, it’s certainly not the worst introduction, and I can confidently say that it remains an exceptional game to this day.

4. Elden Ring

A Little Bit Of Everything

In simple terms, Elden Ring stands as FromSoftware’s largest production ever, and it mirrored this grandeur with unparalleled commercial triumph. This means that for countless gamers, Elden Ring probably marked their introduction to the realm of FromSoftware and the Soulslike genre, which is generally positive, but reactions were somewhat mixed.

In Elden Ring, players have the freedom to retreat from challenging battles since it’s the most fluid game ever created by FromSoftware. However, this openness comes with a blend of every mechanic found in all previous FromSoftware games, which can be overwhelming for newcomers due to its steep learning curve at the outset. Yet, for those who are eager, Elden Ring offers an all-in-one RPG experience that encapsulates the best aspects of every FromSoftware game.

3. Dark Souls 3

The Most Polished Version of Dark Souls

By the year 2016, FromSoftware’s standing in the gaming world had significantly improved, largely due to the lasting impact of Dark Souls on game design. When Dark Souls 3 was released, it represented a continuation of the series by Miyazaki, softening some of the challenging aspects and introducing quality-of-life improvements, all while introducing extraordinary boss battles.

Regarding Dark Souls 3, while it introduces fresh elements in its gameplay dynamics and aesthetics, this game is primarily designed with fans of the initial two games in mind. It serves as an intricate narrative and meta-commentary on the entire Souls series, which might make it challenging for newcomers to fully grasp. However, if a novice player is not overly concerned about the storyline, Dark Souls 3 could potentially be an acceptable starting point, albeit with some elements that may appear disjointed due to the narrative context.

2. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

A Great Entry Into FromSoft and Armored Core

For quite some time, FromSoftware was more recognized for developing the Armored Core series rather than the Soulslike genre they originated. However, Armored Core took a break for a considerable period but made a grand return in 2023 with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, reintroducing the franchise to countless new players and its distinctive mecha boss battles.

This location is ideal for diving into both the Armored Core series and games by FromSoftware as a whole. It’s quite contemporary, offers a mission system that’s clearly defined, and its gameplay style leans more towards traditional gaming compared to what the Souls genre requires. Additionally, it presents FromSoftware’s complex narrative in a more straightforward manner, allowing players to grasp the story without relying heavily on external resources like YouTube videos.

1. Dark Souls

The First Chapter Remains The Best Jumping In Point

In plain terms, it can be challenging to claim that the first Dark Souls game is easy for beginners. Yet, among FromSoftware’s games, none else demonstrates their unique style of game design as effectively and rewardingly as Dark Souls does. After defeating the Gargoyles, players should have a clear grasp of how a FromSoftware game functions, which is more approachable than Demon’s Souls thanks to the replenishing Estus flask. Furthermore, if players find themselves stuck, they can experiment with powerful character builds to help them progress.

For a novice, starting with Dark Souls might initially prove challenging, but this is the stepping stone they need to navigate any other game by FromSoftware and fully grasp their mechanics. Elden Ring, for those who’ve played Dark Souls, is less complex, making games like Sekiro and Bloodborne – which were previously not beginner-friendly – more accessible. Therefore, Dark Souls serves as the ideal starting point for newcomers.

Read More

2025-03-09 19:12