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Playing Dark Souls 3....without playing 1 or 2?

Since you only have a PS4 Pro, start with Bloodborne. If you get completely addicted and just need more, then go for Dark III. Otherwise, maybe hope for a remaster. It's really worth it playing Dark 1 before 3, and Demon's is also a very unique experience in the series.
 
Souls games aren't story-heavy even if they have good lore. You can play them in whatever order you want and it won't matter much. You're not playing Metal Gear or Kingdom Hearts.
 
As a light Souls player who never finished DS1, I had the most fun with DS3. I perceived the lore and story as very hidden anyway, so I'd just advise to start with whatever looks the most appealing to you in terms of levels and gameplay.
 
I have bought DS3 without playing any Souls game before, and had no issues with the game. For the story, just go to youtube and watch a summary of lore.
 
3 is the easiest one and you probably wouldn't pick up much story on a first play through anyway, so I see no issue starting at 3. There's one old location that you revisit in it. So you'll lose out on some nostalgia.
 
Lux86 said:
yeah i know you like DS2 :) if i remember correctly you like magic users, so i guess you find ds2 magic the best one.
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I do -- but even more than just magic, what I love about DS2 is its extremely versatile and varied system of online interactions and covenants.

I still don't know why they didn't at least keep the small soapstones for DS3.
 
sublimit said:
Huh?Dark Souls 3 has more references from Demon's Souls than Dark Souls 1?
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I know the first level is basically Boletarian Palace again but I never got very far in 3 so I'm curious as well. Or maybe I should just play it more and find out lol.
 
Always play in release order, but play 3 instead of not playing at all since all you have is a PS4P. I'm curious if DS1 can act as a proper "prequel" if played in reverse order.
 
I would only play 1 and 3.

If you're on pc either first but if on consoles then 1 first

Bloodborne I would play after because it's like the other 2 but just more awesome
 
I would actually say you would enjoy DS3 more if you have never played DS1 or the series in general. I played the fuck out of DS1 and DS3 felt like it was retreading the same concepts so much that it bordered on a remake.

All that stuff would feel fresh and new if you are new to the series.
 
The only reason you really have for playing the old games first is that the games progressively become more user friendly in terms of ui / inventory management, etc.

Otherwise they're all worth playing. Generally people find Bloodborne/Dark Souls/Demons souls to be the best in the genre. Personally I think for me it's Demon's > 1 > 3 > 2 > Bloodborne
 
sublimit said:
Huh?Dark Souls 3 has more references from Demon's Souls than Dark Souls 1?
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There is like a vague theory in regards to Anri and the "children" she mentions and then there is Stormruler. That's about as much of Demon's Souls that exists in this game as far as I know (or care to remember).

There are far more references to Dark Souls considering:

Half of the items in DS3 are from DS1
There are areas in DS3 that are from DS1
There are enemies in DS3 from DS1
There are characters from DS1 that are in DS3
There are dead things from DS1 that are from DS3
A shit ton of lore that references to DS1

And so on and so forth. Yeah, I don't know how one can conclude there is more referencing Demon's Souls. DS3 is practically a love letter to DS1.
 
Cyanity said:
This is such a common take and I hate it. Dark Souls 2 is my favorite game. There's just so dang much of it, the locations are varied and interesting, and that dlc is so sooo good. Why any fan of the Dark Souls series would just up and skip the second game is absolutely beyond my comprehension.
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I think I could have worded my argument in a better/more comprehensive way, but alas, I am writing from work.

I enjoyed my time with Dark Souls 2, but I played these games at (or around) the time of release. Were I just coming to the series now, and had all the Souls games at my disposal, I would totally skip 2. Then again, I didn't enjoy 2 as much as you did, so I feel we may always disagree on that part :P
 
sublimit said:
Eh not really.
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Soul of the Beast said:
Lothric is nothing like Boletaria.
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🤷

Felt like it to me. Level design is obviously different but it's similar even down to having a red dragon that flies around and toasts a bridge and a more powerful Knight standing in an area you can see from afar. I guess Dark Souls did that too tho. I played Demon's first (and the most, it's my fave) so I associate that stuff more with that game and didn't think of Dark Souls until just now.
 
Van Bur3n said:
There is like a vague theory in regards to Anri and the "children" she mentions and then there is Stormruler. That's about as much of Demon's Souls that exists in this game.

There are far more references to Dark Souls considering:

Half of the items in DS3 are from DS1
There are areas in DS3 that are from DS1
There are enemies in DS3 from DS1
There are characters from DS1 that are in DS3
There are dead things from DS1 that are from DS3

And so on and so forth. Yeah, I don't know how one can conclude there is more referencing Demon's Souls. DS3 is practically a love letter to DS1.
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Totally agree about Stormruler but that's it IMO.
 
sublimit said:
Huh?Dark Souls 3 has more references from Demon's Souls than Dark Souls 1?
Click to expand...

main hub is a recreation of the Demon's Souls main hub the Nexus. the two are very very similar.

the first main area of Lothric Castle is Boletarian palace, complete with red-eye knights. complete with dragons hanging around (bridge dragons first in DeS). when this area opens up later after the Dancer fight it gets even more blatant, and that final stretch to the Two Princes battle is copy of the intro to Boletaria, complete with skeleton knights hiding behind wooden barriers. that big wooden buggy that shows up from time to time also first appeared in DeS.

the gargoyle guys taking you and dropping you off is a thing that first happens in DeS. same with rolling skeletons, they first appear in DeS. the Stormruler special weapon that you use to kill a specific boss first appears in DeS as a special weapon used to kill a specific boss. Patches is also a mischievous presence in DeS and features heavily in DS3. the boss fight in the middle of the town where you fight alongside the onion knight is very much like the first boss fight of The Shrine of Storms, where you fight the same demon in the middle of a castle.

finally there is Irithyll Dungeon, an inverted copy of Tower of Latria. i say inverted cos you work your way down, and once you get to the Profane Capitol, you are fighting gargoyles on suspended walkways a la the end of the Tower of Latria level. DS3 re-created 3 areas from DeS, it's a stretch to say it does that many from DS1.
 
DkS1 is the best of the DkS games. That said they're all great and it makes no difference what order you play them in. Maybe save DkSIII for last if you have a hard time going backwards in terms of graphics.

Demon's > Bloodborne > DkS > DkSIII > DkSII
 
Durante said:
I do -- but even more than just magic, what I love about DS2 is its extremely versatile and varied system of online interactions and covenants.

I still don't know why they didn't at least keep the small soapstones for DS3.
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i can see your point, however i think that the amount of estus in ds1 was just right. Now the ascetics, that would have been a cool thing to keep (and a fantastic new game +).
 
I started with 3, but was familiar with most of the lore already. I went back to 1 and 2 after it, but I got bored of 1 sometimes after Anor Londo, and I didn't really enjoy 2, so I stopped pretty much after the first zone. 3 remains my favorite, even though it has a lot of faults (linearity, too much fanservice).
 
InsaneTiger said:
To the poster I quoted, how exactly did it stray?
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Ninja roll gameplay. So Dark Souls III alone.

Previous games had you playing actual knights with extremely heavy armors and equipment. You could feel the weight.

Combat was a lot slower paced, and less forgiving. I preferred it.
 
I had played Bloodborne, but none of the Souls games when I played DS3, so yes you should be able to jump right in. I honestly think BB should be played first though, not only is it an all-round better game, but it's combat makes it easier to get into than DS.
 
I played 3 first. The only thing you're going to miss is that the game is full of nods and references to the past titles. The series isn't known for very easy to follow stories and you'll probably have to do some reading on the side anyway but you'll miss out on moments of "Oh hey it's ___!" or "Oh yeah I remember ___."
 
I played BB -> DS3 -> DS1 -> DS2. I felt I missed some of the throwback lore but otherwise DS3 is fine to start with.
 
Van Bur3n said:
So you only have access to three of them. What a shame. In that case, what you need to do is play Dark Souls 2 first.

I'll tell ya this, OP. It's actually a really good game. Like all Souls games. Just some folk have their panties in a bunch about it for whatever reason. I think it slapped their mums or something.



You don't think it really matters because you haven't played the first Dark Souls. Thus you would not know how magical it makes playing Dark Souls 3. All of those waves of nostalgia you could have received, gone. Like tears in the rain.
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Also the disappointment in how badly DkS3 fails to live up to the original.
 
Adam_Vania said:
main hub is a recreation of the Demon's Souls main hub the Nexus. the two are very very similar.

the first main area of Lothric Castle is Boletarian palace, complete with red-eye knights. complete with dragons hanging around (bridge dragons first in DeS). when this area opens up later after the Dancer fight it gets even more blatant, and that final stretch to the Two Princes battle is copy of the intro to Boletaria.

the gargoyle guys taking you and dropping you off is a thing that first happens in DeS. same with rolling skeletons, they first appear in DeS. the Stormruler special weapon that you use to kill a specific boss first appears in DeS as a special weapon used to kill a specific boss. Patches is also a mischievous presence in DeS and features heavily in DS3.

finally there is Irithyll Dungeon, an inverted copy of Tower of Latria. i say inverted cos you work your way down, and once you get to the Profane Capitol, you are fighting gargoyles on suspended walkways a la the end of the Tower of Latria level.
Click to expand...

Lothric has a very different level design,atmosphere and architectural style than Boletaria.The dragon placement (and purpose) is completely different as well.It's actually more similar with the Dark Souls 1 dragon placement above the bridge in Undead Burg.

The similarities between Demon's Souls red eyed knights with those of Dark 3 are just the same as those Balder knights from Dark Souls 1.Same goes for the Gargoyles,the rolling skeletons (who actually look more than those of Dark 1),and of course Patches.So i don't see what exactly makes Dark 3 having more references from Demon's than Dark 1?Especially when the the lore itself shows that those references are there more due to the direct connections DS3 has with Dark Souls 1.

Also the Nexus looks nothing like DS3's hub.

The only ones i can give you are Stormruler and Irythil Dungeon (the later only as a source of inspiration and nothing more.)
 
It would be best to start at DS1 and savor the amazing of the Dark Souls series. I actually wish I could experience them again fresh, so good.
 
Gameplay wise (not just combat, but also the enemy placement and the boss design):
Dark Souls > Bloodborne > Dark Souls 3 > Demon's Souls > Dark Souls 2

Level design, lore, art, atmosphere wise:
Dark Souls = Demon's Souls = Bloodborne >>>>>>>Dark Souls 3 >>>>>>>Dark Souls 2

Multiplayer wise:
Dark Souls 2 & Dark Souls 3 >>>> Everything else.

If you have a PS4, then I say you should play Bloodborne first, the mechanics are simplified and easier to master, the story and the lore are fresh too.

Bloodborne in general is a lot more approachable than Dark Souls, definitely good for new comers, just be ware that Bloodborne in general is a lot weaker compare to Demon's and Dark Souls 1 without the DLC, so I say if you want to pick up BB then DLC is a must. Over 40% of the weapons in Bloodborne are in the DLC too.
 
It doesn't really matter which you start with, just play whichever you want to first haha. I would just stick with playing one at a time though until you are done with it.
 
I'd say just start with 3. It's mechanically the most solid of the games and the QOL improvements made over the previous games are a godsend. For a new player you can't go wrong with jumping into Dark Souls 3.
 
Always release order. But, if you can't play all of them because you play on PS4 Pro, I'd say: first Bloodborne and then Dark Souls III.
 
I'd start with DS1 as it is still one of the best souls games and holds up very well even now.
Also depends if you care about any of the lore. If you don't you can just jump straight into DS3.
 
Moongazer said:
I'd start with DS1 as it is still one of the best souls games and holds up very well even now.
Also depends if you care about any of the lore. If you don't you can just jump straight into DS3.
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Absolutely, the game is a fucking masterpiece.

Even the visuals are somehow better looking than Dark Souls 3. The atmosphere and the use of color and contrast in Dark Souls 1 is simply unmatched. Yes, Dark Souls 3 is ''prettier'', but the art lack any real substance and is very inconsistant though out the game.
Pretty much any art major would say Dark Souls in general looks better than Dark Souls 3, minus the graphics of course.

darksouls-2.jpg


^ Iconic forest area, Darkroot Basin from Dark Souls
 
I think you'll be fine just playing 3 and Bloodborne. Play the rest if those 2 and their DLC still aren't enough, but you definitely don't have to play them all.

3 has enough content similar to the rest, but a bit more refined design. Of course, that happens with most games that come out later in series, but as a newcomer, it makes it easier for you to play it and basically get the experience that 1 offers.
 
Soul of the Beast said:
Absolutely, the game is a fucking masterpiece.

Even the visuals are somehow better looking than Dark Souls 3. The atmosphere and the use of color and contrast in Dark Souls 1 is simply unmatched. Yes, Dark Souls 3 is ''prettier'', but the art lack any real substance and is very inconsistant though out the game.
Pretty much any art major would say Dark Souls in general looks better than Dark Souls 3, minus the graphics of course.

darksouls-2.jpg


^ Iconic forest area, Darkroot Basin from Dark Souls
Click to expand...

I remember that PR screen from before DS1 came out.It filled my imagination with both curiosity and dread.
 
1 Has a shitty PC port, and doesn't have 8-way rolling (which is a big deal).
But it has the best pacing and progression.

2 Is the weakest one, but has a TON of content and, especially the expansions, is still very very solid.

3 Has the best bosses, and general polish, but some changes to the combat are somewhat puzzling (like the handling of poise, though that should be patched now, or the questionable weapon arts).

3 Is just a bad place to start, because of the fucked up difficulty curve.
DkS1 has a great difficulty curve, whereas 3 starts out super hard, and eases out a lot in the second area; for a first timer, it can be brutal.
 
Van Bur3n said:
Release order. Always release order. Play all of them and have fun.
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^ This

sublimit said:
Huh?Dark Souls 3 has more references from Demon's Souls than Dark Souls 1?
Click to expand...
Not enough people played Demon's Souls to get that, hah.

Van Bur3n said:
There is like a vague theory in regards to Anri and the "children" she mentions and then there is Stormruler. That's about as much of Demon's Souls that exists in this game as far as I know (or care to remember).
Click to expand...

Nah, Dark Souls 3 really really felt like Demon's Souls 2 to me. I'll repost the list I made from a while back:


- Movement speed, general physics (attacking, generous dodging, etc.)
- Auto-revival (embering) after a boss (or helping as a phantom)
- HP reduction when non-embered + as a phantom
- No poise
- Useless heavy armour xD
- Mana bar for magic
- Estoc being OP in PvP xD
- Dual kats returning
- Stormruler
- Morion Blade
- Luck stat + Blueblood Sword vs Anri's Straight Sword
- Scholar's Candlestick = Kris Blade
- Evangelists reminiscent of Fat Ministers
- Gauntlet of enemies before L&L very reminiscent 1-3 before Penetrator fight
- Red-eyed knight * (difficult optional enemy in starting area, the one guarding the Gem)
- Firelink very reminiscent of the Nexus
- Irithyll Dungeon reminiscent of Latria prison
- High Wall of Lothric/Lothric Castle reminiscent of Boletarian Palace (far more than Undead Burg/Parish)
- Firekeeper "Then touch the darkness within me", vs Maiden in Black "Then touch the demon inside me"
- Both the Firekeeper and the Maiden in Black are blind (both apparently on purpose)
- Gimmick bosses being more common
-
Yuria's assassination request
reminiscent of Mephistopheles's sidequest, plus they even stand similarly
- Speaking of which, a character actually called ]Yuria again xD
- However, the one that looks like Yuria from Demon's Souls isn't that one, it's Karla, but they look very similar

Other things that I've seen pointed out, which aren't as immediately obvious, but still worth mentioning:

- Maiden Astraea/Garl Vinland vs Irina/Eygon
- Rock worms returning
- Iudex Gundyr is reminiscent of the Old King Doran (not sure I really agree with this one tbh)

* Yes I know about the black knight in Undead Burg but note how this one specifically has the glowing red eyes from Demon's Souls, indicating he's more dangerous than regular enemies.


Sure, it also has tons of Dark Souls references because duh, it's a sequel, but the number of Demon's Souls references and throwbacks is actually kind of uncanny for a supposed non-sequel.
 
I can't recommend playing DS3 first really. I have been replaying the entire series and upon doing this I think it's my least favourite in the series - it's just too linear and has the least replayability in the series.

There's just no reason to not play them in order. DS1 is still an incredible game.
until Lost Izalith
 
I would totally recommend playing 3 if you were only going to play one of them. They are very long games, so it may not be feasible for some to just start at 1 and go through them all.
 
Morrigan Stark said:
Nah, Dark Souls 3 really really felt like Demon's Souls 2 to me. I'll repost the list I made from a while back:


- Movement speed, general physics (attacking, generous dodging, etc.)
- Auto-revival (embering) after a boss (or helping as a phantom)
- HP reduction when non-embered + as a phantom
- No poise
- Useless heavy armour xD
- Mana bar for magic
- Estoc being OP in PvP xD
- Dual kats returning
- Stormruler
- Morion Blade
- Luck stat + Blueblood Sword vs Anri's Straight Sword
- Scholar's Candlestick = Kris Blade
- Evangelists reminiscent of Fat Ministers
- Gauntlet of enemies before L&L very reminiscent 1-3 before Penetrator fight
- Red-eyed knight * (difficult optional enemy in starting area, the one guarding the Gem)
- Firelink very reminiscent of the Nexus
- Irithyll Dungeon reminiscent of Latria prison
- High Wall of Lothric/Lothric Castle reminiscent of Boletarian Palace (far more than Undead Burg/Parish)
- Firekeeper "Then touch the darkness within me", vs Maiden in Black "Then touch the demon inside me"
- Both the Firekeeper and the Maiden in Black are blind (both apparently on purpose)
- Gimmick bosses being more common
-
Yuria's assassination request
reminiscent of Mephistopheles's sidequest, plus they even stand similarly
- Speaking of which, a character actually called ]Yuria again xD
- However, the one that looks like Yuria from Demon's Souls isn't that one, it's Karla, but they look very similar

Other things that I've seen pointed out, which aren't as immediately obvious, but still worth mentioning:

- Maiden Astraea/Garl Vinland vs Irina/Eygon
- Rock worms returning
- Iudex Gundyr is reminiscent of the Old King Doran (not sure I really agree with this one tbh)

* Yes I know about the black knight in Undead Burg but note how this one specifically has the glowing red eyes from Demon's Souls, indicating he's more dangerous than regular enemies.


Sure, it also has tons of Dark Souls references because duh, it's a sequel, but the number of Demon's Souls references and throwbacks is actually kind of uncanny for a supposed non-sequel.
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I agree with you, but I think Dark Souls 3 in general doesn't even come close to Demon's Souls' brilliance, It really feels more like recycled ideas than nostalgic call backs. Also the atmosphere of Dark Souls 3 is pure dogshit in my eyes, one of the worst in the series.

I would pick Demon's Souls over Dark Souls 3 all day any day, it's not only a better piece of art work but also a better designed video game in my opinion.

Chilled_Eskim01 said:
Would highly recommend at least playing Dark Souls 1 since a lot of the lore and story of 3 is based off of that game. Plus it's an amazing game by its own right and easily my favorite in the Souls games.
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Dark Souls is the modern Symphony of the Night in my opinion, it's fucking incredible.
 
start with 3 its probably the easiest to get into at this point.
Don't worry about lore/story cause its kinda garbage after 1.
 
Would highly recommend at least playing Dark Souls 1 since a lot of the lore and story of 3 is based off of that game. Plus it's an amazing game by its own right and easily my favorite in the Souls games.
 
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