Dark Souls 3 was the third and presumably final release in the worldwide phenomenon that was the Dark Souls trilogy. It may seem like just three games, but these titles helped morph FromSoftware from a respected Japanese game developer into one of the most awarded and critically well-received groups of creatives on the planet.
Whether someone is looking to complete the trilogy, following up on a Bloodborne playthrough, or trying a Souls-like for the first time, there’s plenty to know before hitting start to set one’s self up to succeed.
10 This Isn’t Bloodborne
Bloodborne is one of FromSoftware’s most popular games and the PS4 exclusive has won the hearts of millions. Some of those people were Dark Souls fans, while others used Bloodborne as their entry into the pseudo-genre of Souls-like titles.
Bloodborne emphasizes the player being aggressive and makes it so they gain back life by inflicting damage. If someone goes into Dark Souls 3 playing the way they did in Bloodborne, they might find early success before hitting a wall where they’re forced to learn how to play a Dark Souls game.
9 You Can Start Here
When games have a number attached to the end of their title, people tend to question whether they should start with the first game or if the sequel is a viable entry point. Veterans of Dark Souls and hardcore fans will suggest playing the first game, but in reality, it’s perfectly fine to start with Dark Souls 3.
What a player loses in loose narrative threads, they more than make up for with the quality of life improvements the series received after two previous titles.
8 Death Isn’t The End
Now, this point may seem odd considering Dark Souls has a mechanic where players drop their souls upon death, however, remember that they can be picked up once again provided the player doesn’t die before reacquiring them.
The fear of dying to an enemy can become paralyzing and it’s important to understand that every encounter is a learning experience and that death is simply a reset. It gives the player a fresh start to try and learn once again and overcome whatever boss or set of enemies are standing in their way.
7 The Story Is What You Make It
Dark Souls is a series that has its narrative and lore told through both item descriptions and environmental story-telling. Plenty of YouTube channels focus on piecing all of these things together in digestible videos, but that doesn’t mean players can’t absorb tales themselves during gameplay.
It comes down to paying attention to the world, reading item descriptions whenever you get one, and listening to the few lines of dialogue that are spoken throughout the game. The story may be cryptic, but it is there if you’re willing to look for it.
6 Difficult Doesn’t Mean Impossible
Fans of Dark Souls tend to oversell how difficult the games in the series are and as a result often push players away. The games are indeed difficult, but by leading with this and not the well-crafted combat or world-class level design, it paints the series as a wall rather than a garden.
Someone can be capable of easily defeating bosses with their skill, but the idea of difficulty growing in their head to extreme levels can deter even the most confident players. It’s important to make those interested realize that just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it is impossible.
5 Patience Is Key
This tip may as well be printed on the case of every copy of Dark Souls or either of its sequels. Patience isn’t a common thing in gaming these days as battle royales and battle passes have players racing to completion. Dark Souls is a game that asks the opposite of its players.
By being patient and approaching things in an understanding and calculated manner, players can dissect any situation and build a promising strategy. Even in the heat of combat, it’s advised to carry a shield so it can be used to block attacks while the player catches their breath.
4 Explore, Explore, Explore
Players who are entering into Dark Souls 3 after playing the first two games don’t need to be reminded that they should explore. New players, on the other hand, might go in thinking that the game is a linear experience, not knowing how FromSoftware both rewards and punishes exploration in its games.
Sure there are some hidden items to discover, but it’s the optional characters and bosses that make exploration in Dark Souls 3 worth it. Some of them require going in the wrong direction, while others hint at the player to use an item to transport them to unknown lands.
3 The Culmination
Far too often audiences are let down by the finale of something they thoroughly enjoy. Whether it’s Mass Effect or Game of Thrones, far too often great forms of entertainment leave the audience with a sour taste in their mouth.
Unsurprisingly, Dark Souls once again breaks the mold. Dark Souls 3 expertly calls back on the two previous games and ends on a note that seems fitting to both the theme of this entry and the experience the player endured over their journey through all three titles.
2 Pace Yourself
Pacing is not a foreign concept in gaming as it’s often talked about in regards to storytelling and level design. In regards to pacing in Dark Souls, this tip focuses on the player pacing their playthrough.
There’s no rush to explore every area or kill every enemy. If an enemy or boss seems insurmountable, there are always options for the player. They can either take a break from the game entirely, or it could even be as simple as taking an alternate path or retreading old areas to build up confidence and possibly level up.
1 Likely The Last
Like the Souls games, FromSoftware appreciates new challenges and interests. Though the studio could make dozens of sequels to Dark Souls that would sell, FromSoftware doesn’t see merit in that and would rather make new experiences.
The studio has loosely confirmed that Dark Souls 3 is likely the last fans will ever see from the series. This means new players should cherish the time they have with the game and come to appreciate what Dark Souls 3 did as a culmination of three terrific games.
NEXT: Dark Souls 3: 10 Boss Lore Facts You Probably Missed Your First Time Through
