Summary
FromSoftwaregames have justifiably gotten a reputation for being brutally difficult, and many newcomers take that to mean they’re impossible to get into. While some FromSoftware Games are really tough for newcomers, some are actually a great entry point into their bibliography.
While some FromSoftware games require exceptionally demanding reflex skills that will turn off new players, others have a tight structure that lead new players in the right direction, making the brutal difficulty a little more manageable.
Dark Souls 2is the undeniable black sheep of the FromSoftware catalogue. The game was always going to have a tough time with the fans as it wasn’t directed by series figurehead Miyazaki, andDark Souls 2also made some controversial design decisions that broke fromDark Soulsconvention, resulting in the infamous introduction of the ADP stat. All that being said, it’s still not a bad place to start with FromSoftware games, particularly if a newcomer is interested in a long linear game that remains structured, unlike the open world ofElden Ring.
Additionally,Dark Souls 2has undergone something of a critical reappraisal lately. While it definitely broke from what came before, its new ideas, particularly its thematic and story ideas, would become really important in future FromSoftware games. Its DLC is also undeniably excellent producing some of the best level and boss design of the entire franchise. While it’s not necessarily the easiest place to start with FromSoftware, there are far worse options, andDark Souls 2remains a great game to this day.
Elden Ringis the biggest game FromSoftware has ever made, and it matched that scale with an unprecedented level of commercial success. That means for millions of gamers,Elden Ringwas likely their first step into the world of FromSoftware and the Soulslike, which is generally great, but there was some mixed results.
WhileElden Ring’s open nature means that players can simply walk away from fights they’re getting crushed in and it’s the smoothest a FromSoftware game has ever played, the game also packs in the sum-total of every mechanic in all other FromSoftware games jammed into one mega RPG, which can definitely overwhelm newcomers. While that does mean a steep learning curve at the start, if the player’s willing, they can get everything great about FromSoftware games in one single package.
By the timeDark Souls 3arrived in 2016, the reputation of FromSoftware had risen considerably in the gaming community, withDark Soulsalready becoming one of the most influential games in game design for some time.Dark Souls 3was a return to the series from Miyazaki, and it sanded off some of the harsh edges of its two predecessors making some much-needed QOL changes while innovatingsome truly great bosses.
However, despite the innovations in gameplay flow and style,Dark Souls 3is very clearly made for fans of the original two games, acting as a narrative and meta-commentary on the Souls games in general, making it pretty alienating for a new player. However, if a new player doesn’t care about the story,Dark Souls 3could be a good place to start, even if the story would be a little out of order.
For a long time, FromSoftware was actually better known for making theArmored Coregames than the Soulslike genre it pioneered.Armored Corewent dormant for a long time but came roaring back in 2023 withArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, introducing the franchise to millions of new fans and its trademarkmecha boss combat.
It’s also an excellent place to start for both theArmored Corefranchise, as well as FromSoftware games in general. It’s very modern, it has a discrete mission structure that keeps things limited, and it plays a little more conventionally than the Souls genre demands. It also introduces FromSoftware’s layered storytelling in a more direct way, meaning players don’t necessarily need to consult YouTube videos to fully understand the story.
It’s hard to argue that the originalDark Soulsis beginner-friendly by any means. However, no other game in the FromSoftware catalog best introduces their trademark game design in such an efficient and satisfying way. By the time the player beats the Gargoyles, they should have a full understanding of exactly how a FromSoftware game works, and it’s a lot more friendly thanDemon’s Soulson account of the refilling Estus flask. Additionally, if they’re struggling, there’sa variety of overpowered buildsthey can try to push through.
A newcomer will no doubt have a tough time at the beginning ofDark Souls, but by playing it first, they will have the founding they need to play any other FromSoftware game and understand exactly how it operates.Elden Ringis half as complicated to players who have playedDark Souls, and suddenly games likeSekiroandBloodbornewhich are far from beginner friendly open themselves up too.Dark Soulsis absolutely the best place for newcomers to start.
