I already own the original, but back when I got it I was unable to play due to the poor control schemes since I am disabled. Now I own an Xbox Adaptive Controller that I used to play through Elden Ring pretty well. I’d love to go back and play some of the earlier games.
I already own the original. Is it in any better state to play? I remember needing to add a fan patch to fix a lot of the issues. Or should I just get the Remaster and call it a day? Is there a recommended play order? I do see people recommending 3 over the first two if you’re coming off Elden Ring.
Appreciate your opinions.
You all are awesome, thanks so much for your recommendations. Decided to give Prepare to Die another shot with DSFix, DS Config Utility and Widescreen Fixer. Looks awesome!!
If anyone has issues with the HUD at 5120x1440.
In Widescreen Fixer:
Uncorrected Resolution: 2560x1440
Bezel-Corrected Resolution: 5120x1440
On PC the remaster no question. It’ll have the most active playerbase with a few quality of life changes that you’ll wish you had (like crushing stacks of souls).
As for playing Dark Souls 1 or 3, it’s up to you. Mechanically 3 will be more familiar, while 1 will feel clunkier and more dated but in my opinion has a certain charm that the later games miss.
Agreed on this. I know people who prefer the original PC version but if you want any of the online experience of dark souls you should play the remaster
I respect everyone saying you should play the first game before the sequels. But my goodness, it’s a clunky game. FromSoftware really got much better with the later games. If you’re not feeling DS1, it will not be a huge deal to play others instead. You may miss out on some fan service or references though.
My friend got me to play DS3 before going to the others as it is just the easiest and most polished one. I think that if you are going to try going into the soulsbourne genre, Elden Ring might be a good choice as well since if you get stuck, you can just leave and go in a completely different direction to see if that feels easier.
DS1 is a whole lot of fun. The clunkiness from it for me is just in the four directional dodge rolls. The QoL upgrade for being able to move while drinking the SunnyD in 3 was something that was greatly appreciated.
For some reason, the clunkiness is exactly why I could enjoy it more than the sequels. I tried getting into both 2 and 3 and I just couldn’t, while I completed Dark Souls 1 far enough for my satisfaction.
I played the original on PC, but had to use some mods to fix some stuff. Also, the framerate is horrible in certain places. I definitely recommend playing the Remaster unless you need an extra challenge.
I’ve only played the Remaster but I’ve heard Blighttown is basically unplayable in the original due to framerate issues. Blighttown is already challenging enough as it is, so play the remaster.
Dark Souls 1 is 100% worth playing. I won’t be a purist and say that you need to play it before 3, because they’re mostly standalone experiences… but you might miss a handful of references if you play 3 first.
As for how to play: if money’s not a question, buy the remaster – you’ll get a better online experience that way.
If you’re on a budget, however, you could simply Install the DSFix mod and start playing with the adaptive controller as-is. There’s unfortunately no in-game rebinding UI, but you can still do remapping using either the Xbox Accessories app or directly in the Steam overlay (requires Steam to be in Big Picture mode).
I’m giving the first another shot with DSFix because I am a cheap ass, haha. So far so good. Definitely a little different learning curve but it kept my ass up until 3am playing. Managed to get to the boss on the bridge with the mallet. He flattened me after the archers spammed me to death. Good times.
The Taurus Demon fight is a good one – keep it up and you’ll take care of him no problem. I look forward to hearing what you think of the Capra Demon & Beltower Gargoyle fights!
I’ll avoid spoiling anything, so here’s some more generalized advice: don’t forget to explore for hidden advantages just because the map might seem less open than Elden Ring. Dark Souls 1 has a very special map design: If you can see it, you can almost always go there. In fact… even if you can’t see it you may still be able to go there. Once you leave the Undead Burg, Illusory walls abound hiding secrets within secrets (sad cryptic laughter)
Gave him another try with the help of fire bombs. Right before my final blow he back steps off the ledge, hahaha. I’ll take it. I went down the stairs to the bridge. As soon as I noticed the flammable oil I was already on fire. Somehow lived and noped the fuck outta there with my 5k souls.
I think the original has horrible controller support, but I haven’t tried it in a long while. Just be aware of possible issues
Honestly, you can play DS3 before DS1. Yeah, there is some lore stuff that won’t hit as hard if you haven’t played DS1, but it’s not a requirement. If you’re used to Elden Ring DS3 might be the easier game to get into. As for the Remaster vs. the original, I guess it comes down to how much you care about the multiplayer component since the Remaster probably has a larger player base.
Bloodborne
I’m still waiting for the PC release to be a thing…
right? its kinda ridiculous they haven’t ported it T-T
I have watched speed runs, challenge runs, and the great play through by the lad Jacksepticeye. I LOVE the art style and would really want to play it truly for myself. I know just about everyone in my friend group is going to buy a copy if they ever release a remaster.
there is the Bloodborne PSX demake tho its only a remake of the first hour or two, and the low poly graphics might be a turn off for some.
To be fair, I fully love that era of graphics. All the high resolution, hyper-realistic stuff is neat, but it seems like that is a facade added to a wooden shack with a leaking roof half the time. I would much rather something look a bit worse, but have so much more to offer in other areas.
I knew about the demake, but haven’t tried it myself. I was hoping that it would have more done by now since I heart about it a while back. I might still give it a go though.
Side note: I am so sad the the remakes of PS1 games don’t have the option to play with the original graphics. Halo remaster had the option and it was great. Spyro remaster changed things about the games and then made the game feel almost plasticy.
I would love to. Attempted on PS4 back in the day but the controls got me. Patiently waiting for it’s PC release.
Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3 are more accessible to new players, no doubt about it. But if you played (and enjoyed) Elden Ring, you’re already “in” and would probably like any From Software game! And the Remastered version of DS1 is worth it because of the active online players.
In other words, try DS1 Remastered, IMO. If you don’t like it, you could always play DS3 first (the way I was introduced to the series).
My play order so far as been Elden Ring -> Sekiro -> Bloodborne -> currently playing DS1 remaster.
DS1 is definitely my least favorite so far, although it’s not bad. Much much slower, and the challenge is in slogging through the levels with less challenging boss fights than later entries.
I get sweaty just thinking about Sekiro. I may do it last.
I would say if your able to master bloodborne sekiro should be a breeze to adapt to. Still a challenge ofcourse, but not so bad.
The original with DSFix will play more or less the same way as the remaster. The big thing you’ll miss out on would be finding and summoning phantoms. The remaster will have a lot more signs to find these days.
As far as game selection, every souls game has its own “hook” that makes it the “best” game to different people.
Demon Souls - There’s a lot different here from the rest of the series and some people don’t include it in their lists. The big differences are no Estus flask, healing items are common and you can carry a lot of them; and World Tendency. World Tendency is weird to explain, but the short answer is defeating bosses makes the area easier and dying makes the area harder. Again, it’s more complicated than that, but that’s enough to start on.
Dark Souls - The game has jank and some balance issues, but the level design and interconnected world is the best in the series. I would say of all the games in the series, this is the game I would most recommend to find a guide if you’re lost. This game has some arcane and bizarre next steps to take that would take hours of wandering to figure out. And if it’s not too late, the best starting gift is the Master Key. The thief class also starts with this if there’s a different gift you really want.
Dark Souls 2 - The black sheep of the series. In a few ways, it’s a hybrid of Dark and Demon Souls. You have an Estus flask and common healing items. It’s a great game on its own with a lot of great bosses, but there are some rough sections in this game combined with a lock and key system similar to Elden Ring’s Stone sword keys that left me feeling like I was always missing out on something better. The DLC is great. Some people have strong opinions on whether the better version is the original release or the Scholar of the First Sin rerelease. I do not have an opinion. I played Scholar and had a nice time.
Dark Souls 3 - The best polish of the three Dark Souls games. I’ve played this the most because I have the most fun making new builds in this. It returns back to the general feel of the first Dark Souls, but irons out a lot of the painful little bumps that made the first game annoying. It’s a fantastic game that makes nods and references to Dark Souls 1 a few times. Great game that isn’t going to go out of style any time soon.
Bloodborne - I got a PS5 last week so I’m finally starting Bloodborne. Rolling is bad and shields are out. Bathe yourself in blood instead.
TL;DR Yeah play Dark Souls. DSfix and the remaster are basically the same if you’re playing solo. Dark Souls 2 is shippable but is a great game if you have the time and energy. Dark Souls 3 feels the best, but Dark Souls 1 captured lightning in a bottle.
Got it running pretty well on my ultrawide with DSFix, Widescreen Fixer and the DS Config Utility. Took some tinkering to get the HUD resolution right. It’s a little janky but totally playable. It’s gorgeous otherwise.
Unless you crave to join the 5 fps blight town gang, yes, play the remaster.
3 plays more like elden ring, 1 and 2 are a bit slower (like you literally swing and move slower) hince why people who’ve only played ER are recommended 3 because going straight to 1 could be a bit jarring.
I started with DS1 so its hard for me to say whether or not it would be that jarring, but 3 has a lot of lore and easter eggs for people that played 1, but at the same time im sure those easter eggs would still work if done in reverse since you would recognize ds3 things when you play ds1.
My advice is to play 1, 3, 2 but if you want the tighter, faster ER combat go for 3 first
I played the first one (remastered) after Elden Ring. It feels like you’re playing in slow motion, but it’s a fun game. I just started playing DS3 now, even though I didn’t finish the previous 2 games. It feels a lot more like Elden Ring.
I originally played through them in release order back when 3 was the current one. I’d recommend doing that, if only so that you get an increase in QoL over time instead of it getting more clunky.
The remaster is definitely the way to go. It’s excellent.
Go for the remaster. If you were coming to the series blind I’d recommend starting with 3 (or even Elden Ring) but if you’ve already played ER I’d say go straight for Dark Souls 1.