Excited to play some awesome games from FromSoftware? They’re the makers of the Soulsborne series, which are some of the most epic games ever. If you dig games that have great stories, hard battles, and amazing graphics, you’ll have a blast with these games.
In this post, I will walk you through everything that FromSoftware has done in the Soulsborne department, from the creepy areas in Demon’s Souls to the huge world of Elden Ring.
List of FromSoft Soulsborne Games in Order
- Demon’s Souls (2009)
- Dark Souls (2011)
- Dark Souls II (2014)
- Bloodborne (2015)
- Dark Souls III (2016)
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
- Elden Ring (2022)
Demon’s Souls (2009)
In 2009, a game hit the shelves that would carve out a new niche in the gaming world. Demon’s Souls was not just a game; it was a doorway to a new genre.
Set in the kingdom of Boletaria, it introduced players to a world of unforgiving difficulty, intricate level design, and a unique online system.
Critics and players alike were captivated by its challenging gameplay and the sense of accomplishment it offered.
Metacritic Score – 89
As the precursor to Dark Souls, Demon’s Souls is recognized for its open fantasy world and death mechanics.
The Dark Souls Trilogy
Dark Souls (2011)
Two years later, in 2011, Dark Souls arrived, setting the benchmark for what a challenging RPG could be. Renowned for its vast world interconnected by seamless transitions, the game encouraged exploration and learning from failure.
This Dark Souls version is definitely one of the fan favorites, known for its insanely tough boss battles that really push your gaming skills to the limit.
With a Metacritic score that soared high, it’s not just a game; it’s a rite of passage for many gamers.
Metacritic Score – 89
Dark Souls is celebrated for its challenging gameplay and significant influence on the gaming industry.
Dark Souls II (2014)
Dark Souls II, launched in 2014, stirred the pot by tweaking the formula with changes like the respawn mechanic and instant fast travel. While it garnered universal acclaim, it also sparked debates among fans.
However, its Scholar of the First Sin edition polished many rough edges, offering an even more refined experience.
Metacritic Score – 91
Despite being considered the worst entry in the Souls series by some fans, Dark Souls 2 still holds a high score.
Dark Souls III (2016)
Released in 2016, Dark Souls III was a culmination of everything FromSoftware had learned, featuring faster combat and grandiose boss battles. It’s recommended for newcomers due to its more approachable gameplay and linear world.
The game’s two expansions, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, expanded the lore and challenge, marking a fitting end to the trilogy.
Metacritic Score – 89
The game faced some criticism for franchise fatigue and rehashed concepts but still received a high score.
Bloodborne (2015)
In 2015, Bloodborne took players to the gothic city of Yharnam, infested with unspeakable horrors. This title shifted gears with faster, more aggressive combat and a hauntingly beautiful world filled with mystery.
It’s a standalone masterpiece that deserves a playthrough for its unique take on the Souls formula.
Metacritic Score – 92
Bloodborne is appreciated for its RPG mechanics and faster, more aggressive combat, striking a balance between the Souls series and Sekiro.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Sekiro, released in 2019, ventured further from the path with a focus on precision swordplay and a steep learning curve.
Winning numerous Game of the Year awards, it challenged players to master its combat system, offering a distinct and unforgettable experience.
Metacritic Score – 91
Sekiro is noted for its departure from traditional RPG elements, focusing on freedom of movement, stealth mechanics, and combat.
Elden Ring (2022)
Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest offering in 2022, amalgamates the essence of all its predecessors into an expansive open-world adventure.
Hailed as FromSoftware’s magnum opus, it combines the best elements of the Soulsborne games with an open-world format, creating an experience that’s both familiar and fresh.
Metacritic Score – 96
Elden Ring is praised for its open-world design, combat system, boss variety, and beautiful world, making it one of the best open-world games of all time.
Why Play FromSoftware Games?
Playing FromSoftware video games offers a unique and rewarding experience that stands out in the gaming world for several reasons. Here are some of the
- Challenge and Reward: FromSoftware games are renowned for their difficulty, which provides a genuine sense of accomplishment upon overcoming tough bosses or mastering challenging areas. This difficulty encourages players to adapt, improve, and feel a real sense of achievement.
- Artistic and Atmospheric Design: The games feature dark, detailed worlds filled with gothic ruins, eerie landscapes, and twisted architecture, all contributing to a feeling of isolation and immersion. Dynamic lighting techniques enhance realism and engagement, making each game a visually stunning experience.
- Deep, Ambiguous Storytelling: Unlike many other games, FromSoftware titles present their narratives in fragments through item descriptions, character dialogues, and environmental cues. This approach encourages players to piece together the overarching story, sparking theories and discussions about the game’s mysteries.
- Gameplay and Level Design Inspired by Classics: The gameplay, level design, and atmosphere of FromSoftware games draw inspiration from classic 8/16-bit era games, older RPGs, and action titles. This blend of classic and challenging novelties offers a nostalgic yet fresh experience for gamers.
- Community and Teamwork: The lack of clear guidance in these games enriches exploration and fosters personal progress. It also stimulates teamwork, with a ready and willing community online to share experiences and knowledge, helping each other through the games’ challenges.
- Innovative Gameplay Evolution: Titles like “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” and “Elden Ring” introduce significant gameplay shifts, offering fresh layers to the FromSoftware gaming experience. These include changes in combat style, the introduction of mounts and horseback battles, and an extensive open world, among others.
The Beauty of FromSoftware’s World
Navigating the timeline of FromSoftware’s games, we witness an evolution not just in gameplay and graphics but in storytelling and world-building.
Each game, while distinct, carries the DNA that makes Soulsborne games stand out: challenging gameplay, deep lore, and a community of players that share tips, victories, and defeats.
What Order Should You Play?
While fans may debate the best order to play these games, starting with Dark Souls III for a mix of approachability and challenge is wise.
From there, exploring the earlier titles will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the series’ evolution.
The Future of Soulsborne
As for what’s next, FromSoftware has hinted at new titles in development. With each game, they’ve pushed the boundaries of what we expect from action RPGs, leaving us eagerly anticipating what worlds we’ll explore next.
The latest FromSoftware news got Soulsborne gamers excited as the company announced the new expansion for the highly praised Elden Ring game, titled “Shadow of the Erdtree.” The expansion is set to launch on June 21st.
FAQs
Can I play Bloodborne on a PC?
No, this game is exclusively available on the PlayStation 4 platform.
Is it necessary to play the Dark Souls games in order?
While it enhances the experience, it’s not necessary. Each game stands on its own with a unique story.
Does Elden Ring require previous knowledge of Dark Souls to enjoy?
Not at all. Elden Ring is a separate entity that welcomes both veterans and newcomers without prior knowledge of the Dark Souls series.
Are there any multiplayer aspects in these games?
Yes, these games feature unique multiplayer elements like summoning other players for help, leaving hints, or invading other players’ games.
Is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as difficult as the Dark Souls games?
Sekiro offers a different kind of challenge with a focus on timing and precision, which some may find more difficult depending on their playstyle.
Can I get the Demon’s Souls Remake on other platforms besides PS5?
Currently, this title is exclusive to the PlayStation 5.
Final Words
FromSoftware has come a long way from Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring. They’ve shown us how to make awesome games that are innovative, hard, and beautiful. Every game in the Soulsborne series has its own flavor, story, and secrets that make us want to see more and more.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve played them all or you’re just starting out, there’s a FromSoftware game for you. They’ll challenge you, surprise you, and make you feel proud of yourself.
Come and join the Soulsborne community, where we learn from our mistakes, celebrate our wins, and enjoy the ride.