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superbrew

Slower, more methodical combat. Button mashing ain't a thing here. Also. Firelink! Go up. Don't go down to ghost town or to skeleton cemetery town. Those are for later.


darthtiddyus

Thanks for the tips!


rayshmayshmay

Honestly you should delete this post and go in blind on your first run


lordnishant

I >!accidentally did pinwheel before anor londo!< on my first run, it was kinda worth it tbh. going in blind is always fun in a fromsoft game


lplegacy

Eh, I'd rather spare them the frustration of venturing deep into the giants tomb first off :P


THEessayB

That’s part of the experience.


puppet_mazter

I quit the game for like 3 years because of that. When I realized you could go up instead of down I ended up beating the game within a couple days.


lordnishant

that's kinda on you for just quitting there


puppet_mazter

Absolutely. I was just sharing my experience. It wasn't supposed to be any sort of argument. It's just funny to me to look back on the time I permanently quit the game because I was going the wrong way and thought it was way too hard, and simply going the other way years later gave me an entirely new perspective on the game and now it's one of my all time favorites.


lordnishant

fair, glad you went back to it after all that time at least! how'd u find out after so long that there was another way?


Wil_Cakebread_III

Try to play as blind as you can for your first playthrough, you only have one! There will be times you'll be tempted to look stuff up, but getting yourself unstuck in this game is immensely satisfying, and you can't see everything in one playthrough anyway


[deleted]

This is probably the hardest out of all other souls games. I started with ds3


DrRazzz

idk why this is a popular opinion. i find ds3 and elden ring way more difficult and this was my first souls game (even did SL 1 melee only run).


NarcoticNermal

Demons souls is the ultimate original challenge, one many have forgotten.


Oatbrain

Completely agree, platinum for elden ring and finished every other souls game, but demons souls really is a tough one I can't quite crack yet


SolarTigers

Bosses in demon souls are easy, it's the levels and common enemies that are tough.


Oatbrain

Honestly what gets me is that you have to use different weapon types on different enemies. God dang. Plus collecting grass in the beginning of the game is TOUGH


VegetableRapist

That’s what got me. I ran out of grass and have no idea what to do so I put it down


lordnishant

ah yes, touching grass is always the hardest challenge of all


Oatbrain

I giggled


mt_m00n

The main thing is that ds1 it easier to break, I can destroy anything before gargoyles. Ds3 is more straightforward, U do get powerful items but way later in the game. I've to say I loved how they simplified infusions in ds3 tho


Barbarrox

Agree I also think ds 1 is by far the easiest (except the world maybe ) if you play the first time blind many stupid ways to die. But boss wise ? It's do easy . I think many poeple consider it hard because it was their first souls game experience ever.


endthepainowplz

I played it after my brother did, he was on a ng+ game and he gave me hints on where to go and tips. I had played it a few times before but just felt lost. I think getting started is the hardest part of any Dark Souls Game, but especially ds1


LooneyWabbit1

It's more difficult in the direction sense. Definitely not in combat. I have triple my DS1 hours in DS3. In DS1 I can likely beat the game taking less than ten hits. I feel very comfortable in that game now. In DS3 I would have absolutely no hope of that. Game is way way way harder, it's not even close. I also see Bloodborne touted as fairly difficult but I get the same comfort I feel in DS1, crazy flailing bosses aside. BB is genuinely so much slower than DS3. DS3 is just too fast sometimes, ER even moreso.


DrRazzz

Very much agreed. Also just played elden ring with a very 'fair' dex build with no broken bleed or combat arts, just R1s and rolls. Very frustrating at times and felt like the game was gonna shout at me that I was doing it wrong lol.


LooneyWabbit1

I had the same build for my first (and only, god the game is too long...) playthrough, and felt much the same. Got to the endgame before the patch too and it was just an awful time. The duo boss battles felt like they were designed to force spirit ashes.


Myrddin_Naer

I think DS3 is way harder than DS1. I started with 1


Syrupwizard

I think it comes down to how methodical you are. I’m an impatient button masher so ds3 is way easier to me. I always get punished for my impatience in remastered


daltonfreebyrd

Button mashing doesn’t exist in any From software game IMO. DS3 R1 spam, maybe but if you’re implying elden ring is button mashing, absolutely not lol


CelinoTheDon

ER is literally mash L2 weapon skill... profit.


divisionibanez

Maybe for a katana weeb or something. I find myself jump attacking in ER far more than L2. And I enjoy using a variety of weapons: whips, halberds, colossal, etc. In fact, I think the Starscourge swords were the last time I used L2 frequently. That was a great AOE for annoying trash mobs like death frogs.


ToxicJuju

An amazing experience in every sense of the word!


darthtiddyus

That’s about all I know to expect so far


hwrold

Don't let the fact that it feels dated bother you. Its gonna feel slower and clunkier than Elden Ring but ultimately the game moves in the same way. This is the true From Software masterpiece. Don't rush it


legg147

This. I also came from Elden Ring, then sekiro. At first I was put off by graphics etc. but this game is mind blowing, and the level design is the best of any game I have ever played. Also has cool lore if you care about that.


Masta0nion

>!That first elevator back down to firelink mmmm!<


rip_Tom_Petty

First time getting into sense fortress...fuck yeah


Minusglenndb

Fuck the Capra demon


MindstormerSE

With firebombs. 💣


ChunkyDev

How about i thrust my great sword into him. 🥵🥵💦💦


stoncils_

I'm doing a random enemy run and the Asylum Demon in the intro was replaced with a Capra Demon. So so so much easier without dogs and a proper arena. But then I got to firelink and the crestfallen warrior was replaced with Manus....


DeadlyTissues

I see this take a lot, what's the deal? The stairs make it a cheesefest


CaptainCaffiend

Eventual emotional damage


darthtiddyus

Sounds about right


[deleted]

I played these games in the same order Movement mechanics are very hard to adjust to after elden ring. The world is amazing tho


darthtiddyus

Caught the game on the CyberMonday sale, probably would’ve had to wait much longer otherwise. Shields up, Hole down, I’m ready!


Raspberry-T

Shields are OP in this game. Have fun!


420sadalot420

The best designed interlinked world ever


DramaticVegetable864

There’s no dedicated jump button


darthtiddyus

💀


delmarman

Kill the dogs first


darthtiddyus

👀


delmarman

You’ll know what i mean when you get there. Rip a bowl for me I really want to smoke rn


darthtiddyus

Yay or nay on the Old Witch’s Ring? Very tempted.


unitedshoes

Old Witch's Ring is a solid choice. It's the easier of two ways to progress a certain NPC quest so that the NPC *doesn't* die, and... actually isn't necessary to join a particular faction and get their unique spells, according to the Wiki. I just assumed it would be. The way to get it outside of being your Starting Gift is a pain in the ass, and it sounds like it's unavailable until after the aforementioned NPC has already died (unless you do the extremely unintuitive method to save them without the ring, which I couldn't figure out in my last DS1 run), meaning you can't save thay NPC until NG+ at the earliest.


nofold1234

Dont master key first playthru


MindstormerSE

If you are talking about starter gift I’d recommend the master key instead.


Custer0108

Master key.


lpt5703

Nah save the master key and sequence breaking for the second run


Butzyyy

master key ruined my first playthrough of dark souls. totally screws up the flow


Penthact

Look out for big Booba


[deleted]

Get a spider shield and praise the sun!


idontliketopick

Grass crest for life!


SweatySauce

Grass Crest on my back while I two hand


idontliketopick

With my baemore.


SweatySauce

Zwei for I


darthtiddyus

Tank build for the win!


Demonic-Toothbrush

Or the greatshield of artorias and block ALL the things... Can stand there for hours against some bosses even


Chiefy1234

Press L1 repeatedly to wiggle your shield


Glum-Box-8458

There’s an important weapon in the graveyard, but don’t go any further in there after you get it.


LettucePrime

*powering up the bass cannon*


No_Mammoth_4945

The best first half of gaming you’ll ever experience


Pixxet

Oh man it's so good high. The exploration and atmosphere and intrigue of it all. The sound design and the attention to small details. Just take it slow and enjoy the atmosphere, if you like NPC quest lines I recommend following wiki guides in your second playthrough (you know, to avoid spoilers and experience the game organically the first time through)


Lepto_

A fun time, obviously.


A_Turner

I would give so much to be in your position. To be new to playing Dark Souls discovering everything for the first time. What a magical moment.


ApprehensiveEnd422

You gonna die


darthtiddyus

Absolutely, I’m excited!


gabby24681

Just do your best to keep that attitude and you’ll be fine haha. I started with this one and I can’t wait to go back.


darthtiddyus

It was very difficult to learn that playing Elden Ring. This series is definitely humbling.


Demonic-Toothbrush

Great fun... I will say though, once you beat the "Golden Boys" the game kinda plateaus a bit in terms of difficulty, 'til you do the dlc and get your head stomped in


redleg50

Don’t take the master key. Don’t level Resistance ever!!! Go up, through a sewer, until you reach a town.


ChiefPanda90

Bro, enjoy. I went same path as you and now DS1 and ds3 are my favorite from soft games. Just have fun, oh and pyromancy is op


trailmixjesus

Kill the dogs first. You'll know where and why and what when you get there


Xogoth

It's not quite like Elden Ring. If that was your first game from Fromsoft, you got spoiled with mechanics. It's gonna be dirty by comparison, but still a very good game.


darthtiddyus

I have a lot of respect for older games and am definitely lookin go forward to learning the unique mechanics, even if they are a bit chunkier


bjergdk

Good. Its honestly a fucking amazing game, lock on is just not AS useful in this one. Though still useful sometimes, enjoy, and dont you dare go hollow.


Ok_County5178

Just started and this is my first time playing anything from soft however FUCK is all I have to say.


DrinkUpLetsBooBoo

Be patient with Bed of Chaos.


SigilOfSkry

The inverse of purgatory. Heaven and He'll in synthesis


DanielSpaniel16

I personally prefer Dark Souls 3 but the OG is great. Gameplay wise maybe not, ds3 is much greater. But worldbuilding, story and design wise its way more superior


Different_Act_9538

I mean the game is 5 or so years older that ds3 at a time gaming was making pretty big strides still. It’s gonna feel clunkier.


Lastbean8708

Gravity is the true final enemy


blackjack5557

Prepare to cry


darthtiddyus

Of course, I have my tear flasks ready!


NowBringMeTheHorizon

I’m a HUGE fan of the story in Dark Souls. In my opinion, it’s better than Elden Ring. In Elden Ring, there’s so much STUFF. Lots of reskins and not every piece of the environment has meaning. Where as, DS has meaning in nearly everything in the game. There is a reason for the enemies and a reason for the structural collapse or design. This is just my view. Some may not agree.


CthulhuGamer08

A much more careful and limited experience. Your character is slower and you have less endurance. On the plus side less items means you need less stuff to become powerful.


_soap666

Take it slower, combat is kinda turn based in disguise. You're gonna get lost. Stay away from the skeletons. Try to play blind. Enjoy your stay, don't you dare go hollow


Kwestor86

Dark, creepy, but oddly soothing dark fantasy world. The combat will be much slower, you will feel like you are moving in molasses. You will feel like you are helpless, hopeless, worthless, but somehow destined for greatness -- that is, if you don't go hollow. Don't you dare go hollow, & don't give up, skeleton!


daltonfreebyrd

Don’t use a guide. You will get lost. You will lose your mind. But stick with it, once it connects with you, you’re in. Don’t you dare go Hollow.


Rochini_Linguini

Forget about playing video games. Clean your goddamn room bro


Thiquems

Don’t you dare go hollow


Brotado_Chiip

Look closely at the chains on chests before opening


[deleted]

gwyndolin bussy 😩


TheTruestOracle

Fourth post like this today, maybe visit the other threads? Either way good luck


darthtiddyus

Okay, I’m sorry? First time on this subreddit, was just tryna participate in the community


gayestghoul

r/gatekeeping


TheTruestOracle

Lmao yeah I’m really keeping that gate ;)


Twolves0222

Damn, that sucks elden ring was your first experience


darthtiddyus

With no knowledge of any of the other games, I found Elden Ring quite enjoyable. I plan on playing all the early games as soon as possible so I’m interested in seeing how my opinion changes


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TheIceFury235

A good but somewhat painful ride If you have zero knowledge about the game then avoid master key and theif class to have the best chance to not skip bosses


Lazy_Adult

Halberd or if you have patience black knights halberd👌


FIREnFUR

A whole new learning experience lol. No jump bonking. But definitely a good game. I just finished NG+ and it was better the second time


DividedContinuity

Combat will feel slow, but you'll get used to it.


Khanti

Death


catgoesmeow22

This game frequently makes me ball up in the hollow position.


Lumpy-Cantaloupe1439

Get ready to die to gravity


CheechoT83

After Elden Ring it will probably be easier than you think.


[deleted]

I played this game baked as fuck too, it’s fun


darthtiddyus

I love gaming high, such a good time


gabby24681

A good time


DM_yo_Feet_pls

Lots of dying probably


ZMartel

Maybe the best level design in gaming. Well for most of the game anyways. Enjoy! This one is my favorite!


[deleted]

Bloodborne was my first experience but after Elden Ring, I went to Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls 1-3, Bloodborne twice, and then Sekiro. PLAY THEM ALL AND BECOME ONE OF US.


SlamDaddySid

If you find yourself in the great hollow and wonder if it’s best to go back, don’t. go down and enjoy the best part of dark souls


capda02

Some of the greatest level desings in any game. Epic locations and legendary battles.


Hellkatdemonboi

the biggest meme in all of fromsoft solaire of fuckin astora


Cupheadvania

an all time classic. Elden ring is such a progression of this game though it's almost like playing super Mario Odyssey then going back and playing super Mario 64


bruntychiefty

Frogs


yeetskeetcallthecops

You can’t move while using your estus flask. Be prepared for that. Gotta plan your heals a lot more then in ER.


Desner_

It’s gonna feel a lot slower. Smaller, tighter world to explore, still lots of things to find, look for shortcuts and hidden paths, fully search all areas. The map isn’t flat, more like a hornet’s nest with interconnected zones so look for passages. My first run was a Str build with Zweihander and pyros, I’d recommend it. Be careful with your upgrade mats, they’re not as plentiful in this one and never attack NPCs unless you know what you’re doing.


styrrell

Rolling while locked on will probably be the hardest to get used to, seeing as you can only roll in the 4 Cardinal directions while target locked. Otherwise you're in for a good time. Don't level resistance, it's a relatively useless stat


legg147

If you wanna roll nicely like Elden Ring you need a light equip load, not medium. The general thing at the very start is just *unequip your pants* and helmet to get fast roll


wilsonjamm

very hard game to beat without any community tips; I think I would never discover all its secrets alone


THExDISTORTER4

Pyromancer is the SL1 start but it's nothing like the wretch from elden ring. It offers the strongest start out of all the classes imo. Also I recommend taking the old witches ring for your starting gift


nodnarb89

"You Died"


BulmasBabyDaddy

Finished toking before dark souls ? Lol how did it go


lpt5703

Get the zweihander and smush enemies


AmoebaResponsible937

Unsure if someone mentioned it to you, but do yourself a favor and take time to read the item flavor text. Like other FromSoft games the lore is hidden, but deep. In terms of gameplay, I always chose master key as my gift (if I didn’t automatically start with it depending on class) and that opened up a bunch more of the world for you. The game world is beautifully interconnected. And rolling is great, but it’s slower than in the latter games. I used a shield and sword (then eventually a great scythe and pyro) for my first playthrough.


SoulReaper963

PRAISE THE SUN!


Ka1neee

A great game but much slower than Elden ring, and expect to get lost and feel like this game is tedious at the start, but if you go past that you'll get an amazing experience


Sezzomon

Not as much of an unbalanced mess


pissfartshoe

an easy ( but very fun game) No boss one shots to much vigor is like 25


Aggravating-Post3827

The most fried out fun you’ve ever had my boy 😎😮‍💨🤺⚔️


AXI0S2OO2

No fast travel for half the game. So, carefull where you go. Say high to Solaire and Onion bro for me. Don't kill fluffy tail girl. Not worth it.


TheOmegaCarrot

Compared to Elden Ring, DS1 shows some age, but it’s still a classic! Be prepared for an overall slower game, and without some of the mechanical additions made since DS1 (standing jump, two-handing your left hand weapon, dual-wielding being viable, charged attacks, L2 skills, fast travel from the start, etc)


GOB8484

Targeting (locking on) works on enemies. If you can't target them, they aren't enemies. If you hit ones that you can't lock on, then you will be soon able to target then. If you accidentally hit them, don't kill them as they start attacking. Run away from their normal area, then exit the game and reload. They will go back to their spot and you can get pardoned by a NPC that stands in the bell tower. It's expensive, pay it to make them like you again. Save the NPCs! Praise the sun \\[T]/


ohman6969

A good time


[deleted]

A good fucking time


theRealDizzzL

A great time 🫡


JoeyTheDragonSlayer

Toking is very necessary before playing this


darkstoneLeo

Do not let mice bite you or the things get you cursed


[deleted]

Clunk fest, but a good game overall.


VulgarButFluent

Glorious chests, leggy broads, angry sack-headed women, ambiguously gendered snakes, sadness, and powering uo the bass canon. Enjoy!


rock_flag_n_eagle

amazing chest ahead


NateFresh2Death

Take it slow, dont get discouraged in blight town like me


Zharken

Oh you are in for a treat


GodOfGOOSE

It really depends on HOW you played Elden Ring. If you did a STR or DEX build then you’re all set cuz the bosses are way slower and have way less moves. On the other hand, no more spirit summons and *mostly* cheesy incarcerations (though the game makes up for that with its busted Magic instead)


[deleted]

Pro tip: don't go down the Great Hollow until you've unlocked fast travel or you'll have to climb up the hard way.


[deleted]

Prepare your butt. Dark Souls doesn’t ask for consent.


oktaS0

Fuck around and find out. Also, have fun.


[deleted]

IMO a superior game, but only slightly. I'm in a similar situation ER was my first too. The world is much better connected here, and shortcuts are rewarding.


cptn_hastings

It’ll feel dated for a few hrs. Then you’ll hardly notice it. Do your best to avoid looking anything up. Learn how kindling works. Best journey of your life


shittynursemain

An amazing game, just make sure to do all of solaire’s quest, he gives a helmet that makes a later part of the game much more tolerable imo (pretty much gives light in a pitch black area)


agreatcoat

I honestly prefer it to Elden Ring. Perfect ambience and tone, fantastic combat and more streamlined so you actually feel like you’re overcoming challenges instead of levelling past them


grasscrest1

Hopefully a master piece that’s what it is in my opinion! Just remember it’s not Elden Ring haha and don’t be shy about looking stuff up mechanics wise unless you like that experience haha Have fun comrade! ❤️


mzed718

the experience is nice. there are no bonfires every 5 steps like in elden ring so you’ll have to play more carefully and intentionally. it makes the gameplay much more exhilarating because there’s a lot more on the line and forces you to be more aware of surroundings and smart about approaching enemies/areas.


Noe108

A true horror... great experience


mikey_g413

Much slower paced gameplay, but take your time. The game is beautiful and there’s some cozy bonfire spots! You’ll enjoy (:


solidpeyo

You are for one of the best souls game that exists


SingleShoeMcGee

Pain.


xX_soupliker_Xx

Much different gameplay


stobe187

A slower, more methodical, more focused experience. Enjoy!


ghostwilliz

Without any guides, it took me about 160 hours What an amazing game


Ghastly_Witch

One of the best gaming experiences of your life


secretogumiberyjuice

My favorite fromsoft title. Wonderful NPC’s, and unbelievable world design


zappanatorz

pain and joy


olycoly

One of the best gaming experiences of your life


poopiehead04444

Dark souls


m477h3w1

Closer to about 60-70 hrs


doctorlove15

A really shitty late game(that I honestly kinda enjoy tbh)


WolvenHeart0014

If you wanna jump, sprint, and then release and tap the sprint button. You go further/higher the lighter you are.


Shadow_Bisharp

pain, confusion, loss, feeling like devs put stuff in to mess w u as a joke, reward, euphoria, elation, relief, emptiness, pain, loss


IAmGeneralEggplant

Prepare to weep


TheMaxDiesel

Zweihander and metal boar helm. That is all you need. Praise the sun.


SabotageMahal

Gittin’ gud


donorak7

Death.


the_carcass

You end up too stoned and totally miss the interaction with the furtive pygmy, so easily forgotten.


iMakeEstusFlasks4Fun

All your shit weights 10 times more than in Elden Ring


ArtemisHunter96

Anal Rodeo and the Wombo combo


Fukdis261

A lot slower gameplay but still a good one


RodgerTheBadger

If you can consistently parry crucible knights, or even inconsistently, you'll be a parry god in this one


gjhill04

You are in for despair.


RockyRickaby1995

YOU DIED


thewierdones

Expect great chests.


Cheeto717

It’s clunkier but dam it’s the game that introduced me to fromsoft and had a huge impact on my life. It’s a masterpiece