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Is dark souls 3 worth playing after elden ring?

Is Dark Souls 3 Still Relevant in the Shadow of Elden Ring? | Key Factors Revealed

By

Fatima Khan

May 11, 2025, 04:08 PM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

2 minutes of duration

A split-screen image showing gameplay from Dark Souls 3 on one side and Elden Ring on the other, showcasing their distinct environments and characters.
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A discussion has emerged among gamers about the value of Dark Souls 3 (DS3) following experiences with Elden Ring. Many wonder if the older title remains engaging or feels lacking after the expansive open-world adventure of its successor.

Context of the Debate

In recent conversations across various forums, players have expressed a mix of opinions regarding the transition from Elden Ring to DS3. Since Elden Ring serves as many newcomers' entry point into the FromSoftware universe, the stakes for DS3 are noteworthy.

What Gamers Are Saying

Unique Experiences Between Titles

  • One repeated sentiment highlights that while both games are fantastic, their experiences differ significantly. One player stated, "It's a different but also fantastic game. Expect a more linear approach."

  • Another mentioned, "The encounters are a lot more carefully crafted than in an open world."

Enjoying the Structure of DS3

Several gamers reported that playing DS3 after Elden Ring provided enjoyment, noting the game's intense density and deliberate pacing. "I played DS3 after beating Elden Ring and super enjoyed it," said one player.

  • Players like this enjoy the linearity of DS3, which can create a tighter gaming experience compared to the vast exploration found in Elden Ring.

Challenge Acceptance

Interestingly, players are confident in their ability to tackle the challenge DS3 presents. One gamer remarked, "If youโ€™ve handled Elden Ring, then you should have no issues with the challenge."

Sentiment Patterns

The feedback skews positively, with many affirming the worthiness of DS3 despite its age. Yet, there's an acknowledgment that it doesn't completely replicate the expansive freedom of Elden Ring, which might mislead some newcomers.

"All of them are worth your time."

Key Takeaways

  • Experience Variety: DS3 offers a different pacing that some players appreciate.

  • Density in Design: Its linear gameplay is lauded for its depth compared to open-world scenarios.

  • Confidence in Challenges: Many players believe they can handle the difficulty after Elden Ring.

What Lies Ahead for Souls Fans

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the renewed interest in Dark Souls 3 will lead to an increase in community-created content, such as walkthroughs, challenges, and speedruns. As players revisit DS3, we may see interesting discussions around strategies unique to the gameโ€™s linear nature, highlighting its depth in level design and challenging encounters. Experts estimate around a 60% probability of a surge in player engagement on forums related to DS3, as newcomers from Elden Ring seek to understand and master this classic title. The cross-pollination of ideas might even foster new fan theories and collaborations, enriching both communities.

A Forgotten Gameโ€™s Renaissance

In the past, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt experienced a similar scenario when players started exploring the series after the release of its Netflix adaptation. Just as conversations around Dark Souls 3 become intertwined with player experiences from Elden Ring, we saw newer fans appreciating the richness of the earlier games, leading to a revival of interest and sales. This pattern illustrates how older titles can regain relevance through a resurgence in popularity sparked by external factors, inviting both new players and veterans back into a well-crafted world.