I’m curious whether From Software games are worth playing for someone new to their style of gameplay. They seem quite challenging, and I’m unsure if it’s the right fit for me. Could someone explain why they’re so popular and if there is a good starting point?
So you’re thinking about From Software games? Buckle up because these games are famously brutal, like trying to walk barefoot on Lego bricks while carrying a gallon of milk. But that’s the charm. It’s not about winning; it’s about earning the win. Every time you dodge an enormous boss’s sword by a milimeter or finally land the killing blow with trembling hands, it feels like YOU just conquered the freaking universe. Why do people love them? Because nothing else makes you feel that mix of rage, triumph, and pure adrenaline.
That being said, they are NOT for everyone. If you value hand-holding tutorials and the game whispering sweet nothings like 'You’re doing a great job, champ!” you won’t get that here. You’ll get wolves eating your face right out of the gate. Their challenge isn’t unfair, though. Every death teaches you something—patience, strategy, timing, when to stop and cry into a pillow. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.
For someone new: start with Elden Ring. It’s more open-world, so you can cheese harder areas or run away screaming while exploring. Also, YouTube exists—embrace those “How not to suck at Dark Souls” guides. Or, hey, just throw yourself into the abyss and learn by failing. Who doesn’t love an ugly cry every now and then?
In the end, it’s all about mindset. If you’re okay with getting your butt kicked 500 times before you become a gaming demigod, then yeah, FromSoft games are absolutely worth trying. If that sounds miserable? Maybe stick to Animal Crossing or something more serotonin-friendly.
From Software games are like those old-school arcade machines that were made to devour your quarters—but in the best way possible. If you hate losing and expect a game to pat you on the back for every tiny achievement, these might make you wanna smash your controller. BUT, if you can embrace the pain and frustration, the payoff is wild. Seriously, there’s just something about the first time you finally down a boss you’ve been battling for hours—it’s equal parts heroic and a weird form of self-therapy.
They’re popular 'cause they’re not your average blockbuster titles. You don’t get markers over every enemy’s head or a map yelling, “Go HERE for loot.” You’re meant to explore, puzzle out mechanics, and gasp actually focus. The lore is fragmented too—like reading a book with every fifth page missing—but that’s part of the fun. You uncover it slowly, and it sticks.
@jeff mentioned Elden Ring, which is a solid start, but I’d personally argue for starting with something linear, like Dark Souls 3. Open-world is cool and forgiving, but it can be super overwhelming for newbies. DS3 drops you into the fire right away—and you don’t even know what hit you—yet it’s more focused, so progress feels cleaner IMO. Or you could be a masochist and jump straight into Sekiro, which will humble you in record time.
One word of caution, though, these games aren’t for EVERYONE. Like, if you’re the type to rage-quit FIFA, this will test your patience to the max. But if you’re curious and okay with dying 300 times before a breakthrough? Then yeah, they’re worth at least one try. Worst case? You drop it after 10 hours and watch a Let’s Play instead. Better than wasting money on something candy-coated and boring, anyway.
Okay, here’s the deal: From Software games, like Elden Ring or Dark Souls 3, are basically the gaming equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. They’re not easy, not forgiving, and definitely not for the faint of heart. But is the pain worth it? Honestly, yes, if you’re craving an unmatched sense of achievement. Let’s break this down.
The Pros:
- Intense Satisfaction: Beating a FromSoft boss is like solving a Rubik’s Cube that constantly sets itself on fire. It’s HARD, but when you do it, it’s euphoric.
- Deep Lore: The story isn’t spoon-fed. You piece things together through item descriptions, cryptic dialogue, and environmental storytelling. It’s like unlocking a secret cult’s diary.
- Unique Atmosphere: Nobody does gothic, mysterious, and unsettling worlds quite like FromSoft. These are places you’ll remember forever (whether you want to or not).
- Combat Mastery: You learn to dance with the enemy—dodging, parrying, and throwing yourself at them until you outsmart their patterns. It’s strategic, not random button-mashing.
- Replayability: Tons of builds (swords, magic, you name it) and paths keep things fresh on every playthrough.
The Cons:
- Brutal Learning Curve: Seriously, it’ll test your patience. You’ll die—A LOT. If you hate trial-and-error gameplay, run away now.
- Sparse Tutorials: Don’t expect step-by-step handholding here. Good luck figuring some mechanics out without Googling.
- Punishing Exploration: Stray too far without leveling up? Oops, you just woke up a boss who can one-shot you.
- Not Chill: These games are mentally taxing. They’re not “relax after work” material unless you find getting wrecked soothing.
Debates on Starting Point:
While @cazadordeestrellas suggests diving right into Dark Souls 3, and @jeff leans toward the open-world nature of Elden Ring, I’d argue Bloodborne deserves an honorable mention for newcomers. It’s faster-paced, more aggressive, and has that slimy Lovecraftian horror vibe—perfect if you enjoy speed over shield-turtling. Sekiro, on the other hand, is for advanced players who enjoy punishment as a sport (seriously, it’s relentless).
Worth It or Not?
If you’re the type to embrace frustration as part of the journey and enjoy persistence-based rewards, FromSoft games are a unique thrill ride. But if losing 30 times against the same enemy feels like an actual nightmare, maybe check out something like The Witcher 3—still challenging but way more forgiving.
Bottom line: Elden Ring is probably your safest bet as a beginner, thanks to its open-world flexibility. Want to get gutsy? Try Dark Souls 3. Just remember, these games rarely hold back. Prepare to scream, cheer, and develop a love/hate relationship with wolves, dragons, and gravity. Welcome to FromSoft—strap in.