For most newcomers, start with Elden Ring. Bandai Namco recommends it to players new to demanding action RPGs because its open world lets them approach challenges at their own pace. If what you most want is the first Dark Souls and its intricately designed world, choose Dark Souls: Remastered instead. That is a preference-based choice—not a claim that either game is universally easier.
Which game is the better first Soulslike?
Elden Ring is the more flexible starting point for someone unsure where to begin. The publisher describes it as an open-world action RPG, and its beginner guidance specifically points to the freedom of that world as a way to approach difficulty at your own pace. When progress stalls, the open-world structure supports changing your approach rather than treating one obstacle as the only way forward.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - Xbox One | $24.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
That flexibility does not establish that Elden Ring is easier overall. The available official guidance does not provide a universal difficulty ranking, and your experience will depend on what you find challenging and how you choose to play.
Choose based on the experience you want
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More freedom to explore and change how you tackle difficulty | Elden Ring | Bandai Namco describes it as open-world and recommends it as a starting point for newcomers to demanding action RPGs. Bandai Namco’s game page; beginner guidance. |
| The first Dark Souls and its intricately designed world | Dark Souls: Remastered | Its official page emphasizes world design, hidden passages, dungeons, secrets, and gameplay possibilities. Bandai Namco’s game page. |
What makes the worlds feel different?
Elden Ring: open-world freedom
Elden Ring is presented by Bandai Namco as an open-world action RPG. For a first-timer, the relevant distinction is the room to explore and approach difficulty at a chosen pace—not a guarantee that every challenge can be bypassed or that the game will feel easy.
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#1 Best Overall
- DARK SOULS REMASTERED - Then, there was fire. Re-experience the genre-defining game that started it all. Return to Lordran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers. Includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
- DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN - Prepare to Die again. The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II plus all three DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or PvP multiplayer. Includes the award-winning game and both DLC chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- ALL ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS - Visit the EP!C corner to download the music of the Dark Souls saga composed by Motoi Sakaraba and Yuka Kitamura. 110 tracks and more than 6 hours to listen and take back any Dark Souls fan to the intense boss fights and the best moments of their deadly journeys.
Dark Souls: Remastered: intricate world design
The official description of Dark Souls: Remastered foregrounds an intricately designed world with hidden passages, dungeons, and secrets. It is the direct option if your main motivation is experiencing the first Dark Souls, rather than beginning with the more open-world structure of Elden Ring.
Check what each edition includes
Dark Souls: Remastered includes the main game and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, according to Bandai Namco’s official game page. Do not assume an Elden Ring edition includes an expansion: check the specific listing and bundle contents before buying.
Rank #2
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
Confirm platform availability before buying
FromSoftware announced Dark Souls: Remastered for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows in 2018. That announcement is not a guarantee of current availability or compatibility for your particular device. Check the current store listing for your platform before purchasing.
For Elden Ring, use the current listing for your platform to confirm compatibility and whether the edition is the base game or a bundle. Edition contents and availability can vary, so make the decision using the exact product listing rather than the game title alone.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armour, magic and crafting options to create your own play style and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategise freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Rank #3
- The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
- Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
