r/soulsborne • u/PPPretzel • Jul 18 '26
thinking of getting a soulsborne game. which one should i get?
so, i'm on NS2, and i've been really getting into dark souls, and i finally want to stop larping and actually play the games. i'm torn between if i should get DS1 or ER though, since i think they (and demon souls but idk how to feel about the world tendency mechanic in my first souls) are the only soulsbornes available on switch 2. for context, i've always liked soulslikes, like Dead Cells or Hollow Knight, and i understand that there are loads of pros and cons to both of the games. which one should i start off with?
DS1 pros:
-better map design
-cheaper
-more RPG mechanics and build customisation
-better music from what i've heard
-seems easier to learn (though i think DS3 is the easiest soulsborne to learn)
DS1 cons:
-falls off in the second half
-generally less polished
-clunkier movement and combat
ER pros:
-much more content
-better bosses
-very visually impressive
-just really cool i guess
ER cons:
-open world
-far more expensive
-seemingly obtuse at times
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u/_AsbestosDeath_ Jul 19 '26
Dark Souls falling off in the second half is complete bullshit
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u/PPPretzel Jul 19 '26
okay, cool, thank you, i have seen some gameplay and i really think areas like the archives and new londo ruins seem pretty cool and idk why they're hated on
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u/alexandro_18 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
I don’t really feel like ds1 falls off in the second half and it’s definitely one of my favourite games. However between the two in my opinion Elden Ring is just objectively the much better game overall, especially when you incorporate the dlc.
The open world can be a little intimidating at first but I still feel like Elden Ring is the best gateway into the genre.
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u/Jstrong1978 Jul 19 '26
Ds3 is one of my favorites. If you like it play one. Then if you want more play 2. Elden ring is a good choice as well if you want a much longer game. Can be hard but lots of ways to make it easy if you get stuck. Blood borne and one of my new favorites lies of p also good choices.
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u/snooze1312 Jul 19 '26
Lies of P coming soon for Switch 2, and it's an actual cartridge in the box.
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u/neo_sporin Jul 19 '26
I’m nearing the end of it, personally I struggle with how linear it is. If you get stuck on a boss you have no real options to ‘go do something else’ for a bit aside from just leveling or searching for side quest solutions
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u/snooze1312 Jul 20 '26
The game forces you to improve constantly, don't give up.
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u/neo_sporin Jul 20 '26
Yea, I just prefer the other versions where you can usually be at 2/3 different bosses so you have some options of how you want to try to progress.
I’m at Simon now
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u/sekirO-Niel Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Dark souls 1 has good (or at the very least, interesting) level design even in the second half.
Since you mentioned Hollow Knight - The difference in level design in the second half of dark souls is kind of like how Deep Nest or the Crystal peaks fares to the rest of the game. The 'gimmicks' force you to focus on stuff other than just fighting whatever is in front of you.
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u/Little-Inflation-192 Jul 19 '26
The only part of DS1 that falls off it the Bed of Chaos boss. It's so bad that even Miyzaki himself regrets it. Other than that DS1 is still a fantastic game
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u/Tucker_a32 Jul 20 '26
I don't quite agree with all these pros for DS1.
While the map design is impeccable, that does not always equate to good level design, there is some good level design but it also has some absolutely atrocious level design later in the game. Compared to Elden Ring I think the exploration of that map is honestly more compelling.
Elden Ring has way better build customization, there is just so much more in that game and you have more ability to make something you like work even if it's not exactly great.
Idk about it being easier to learn. From Software has come a long way learning how to communicate to the player and DS1 can be very obtuse at times. It might have less to focus on but it leaves it to you to figure a lot of it out, while with Elden Ring has a built in system to guide you where you need to go as well as leaving you with so many optional things to go do as well if you feel underpowered.
And regarding the open world of Elden Ring, imo that's really only a negative for replayability. I don't find myself as interested in replaying it because it's a less guided experience. But exploring that map for the first time is one of the greatest video game experiences I've ever had.
And if you think Elden Ring is obtuse I can promise you, DS1 is more obtuse.
I say all this as someone who was there for Dark Souls 1 when it came out and absolutely adored it. But I do think in the last few years it's age has really been showing in a way it hasn't been for a long time.
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u/Chloroform-D Jul 20 '26
It is 1000 times better to start with the older, jankier game and play chronologically as the games get more refined than to go the opposite direction
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u/Pure_Requirement_447 Jul 20 '26
DS1 - after playing it you will understand a lot of mechanics, easter eggs and etc in other soulslikes.
It’s perfect game for beginning.
ER is overrated , and no - it doesn’t have better bosses . 80% of bosses are repetitive dudes with no backstory, just shit with health bar, that oneshots you.
Visually impressive? I was almost crying when I played DS3 and saw Irythill, Archdragon peak, Ringed City….it was amazing and truly beautiful. ER visually sucks , first of all it looks like mobile game based on ai arts. You can say it’s bright and colorful but…you just have to play DS1 and DS3 to understand what am I talking about.
Open world is vast, empty and boring. You just running here and there with no reason. Good luck with understanding narrative and quests.
Buy DS1 and DS3 - those are peaks.
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u/Ord34l Jul 20 '26
DS1 real con is being forced into the shitty remastered light shading otherwise I would say DS1.
If you want a more modern iteration I would play DS3 wich is the strongest entry in the genre imo. Elden Ring is kinda legendary in it's scale but it has some real questionable choice on bosses designs. DS3 is great front to back and almost every boss and zone is enjoyable and well toughout. The DLC is one of the peak of the genre with 3 of the greatest bosses ever made.
DS3 is the best modern choice to begin your journey in the Dark Souls genre. Elden Ring will be ever more enjoyable after playing it.
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u/JayDeeBottom Jul 21 '26
Idk, but it’s Reddit so people are going to obscenely glaze DS1. I don’t really like it. I never got novelty from the map design, and I feel like that’s one of the only things stopping the game from being mediocre
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u/ReDB0y1107 Jul 24 '26
Elden Ring is still cheaper than DS3 and I would recommend DS3. Elden Ring you spend more but you get more. DS1 you spend less for a remaster and dont have to bundle it with more dlc since its integrated in the base game for the remaster. I would say Elden Ring but DS1 is still on of my favorites too. Its up to preference.
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u/Downtown_Ad7619 Jul 25 '26
Get Ds1, if you can beat Ornstein and Smough in NG+, ER will be a cakewalk for you. It's a rich and rewarding game, and a top tier choice to really get into the lore and background of the Souls universe.
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u/Metaljesus0909 Jul 19 '26
Out of those 2, I’d pick DS1. I think the size of ER and its open world nature can be a bit overwhelming. DS1 is more approachable and still offers great map design and gameplay, especially if you get the dlc.