The Drought
As of writing this article, FromSoftware has yet to announce any new projects following the release of the Elden Ring DLC earlier this summer. Elden Ring introduced the Soulslike genre to a wider audience, and many players are now eager to explore another challenging yet beautiful world that evokes that similar atmosphere.
As a longtime fan of FromSoftware’s previous titles, I’ve found there are a few games in its catalog that can help fill the void between Elden Ring and whatever the studio has next in store. I’m going to list them in order of what I think would be a smoother transition from Elden Ring with five being the biggest learning curve and 1 being a smooth transition.
#5 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro is my favorite Soulslike, and one of my favorite games in general, so why do I have it so low on my list? That’s because other than difficulty and traces of a similar atmosphere, It is vastly different from Elden Ring.
First and foremost, the location and aesthetic of both games differ greatly. With Sekiro taking an inspiration from ancient east Asian fantasy, and Elden Ring being inspired by a more Western fantasy.
The mechanics as well differ heavily as you are more restricted in Sekiro when it comes to weapon types and armor. With the only customizable feature being the sword arts. Going from the expansive world of Elden Ring to a more linear progression may not be as much of a smooth transition.
At face value however, I believe Sekiro: Shadow’s Die Twice is one of the best experiences you could get from a FromSoftware title.
#4 Dark Souls 2
The infamous Dark Souls 2, a controversial game within the community that had a mixed bag of both praise and hate.
At launch, Dark Souls 2 faced many technical difficulties and gameplay choices that hindered the players experience. However, with the Scholar of the First Sin rerelease of the game, many of these issues were reworked on to provide a more complete experience.
Being a part of the Dark Souls trilogy, it is easier to compare it to the mechanics and atmosphere of Elden Ring, which I believe makes it a valuable candidate for your next game.
#3 Bloodborne
If you’re lucky enough to own a PlayStation, I highly recommend making Bloodborne your next game after Elden Ring.
While it introduces different mechanics — such as the absence of shields and the use of reusable healing items — Bloodborne shines through its rich atmosphere and compelling storytelling. Its immersive world and design choices more than compensate for these gameplay differences.
Overall, Bloodborne is an experience that any gamer should have at least once in their lifetime.
#2 Dark Souls
Dark Souls is my personal favorite of the trilogy and a title that truly revolutionized the gaming industry upon its release. Its design choices and gameplay mechanics set a new standard, influencing games that would go on to define the “Soulslike” subgenre.
While its impact was monumental, some technical issues and its more dated gameplay could be off-putting for players jumping into it right after Elden Ring. However, the Remastered version addresses many of these concerns, offering improved quality-of-life features for a smoother experience.
Ultimately, Dark Souls remains a must-play, regardless of how it compares to Elden Ring.
#1 Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 is still widely regarded as one of the best entries in FromSoftware’s catalog, offering a perfect conclusion to the Dark Souls trilogy and solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the genre.
Its faster-paced combat and an improved focus on magic builds bring it closer to Elden Ring in many ways — so much so that you could argue we wouldn’t have Elden Ring without Dark Souls 3. With its familiar mechanics, atmosphere, and optimization, I can’t think of a better game to play next.
Featured Image: Bandai Namco
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