Should I play Dark Souls in order?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You enjoy narrative arcs and want to experience the lore as it unfolds, so playing the titles from the original Dark Souls (2011) through Dark Souls III (2016) provides a clear, evolving storyline.
• Good fit: You are new to the series and prefer a gradual increase in difficulty; the earlier games introduce mechanics at a slower pace, making a sequential run easier for newcomers.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You have limited time and want a quick, self‑contained experience—starting with Dark Souls III may give you a polished experience without needing to invest in earlier titles.
• Warning sign: You already own strong preferences for specific game mechanics (e.g., the more fluid combat of Dark Souls III) and would rather skip older entries that feel dated.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Chronological play preserves the intended story progression, helping you understand recurring characters and world‑building details.
• The difficulty curve is gentle at first, allowing you to master core mechanics before tackling the toughest challenges in later games.

Cons

• Older titles may feel less refined in graphics, controls, and UI, which can be frustrating for players accustomed to modern standards.
• Playing in order requires purchasing or accessing every main entry, increasing cost and time commitment relative to jumping straight to the latest installment.

Decision Checklist

• Do I want to follow the series’ story from its origins, or am I mainly interested in gameplay mechanics?
• How much time and budget can I realistically allocate to playing multiple games?
• Am I comfortable revisiting older design choices that might feel clunky compared to newer titles?

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re unsure about a full chronological run, you could start with Dark Souls III, which offers the most polished experience while still referencing earlier lore. Another option is to play the games out of order based on personal preference—for example, beginning with Dark Souls II if you prefer its faster pacing, then circling back to the original later. You could also explore the related titles Bloodborne or Sekiro for a fresh but thematically similar challenge.

Final Recommendation

For players who value story continuity and a steady learning curve, playing Dark Souls in order is a rewarding approach. If your primary constraints are time, budget, or a desire for the most refined gameplay, starting with a later entry or selecting a single game that matches your preferences may be wiser. Assess your goals with the checklist above, and remember that there’s no single “right” path—choose the route that aligns with your gaming style.