The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →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 difficulty at their own pace. If what draws you in is the first Dark Souls and its intricately designed world, choose Dark Souls: Remastered instead. Neither recommendation means one game is universally easier.
Which game makes the better first step?
Elden Ring is the more flexible starting point if you are undecided. Its open-world structure can give you room to change where you go and how you approach a challenge. That flexibility is the basis of Bandai Namco’s recommendation for newcomers—not evidence that every part of the game is easier.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - Xbox One | $24.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
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Choose Dark Souls: Remastered if your main interest is experiencing the first Dark Souls. The official game page emphasizes intricate world design, hidden passages, dungeons, and secrets, which may appeal to players who want that style of exploration from the outset.
How do their worlds shape the experience?
Elden Ring: open-world freedom
Bandai Namco describes Elden Ring as an open-world action RPG. For a beginner, the useful distinction is that an open world can allow different routes and approaches when a particular challenge is proving difficult. The publisher specifically connects that freedom with tackling difficulty at your own pace.
#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 highlights an intricately designed world with hidden passages, dungeons, and secrets. Start here if that connected, discovery-focused exploration—and the chance to play the first Dark Souls—is what interests you most.
These descriptions are a practical contrast, not a complete map analysis or a ranking of the games’ difficulty.
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
What does each edition include?
| Game | What the cited official information establishes | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls: Remastered | The remastered edition includes the main game and the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. | Confirm the current platform listing and compatibility for your system. |
| Elden Ring | The official game page identifies it as an open-world action RPG; that alone does not establish that an expansion is included. | Check the specific edition or bundle for its included content and platform. |
Which platforms should you check?
FromSoftware announced Dark Souls: Remastered for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows in 2018. That announcement documents the platforms at that time; check current store listings and compatibility before purchasing. The cited information here does not establish a current platform list for every edition or bundle of either game.
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Make the choice based on what you want
- Pick Elden Ring if you are new to demanding action RPGs and value having an open world in which to adjust your route and approach.
- Pick Dark Souls: Remastered if your priority is playing the first Dark Souls and exploring a world described by its publisher as intricate and full of secrets.
For newcomers without a strong preference, Elden Ring is the publisher-backed recommendation. If the earlier game is the one you are most curious about, starting with Dark Souls: Remastered is a sound preference-based choice.
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.
Sources
- Bandai Namco: Dark Souls: Remastered
- Bandai Namco: Dark Souls: Remastered edition information
- Bandai Namco: Elden Ring
- Bandai Namco: beginner recommendation for Elden Ring
- FromSoftware: Dark Souls: Remastered platform announcement
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.
