Elden Ring Vs Dark Souls Which Is More Accessible For Beginners

For newcomers to FromSoftware’s notoriously challenging action RPGs, the decision between starting with Elden Ring or Dark Souls can feel like choosing between two daunting gateways. Both games are celebrated for their deep combat systems, atmospheric world-building, and punishing difficulty. Yet, one stands out as significantly more approachable for those stepping into this genre for the first time. Understanding the differences in design philosophy, pacing, and guidance can make all the difference in whether a beginner feels empowered—or utterly defeated.

The “Soulsborne” series has long been associated with high difficulty and minimal hand-holding. But Elden Ring, released in 2022, marked a turning point in accessibility without sacrificing depth. While both titles demand patience and resilience, the way they introduce mechanics, structure progression, and support exploration varies dramatically—especially for players unfamiliar with stamina management, parrying, or cryptic storytelling.

Design Philosophy: Open World vs. Linear Progression

Dark Souls, particularly the original 2011 release, follows a tightly designed, interconnected world that guides players through escalating challenges. Each area flows into the next with deliberate intent, often funneling players toward specific boss encounters only after mastering earlier mechanics. This creates a sense of organic learning but also limits freedom. Players cannot simply run off the beaten path—exploration is gated by keys, level requirements, and environmental barriers.

In contrast, Elden Ring embraces an open-world model from the moment you leave the Stranded Graveyard. The Lands Between sprawl endlessly in every direction, inviting (and allowing) players to explore almost anywhere early on. This freedom is both liberating and potentially overwhelming. A beginner might stumble upon a Level 80 enemy within minutes—but they could also find hidden caves, friendly NPCs, or powerful weapons tucked in remote corners.

The open structure of Elden Ring allows players to avoid difficult sections temporarily. If a boss proves too tough, there's no obligation to fight it immediately. You can ride off on your horse, Spirit Steed, and tackle easier areas elsewhere. This flexibility reduces frustration and gives new players breathing room to experiment, level up, and return stronger.

Tip: In Elden Ring, if a path seems too dangerous, go somewhere else. Progress isn’t blocked—you just need to find your own route.

Learning Curve and Onboarding Experience

One of the most significant advantages Elden Ring holds over Dark Souls is its improved onboarding. From the very beginning, Elden Ring provides contextual tutorials embedded in the environment. Grace Sites double as checkpoints and fast-travel points, and key mechanics like dodging, blocking, and spellcasting are introduced gradually through NPC interactions and in-game prompts.

Dark Souls, by comparison, throws players into the fire with almost no explanation. There are no tutorial pop-ups. Concepts like estus flasks, hollowing, or weapon durability are left for players to discover through trial, error, and community knowledge. Even basic actions such as resting at bonfires or upgrading gear require external research for many beginners.

Moreover, Elden Ring features a robust map system with markers, icons for dungeons, and even optional quest hints via Spirit Ashes and NPCs like Melina. While purists may argue this reduces mystery, it undeniably lowers the cognitive load for new players trying to understand where to go and what to do next.

“The shift to open-world design in Elden Ring didn’t dilute the challenge—it redistributed it. Players now have agency in how they engage with difficulty.” — Kaito Ren, Game Design Analyst at Retro Mechanics

Combat Mechanics: Flexibility vs. Precision

Both games share core combat principles: manage stamina, time your attacks, learn enemy patterns, and master parrying or dodging. However, Elden Ring introduces several quality-of-life improvements that make surviving encounters more forgiving.

• Spirit Summons: Players can summon AI-controlled allies (Spirit Ashes) to assist in boss fights, effectively turning solo battles into team efforts.
• Jump Attacks: Added mobility options allow vertical strikes that bypass certain enemy defenses.
• Guard Counters: Shields now enable counterattacks when timed correctly, adding another layer of defensive offense.
• More Build Variety: Incantations, spells, dual-wielding, and classless progression let beginners experiment with ranged, magical, or tanky playstyles instead of being forced into melee-centric builds.

In Dark Souls, success often hinges on near-perfect execution. Mistakes are heavily punished. Healing is slower, invincibility frames during rolls are tighter, and enemy aggression is relentless. There’s less room for creative problem-solving—especially early on. New players must internalize strict rhythms before seeing meaningful progress.

Elden Ring, while still demanding, rewards experimentation. You can cheese a hard boss with summons. You can kite enemies with ranged spells. You can stack healing items and brute-force your way through tough spots. This flexibility makes failure feel less final and encourages persistence.

Difficulty Comparison Table

Feature	Elden Ring	Dark Souls
Starting Guidance	Contextual tips, NPC dialogue, visible objectives	Nearly none; players expected to figure things out
Exploration Freedom	Full open world from early game	Linear progression with limited backtracking
Map System	Detailed, markable, with dungeon indicators	No in-game map; players rely on memory or external guides
Boss Difficulty Spacing	Can be skipped or delayed indefinitely	Mandatory progression; must defeat to advance
Assist Mechanics	Spirit Summons, jump attacks, guard counters	Limited to PvP summons; no AI helpers
Beginner-Friendly Builds	Yes—magic, ranged, tank, stealth all viable early	Melee-focused builds dominate early game

Real Example: A Beginner’s First Week

Consider Alex, a first-time Soulsborne player who picked up Dark Souls based on its legendary status. Within hours, he was lost in the Depths, surrounded by toxic slimes and basilisks, unsure how to proceed. He died repeatedly trying to reach Blighttown, frustrated by invisible drop-offs and unmarked hazards. After three days of confusion and YouTube tutorials just to find the second bell, he quit.

A year later, Alex tried Elden Ring. Though intimidated, he found himself guided by Grace Sites, encouraged by small victories in minor tombs, and aided by a Prowling Dead spirit summon during his first major boss, Margit. When he struggled, he rode west to the Church of Vows, farmed runes, and returned stronger. By day five, he had explored multiple regions, completed side quests, and felt a growing sense of mastery. He finished the game months later—not because it was easy, but because it never made him feel stuck.

This scenario reflects a common pattern: modern players benefit from scaffolding. Elden Ring offers it; classic Dark Souls does not.

Actionable Checklist for Beginners

If you're deciding where to start or how to succeed once you begin, follow this checklist to maximize your chances of enjoying either game:

1. ✅ Start with light armor to improve roll speed and survivability.
2. ✅ Upgrade your weapon early using materials found in the wild.
3. ✅ Use the map frequently and mark locations you want to revisit.
4. ✅ Summon Spirit Ashes before tough boss fights to reduce pressure.
5. ✅ Explore sideways when blocked—there’s always another path forward.
6. ✅ Watch enemy attack patterns before engaging; patience wins fights.
7. ✅ Keep spare healing flasks and repair tools in your inventory.
8. ✅ Join a multiplayer covenant later for co-op or PvP, not at the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elden Ring easier than Dark Souls?

Not necessarily easier in absolute terms—some bosses in Elden Ring are harder than anything in Dark Souls. But it is more accessible. The open world, summoning system, better UI, and flexible progression make it far more forgiving for beginners. You’re allowed to fail, adapt, and try again on your own terms.

Can I enjoy Dark Souls as a beginner today?

Yes—but with caveats. Modern remasters and community resources (like wikis and YouTube guides) help bridge the knowledge gap. However, the lack of in-game guidance, unforgiving level design, and steep initial curve mean you’ll likely face more frustration before finding enjoyment. It’s best approached with patience and supplemental research.

Does Elden Ring lose the “soul” of the series by being more accessible?

Some fans argue yes, but many others—including longtime critics of the genre’s opacity—say it enhances the experience. The core tenets remain: death teaches, preparation matters, and triumph feels earned. Accessibility doesn’t remove challenge; it removes unnecessary obscurity. The emotional payoff of overcoming a brutal boss is just as strong—if not stronger—because you got there your own way.

Final Verdict: Why Elden Ring Wins for Beginners

While both games are masterclasses in atmospheric design and combat depth, Elden Ring clearly takes the crown for beginner accessibility. It preserves the essence of what makes Soulsborne games compelling—tense combat, rich lore, and rewarding progression—while removing outdated barriers to entry.

Its open-world structure empowers players to control their pace. The inclusion of summoning allies, clearer objectives, and a functional map system reduces guesswork. Most importantly, it allows failure to be part of the journey rather than a roadblock. You don’t need to memorize every trap or perfect every dodge on the first try. You can walk away, grow stronger, and come back wiser.

Dark Souls remains a landmark achievement in game design, but its design assumes a level of tolerance for ambiguity and repetition that modern audiences—especially newcomers—may not possess. For someone dipping their toes into this genre for the first time, starting with Dark Souls risks burnout before appreciation sets in.

Tip: Play Elden Ring first to learn core mechanics, then try Dark Souls for a more intense, focused challenge.

Conclusion: Take Your First Step Without Fear

You don’t need to suffer needlessly to earn the title of Tarnished or Chosen Undead. True mastery comes not from enduring pain blindly, but from learning, adapting, and progressing. Elden Ring respects that process by giving you the tools to succeed on your own timeline. It welcomes newcomers without diluting the intensity that defines the series.

If you’ve ever looked at a FromSoftware game and thought, “That looks amazing, but I’m not sure I can handle it,” start with Elden Ring. Let its vast world teach you at your own pace. Discover the joy of overcoming impossible odds—not because the game bullied you into it, but because you grew strong enough to rise.

🚀 Ready to begin your journey? Pick up Elden Ring, create your character, and take your first step into the Lands Between. Share your story, celebrate your victories, and remember: death is not the end—it’s part of becoming.