Should You Skip Dark Souls 2? An In-Depth Guide

As an avid Souls fan, I often get asked if it’s alright to skip Dark Souls 2. After all, it has a reputation as the black sheep of the series. My answer? Don’t skip it! DS2 makes some controversial changes, but offers an incredible RPG experience full of secrets worth uncovering.

DS2 sold over 2.5 million copies and got strong reviews

While it wasn’t the breakthrough hit of DS1, DS2 still sold extremely well and earned an 89 Metacritic critic average and 8.1 user score. Not bad for a "weak" game! It offers at least 40+ hours of challenging gameplay your first run. Don’t miss out on all that content.

The world design and lore aren’t as interconnected, but DS2 innovates in other ways

I’ll admit Lordran and Lothric feel more intricately connected than Drangleic. However, DS2 experiments with new concepts like Bonfire Ascetics letting you reset areas. It also brings back the Demon‘s Souls hub with Majula. Don’t overlook innovations because it breaks formula.

DS2 has the most build variety and replayability in the series

With over 40 strength and dexterity weapons, 30 magic/faith weapons, and 50 hybrid weapons, you have endless loadout options. Fashion Souls shines with hundreds of armor pieces. Respecs and NG+ additions enhance replayability. I’ve put 500 hours into builds!

The slower pace and methodical combat create incredible tension

Chugging Estus takes time. Rolling consumes more stamina. These deliberately slower, weighty mechanics make combat super tense! It feels so good overcoming the challenge. And this combat paved the way for future games.

DS2‘s adjustments create the most RPG-like Souls experience

Tying invincibility frames to a stat, penalties for hollowing, Bonfire Ascetics – DS2 doubles down on RPG mechanics more than any other entry. This extends to NG+ with new red phantoms and boosted rings. If you love RPGs, DS2 is peak Souls!

Boss fights may be inconsistent, but Fume Knight and others shine

Look, I’ll admit DS2 has some dud bosses like Covetous Demon. But highlights like Fume Knight and Sir Alonne provide punishing, adrenaline-pumping battles. You also have epicCALE battles against The Rotten and others. Push through the lows for sensational highs!

The 3 amazing DLCs Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King are must-play

While I wish the DLCs were integrated better into the main game, their self-contained stories and multi-level designs represent Souls at its finest. Epic battles against Sinh and Raime, exploration of Shulva, and the frozen Eleum Loyce are true masterpieces.

As a newcomer, the story is easier to grasp than other titles

DS2’s detached story makes it a great entry point for new players. But fans may miss links to Gwyn, Lordran, etc. The Philosopher’s Despair offers thought-provoking questions about the Souls premise if you dig deeper. Give the story a chance even if it’s different.

DS2 has the most online activity in the series for jolly cooperation

Thanks to dedicated servers and the helpful White Soapstone, DS2 has the most thriving online community for co-op and PVP. Helping other players defeat bosses like The Pursuer feels great. And the PVP fight clubs and arena offer endless fun. Engage online!

DS2 has influenced every Souls game since with innovations

DS2 contains so many influential systems that got incorporated into future titles like: omnidirectional rolling, reduced fall damage, only lose health when fully Hollow, weapon arts, Estus upgrades, Bonfire warping from start… the list goes on! DS2’s DNA lives on.

Don‘t miss out on a unique Souls experience just because it‘s different

I hope examining all DS2 has to offer – the deep RPG mechanics, rewarding difficulty, PVP and co-op, DLC content – shows why it’s worth playing. Every Souls game has flaws. DS2 will feel different at first, but persevere and you’ll experience an amazing evolution of the iconic series. Give Drangleic a chance, and you won’t regret it!