Tutorial areas are some of the most iconic places in gaming history, cementing themselves as the introduction to some of the most exciting adventures we’ve ever experienced.
Certain tutorials will guide you gently, some will push you aside urging you to improve, while others will envelop you completely, making it hard for you to detach.
Soulsborne titles will give you a little bit of each of these, and quickly you’ll become so addicted to the experience that you’ll come back again and again, looking for more.
This list will cover the general ambiance of the introductory areas in the Soulsborne games , considering the narrative and the overwhelming imagery you experience when starting your journey, instead of how well the area serves as a tutorial. I mean, We're all familiar with Souls games by this point. ,, they all perform quite similarly.
Things Betwixt
Dark Souls 2
Always one of the most contentious titles from FromSoftware, Dark Souls 2 ends up at the bottom of this list because of its quite strange tutorial.
The typical feeling of fear and hopelessness that comes from awakening in a jail cell or simply finding yourself alone in an unfamiliar place is substituted with you being mocked by several elderly women inside their home.
Moreover, you have the option to entirely bypass the tutorial part of the region by going around the fog walls, which makes the area compact and straightforwardly linear.
Although Majula might be visually appealing, the initial gameplay of Dark Souls 2 doesn’t offer much to get overly enthusiastic about.
Ashina Reservoir
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro Has consistently felt like an outsider among Soulsborne titles; this doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic experience, as it truly is, but it definitely stands apart with its distinct character.
The tutorial section, nonetheless, remains quite calm and fails to impress significantly. Actually, it comes off as chilly and dreary, offering much more guidance compared to similar games, which seems unusual for a Soulsborne title.
Moreover, the variety of adversaries here tends toward the mundane, featuring typical fighters who lack intensity. Here, Dark Souls 2 surpasses Sekiro slightly in terms of enemy engagement. However, the ancient temple ambiance gives Sekiro an edge, though only marginally so.
Cave of Knowledge
Elden Ring
It feels weird putting Elden Ring So far down on a list thanks to how amazing the primary game is. However, this only demonstrates that even though a game might be outstanding, it doesn't imply it’s flawless.
Although the opening section is quite impressive thematically, featuring narrow pathways and strong gusts of wind leading away from the chapel, not much happens before you find yourself pushed against the wall. by the Grafted Scion .
The real issue with the tutorial area is that most of it unfolds within a cave. Notoriously, caves in FromSoft games tend not to be very engaging.
We desire breathtaking landscapes and expansive kingdoms rather than mere rock formations and vegetation. Similar to Dark Souls 2, you have the option to bypass the tutorial section here; however, I am uncertain whether this is necessarily beneficial.
In several of the upper-tier games on my list, I cherish the tutorials and enjoy going through them again despite knowing all the controls and item equipping procedures. However, with Elden Ring, I find myself eager to head straight for Limgrave as quickly as possible.
Forlorn Outpost
Demon’s Souls
This is where things really start getting amazing. Demon’s Souls Was the pioneer of the Soulsborne genre, so its tutorial might feel somewhat quirky. However, the sense of nostalgia is incredibly strong, and it appears more stunning than ever thanks to the Bluepoint remake.
As long as you don't perish (which strangely enough propels you directly to the Nexus, regardless of whether you make it to the Vanguard), this tutorial will have you exploring a stunning yet devastated site. You'll get to try out your fresh gear while admiring lush greenery and leaping over shattered barriers.
There’s a decent bit of enemy variety, and it certainly doesn’t hold your hand too much, allowing you to become immersed in this lost world.
Moreover, you're provided with several types of grasses here, enabling you to dabble in crafting various healing items and giving you an early advantage before tackling your initial significant obstacle.
Cemetery Of Ash
Dark Souls 3
While Dark Souls 3 His tutorial might seem somewhat rigid to some people; however, I found that it effectively covers many aspects that make the initial area excellent.
There’s an impressive array of enemies here, ranging from standard foes to get you started, all the way up to a massive Crystal Lizard that will put your skills to the test. Additionally, there’s a miniboss located close to Firelink Shrine. as well as Iudex himself , naturally, who is definitely not someone you can easily dominate. This tutorial might be among the tougher ones, and it truly doesn’t go easy on you, which I appreciate.
Moreover, upon reaching your initial bonfire, you'll be greeted with an impressive vista of distant mountain ranges along with Firelink Shrine, which stands prominently on the skyline.
It’s dramatic and remains visually quite appealing. Everywhere you look, things are falling apart, and you find yourself teetering on the edge of an apocalyptic finale.
Central Yharnam
Bloodborne
Blood, hospitals, insanity, flames, and pitchforks—what else could you desire? Bloodborne is the inaugural game that forcibly thrusts you into a horrific spectacle and then seals shut all exits.
It's gruesome, bewildering, and the cries of tormented souls will make your blood run cold. Yharnam is Gothic and breathtaking even in its eerie splendor, making you feel minuscule as you navigate its winding roads and battle its residents.
No matter if it’s sharply dressed men, frenzied dogs, or massive hangmen, this realm desires your demise, and will continually return you to the Hunter's Dream until you conquer madness.
The thematic elements of Bloodborne are excellent, with the initial area deeply drawing you into its atmosphere, all while challenging Dark Souls veterans who prefer not to engage aggressively. The game is undoubtedly difficult yet remains fair. It equips you with everything needed for victory; you simply have to master their usage.
Undead Asylum
Dark Souls 1
What additional points should I make? Dark Souls 1 may be the perfect FromSoft tutorial, and not just because it's my favorite Soulsborne game. It really nails everything.
Regardless of whether it’s the gloomy start with a bleak, oppressive beginning, breaking free from your dark, confined jail cell, ending the suffering of the lifeless human shells within the chillingly ominous prison, or confronting the frightening demon whom you should dodge until you're more ready for battle later on, this introductory section masterfully captures the theme.
One might feel sorrow over Oscar’s story, or find oneself intrigued by the massive raven that welcomes you and carries you away. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to return here later to uncover additional mysteries.
A crow you can barter with, a distinctive ring, an odd doll, and lethal Black Knights populate this region. It’s excellent initially, and becomes even more intriguing upon your return (assuming you figure out how to do so, naturally).
Even today, the Undead Asylum remains impressive, and I find myself gladly going through this tutorial repeatedly as I replay Dark Souls 1 for what must be the hundredth time.