Summary
TheDark Soulsgames are notoriously known for their challenge, but they are also beloved because of the quality of difficulty they possess. They are some ofthe longest FromSoftware gameswith tightly designed mechanics and features that many can appreciate, causing other similarly well-crafted titles likeElden RingorSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceto be developed. While there’s no telling what the next Soulslike will be, some can speculate what it can take and refine from its predecessors that will help take the genre to new heights. If FromSoftware decides to develop a new Souls game or something similar, the developer should consider reusing a mechanic that madeDark Souls 2unique among its peers.
Among the entries in theDark Soulstrilogy, the second one was famous and infamous for limiting the number of enemy respawns. After killing them a certain number of times, they are removed from the game, making it harder for players who want to farm experience or items that will help make them stronger. While certain conditions can be fulfilled to have them spawn again, it comes at the cost of making the game even harder. Though some loathe the mechanic, it was at least unique and, in a way, taught players that grinding isn’t always the solution. If properly refined, it has the potential to provide the next FromSoftware game with gameplay experiences that could redefine Soulslike subgenre.
Why the Next FromSoftware Game Should Consider Having a Limited Number of Respawns Like in Dark Souls 2
While many consider limiting enemy respawns far from some ofthe best things about each of FromSoftware’sSoulsgames, an argument can be made about how it madeDark Souls 2’s gameplay more interesting. The mechanic allowed the second game in the trilogy to have an identity among its brethren, whether a good or bad one is up to the players. Although there will be those who are not a fan of it returning, there are a few reasons why it should be in FromSoftware’s next Soulslike game:
WhileDark Souls 2is still considered FromSoftware’s black sheepeven today, this mechanic has allowed it to stand out, and with good reason. It gave the game a specific style of challenge that other Soulslike games have yet to replicate, making it something that should be considered implemented in the developer’s next title.
How Permanently Preventing the Respawning of Enemies Can Benefit FromSoftware’s Next Game
Although enemies stop respawning at some point inDark Souls 2, players are at least given the necessary methods to bring them back, with the caveat of making them much more difficult. While some consider this the reasonwhyDark Souls 2is one of the bestSoulsgames, giving the players the decision could actually hinder the experience. Some could unknowingly increase the difficulty to the point where they can no longer clear the game, possibly even making them quit altogether. If the next FromSoftware game decides to limit enemy respawns, it should consider not giving players ways of bringing them back. Keeping them permanently removed can help prevent any form of accidental difficulty spikes, and it allows for better decision-making on how to tackle the challenges faced.
FromSoftware’s future is bright afterElden Ring, meaning whatever title the developer creates has a chance of seeing success if it uses what made its predecessors work. Although loathed by some, the mechanic of limiting enemy respawns inDark Souls2allowed for gameplay experiences that made it unique and memorable. It has a lot of potential to make the next Soulsborne game a fantastic entry if reused, so long as it’s properly modified and executed.
Dark Souls 2
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Dark Souls 2, released in 2014, is the second title in From Software’s iconic Dark Souls series. Players create their own character, an “undead” who will one day become a zombie-like Hollow if players cannot break the curse by defeating a powerful enemy.
