FromSoftware's Learning Curve: Ranking the Most Challenging Games for New Players

FromSoftware has carved out a unique space in gaming history, creating titles that redefine player expectations through brutal difficulty and masterful design. Over the past decade, the developer has become synonymous with Soulslikes, consistently producing award-winning games that challenge conventional gaming norms. Each new entry presents fresh obstacles and mechanics that demand mastery, creating ongoing debates about which titles offer the steepest learning curves for newcomers.

9. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon

Armored Core 6 marks a triumphant return to the mech combat franchise, serving as an excellent entry point for newcomers. The game presents a stark departure from FromSoftware's fantasy roots, focusing instead on high-speed mech-on-mech battles. The primary learning curve involves mastering movement mechanics—players must learn to traverse diverse terrains at incredible speeds while simultaneously managing aerial maneuvers and weapon systems.

Key Challenges:

• High-speed movement across multiple surfaces

• Aerial combat mechanics

• Weapon management and customization

• Real-time evasion while attacking

Despite its complexity, Armored Core 6 offers a more approachable experience compared to other FromSoftware titles, with gameplay that gradually introduces mechanics rather than overwhelming players immediately.

8. Demon's Souls

The game that started it all, Demon's Souls laid the foundation for the Soulslike genre. With its PS5 remake introducing the title to a new generation, players can experience the origins of FromSoftware's signature style with modern enhancements. The gameplay feels significantly toned down compared to later entries, lacking the aggressive pacing of Bloodborne or the epic scale of Elden Ring.

Notable Features:

• Segmented but interconnected level design

• Simpler boss movesets compared to later titles

• Emphasis on world-building over combat complexity

• More methodical, deliberate combat pacing

Demon's Souls serves as an excellent introduction to Soulslike mechanics while remaining challenging enough to prepare players for more difficult entries.

️ 7. King's Field Series

Often overlooked in discussions of FromSoftware's catalog, the King's Field series represents the developer's early experimentation with the formula that would later define Dark Souls. Dating back to the 1990s, these games feature the slow, calculated combat and bleak atmosphere that would become studio trademarks.

Primary Difficulties:

• Extremely slow attack animations

• Dated mechanics requiring significant adjustment

• Limited modern gaming conveniences

• Punishing vulnerability windows after attacks

While less demanding than modern titles, King's Field presents unique challenges rooted in its era-specific design philosophy.

🔥 6. Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3 represents the culmination of everything learned from previous entries, creating what many consider the most complete Souls experience. The game features amazing weapon variety, breathtaking environments, and boss fights that remain memorable years after completion.

Difficulty Progression:

Aspect	Description
Learning Curve	Gradual and fair progression
Boss Difficulty	Challenging but appropriately placed
Mechanics	Refined version of established systems
Endgame Content	Some of series' hardest challenges

The game smartly places its most difficult content in late-game and DLC areas, allowing players to build skills gradually before facing ultimate tests.

🌍 5. Elden Ring

Elden Ring redefined open-world gaming while incorporating elements from every previous FromSoftware title. The game combines fast combat, massive bosses, and sprawling environments into an experience that feels both familiar and revolutionary.

Challenges for New Players:

• Massive open world with minimal direction

• Overwhelming build options and playstyles

• Encounters with high-level enemies in early areas

• Lack of traditional guidance systems

Despite its challenges, Elden Ring's flexibility in approach and near-limitless build options make it more accessible than its difficulty might suggest.

💀 4. Dark Souls

The original Dark Souls established the blueprint for the genre, famously challenging players from the very beginning. The game's "Prepare to Die" mentality manifests through several punishing mechanics that test even veteran players.

Notable Difficulties:

• No fast travel in early game

• Deliberate, methodical combat requiring patience

• Complex interconnected world design

• Less forgiving mechanics than later entries

Dark Souls demands players adapt to its specific rhythm, punishing those accustomed to faster, more responsive combat systems.

️ 3. Dark Souls 2

Dark Souls 2 stands as one of the most controversial entries in the series, presenting unique challenges that extend beyond pure skill requirements. The game introduces mechanics that significantly impact the learning curve.

Key Challenges:

• Adaptability stat affecting core actions

• Multiple open paths creating decision paralysis

• Questionable enemy placement and level design

• Infamously difficult boss run-backs

While the core gameplay may not be significantly harder than its predecessor, design choices make the overall experience feel more punishing and frustrating.

🩸 2. Bloodborne

Bloodborne represents a dramatic shift in FromSoftware's design philosophy, trading defensive play for aggressive, fast-paced combat. The game presents several unique mechanics that create a steep learning curve.

Major Challenges:

• Non-refillable healing items (Blood Vials)

• Rally system encouraging high-risk aggression

• Precise parry timing requirements

• Brutal early-game areas and bosses

Bloodborne's opening hours serve as one of gaming's most effective skill checks, separating determined hunters from those unprepared for its demands.

️ 1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro stands as FromSoftware's most challenging creation, completely reworking combat fundamentals and demanding absolute mastery of its unique systems. The game represents the steepest learning curve in the developer's catalog.

Why It's the Hardest:

• Complete combat system overhaul

• Rhythm-based parrying as core mechanic

• No traditional RPG progression systems

• Instant death consequences for mistakes

• Requires unlearning Soulsborne habits

Sekiro operates on a "learn or die" philosophy, with success depending entirely on player skill rather than character progression. The game doesn't begin to click until players fully embrace its unique combat rhythm, making it the ultimate test of adaptation and execution.

📊 Comparative Difficulty Analysis

Game	Learning Curve	Early Game Challenge	System Complexity	Overall Difficulty
Armored Core 6	Moderate	Medium	High	Medium
Demon's Souls	Moderate	Medium	Medium	Medium
Dark Souls 3	Gradual	Low-Medium	High	Medium-High
Elden Ring	Variable	Medium	Very High	Medium-High
Dark Souls	Steep	High	Medium	High
Dark Souls 2	Very Steep	High	High	High
Bloodborne	Very Steep	Very High	High	Very High
Sekiro	Extreme	Extreme	Very High	Extreme

Each FromSoftware title presents unique challenges that cater to different player strengths. While Sekiro stands as the ultimate test of reaction and timing, other games challenge players through complex systems, overwhelming exploration, or punishing early-game experiences. The beauty of FromSoftware's design lies in how each game's difficulty serves its specific vision, creating unforgettable experiences that continue to define gaming excellence in 2025.