Best Stories in FromSoftware Games

Ever since releasing Dark Souls into the video game market, FromSoftware's popularity has soared among gamers, solidifying itself as a heavyweight developer in the action RPG genre. FromSoftware's ability to create dark, challenging worlds full of mystery has attracted a legion of fans eager to explore deep and intricate plots in their games.

FromSoftware has not only perfected combat in its games but also crafted narratives that challenge interpretation. The stories are often subjective and rarely presented directly. Plot elements are hidden in item descriptions, brief dialogues, and environments, allowing players to deduce the storyline through exploration and observation in these immersive action RPGs.

10 Déraciné

A Poetic Narrative In Virtual Reality

• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PSVR
• Developers: FromSoftware
• Released: November 6, 2018
• Genre: Graphic Adventure

Breaking away from traditional action games, Déraciné offers a unique narrative experience through virtual reality. The player assumes the role of a spirit in a boarding school, subtly and introspectively exploring themes of time, existence, and human connection in one of FromSoftware's most creative storytelling games.

The story unfolds through delicate interactions and attentive observation, encouraging deep exploration to fully comprehend the events. This approach highlights FromSoftware's ability to create emotional and engaging narratives, even outside of its conventional Soulslike titles.

9 King's Field The Ancient City

The Origins Of FromSoftware's Dark Narrative

King's Field The Ancient City represents FromSoftware's roots in creating immersive and enigmatic worlds. Set in a mysterious and dangerous kingdom, the game challenges players to explore labyrinthine dungeons and unravel ancient secrets that influence the world's fate, offering a precursor to the immersive storytelling found in their later action RPGs.

The narrative is delivered minimally, requiring attention to detail and interpretation of environmental elements. This pioneering title established concepts that would become fundamental in the studio's later games, evidencing a continuous evolution in the art of telling deep stories.

8 Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon

Technological Conflict In A Dystopian Future

Returning to the acclaimed mecha series, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon presents a complex narrative in a future where corporations fight for control of valuable resources. The game explores themes of power, greed, and the consequences of large-scale technological warfare, showcasing From Software's versatility beyond Soulslike games.

The plot develops through intense missions and interactions with influential characters, delving into the motivations and ethical dilemmas involved. From Software combines strategic action with an engaging story, expanding the series' narrative scope and providing a unique experience for fans of customizable mecha action games.

7 Dark Souls 2

The Depth Of The Curse And The Quest For Identity

In Dark Souls 2, FromSoftware deepens the dark universe previously established, introducing a new region filled with mysteries and challenges. The player is taken to Drangleic, a decaying kingdom where the curse of the undead continues to plague its inhabitants in one of the most challenging action RPGs with deep narratives.

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The narrative rich in symbolism encourages exploration to understand the events that led to the world's ruin. With enigmatic characters and detailed environments, the game offers an experience that combines high difficulty with a deep and reflective story, solidifying its place among the best FromSoftware games.

6 Demon's Souls

Discovering Fate Against the Vile Corrupted World of Boletaria

Demon's Souls is the title that originated the acclaimed Soulslike genre, establishing the formula of indirect narrative and oppressive atmospheres. Set in the kingdom of Boletaria, the game explores the consequences of human ambition and the corruption caused by demonic forces, laying the foundation for From Software's signature storytelling style.

The story is revealed through mysterious encounters and lore fragments, requiring the player to piece together the complete plot. The innovative approach to narrative and challenging gameplay consolidated FromSoftware as a reference in impactful storytelling and immersive action RPGs.

5 Dark Souls 3

The Epic Finale in Which the Age of Fire Fades

Concluding the trilogy, Dark Souls 3 offers a grand finale to the saga, uniting elements from previous games into a cohesive narrative. The dark fantasy game addresses themes of decay, endless cycles, and the struggle against the inevitability of the end, delivering one of the most memorable experiences in the Soulslike genre.

Through impressive environments and memorable bosses, the story unfolds in a way that honors the series' legacy. FromSoftware demonstrates mastery by balancing refined gameplay with a deep narrative, providing a final experience that satisfies both old and new fans of their action RPGs with immersive storytelling.

4 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Japanese Folklore Weaves Beautifully With a Warrior Returning From Death

Credits: FromSoftware Inc.

Breaking its own pattern, FromSoftware crafted an incredible story in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, moving away from indirect narratives through the environment and presenting players with more expository dialogues. Here, the game centers on honor and vengeance, set within Feudal Japan, offering one of the most customizable combat experiences in their portfolio.

The game was also made to be more cinematic than other FromSoftware titles, with even more fluid and polished combat animations, allowing for some incredible battles against bosses. All this while maintaining the richness of the story and the depth in fights that are the developer's trademarks, making it a standout among creative action games.

3 Elden Ring

A Perfect Marriage of Fantasy With George R.R. Martin

Credits: FromSoftware Inc.

Elden Ring was arguably FromSoftware's most ambitious project, partnering with one of the greatest writers of our time, George R.R. Martin, to create the story surrounding this universe. The partnership yielded good results, as The Lands Between is one of the greatest fantasy settings, offering vast freedom in exploration and storytelling.

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In addition to introducing a rich story filled with interesting characters, the narrative created by George R.R. Martin contributed to creating lore that offers players greater freedom to explore and interpret the various aspects of this open world. As in other From Software games, it is told through environmental storytelling, so players need to explore extensively to discover it, making it one of the most expansive and immersive action RPGs with freedom.

2 Dark Souls

A New Age of Dark Fantasy Kindles With Dragons, Gods, and Monsters

The first game of the Dark Souls franchise served to increase FromSoftware's popularity and also establish many pillars of the Soulslike genre, especially the indirect method of storytelling. Here, players are encouraged to gather fragments of the story to try to understand what is happening in an abandoned world, making it one of the most creative narrative experiences.

Whether through item descriptions, sparse dialogues obtained with some characters, or items scattered through detailed environments, players receive a unique experience of immersion and discovery. In the role of a chosen one, players explore and unravel the mysteries of a dark world, consolidating From Software's narrative excellence in action RPGs.

1 Bloodborne

Become a Hunter in an Endless Night Plagued by Gothic Nightmares

Credits: FromSoftware

Inspired by elements of Gothic and Lovecraftian horror, Bloodborne presents one of the best stories in games produced by From Software, where the narrative is presented through clues scattered throughout the scenery and enigmatic characters. Furthermore, the developers also excelled in the game's setting, making the experience even more immersive in this action RPG with deep narrative.

Here, players assume the role of a hunter in a city haunted by grotesque creatures and unfathomable mysteries. The journey involves facing intense challenges and uncovering hidden secrets, with the story gradually revealing itself through exploration. The meticulous world-building and implicit narrative elevate Bloodborne to a level of narrative excellence at From Software, making it one of the best From Software games.

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