It's safe to say that we won't see Dark Souls 4 in 2020. Development company FromSoftware is focused on games like Elden Ring, and it's too soon. We don't know what to expect from the next Dark Souls installment if it ever releases. Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of Dark Souls, Demon Souls, said Dark Souls 3 is his last game. He did, however, open the discussion for passing the directing torch to someone else.
At this point, we can only speculate if there will be a Dark Souls 4. The esteemed Dark Souls series has produced some of the best action role-playing games in history, yet another sequel might not be the best idea. Let's go down the list. Here are five reasons why we need Dark Souls 4 (and five why we don't).
10 FromSoftware Is Working On New Projects (Don't Need It)
Dark Souls 4 might not be the most anticipated game from developer FromSoftware. With the recent release of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the upcoming Elden Ring, it looks as if From Software is looking to build on the subgenre with new games.
Whether Elden Ring and Dark Souls will share the same universe has yet to be seen. For now, we can take comfort in knowing that FromSoftware is learning from Dark Souls 3, regardless of if Dark Souls 4 releases.
9 A Lackluster Conclusion To The Trilogy (Need It)
Although many will disagree, one opinion suggests that Dark Souls 3 was the most disappointing game in the trilogy. This polarizing game was too easy for seasoned and new Dark Souls players. FromSoftware was misguided in their efforts. Dark Souls is fun because of its unforgiving gameplay. Dark Souls 3 was also criticized for being too short and for failing to distinguish itself. We need another sequel to make up for Dark Souls 3's shortcomings.
8 We Have NG+ And PVP (Don't Need It)
New Game+ and player versus player are two components of the Dark Souls series with tremendous replay value. Whether you're a fan of the unforgiving player versus player combat of the first Dark Souls or prefer the freedom of movement of the Dark Souls 2 and Dark Souls 3, there is much to admire. Die-hard Souls players have spent countless hours grinding New Game+ and player versus player. They are two aspects of Dark Souls that have yet to grow stale.
7 New Weapons (Need It)
Dark Souls is one of our favorite action role-playing games because of its various weapons, among other reasons. The amount of weapons contained in the game is staggering. Weapons are abundant, but enormous detail went into their specifications and appearance.
At face value, it's a medieval game. However, with magic imbued weapons, it takes an enchanting spin on the medieval setting. Who could forget weapons like the Ringed Knight Paired Greatswords, Fume Ultra Greatsword, or Lothric Knight Sword? Dark Souls 4 would benefit from new weapons, and we know FromSoftware would surpass expectations.
6 The Soulsborne Subgenre Is Flooded With Games (Don't Need It)
This straightforward reason suggests that the Soulsborne subgenre contains too many games. Putting Dark Souls and Bloodborne aside, there are other games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nioh, The Surge, Remnant: From the Ashes, Dead Cells, Hollow Knight, and more. Souls-like games are continually releasing, which is why Dark Souls 4 is unnecessary.
5 Better Manouveribilty (Need It)
Anytime you form an opinion about Dark Souls, there will be a group of people who strongly disagree. Whether you agree or not, it could be said that the first Dark Souls game is worse because of its restrictive movements. Dark Souls 3 introduced more freedom of motion. The trend is heading towards more free-flow movements, which is why Dark Souls 4 could address this gameplay mechanic.
4 The Story Is Becoming Confusing (Don't Need It)
The convoluted plot of Dark Souls is becoming needlessly complicated. When a game series runs too long, the story can become a jumbled mess. It raises questions like if the series takes place in chronological order and how plot points tie-in. Don't feel alone if you have trouble understanding Dark Souls. You play as a different character in each Dark Souls game, which makes it even more confusing.
3 AÂ New Story (Need It)
Dark Souls 4 could be a reboot for the franchise, much like games such as God of War, Metroid Prime, and Tomb Raider. If Dark Souls 4 does launch as a reboot for the series, this will likely happen years down the road.
Not enough time has passed, and Dark Souls 3 is still fresh in our minds. To see a new story would be too soon. Furthermore, reboots fundamentally change gameplay, which is why it's not the right time for a spiritual successor.
2 It Could Disappoint (Don't Need It)
Will the Soulsborne subgenre ever grow stale? At the moment, we are anticipating the next Souls-like game to get our Soulsborne fix. Is it possible that Dark Souls 4 could be an utter disaster? The developers of Dark Souls 4 won't be able to change much without upsetting their fan base. Perhaps we should leave the series as a trilogy, to avoid the chance that the next sequel disappoints.
1 New Boss Fights (Need It)
As a series renowned for its grueling boss fights,Dark Souls wouldn't be the same without them. Studying colossal foes' moves as they inflict massive damage is overwhelming for most players. Be prepared to die numerous times when playing Dark Souls.
Albeit Dark Souls boss fights have replayability, it's a series that would benefit from new bosses. We would also like to see old bosses return to new settings with original move sets. Pontiff Sulyvahn, Knight Artorias, and the Great Grey Wolf Sif should return. How about Ornstein and Smough? Let's not do that again.