is dark souls 3 a metroidvania

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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07-12-2024

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Is Dark Souls 3 a Metroidvania? Unpacking the Interconnected World

The question of whether Dark Souls 3 is a Metroidvania is a fascinating one, sparking debate among fans. While it doesn't adhere strictly to the genre's conventions, it shares some key characteristics, making the comparison worthwhile. Let's delve into the similarities and differences to reach a nuanced conclusion.

What Defines a Metroidvania?

Before we analyze Dark Souls 3, let's establish the core tenets of the Metroidvania genre:

• Interconnected World: A large, non-linear world where areas are accessible in different orders depending on acquired abilities.
• Progression through Abilities: Gaining new powers (like a double jump or a grappling hook) unlocks previously inaccessible areas, encouraging exploration and backtracking.
• Exploration Focus: A significant emphasis on exploration, discovery, and uncovering hidden secrets.
• Power Progression: The player's capabilities grow significantly throughout the game, allowing them to overcome initial obstacles.

Dark Souls 3's Interconnected World:

Dark Souls 3 undeniably boasts a richly interconnected world. The different levels, or "areas," aren't isolated chapters; they're subtly linked through hidden pathways, shortcuts, and cleverly designed level design. Discovering these connections is a rewarding experience, encouraging exploration and revisiting familiar locations with newfound abilities. This is a key Metroidvania element.

Abilities and Progression:

However, Dark Souls 3 deviates from the typical Metroidvania formula here. While your character grows stronger through leveling up stats, acquiring new weapons and spells, these enhancements rarely unlock entirely new areas in the way a grappling hook or double jump might in a Metroidvania. Instead, the focus is on overcoming challenges through improved combat skills and strategic item usage. You might find a new path because you're stronger, not because you have a new ability.

Exploration and Backtracking:

Exploration is paramount in Dark Souls 3. The game rewards meticulous searching with hidden items, powerful weapons, and lore snippets. Backtracking is frequently necessary to access shortcuts, previously unreachable areas, or to farm resources. This element strongly aligns with the Metroidvania structure.

The Crucial Difference: Ability Gating vs. Power Gating

The core difference lies in how progression unfolds. Metroidvanias primarily employ "ability gating," where specific abilities are required to access new areas. Dark Souls 3, on the other hand, largely uses "power gating." You access new areas by becoming stronger, not by acquiring unique abilities. This is a fundamental distinction.

Conclusion: A Spiritual Cousin, Not a True Metroidvania

While Dark Souls 3 shares many characteristics with Metroidvanias—its interconnected world, emphasis on exploration, and rewarding backtracking—it doesn't strictly adhere to the genre's defining mechanic of ability-gated progression. It's more accurate to describe it as a game that shares elements with Metroidvanias rather than being a pure example of the genre. Think of it as a spiritual cousin, sharing a family resemblance but possessing its own unique identity. Its focus on challenging combat and intricate level design sets it apart, creating a distinct and unforgettable experience.