Soulsborne Multiplayer Ranked: Which Game Wins?

Hey Soulsborne fans! Get ready to dive deep into the intricate world of multiplayer experiences within the challenging and rewarding Soulsborne series. Today, we’re tackling the burning question: which Soulsborne game boasts the best multiplayer? From summoning allies to epic boss battles to invading other players' worlds, the online components of these games add a layer of depth and unpredictability that sets them apart. So, grab your favorite weapon, brush up on those dodging skills, and let’s get started!

Why Soulsborne Multiplayer is Special

Soulsborne multiplayer isn't your typical online experience, guys. It’s a unique blend of cooperation and competition, creating moments of camaraderie and intense PvP showdowns. What makes it so special?

• Cooperative Gameplay: The ability to summon other players for help against tough bosses or navigate challenging areas is a game-changer. There's nothing quite like the feeling of overcoming a seemingly impossible obstacle with the help of fellow adventurers. This cooperative aspect fosters a sense of community among players, as you're all in it together against the game's formidable challenges.

• Invasions and PvP: On the flip side, the invasion mechanic adds a thrilling layer of danger and unpredictability. Knowing that another player could invade your world at any moment keeps you on your toes. These PvP encounters can be intense and rewarding, testing your skills and knowledge of the game's combat system. The thrill of outsmarting and defeating an invader is a unique high that only Soulsborne games can deliver.

• Asynchronous Multiplayer: Features like bloodstains (showing how other players died) and messages left on the ground create a sense of shared experience, even when you're playing solo. These subtle touches make the world feel alive and interconnected, adding to the overall atmosphere and immersion.

• Community Interaction: The Soulsborne community is known for its helpfulness and dedication. Players share tips, strategies, and lore discussions online, creating a vibrant ecosystem around these games. This sense of community enhances the multiplayer experience, as you're part of a larger group of players who share your passion for the series.

Ranking the Soulsborne Multiplayer Experiences

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: ranking the multiplayer experiences across the Soulsborne games. This is subjective, of course, and different players value different aspects of multiplayer. But based on community feedback, personal experiences, and overall design, here’s my take:

1. Dark Souls

Dark Souls earns the top spot for its groundbreaking and influential multiplayer design. It was the game that truly established the core mechanics that define Soulsborne multiplayer, and it did so in a way that felt seamless and organic.

• Innovation and Influence: Dark Souls introduced the concepts of summoning, invasions, covenants, and asynchronous online interactions. These systems were innovative for their time and have been widely imitated since. The way Dark Souls integrated multiplayer into the single-player experience was revolutionary, blurring the lines between solo and online play.

• Covenant System: The covenant system in Dark Souls added a layer of depth and replayability to the multiplayer. Each covenant had its own unique goals and rewards, encouraging players to engage in different types of online interactions. Whether you were a Sunbro helping others, a Darkwraith invading worlds, or a Forest Hunter protecting the woods, there was a covenant to suit your playstyle.

• Community Impact: Dark Souls' multiplayer fostered a strong sense of community among players. The need for cooperation against tough bosses and the unpredictable nature of invasions led to countless shared experiences and memorable moments. The game's difficulty also encouraged players to seek help and advice from others, further strengthening the community bond.

2. Bloodborne

Bloodborne takes a close second place, offering a fast-paced and aggressive multiplayer experience that perfectly complements its gothic horror setting. While it doesn't have the same breadth of covenants as Dark Souls, Bloodborne's multiplayer is incredibly polished and engaging.

• Aggressive Combat Focus: Bloodborne's faster combat pace translates to a more intense and aggressive multiplayer experience. Invasions and co-op sessions are often frenetic and action-packed, with players relying on quick reflexes and aggressive tactics to succeed. This makes Bloodborne's multiplayer feel distinct from the more methodical combat of the Dark Souls series.

• Chalice Dungeons: The Chalice Dungeons in Bloodborne add a unique dimension to the multiplayer. These procedurally generated dungeons can be played cooperatively, offering a challenging and replayable experience. The ability to share Chalice Dungeon glyphs with other players further enhances the multiplayer potential, allowing you to tackle difficult dungeons with friends or explore unique challenges created by the community.

• The League: Bloodborne's version of covenants, The League, encourages cooperative play and offers a sense of belonging for players who enjoy helping others. Joining The League allows you to summon specific NPCs for assistance and participate in cooperative challenges.

3. Dark Souls III

Dark Souls III refines the multiplayer mechanics of its predecessors, offering a balanced and accessible experience. It features a robust covenant system, smooth online performance, and a wide range of PvP and co-op opportunities. However, some argue that it doesn't quite reach the same heights of innovation as the original Dark Souls or the unique flair of Bloodborne.

• Covenant Variety: Dark Souls III boasts a diverse range of covenants, each with its own distinct gameplay style and rewards. From the aggressive Mound-Makers to the defensive Blue Sentinels, there's a covenant to suit every player's preference. This variety encourages experimentation and adds replayability to the multiplayer.

• Improved Online Performance: Dark Souls III generally offers a smoother and more stable online experience than its predecessors. This is crucial for a game that relies heavily on online interactions, as lag and connection issues can ruin the experience. The improved performance in Dark Souls III makes for a more enjoyable and consistent multiplayer experience.

• Arena PvP: The addition of arena PvP in Dark Souls III provides a dedicated space for players to test their skills against each other. This allows for more structured and balanced PvP encounters, as opposed to the unpredictable nature of invasions. The arena is a great place to hone your combat skills and compete against other players.

4. Dark Souls II

Dark Souls II often sparks debate among fans, and its multiplayer is no exception. While it introduces some interesting ideas, it also suffers from some issues that hold it back. The Soul Memory system, which determines matchmaking based on souls collected rather than character level, is a point of contention. Some players find it restrictive, while others appreciate its attempt to prevent unfair matchmaking.

• Soul Memory System: The Soul Memory system in Dark Souls II is a unique approach to matchmaking, but it's not without its flaws. While it aims to prevent high-level players from invading low-level players, it can also make it difficult to connect with friends or engage in co-op at specific points in the game. This system remains a controversial topic among fans.

• Increased Invasion Frequency: Dark Souls II features a higher frequency of invasions compared to other Soulsborne games. This can be both a positive and a negative, depending on your perspective. Some players enjoy the constant threat of invasion, while others find it frustrating. The higher invasion rate definitely adds a unique flavor to Dark Souls II's multiplayer.

• Brotherhood of Blood and Blue Sentinels: These covenants in Dark Souls II are designed to facilitate PvP and protect players from invaders, respectively. They add a structured element to the invasion system and encourage players to engage in PvP. However, the effectiveness of these covenants can vary, and some players find them less compelling than the covenants in other Soulsborne games.

5. Demon’s Souls

Demon’s Souls, the game that started it all, has a unique and atmospheric multiplayer experience. Its online features were groundbreaking for their time, but they're also more limited compared to later entries in the series. The World Tendency system, which affects the game's difficulty and events based on online interactions, is a notable feature, but it can also be confusing and frustrating for some players.

• World Tendency System: The World Tendency system in Demon's Souls is a complex and somewhat opaque mechanic that affects the game's difficulty and events. While it adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the game, it can also be difficult to understand and manipulate. This system is a unique feature of Demon's Souls, but it's not without its drawbacks.

• Limited Online Functionality: Compared to later Soulsborne games, Demon's Souls has more limited online functionality. The number of players that can be summoned for co-op is smaller, and the invasion system is less developed. However, the online features that are present in Demon's Souls are still effective and contribute to the game's unique atmosphere.

• Historical Significance: Demon's Souls deserves recognition for its pioneering online features, which laid the foundation for the multiplayer systems in subsequent Soulsborne games. While it may not be the most polished or feature-rich multiplayer experience in the series, it's historically significant and deserves respect for its contributions.

The Future of Soulsborne Multiplayer

So, what does the future hold for Soulsborne multiplayer? With Elden Ring setting a new standard for open-world action RPGs, the possibilities are vast. From larger-scale cooperative experiences to more intricate PvP systems, there's plenty of room for innovation. Here are a few things I'd love to see in future Soulsborne games:

• More Dynamic Invasions: Imagine invasions that are tied to specific events or areas within the game world. This could create more meaningful and thematic PvP encounters.

• Expanded Covenant Systems: Covenants add depth and replayability to the multiplayer. I'd love to see even more diverse and engaging covenants in future games.

• Seamless Co-op Integration: Elden Ring took steps in this direction, but I think there's still room to improve the integration of co-op into the main game experience. Imagine a Soulsborne game where you can seamlessly transition between solo and cooperative play without interruption.

Final Thoughts

The Soulsborne series has consistently delivered some of the most unique and rewarding multiplayer experiences in gaming. Whether you're a seasoned invader, a dedicated Sunbro, or someone who simply enjoys the thrill of overcoming challenges with friends, there's something for everyone in these games. While each entry has its strengths and weaknesses, the core multiplayer mechanics remain compelling and engaging. So, what do you guys think? Which Soulsborne game has your favorite multiplayer? Let me know in the comments below, and praise the sun!