Does Dark Souls 1, 2 and 3 Tell an Interconnected Story?

As a long-time Souls fanatic, I can definitively say Dark Souls 1, 2 and 3 are separate tales that take place in the same dark fantasy universe. While connected by subtle lore and thematic threads, there is no overarching narrative spanning the trilogy.

Series creator Hidetaka Miyazaki never intended to tell a linear story across multiple games. In interviews he revealed his vision was for "loosely connected stand-alone games" that iterate on worldbuilding ideas without direct sequels. The rich lore and environments hint at a shared universe with linking threads, but each title focuses on delivering a unique adventure.

This approach to fragmented, subtle storytelling defines the series. Rather than plainly explain connections, these games embed story context across weapons, souls, secret areas and character questlines. Unraveling the intricate lore becomes a meta-game, with fans debating how each entry evolves the underlying mythology.

While not direct sequels, DS2 and DS3 pay homage to DS1 within world design, mechanics and plot devices. The Kingdom of Drangleic in DS2 focuses on new characters but mentions legends that lived during the first game. In DS3, you revisit past areas from Lordran like Anor Londo and find previous protagonists referenced like Artorias.

These nods to DS1 lore across sequels inspire speculation about how characters, time periods and realities intersect while leaving much open to interpretation.

Analyzing how the sequel entries build upon DS1 in terms of world and story, we find:

• DS2 takes more liberties, moving the setting to the kingdom of Drangleic. The world shifts from structured, gothic environments to more diverse biomes. The story becomes less about gods and chosen ones and more about the curse of the undead.

• DS3 returns more faithfully to DS1‘s plot DNA. You play as an undead called an Ashen One seeking to find Lords of Cinder to return them to their thrones and link the fire once again to prolong the Age of Fire. This mirrors DS1‘s concept and environments closely.

So while DS2 steps further away from DS1‘s setting, DS3 tries to recapture the nostalgic world design that made it iconic. This highlights Miyazaki‘s intent for spiritually-linked standalone games.

Despite differences in time period, characters and explicit plot, there are fundamental pillars of world design and gameplay that define the Souls brand:

• Interconnected, living worlds full of lore waiting to be discovered
• Challenging, high stakes combat demanding mastery
• Build variety through unique equipment and character stats
• Multiplayer integration with PVP invasions and summoning
• Environmental storytelling through subtle details

These principles link level design, combat mechanics and gameplay loops across all Souls games equally, providing the consistent DNA fans cherish.

Given the subtle connections between titles, a common question is whether one misses out playing them out of sequence. As a passionate Souls lover, I believe the short answer is no:

• The self-contained plots, gameplay learning curves and world discovery make each game rewarding.
• Lore connections to past games are interesting but unnecessary to enjoy challenging levels, bosses and builds.
• Mastering demanding combat mechanics provides endless fun regardless of story comprehension.
• However, some emotional moments in DS1 and DS3 hit harder once you become invested in the universe.

So while you can jump into any game, ideally newcomers should experience DS1 first to fully appreciate lore bombs dropped in DS3.

In the end, rather than focus on interconnected plots, view them as standalone masterpieces united in providing intensely gratifying gameplay and environmental intrigue. Each title stands as equal yet subtly linked to a greater lore whole almost impossible to fully grasp. But that inscrutable complexity makes this series so mystifyingly rewarding.