Few franchises have been as influential in the past decade asDark Souls. The series essentially kick-started an entire genre ofSouls-likes. More obviously, comparisons betweenDark Soulsand other games are abundant. The game is notorious for a brutal learning curve and high difficulty, crushing any unprepared game player. However, the game also maintains some fairness, with endless attempts at clearing the game. The only thing preventing someone from clearingDark Soulsis willpower.
RELATED:Dark Souls: 10 Amazing Ways People Have Beaten The Game
However, what if it wasn’t an average knight, but someone entirely different? Which game protagonists could challenge the world ofDark Soulsand make it out alive? This is taking into account the bonfire system and the knight’s ability to revive and challenge the world again. Are there any protagonists that, given enough time, could make it through? Obviously there are plenty, but for now let’s go over some of the spicier options of who would and wouldn’t survive inDark Souls.
10Would Survive: Shulk (Xenoblade Chronicles)
Shulk, on the surface, is just a guy. With any normal sword, he’s hardly as capable of a fighter as someone like Dunban, also fromXenoblade Chronicles. However, Shulk obviously wields the ultimate sword: the Monado. The Monado uses the ether of the world and manipulates it to enhance the wielder’s power.
In the game, Shulk frequently does impossible feats with the power of the Monado. The ability to cheat and see the future makes Shulk an easy candidate for someone who could survive inDark Souls.
9Wouldn’t Survive: Tidus (Final Fantasy X)
Similarly to Shulk, Tidus is just a dude. More specifically, he’s an athlete with a penchant for the one-handed longsword. He also has a buckler, but never really uses it. However, unlike Shulk, Tidus doesn’t have a magical weapon; just a normal one. If Tidus were to use his ultimate weapon or an upgraded weapon to give him incredible power and speed, perhaps Tidus could survive.
However, Tidus is not exactly the most capable of fighters, especially at the start of the game. I wouldn’t bet on a volleyball player to survive, even with infinite attempts.
8Would Survive: Edelgard (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)
Edelgard is a trained knight and war criminal fromFire Emblem: Three Houseswith a crest that enhances her power. With a sturdy shield and a heavy axe,the chaotic goodEdelgard would be easily capable of tanking throughDark Souls. She wouldn’t be able to combat roll as effectively, but that’s a perfectly viable strategy.
RELATED:Dark Souls: The 5 Best Armor Sets In The Game (& The 5 Worst)
Even without her Relic Weapon, Edelgard would almost certainly have the skill and determination needed. And besides, she’d even be able to summon some demons of her own to battle the hordes of monsters.
7Wouldn’t Survive: Crash Bandicoot
Despite the recent comparisons the remake received toDark Souls,Crash Bandicootis hardly a capable fighter. Sure, he fights, but that’s not exactly his forte. His main moves include a spin and temporary invulnerability. With a normal hit point count, Crash still wouldn’t manage.
Spinning is a neat trick, but not an effective combat technique. Despitehis games stacking up well, even Mario would do better. This poor bandicoot likely wouldn’t even be able to beat Pinwheel, and that’s saying a lot.
6Would Survive: Any Pokémon Trainer
This one is a bit more sketchy, but it’s certainly feasible for aPokémontrainer to surviveDark Souls. Even taking away the fact that the Trainer would be able to catch the monsters they battle, having a team of six monsters would make survival a breeze.
As long as the Trainer doesn’t get taken out before they can defeat the boss at hand, Pokémon are powerful enough to handle it. That’s not even includingMythical Pokémon, all of which would make things even easier. The only trainer who might not be able to survive is Hop, since Hop can’t beat anyone.
Again, another game compared frequently toDark Soulswith a protagonist who wouldn’t be able to even get close to the end. Now,Cupheaddoes have a lot of power and could make it decently far given enough time. However, his fragility is his biggest weakness.
It’s only possible to kite a boss around for so long before they pull out some cheese. Even at the peak of skill and ability and with his pal Mugman, Cuphead wouldn’t be able to survive inDark Souls.
4Would Survive: Kirby
This one is a given.Kirbymay usually fighteasy bosses, but that doesn’t make him less dangerous. Kirby is the cutest Eldritch horror in gaming. Not only could he simply fly over all of the challenges, but even locked into a room with these bosses, Kirby would easily take care of them.
Besides, the incredible power Kirby could receive from absorbing these bosses is staggering. On top of all of that, Kirby is a ball of pure determination; nothing would shake him. Kirby doesn’t fear the monsters inDark Souls; the monsters fear Kirby.
3Wouldn’t Survive: Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Countryhassometimes been comparedtoDark Soulsin difficulty, despiteDKCbeing a game that long predatedDark Souls. As it turns out, difficult games existed beforeDark Soulsbecame popular. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true.
RELATED:9 PS4 Games That Are Harder Than Dark Souls
Now, sarcasm aside, Donkey Kong would stand a fair fight and survive for a long time. DK has brute strength that can break down any brick wall given enough time. However, in fights that require more brain than brawn, DK wouldn’t be able to secure a victory. Donkey Kong would not be able to survive inDark Souls.
2Would Survive: Villager (Animal Crossing)
At first glance, the Villager fromAnimal Crossingwouldn’t stand a chance. However, when survival is the name of the game, The Villager is unstoppable. Think of how many D.I.Y. recipes the Villager would construct while collecting resources.
It’s clear the Villager can and will handle an axe and a ranged weapon with ease. They can chop a tree in three swings of an axe! And, best of all, the Villager would always get a three minute unskippable cutscene when aDark Spiritenters the game, preventing player-kills. Given enough time to prep, the Villager always wins.
1Wouldn’t Survive: Master Chief (Halo)
Master Chief of theHaloseries seems like a protagonist that would survive easily. With an array of incredible firepower and a digital assistant in his ear, theChief is certainly capable.
However, ammunition only lasts so long. Since arrows aren’t refilled at bonfires, it’s safe to assume that gun ammo wouldn’t be either. This leaves the Chief with only his Power Sword and a clunky power suit. He’s hardly someone that could be considered mobile. Although given enough time it is possible, it is unlikely that Master Chief would be able to survive inDark Souls.
NEXT:5 Games To Play If You Like Dark Souls (& 5 You Should Avoid)
