There are few experiences like playing a newSoulsgame for the first time. Part of the joy of something likeDark SoulsorHollow Knightis the chance to immerse oneself and explore every nook and cranny. Beyond its long waiting period, this is one main reasonwhyElden Ringwas so anticipated. Players familiar with FromSoftware’sDark Soulsfranchise knew that a new entry would offer a whole new world to explore, with unique challenges to overcome. ThatElden Ringdelivered upon this and more is why it’s been met with such acclaim, especially compared to the more linearDark Souls 3,Sekiro, andBloodborne.
Elden Ringhas not replacedDark Souls, of course, but it’s not hard to make the argument that it can be consideredDark Souls 4. The game took everything from FromSoftware’s modernSoulsgames and remixed it into an intricate open world. Surprises were around every corner, and some gameplay complaints regarding spell strength and build viability had been addressed. However, in the long lead up toElden Ring’s launch, some passionate fans managed to beat FromSoftware to the punch. Using theDark Souls 3: The Convergencemod, players can experience much of what madeElden Ringa success without having to leave theDark Soulsseries proper.
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Mods are a Major Part of the Dark Souls Community
Ever sinceDark Souls: Prepare To Die Editioncame to PC, fans have taken matters into their own hands to create fresh experiences out of these action-adventure classics. One of themost famous mods early on was DSfix, a patch made by prominent modder Durante to optimize the PC version. From there, all kinds of mods were made for every FromSoftware game, ranging from changing the text and assets to adding new mechanics. This occasionally went hand-in-hand with malicious hacking, but a Blue Sentinel mod was developed to help with that too. Even the console-exclusiveBloodbornegot in on the action with new bosses and a 60 FPS patch.
However, modders were desperate for the kind of transformative experience that only a newSoulstitle could bring. Nowadays, randomizers feel like the tamer overhaul mods. Projects likeDark Souls Remastest,Dark Souls 2: Seeker of Fire, and evenSekiro: Long May The Shadows Reflectinclude new bosses, abilities, and sometimes even modes.Dark Souls: Daughters of Ash, its upcoming sequelDark Souls: Nightfall, and the ever-changingDark Souls 3: Cindersmods are especially impressive. However, when discussingDark Souls' best mods, one name is often raised as a contender.
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Dark Souls 3: The Convergence Feels Like a Natural Extension of the Game
Created by CouchJockey, TigerG92, AronTheBaron, SinloreKain, Freemathieuroy, and Karma over the course of a few years,Dark Souls 3: The Convergenceended development in February 2022 with the release of its 2.2.1 update. In the middle of June 2022, the mod’s official Twitter account announced that the team would be moving on toElden Ring: The Convergence, which got fans excited. The originalDS3mod should not be ignored in the meantime, though. A lot of time and effort went into creating a mod that allows for countless new play styles, not to mention ways to progress through the game. Convergence andCindersare often compared as two of the most prevalentDark Souls 3mods, with Convergence winning for some because of its strong commitment to a single vision.
That vision can be best described as a more fleshed-out magic system coupled with more routes through the world alongside optional challenges. The variety present was like nothing seen in a moddedSoulstitle before. Right away, the game greets players with thirty-one class options, many withbeneficial Covenants and ringsalready equipped. Most of these classes play differently, and a new Covenant reward system has been implemented to encourage players to invest in specific paths. Combined with dozens of weapons, over one hundred spells, and plenty of new teleport points to make the world feel likeDark Souls 1, Convergence resembles a uniqueDark Soulsgame all its own.
The Convergence Turns Dark Souls 3 Into Its Own Sequel
It would be enough if the mod’s basic premise for overhauling magic and FP was all it accomplished, but The Convergence goes the extra mile by changing every aspect ofDark Souls 3. Players will quickly notice that Lothric looks completely different. Actual map edits are used sparingly, but new assets and filters are employed to make old areas look brand new.The Convergence takes after FromSoftwarein how it uses items, enemies, visual elements, and even newly recorded voice lines to craft its own story, organically building Druids and other elemental factions into the world. Even in moments where the altered bosses are broken up by a new entity, the game still flows in ways that make sense.
Ultimately,Dark Souls 3: The Convergencemakes a strong argument for returning toDark Souls 3. It doesn’t create an expansive open world, but it is more open than the original game and includes a lot ofElden Ring’s improvements. Comparing the two games, it seems like both of them took a similar approach to evolving theDark Soulsformula. What Convergence lacks in optional content, it makes up for by offering incredible replayability in a condensed environment, as well as new features and conveniences. This isn’t even going into the boss refight system, the roguelike gauntlet mode, and the viability of both item-crafting builds and the game-changing take on the Deprived class. Everyoneitching for anotherSoulsgame afterElden Ringshould consider giving The Convergence a shot.
Dark Souls 3is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The Convergence is available for download on PC.
