Choose Elden Ring first if you want an open-world action RPG that gives you room to decide where to go. Choose Dark Souls Remastered if you are more interested in starting with the earlier Dark Souls experience and its included Artorias of the Abyss content. Neither is established as the universally easier or objectively better first game; the right choice depends on what you want from your first step into FromSoftware’s games.
Choose based on how you want to approach the game
Pick Elden Ring if you value freedom to explore
Bandai Namco describes Elden Ring as an open-world action RPG. That framing makes it the clearer fit if choosing where to go and having room to change direction are priorities. It does not, by itself, establish that every encounter can be avoided or that the game is easy.
The base game is also sold in editions or bundles connected to Shadow of the Erdtree. The expansion requires the base game. Bandai Namco’s product page describes a Tarnished Edition with the base game, the expansion, additional armor, and a Torrent appearance customization feature; check the current listing for your platform and region before choosing an edition. Bandai Namco’s Elden Ring page provides the product details.
Pick Dark Souls Remastered if you want to start with Dark Souls
Dark Souls Remastered is a direct way to begin with the earlier Dark Souls game. Bandai Namco says the remaster includes the main game and Artorias of the Abyss DLC, so you do not need to seek out that content as a separate addition to the remastered package. Confirm the edition shown for your platform and region on Bandai Namco’s Dark Souls Remastered page.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How to decide if you are still unsure
- Your priority is choosing where to explore: Start with Elden Ring, whose publisher explicitly identifies it as open world.
- Your priority is beginning with Dark Souls: Start with Dark Souls Remastered, which includes Artorias of the Abyss.
- Your concern is difficulty or combat: The available official product information does not support a firm ranking of which is harder or a precise side-by-side comparison of combat. Treat this as a matter of preference rather than choosing on the assumption that one is definitively easier.
Check platform and edition before buying
Start with the hardware you own, then verify the current regional store listing. FromSoftware’s January 2018 announcement listed Dark Souls Remastered for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows, but an announcement from that date is not proof of present availability in every region. FromSoftware’s release announcement records that historical platform list.
If online play matters to you, PlayStation’s Dark Souls Remastered product page states multiplayer supports up to six players with dedicated servers. This is the feature description on that page, not a guarantee of current service status; check the relevant platform’s current information. PlayStation’s product page gives the stated multiplayer details.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Bandai Namco reported that more than 30 million copies of Elden Ring had shipped worldwide in a 2025 corporate document. The tally included the Shadow of the Erdtree Edition, Deluxe Edition, Premium Bundle, and Collector’s Edition; it is sales context, not evidence that the game is the better starting point. Bandai Namco’s 2025 corporate document sets out the figure and scope.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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