After running a players poll in the Fextralifeforumsto see if players would accept minigames in theDark Souls, series there were a number of discussions in how players would create their own minigames within the mechanics defined in Dark Souls. To sum up the poll, it seems that minigames would be accepted in Dark Souls if they were done properly and sensibly without interrupting the core game. This sparked interest because it shows that a number of players wouldn’t mind having minigames built into Dark Souls that are akin to the ones that are player created. For a game that has no developer made minigames, a lot of player conceived activities have been thought up, which goes to show even a challenging game with a lot to do still sparks the need for more diversions to break up the repitition. Coordination and communication are key in creating these meta-games, which is even more impressive when one considers the more quiet communication structure of Souls games.
Here are 10 player created minigames through the Souls series:
1. Fight Club
This is the Souls series classic meta game and some version of it has been around since Demon’s Souls. Usually the host summonsRed PhantomsandDragon Covenants, but the general formula of a host and 2 summoned gladiators has brought countless players hours of sparring fun and a dedicated community that resembles those of arcade fighters.
2. Hide and Seek Or Manhunt
Hide and seek can be with just 2 players, an invader and a host. Manhunt requires 3 Red Phantoms or Dragon Covenants. The invaders useChameleonand hide while the host tries to find them. Upon being found a duel ensues and if the host wins he seeks the other invaders, if not the game ends.
3. Dodgeball
Summon Red Phantoms or Dragon Remnants for one team andWhite Phantomsfor another. Divide an area in half withprism stonesdivide into teams of 2 or 3 (depending on the version of the game) and throw Fire until both your opponents are dead. The spell of choice isForbidden Sun(Or any ballpyromancy). The objective here is to play without locking on to your opponents.
4. Kick The Can
Summon Red Phantoms or Dragon Remnants. The host should be It. A Circle of Prism stones is the Jail, the person who is it uses a dung pie to tag people, if you are tagged you go to jail. The only way to get out of Jail is by someone who wasn’t tagged kicking the Can. The can must be a designated breakable object in the area near the Jail. If whoever is It tags everyone playing, they win the match.
Noweapons, just chase and a punch to see who is it. Again Usually the Host and a bunch of Red Phantoms or Dragon Remnants.
6. Capture the Flag
This requires an empty area with 2 circles of prism stones acting as a base each with an item that is up for grabs being the flag. The map can also be divided by prism stones to mark each teams territory, the bases must be at opposite sides of the map. The teams must be composed by an equal number of White Phantoms and Red Phantoms or Dragon Remnants..
7. Choose Your Weapon
A 3 round duel. The host and Red Phantom or Dragon Remnant summon throw out 3 weapons each, 2 being trash weapons and one being a good weapon. The weapons used are from your opponent. You can only use the weapon that you picked up. There is an Alternate Version where the Host hast a White Phantom fight the duel to streamline the event.
8. Hunger Games
A host clears out a map, spreads weapons andarmorof varying quality. Then summons 3 Red Phantoms or Dragon Remnants, the Phantoms play naked and can only use the weapons and armor they find and pick up. The 3 Phantoms kill each other first and the winner can kill host if they choose to.
9. King Of The Hill
A host clears the area, summons 3 red phantoms, and then all 4 players castwarmthin the same area and fight for control in that area. The winner is the last man standing.
10. Batting Cage
There are 2 versions of this. Both are played with a Red Phantom or Dragon Remnant. One requires the pitcher to throw spells at the batter who is equipped with a Spell ParryingShield. The Other Version requires the Pitcher to throwFirebombsorWitching Urnsat a Batter equipped with a Club. The game ends when someone dies.
Just spending some time watching livestreams will show just how many more minigame ideas are out there. With the amount of player created minigames that have been thought up in Dark Souls and their popularity it is amazing that From hasn’t intentionally created mechanics that can be corrupted into minigames. Perhaps they trust the community to concoct their own unique experiences. Given thatDark Souls 3will bereleased next yearand that it will have newitemsandspells, it is interesting to wonder what kind of minigames the community will think up.
