Soul Farming Dark Souls 3

Okay, let's talk Dark Souls 3. You know, the game where you die… a lot? But we’re not here to discuss the obvious. We're here to discuss something far more controversial.

Something that might get me branded a heretic in the hallowed halls of Lothric.

I’m going to say it.

I… I kind of like soul farming.

There. I said it. Don't throw your Estus Flasks at me just yet!

I know, I know. "Git gud!" is the mantra. "Embrace the challenge!" they cry. "Every death is a learning experience!"

And yeah, sure. Learning is good. Challenges are... well, challenging. But sometimes, just sometimes, I want to feel like I'm actually making progress. Without banging my head against a boss for three hours straight.

And that’s where our friend, soul farming, comes in.

Let's be honest. Who hasn't spent an embarrassing amount of time whacking those Lothric Knights outside the High Wall? Or maybe you're more of a Grand Archives gargoyle person. I won’t judge. (Much.)

It's like digital meditation. A repetitive, almost hypnotic rhythm of attack, dodge, parry, kill. Rinse and repeat. The souls flow in. The levels go up. Your character gets…slightly less pathetic. All to the tune of that oh-so-satisfying soul acquisition sound.

People always talk about the struggle in Dark Souls 3. The overcoming of seemingly insurmountable odds. The feeling of pure, unadulterated triumph after finally downing a boss you’ve been stuck on for days.

And that’s great! Really! I appreciate the "git gud" mentality. I do. But sometimes, I just want to relax. I want to zone out. I want to turn my brain off and just… whack things. With a slightly bigger sword than I had yesterday.

Is that so wrong? Is it so terrible to admit that I find a certain zen-like calm in systematically slaughtering hordes of undead knights? Is it a crime against the FromSoftware gods to confess that I occasionally enjoy boosting my stats to the point where I can face-tank a boss or two?

I mean, think about it. You're not hurting anyone. Except, you know, the countless enemies you're mercilessly grinding. But they were going to attack you anyway! So it's really self-defense, right?

And besides, you're preparing yourself. Building up your character. Sharpening your skills (sort of). It's like… investing in your future. Only instead of stocks, you're investing in Strength and Vitality.

Unpopular Opinion Incoming

Here’s where I lose some people. I think sometimes, soul farming is necessary. Not for everyone, obviously. But for some of us. The ones who aren't naturally gifted at dodging. The ones who panic when they see a Mimic. The ones who keep falling off cliffs.

For those of us, a little bit of strategic soul farming can be the difference between abandoning the game in frustration and actually making it to the end credits. And isn’t that the point? To experience the whole game? To see the story through to its bitter, beautiful end?

So next time you find yourself stuck on a particularly difficult section, before you rage-quit and smash your controller (we've all been there), consider this: maybe, just maybe, a little bit of soul farming is the answer.

Embrace the grind. Revel in the repetition. And most importantly, don't let anyone shame you for wanting to make your life (or at least, your in-game life) a little bit easier. You’re still a Chosen Undead, even if you've chosen to be a slightly over-leveled one.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some silver knights to attend to. They won't kill themselves (unfortunately). And they’re just brimming with delicious, delicious souls.

And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally beat that Nameless King without crying.