We hit 10k on the channel! Kinda insane to think I was literally at like... 1,000 subscribers back in January. No idea where you've all come from, but feel free to stick around!
Congrats Billy, it all came from your work and dedication! I actually am a fifth grade teacher, and I was teaching my students about setting goals and growth mindset, and I actually brought you up. I told them how there was this UA-camr I watched called Billy S who had about 2000 subscribers but let everyone know he had a goal to reach 10,000 by the end of the year, and he kept checking on his progress and encouraging meeting the goal all throughout the year and he’s about to make it! They loved the story and even looked up your channel lol. I told them that about a month ago and here you are now! So cool. Very happy for you.
Firelink was my first hub, but nothing like going back to Majula. The music being so peaceful, the npc being so kind as you bring them to the one respite from hollowing, the perfect sunset just starting over the waves.. anytime going through the game gets rough, no matter the dlc, the crypt, going down the well, any boss/enemy/even PvP. Majula is there with the most relaxing music to watch the waves while you remember your journey. Being the very start of the game & never forgetting the hub allows yourself to not go hollow because you can't forget to rest back by the waves after beating gods
I totally agree, Dark Souls 2 was my first Souls game and currently is my only Souls game, though I do plan to fix that soon. and Majula felt like a proper hub, a little haven that leads to everywhere I need to go, and I loved the little buildings and such scattered about. I loved almost every npc as well and even felt a bit bad for Maughlin as he finally got rich...only to forget where his own home is and probably losing more by the day. Shalqoir is just a fucking gem of a character I could listen to that cat all dang day and still smile at anything she says. and I love just how many npcs move in as well. makes me wish I could invite Lucatiel or Benhart or hell just grab Vengarl's head and put him next to Shalqoir just to let him have an interesting friend to talk to all day and relax, I love Melentia and her weird but funny lines, and I love coming back every so often and finding Emerald Herald kicking her feet playfully as if she's actually happy I'm doing so much when I leave. The music is of course soothing as bliss and the view is impeccable. I only hope I get such fond memories of the other hubs when I eventually the other FromSoft games. if you did read all this, thanks so much and stay positive and happy.
My favourite hub is Firelink Shrine in DS1, it’s the only hub that feels so completely connected to the rest of the world given how many paths branch out from it, and I love that unlike the other hubs there’s always sense of slight unease as some enemies are basically within sight of the hub, plus because of the no fast travel mechanic there’s a sense of relief that comes with arriving back to Firelink that no other hub can capture
Not to mention when you go there after the albanauric village and its dark + you’re attacked shook me to my core.IdkIf i like how it burns too if you do the flame ending. Small but great things
When I realised that Majula was going to get the number one slot, I got hyped. Like realising a favourite movie is going to win the Oscars, hyped. I adore Majula and its score so much. Everything you said about it was on point. It has such a melancholy to it, with the long shadows and light reminding me of sunset on a winters day.
Two fun facts about the Hunter's Dream. It's actually possible to pvp inside of it, it's the only hub where this is possible without bugs or glitches. While there is no red signs, you can summon for the Gehrman or moon presence boss fights. If you have a conflicting Oath rune, (Executioner, Vileblood) you will be hostile and fight in the Dream. The mirror in the dream was also going to allow you to change your character with the prompt to trigger it reading, 'Put on disguise.'
Maybe it's just me but DS3 Firelink is one of my favourite. I like how the candles and bonfire light the dark grey room. It has some of my favourite NPCs. I like the many secrets it has. I like the overall layout of the hub, how everything is easy and quickly to access. And I really love the music and how it changes if you start the betrayal.
I think the nexus's size - being so much bigger needs to be its one of its advantages. It kind of gives the vibe is that there is just so much more going on than we can really sense, emphasizes how small we are in the grand of things and its emptiness kind of emphasis just how few people where able to survive the scourge. Also, as frustrating as the Yurt and Mephistopheles are great story telling quests. Having bodies start appearing in your sanctuary, and then your favourite NPCs start dying just fills you with dread, and I always feel so hollow and empty after finishing the Mephistopheles quests in all the best way
Nothing beats the feeling of going into an area, clearing it, finding a strange path, an elevator, a door and BOOM you're back in Firelink Shrine. Lots of people who played backwards, starting with Elden Ring and then going back to DS1 are always mindblown when they circle back to Firelink in the way only DS1 does.
My favourite hub is the Firelink Shrine, hub of Dark Souls 1, my introduction to the Souls Games. I think my personal story with this hub is pretty relatable for many players. First, I love the music, she gives me chills the first time and even today, this place felt like... home. When I came down, down, and down into Blighttown, I felt lost, the Shrine felt so far. After beating Quelaag, and returning to the Shrine with the shortcuts, I was so happy, only to realize that the bonfire was dead. The firekeeper was dead. I took refuge to André's bonfire, and just wanted to track down Lautrec, just to restore my home. My main goal wasn't the Lordvessel, it was purely personal. So I did, killing Lautrec at Anor Londo, and restoring the Firelink Shrine. I felt happy and now back at my home, coming back to it multiple times only to level up. Sometimes I just rested to the bonfire, only to chill one minute after a boss, especially the DLC ones. And after multiple playthroughs, I still never kill Lautrec at Firelink Shrine, because it feels wrong to me. I can't make something like that at this point, because each time my characters don't know what Lautrec plans to do. I even love Lautrec now, after reading his lore. I always track down this guy only to restore my home, I love the Firelink Shrine even more because of that single fact. I will never forget how I just go to The Catacombs only to run away back to the Shrine the first time, that was really fun. PS : I was listening to your video while writing this, and you resume well some points that resonate with my experience, haha Also, sorry if my english is bad, I'm not really used to it, but it will come
here's mine: my first fromsoft game was Bloodborne, felt safe in the dream, then it burned and I was afraid I couldnt go in the house, and then the hub turned into the final confrontation... mind blown!
I kinda forget about Roundtable Hold sometimes. I basically never go there for anything other than upgrading my weapons and spirit ashes. I don't use boss weapons much, I haven't done most of the quest lines here. It's basically just the one room hallway to me. However, that giant site of grace in the center is amazing and it really creates a cool atmosphere. I love it, it's cool, I just wish I had an actual reason to go there.
Something about Majula, just makes me want to break down. Its this calming peace and tranquility but its restless cause the fight will never be over, but at least for now, you can rest....and the score doubles this feeling. simply amazing
My favorite is Majula. My favorite little tidbit about it is that, as you get more people to move into town, Crestfallen Saulden actually cheers up because of the community that has sprung up. That's neat.
Firelink Shrine from DS3 may have been my first hub, and for that, it will always be special to me, but man, no hub has made me feel relief the way that the OG Firelink Shrine did. Looping back into Firelink from multiple different areas was such an incredible feeling on my first playthrough, and it still holds up after many years. That being said, I totally get why Majula is at the top of the list. I personally prefer DS1 Firelink, but Majula is easily the most calming and beautiful hub in the series.
Majula was also my first hub. The only feeling I can compare it to is the feeling I get when I go to my hometown in the summer time. The sun and a smirk on my face and a tug in the heart.
I just wanted to thank you so so much for your videos! I’m going through a horrific and very sudden break up with someone I adore and I found your channel last week. They’ve helped me so much to escape from the pain and I’m just so grateful! Your videos are also amazing and you have a wonderful charisma! Congratulations on 10K!! You deserve 10Million!!
For me, Majula represented genuine hope, that somehow, SOMEHOW, the world could actually be fixed. That one day, every place in the world would be as peaceful and alive as Majula. It felt so beautiful and hopeful.
I only wish they somehow brought Shalquoir back in ds3 honestly. I freaking love that damn cat haha. She can be as rude as she wants and I'll still smile cause she is just that ridiculous hahaha.
Majula is just unmatched imo. It gives this real dreamy, head-fuzzy vibe thats unlike all the others. Plus, i know its cheesy, but i loved how all the NPC's (minus Gavlan) go there and really give it a sense of community, and, no one there goes crazy and tries to kill you, or dies randomly for side quests- except the miracles griffter lady. Also, its one of the only hubs that really felt safe- its so far removed from the action, but unlike Hunter's Dream and Nexus, its still connected to the world. As for a funny moment, the first time i saw the world wide public death counter, i immediately got ganked by the evil pigs by map-homies house 😔
Billy! First off congrats on 10k!! Second Majula is my favorite hub, and it’s biased because I started with DS2, but the fact that the sun rises over the ocean and beautiful view, to the monument and the growing of the people flocking to Majula to stave off hallowing. Chiefs kiss defiantly.
My favourite thing to do at the end of Bloodborne before I fight the final boss(es) is to do my best Agnes Skinner and shout "GEHRMAN! THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!" then say to myself "No mother, its just the Northern Lights."
I wish there was a mechanic to bring all nps to a place like modula, like it builds up the town that ash(ds3), dark signers(ds1,2) and spirits(demons souls) working together in a world gone to hell while holding on to whatever humanity was left in them. Sacrificing boss souls to keep them human to summon them for later fights instead of just happening upon them. Congrats on the 10k!
People remember Majula very well, but for me, the hut with the fire keepers, which we visit in the prologue, just a minute earlier also has a wonderful atmosphere.
What sets Majula apart from the rest, and may be the reason why it’s #1, is because Miyazaki didn’t have much hand in it. Guarantee you, if he did fully made Dark Souls 2, Majula would not exist. Instead it would carried a similar tone to the rest, which is a dark foreboding atmosphere that makes you feel cursed for playing his game. The respite is only temporary, just for you to exhaust dialogue, progress quest, level up, upgrade gear, and then get the hell out of there because you have a game to finish and overcome. But Majula we have now…it makes you WANT to stay there and enjoy the comfort it brings. Seeing as From Software has made Miyazaki the eternal leader of Souls/Borne/Ring series, DS2 will always be unique on its own and there will never be anything like it again.
My favorite thing about Majula is how the population is always growing, normally the hubs become more and more depressing as the game goes on as NPCs die but Majula stayed constantly bright beautiful and continued to grow as the game went on. Easily my favorite hub.
For me, the more NPCs the better, I feel as if I should protect the people there especially in DS3 since I rescue them. I love all the hub areas so much though. My personal story with DS3 hub is that I failed literally every single npc quest. I got close with Yuria and that’s it…
The main boon that Delapidated Temple has is showcasing the day night cycle that happens as you progress, especially unnerving when you see it at night. Patches helps the Nexus out a lot, being up the stairs next to the Third Archstone and having the vital importance of the best grass merchant in the game. Ostrava up on that weird railing helps out too. I've heard some suggest that the big room in the Roundtable Hold where you get invaded should also support duelist signs and inherit the Jar Warrior signs so you can fight other players and AI controlled player builds in there. I also wish there was a way to deny Melina's offer and have an alternate hub, but that's probably too much of a challenge. Majula's biggest flaw is the absence of an Asylum Demon equivalent gating your access to it, which would've made the reveal all the more satisfying.
I dunno, I think Majula's reveal still works after coming from Things Betwixt, just from an ambience factor alone. Would a boss have made it even better, yeah. But that's not really the fault of the hub, so much as the fault of the tutorial.
In case of Sekiro I got the hub/home sensation in Kuro’s room. For me the game really has two hubs, one more practical which is the temple where you can buy things, improve your prosthetic arm,etc and later the “home”/comfy place one which is the castle where you find your master, Emma and Isshin✨
I usually don't comment on videos, but i just wanted to thank you for existing, im going trough a very harsh moment in my life, and watching your videos just makes my the day less horrible, thank you from brazil 🇧🇷 (sorry for the bad english)
To me, firelink DS1 will always have a special place in my heart. The fact that in my first play-through Lautrec killed my firekeeper made me realize all that I had once it was gone. Never let him do that again.
We cant forget the fact that firelink is also one of the only places with music in DS1, giving the player a sense of peace. Its the only place that you feel safe in the whole of lordran. Also that it doesn’t matter where you are, firelink is always around the corner.
For me: 1) Firelink Shrine DS1 (this and hunter’s dream are interchangable for me). 2) Hunter’s Dream 3) Majula (great hub and music, but my top 2 are better at both imo). 4) Nexus PS3 5) Firelink Shrine DS3 6) Dilapitaded Temple 7) Roundtable Hold (I didn’t like that I couldn’t attack there, because that’s one of the things the other games were special and confident in, giving the npcs lives in your hands. And since Elden Ring is an RPG that should take directions in the story based on your choices, I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to kill Gideon or the blacksmith whenever you wanted to. The hub music is not as memorable or unique as the others either imo).
i love roundtable hold for mainly one reason is roderika and hewg's relationship, its a beautiful relationship that gets better yet sadder when you get farther into the game and especiallyfor me since I always go for frenzied flame no (since its my favorite ending)
Majula is such a good hub that it GENUINELY draws me back into playing DS2 again and again and again despite the fact that, being as objective as I can be, the game is probably the worst in the series on a gameplay level. I still love the game, mind you, but the tone that Majula sets is such an integral part of why I love the game so much. It's not something you can easily put into words...it's just....vibe. Majula just has that vibe. I don't even think the other hubs come all that close. Great video!
My favourite hub is Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls 1, just because of how central it is in the whole world of the game, also returning here after making your way through the most disgusting and horrific areas of the game like the Depths, Blighttown and the areas in the second half of the game. After it, it would probably be, in order: 2| Majula for similar reasons but without the relevance of Firelink Shrine. 3| Hunter's Dream purely for its aesthetic which is just gorgeus, although it's not as practical as other hubs. 4| Firelink Shrine from DS3, i think this hub on the other hand is very practical but I agree with what you said. 5| Roundtable Hold because I don't like the layout that much, the smith is way too far from the twin maiden husks which make it really annoying when you have to make back and forth. 6| The Nexus and the 7| Dilapidated Temple for the same reasons you listed.
while I'm actually pretty critical of Sakuraba especially compared to so many RPG composers I love more, he's a big part of why Firelink and Majula are some of my favourite locations ever. his atmospheric ambient tunes in DS1 & 2 are mostly pretty cool tbh. his ambient music also tends to be some of the only stuff I like from him in other games (alongside his progressive rock which he tends to excel at way more than his hundreds of generic orchestral battle songs), such as Niez' theme in Tales of Arise
When I was super tilted after playing brawlhalla for too long, I downloaded Dark souls 2 again, booted up a random savefile and just listend to the theme of Majula to calm down. It helped a bit 😅
DS2 may be my least favourite Souls, but I still love it, flaws and all, and Majula is just... The cherry on top. Such a great location to set the scene for the main game.
Its rare that i hear someone say something that gives me pause at all, but what you said: you like to think the Majula sun is what solaire was looking for... that is kinda beautiful actually, consider that theory/whishful thought adopted.
I started this vid 10 seconds ago but already I am going to say Majula NEEDS to be #1. I would say Hunter’s Dream would be a decent number 2 and then from there probably the OG firelink should be 3 and then it’s tough to say. I will come back after the vid to see how I did!
DS1's hub truly is a hub in the sense of it being a place you'll come back to as you explore the world, which I absolutely adore as a Metroidvania fan.
as much as I love Elden Ring I think Roundtable Hold is one of the most underwhelming hubs in From's games. Not bad, but underwhelming. I like the hubs that I like because: atmosphere, secrets and sense of progression (being able to see more parts of the area as you progress in the game), npcs, music, connection to areas, design and lore. Roundtable Hold has a boring ost and it never changes, the npcs there are really great but most of the ones that go there you find in the early game, as you progress they only leave one after one (the only npc that moves there later on mid game is the Dung Eater), unlike in Dark Souls 3 where it gave the vibe of people moving in and out throughout the whole game, and the secrets are unlocked fairly early on and there's nothing of substance. Alberich only hides the cipher pata, and the stonesword keys only hide a shitty crossbow and a tome of shitty incantations lmao. Nothing of substance really is discovered, unlike in Dark Souls 3 with all of the valuable items, pump a rum, the tower of dead firekeepers and etc. And this is the third time they did the "finding the true hub in the true world" and it's the most boring version of the twist. It's still a great moment but it doesn't affect the game in any significant way, unlike Untended Graves and True Workshop, but that's in part a good thing, the exact same twist would be boring the third time around. The things that save it for me are the atmosphere and design, pretty unique and cool, and the really interesting cast of characters.
Everyone loves Majula for the music and the perfect vibe. But i want to point out how from majula you start every single path to the Lords. DS2 MIGHT not have the same level design of DS1 but it is the closest we got to it in the series. I will forever love majula for all these reasons even though ds2 was not my first souls
Bloodborne's Hunter's Dream is my favorite. I am biased as it was my first souls game and my favorite game. Firelink DS1 is a close second place for me. Majula is great as well and I knew it would most likely be number 1. Although, imo Majula is the only thing I really like about DS2 at all, and just about the only thing the game does right.
Majula Firelink Shrine (DS3) Firelink Shrine (DS1) Roundtable Hold The Nexus Dilapidated Temple Hunters Dream NPC’s are pretty important to me as they flesh out the world and set tone. Majula and Firelinks have no shortage on this. They’re also pretty efficient on being filled with vendors, upgrade systems, and small secrets. Hunter’s Dream ranks lowest for me just because it’s so lame? No NPC’s come and go, there’s no secrets to find, and having to teleport here to teleport somewhere else every time doesn’t help either.
Alright, so there's this relatively unknown indie game named tunic which I absolutely adore. Just the art style alone will probably sell it for most people. I would really enjoy to see you play it and maybe do some boss rankings. If you couldn't tell, it's a souls-like!
If you go back to my older videos, I actually had Tunic's Overworld theme as my old outro music. I played it when it first came out, and it's definitely a game that makes you think. I'd love to revisit it, if only to try attempting that one puzzle for the True Ending legitimately lmao
Omg thanks for responding. I haven't seen many of your old videos, but now that I do I hear the main theme of tunic. Tunic basically changed how I perceive games, and it's nice to see that other people like it. However, there's only 7 bosses, counting the boss rush in the cathedral, and not many areas, so a ranking video would be hard to make. I would still love to see a full video on tunic, definitely doesn't get enough love!
every time i see ds2 im always tempted to buy in on PC and replay it. i had borrowed it from a friend on ps3 after i found bloodborne and beat it. Sometimes it looks like an overhated game but most of the time it just looks like a clusterfuck of boring bosses and too many enemies. This video made it look glorious and i know it’s just the hub
I have it on steam, but I found hooking up a controller to be a pain so I re-purchased it on PS4 for my videos this year. Definitely the right decision.
Id had a gut feeling Majula was gonna win, but i was hoping your love for Bloodborne would push Hunter Dream slightly ahead. Oh well! Even if the topic is contentious or i disagree with a ranking of yours, it's hard to be upset! Love your analysis and reasoning. Definitely made me think twice about what i value in a hub Love your content! And grats on 10k. Well deserved!
Never really undertood the hype for DS1 firelink shrine. Yes, the music is great and the NPCs are there but for me this is just a road junction. You can´t do anything special there which you can´t do at any other bonfires. Plus, there´s no hut or anything that makes you feel really save (I mean how many of us have been chased there by skeletons when we first played it😅). DS3 firelink shrine will always be my fav💜
The fact that it's a road junction is exactly why some of us love it. It's not a hub in the sense of being a place to upgrade gear, or return to continue quests. It's simply a focal point from which the rest of the world expands from, with gorgeous visuals and great music. As a Metroidvania fan, it really speaks to me from that design perspective.
My least favorite SB game, but like the Hub... DS2. Funny memory is killing the piglets each visit to finally walk around the corner to discover Bigger Pigs... which eventually gave way to BIG PIG before the zone, like about half the territory in my playthrough was finally pacified and rendered safe for pedestrians.
I know its not relevant to the video but all the FF 14 music hyped me up. My ranking is pretty similar to yours except I don't like roundtable hold much so I'd placed it below DS3 and Nexus
I’m not a big fan of the ds3 hub aesthetically, but the secret betrayal OST just hits different. Original ds2 is my favorite hub though, SOTFS is a bit too bright.
People talk about the Majula music feeling comforting but to me it feels so distant and cold and makes me feel actively uncomfortable. Funny how music can hit us so different. My favorites are Nexus, Hunters Dream and DS1 Firelink and i feel like it drops off a lot from there. Roundtable is interesting but you barely go there, and DS3 Firelink is just too fucking grey lol
Legit, first time playing DS1, which was the first of the series I played, hearing the snoring frampt without knowing who or what he was scared the crap outa me! Then on his revea I laughed my azz off😂
The Nexus in DeS remake is my favorite. In real life I value practicality over looks every time but the Nexus is just so stunningly beautiful that I don't mind all the unnecessary steps (including jumping to your death after each victorious boss fight)
Unpopular opinion but I really think Majula is super overrated. This isn’t me hating it, quite the opposite I like Majula and some of the npcs (Except the emerald herald.) its just I cant grow a connection with it like the others. My personal favorite is the round table for spoiler reasons.
I wouldn't say that's Majula being overrated, as I feel people use overrated to describe the most mundane things nowadays, but you admitting you don't have that personal connection with it. Same with me & Sekiro's Dilapidated Temple or The Nexus from Demon's Souls. And that's a totally valid feeling - Sometimes something just doesn't click.
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We hit 10k on the channel! Kinda insane to think I was literally at like... 1,000 subscribers back in January. No idea where you've all come from, but feel free to stick around!
Congrats Billy, it all came from your work and dedication! I actually am a fifth grade teacher, and I was teaching my students about setting goals and growth mindset, and I actually brought you up. I told them how there was this UA-camr I watched called Billy S who had about 2000 subscribers but let everyone know he had a goal to reach 10,000 by the end of the year, and he kept checking on his progress and encouraging meeting the goal all throughout the year and he’s about to make it! They loved the story and even looked up your channel lol. I told them that about a month ago and here you are now! So cool. Very happy for you.
well deserved! next up; 100k 😼
Congrats on 10k! You have definitely put in the work for it, these are some of the best ranking lists I have seen out there.
Lets go!
So proud of you! I remember when you had just hit around 3K, and you always believed in yourself that it would happen. Keep up the great work!!!!!
Firelink was my first hub, but nothing like going back to Majula. The music being so peaceful, the npc being so kind as you bring them to the one respite from hollowing, the perfect sunset just starting over the waves.. anytime going through the game gets rough, no matter the dlc, the crypt, going down the well, any boss/enemy/even PvP. Majula is there with the most relaxing music to watch the waves while you remember your journey. Being the very start of the game & never forgetting the hub allows yourself to not go hollow because you can't forget to rest back by the waves after beating gods
I totally agree, Dark Souls 2 was my first Souls game and currently is my only Souls game, though I do plan to fix that soon. and Majula felt like a proper hub, a little haven that leads to everywhere I need to go, and I loved the little buildings and such scattered about. I loved almost every npc as well and even felt a bit bad for Maughlin as he finally got rich...only to forget where his own home is and probably losing more by the day. Shalqoir is just a fucking gem of a character I could listen to that cat all dang day and still smile at anything she says. and I love just how many npcs move in as well. makes me wish I could invite Lucatiel or Benhart or hell just grab Vengarl's head and put him next to Shalqoir just to let him have an interesting friend to talk to all day and relax, I love Melentia and her weird but funny lines, and I love coming back every so often and finding Emerald Herald kicking her feet playfully as if she's actually happy I'm doing so much when I leave. The music is of course soothing as bliss and the view is impeccable. I only hope I get such fond memories of the other hubs when I eventually the other FromSoft games. if you did read all this, thanks so much and stay positive and happy.
My favourite hub is Firelink Shrine in DS1, it’s the only hub that feels so completely connected to the rest of the world given how many paths branch out from it, and I love that unlike the other hubs there’s always sense of slight unease as some enemies are basically within sight of the hub, plus because of the no fast travel mechanic there’s a sense of relief that comes with arriving back to Firelink that no other hub can capture
Roundtable hold is underrated imo. I like how it fills up and then slowly empties as the game gets closer to the end
Not to mention when you go there after the albanauric village and its dark + you’re attacked shook me to my core.IdkIf i like how it burns too if you do the flame ending. Small but great things
When I realised that Majula was going to get the number one slot, I got hyped. Like realising a favourite movie is going to win the Oscars, hyped. I adore Majula and its score so much. Everything you said about it was on point. It has such a melancholy to it, with the long shadows and light reminding me of sunset on a winters day.
Yes I am one of those who do hate DS2 but I love Majula and its music and its aesthetics also Shalquoir... and the pigs!
Even the biggest DS2 haters can't deny the majesty of Majula.
Two fun facts about the Hunter's Dream. It's actually possible to pvp inside of it, it's the only hub where this is possible without bugs or glitches. While there is no red signs, you can summon for the Gehrman or moon presence boss fights. If you have a conflicting Oath rune, (Executioner, Vileblood) you will be hostile and fight in the Dream. The mirror in the dream was also going to allow you to change your character with the prompt to trigger it reading, 'Put on disguise.'
Maybe it's just me but DS3 Firelink is one of my favourite. I like how the candles and bonfire light the dark grey room. It has some of my favourite NPCs. I like the many secrets it has. I like the overall layout of the hub, how everything is easy and quickly to access. And I really love the music and how it changes if you start the betrayal.
I think the nexus's size - being so much bigger needs to be its one of its advantages. It kind of gives the vibe is that there is just so much more going on than we can really sense, emphasizes how small we are in the grand of things and its emptiness kind of emphasis just how few people where able to survive the scourge.
Also, as frustrating as the Yurt and Mephistopheles are great story telling quests. Having bodies start appearing in your sanctuary, and then your favourite NPCs start dying just fills you with dread, and I always feel so hollow and empty after finishing the Mephistopheles quests in all the best way
Nothing beats the feeling of going into an area, clearing it, finding a strange path, an elevator, a door and BOOM you're back in Firelink Shrine. Lots of people who played backwards, starting with Elden Ring and then going back to DS1 are always mindblown when they circle back to Firelink in the way only DS1 does.
Scariest moment in soulsborne: when you hit an npc by mistake and see that they are agro. 😂
Followed by you being forced to find the very obscure "Sin" vendors that reset your agro, but you can't remember where tf they are in each game
My favourite hub is the Firelink Shrine, hub of Dark Souls 1, my introduction to the Souls Games.
I think my personal story with this hub is pretty relatable for many players. First, I love the music, she gives me chills the first time and even today, this place felt like... home. When I came down, down, and down into Blighttown, I felt lost, the Shrine felt so far. After beating Quelaag, and returning to the Shrine with the shortcuts, I was so happy, only to realize that the bonfire was dead. The firekeeper was dead. I took refuge to André's bonfire, and just wanted to track down Lautrec, just to restore my home. My main goal wasn't the Lordvessel, it was purely personal. So I did, killing Lautrec at Anor Londo, and restoring the Firelink Shrine. I felt happy and now back at my home, coming back to it multiple times only to level up. Sometimes I just rested to the bonfire, only to chill one minute after a boss, especially the DLC ones.
And after multiple playthroughs, I still never kill Lautrec at Firelink Shrine, because it feels wrong to me. I can't make something like that at this point, because each time my characters don't know what Lautrec plans to do. I even love Lautrec now, after reading his lore. I always track down this guy only to restore my home, I love the Firelink Shrine even more because of that single fact.
I will never forget how I just go to The Catacombs only to run away back to the Shrine the first time, that was really fun.
PS : I was listening to your video while writing this, and you resume well some points that resonate with my experience, haha
Also, sorry if my english is bad, I'm not really used to it, but it will come
here's mine: my first fromsoft game was Bloodborne, felt safe in the dream, then it burned and I was afraid I couldnt go in the house, and then the hub turned into the final confrontation... mind blown!
I kinda forget about Roundtable Hold sometimes. I basically never go there for anything other than upgrading my weapons and spirit ashes. I don't use boss weapons much, I haven't done most of the quest lines here. It's basically just the one room hallway to me. However, that giant site of grace in the center is amazing and it really creates a cool atmosphere. I love it, it's cool, I just wish I had an actual reason to go there.
Something about Majula, just makes me want to break down. Its this calming peace and tranquility but its restless cause the fight will never be over, but at least for now, you can rest....and the score doubles this feeling. simply amazing
My favorite is Majula. My favorite little tidbit about it is that, as you get more people to move into town, Crestfallen Saulden actually cheers up because of the community that has sprung up. That's neat.
Mine too
The only Crestfallen in any of these games to actually cheer up. Feels good especially given what happens to his DS1 & 3 variant.
Firelink Shrine from DS3 may have been my first hub, and for that, it will always be special to me, but man, no hub has made me feel relief the way that the OG Firelink Shrine did. Looping back into Firelink from multiple different areas was such an incredible feeling on my first playthrough, and it still holds up after many years. That being said, I totally get why Majula is at the top of the list. I personally prefer DS1 Firelink, but Majula is easily the most calming and beautiful hub in the series.
Majula was also my first hub.
The only feeling I can compare it to is the feeling I get when I go to my hometown in the summer time.
The sun and a smirk on my face and a tug in the heart.
HE HIT 10K!!
Incredibly well deserved, my favourite new channel on UA-cam! Keep it up my man
I just wanted to thank you so so much for your videos! I’m going through a horrific and very sudden break up with someone I adore and I found your channel last week. They’ve helped me so much to escape from the pain and I’m just so grateful! Your videos are also amazing and you have a wonderful charisma! Congratulations on 10K!! You deserve 10Million!!
I'm so sorry to hear that, break-ups can be extremely tough, but if my videos are giving you some positivity then they're doing their job.
For me, Majula represented genuine hope, that somehow, SOMEHOW, the world could actually be fixed.
That one day, every place in the world would be as peaceful and alive as Majula. It felt so beautiful and hopeful.
I only wish they somehow brought Shalquoir back in ds3 honestly. I freaking love that damn cat haha. She can be as rude as she wants and I'll still smile cause she is just that ridiculous hahaha.
Majula is just unmatched imo. It gives this real dreamy, head-fuzzy vibe thats unlike all the others. Plus, i know its cheesy, but i loved how all the NPC's (minus Gavlan) go there and really give it a sense of community, and, no one there goes crazy and tries to kill you, or dies randomly for side quests- except the miracles griffter lady. Also, its one of the only hubs that really felt safe- its so far removed from the action, but unlike Hunter's Dream and Nexus, its still connected to the world.
As for a funny moment, the first time i saw the world wide public death counter, i immediately got ganked by the evil pigs by map-homies house 😔
Billy! First off congrats on 10k!! Second Majula is my favorite hub, and it’s biased because I started with DS2, but the fact that the sun rises over the ocean and beautiful view, to the monument and the growing of the people flocking to Majula to stave off hallowing. Chiefs kiss defiantly.
My favourite thing to do at the end of Bloodborne before I fight the final boss(es) is to do my best Agnes Skinner and shout "GEHRMAN! THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE!" then say to myself "No mother, its just the Northern Lights."
Brilliant, no notes, 10/10.
Best soulsborne youtuber atm👏🏼
I wish there was a mechanic to bring all nps to a place like modula, like it builds up the town that ash(ds3), dark signers(ds1,2) and spirits(demons souls) working together in a world gone to hell while holding on to whatever humanity was left in them. Sacrificing boss souls to keep them human to summon them for later fights instead of just happening upon them. Congrats on the 10k!
People remember Majula very well, but for me, the hut with the fire keepers, which we visit in the prologue, just a minute earlier also has a wonderful atmosphere.
What sets Majula apart from the rest, and may be the reason why it’s #1, is because Miyazaki didn’t have much hand in it. Guarantee you, if he did fully made Dark Souls 2, Majula would not exist. Instead it would carried a similar tone to the rest, which is a dark foreboding atmosphere that makes you feel cursed for playing his game. The respite is only temporary, just for you to exhaust dialogue, progress quest, level up, upgrade gear, and then get the hell out of there because you have a game to finish and overcome.
But Majula we have now…it makes you WANT to stay there and enjoy the comfort it brings.
Seeing as From Software has made Miyazaki the eternal leader of Souls/Borne/Ring series, DS2 will always be unique on its own and there will never be anything like it again.
I’m Roundtable Hold when upgrading a weapon I saw a ‘Let Me Solo Her’ ghost thingy
My favorite thing about Majula is how the population is always growing, normally the hubs become more and more depressing as the game goes on as NPCs die but Majula stayed constantly bright beautiful and continued to grow as the game went on. Easily my favorite hub.
For me, the more NPCs the better, I feel as if I should protect the people there especially in DS3 since I rescue them. I love all the hub areas so much though. My personal story with DS3 hub is that I failed literally every single npc quest. I got close with Yuria and that’s it…
The main boon that Delapidated Temple has is showcasing the day night cycle that happens as you progress, especially unnerving when you see it at night. Patches helps the Nexus out a lot, being up the stairs next to the Third Archstone and having the vital importance of the best grass merchant in the game. Ostrava up on that weird railing helps out too. I've heard some suggest that the big room in the Roundtable Hold where you get invaded should also support duelist signs and inherit the Jar Warrior signs so you can fight other players and AI controlled player builds in there. I also wish there was a way to deny Melina's offer and have an alternate hub, but that's probably too much of a challenge. Majula's biggest flaw is the absence of an Asylum Demon equivalent gating your access to it, which would've made the reveal all the more satisfying.
I dunno, I think Majula's reveal still works after coming from Things Betwixt, just from an ambience factor alone. Would a boss have made it even better, yeah. But that's not really the fault of the hub, so much as the fault of the tutorial.
In case of Sekiro I got the hub/home sensation in Kuro’s room. For me the game really has two hubs, one more practical which is the temple where you can buy things, improve your prosthetic arm,etc and later the “home”/comfy place one which is the castle where you find your master, Emma and Isshin✨
I usually don't comment on videos, but i just wanted to thank you for existing, im going trough a very harsh moment in my life, and watching your videos just makes my the day less horrible, thank you from brazil 🇧🇷 (sorry for the bad english)
To me, firelink DS1 will always have a special place in my heart. The fact that in my first play-through Lautrec killed my firekeeper made me realize all that I had once it was gone. Never let him do that again.
We cant forget the fact that firelink is also one of the only places with music in DS1, giving the player a sense of peace. Its the only place that you feel safe in the whole of lordran. Also that it doesn’t matter where you are, firelink is always around the corner.
congrats on 10k!
Gracias!
For me:
1) Firelink Shrine DS1 (this and hunter’s dream are interchangable for me).
2) Hunter’s Dream
3) Majula (great hub and music, but my top 2 are better at both imo).
4) Nexus PS3
5) Firelink Shrine DS3
6) Dilapitaded Temple
7) Roundtable Hold (I didn’t like that I couldn’t attack there, because that’s one of the things the other games were special and confident in, giving the npcs lives in your hands. And since Elden Ring is an RPG that should take directions in the story based on your choices, I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to kill Gideon or the blacksmith whenever you wanted to. The hub music is not as memorable or unique as the others either imo).
i love roundtable hold for mainly one reason is roderika and hewg's relationship, its a beautiful relationship that gets better yet sadder when you get farther into the game and especiallyfor me since I always go for frenzied flame no (since its my favorite ending)
Ds3 firelink and majula are uncontestdedly the best for me.
The music in both of them are the best of all of the games, and both are so damn comfy
Majula is such a good hub that it GENUINELY draws me back into playing DS2 again and again and again despite the fact that, being as objective as I can be, the game is probably the worst in the series on a gameplay level. I still love the game, mind you, but the tone that Majula sets is such an integral part of why I love the game so much. It's not something you can easily put into words...it's just....vibe. Majula just has that vibe. I don't even think the other hubs come all that close. Great video!
You're my favourite soulsborne youtubers :D so much fun
Ah bless, thank you so much!
My favourite hub is Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls 1, just because of how central it is in the whole world of the game, also returning here after making your way through the most disgusting and horrific areas of the game like the Depths, Blighttown and the areas in the second half of the game.
After it, it would probably be, in order:
2| Majula for similar reasons but without the relevance of Firelink Shrine.
3| Hunter's Dream purely for its aesthetic which is just gorgeus, although it's not as practical as other hubs.
4| Firelink Shrine from DS3, i think this hub on the other hand is very practical but I agree with what you said.
5| Roundtable Hold because I don't like the layout that much, the smith is way too far from the twin maiden husks which make it really annoying when you have to make back and forth.
6| The Nexus and the 7| Dilapidated Temple for the same reasons you listed.
Returning to firelink in ds1 is like throwing your backpack down after a long day of school
My favourite hub moment will always be knocking Lautrec off of that cliff 😂
Another bangerrr🗣
while I'm actually pretty critical of Sakuraba especially compared to so many RPG composers I love more, he's a big part of why Firelink and Majula are some of my favourite locations ever. his atmospheric ambient tunes in DS1 & 2 are mostly pretty cool tbh. his ambient music also tends to be some of the only stuff I like from him in other games (alongside his progressive rock which he tends to excel at way more than his hundreds of generic orchestral battle songs), such as Niez' theme in Tales of Arise
When I was super tilted after playing brawlhalla for too long, I downloaded Dark souls 2 again, booted up a random savefile and just listend to the theme of Majula to calm down. It helped a bit 😅
Congrats on 10k bud
Gracias
Thank you for recognizing the magnificence that is Majuula. Since I bought DS2 I couldn't believe people didnt love the game as I did
DS2 may be my least favourite Souls, but I still love it, flaws and all, and Majula is just... The cherry on top. Such a great location to set the scene for the main game.
My new fave soulsborne tuber
Playing Feel while asking for subs is quite a power move.
Its rare that i hear someone say something that gives me pause at all, but what you said: you like to think the Majula sun is what solaire was looking for... that is kinda beautiful actually, consider that theory/whishful thought adopted.
Imo
7.Dilapidated Temple
6.the Nexus
5.Firelink Shrine DS3
4.Hunter’s Dream
3.Roundtable Hold
2.Firelink Shrine DS1
1.Majula
I started this vid 10 seconds ago but already I am going to say Majula NEEDS to be #1. I would say Hunter’s Dream would be a decent number 2 and then from there probably the OG firelink should be 3 and then it’s tough to say. I will come back after the vid to see how I did!
Wow I didn’t expect to actually get all 3 of them haha. I have nothing else to say besides you nailed it, perfect list.
I wanna see lies of p boss ranking pt 2! I’m so hyped for it!! 🎉
It'll be out on Friday ^^
Ds1 fire link is the best bc of the interconnectivity for me. But I really love how expansive the round table is
DS1's hub truly is a hub in the sense of it being a place you'll come back to as you explore the world, which I absolutely adore as a Metroidvania fan.
DS1's is #1 for me because nothing beats the feeling when you get back after making it through the depths and blighttown
Love the use of FF14 music in your intros and outros
Amazing music for good videos
1. Firelink shrine (Ds3)
2. Firelink shrine (Ds1)
3. Majula
4. Hunters dream
5. Roundtable hold
6. Sekiro
as much as I love Elden Ring I think Roundtable Hold is one of the most underwhelming hubs in From's games. Not bad, but underwhelming. I like the hubs that I like because: atmosphere, secrets and sense of progression (being able to see more parts of the area as you progress in the game), npcs, music, connection to areas, design and lore. Roundtable Hold has a boring ost and it never changes, the npcs there are really great but most of the ones that go there you find in the early game, as you progress they only leave one after one (the only npc that moves there later on mid game is the Dung Eater), unlike in Dark Souls 3 where it gave the vibe of people moving in and out throughout the whole game, and the secrets are unlocked fairly early on and there's nothing of substance. Alberich only hides the cipher pata, and the stonesword keys only hide a shitty crossbow and a tome of shitty incantations lmao. Nothing of substance really is discovered, unlike in Dark Souls 3 with all of the valuable items, pump a rum, the tower of dead firekeepers and etc. And this is the third time they did the "finding the true hub in the true world" and it's the most boring version of the twist. It's still a great moment but it doesn't affect the game in any significant way, unlike Untended Graves and True Workshop, but that's in part a good thing, the exact same twist would be boring the third time around. The things that save it for me are the atmosphere and design, pretty unique and cool, and the really interesting cast of characters.
Majula and Hunters Dream 🐐🐐
Everyone loves Majula for the music and the perfect vibe. But i want to point out how from majula you start every single path to the Lords. DS2 MIGHT not have the same level design of DS1 but it is the closest we got to it in the series. I will forever love majula for all these reasons even though ds2 was not my first souls
I'm so shook I love the dilapidated temple
And if you could explain what makes it so enjoyable to you, I'd love to hear it.
Bloodborne's Hunter's Dream is my favorite. I am biased as it was my first souls game and my favorite game. Firelink DS1 is a close second place for me. Majula is great as well and I knew it would most likely be number 1. Although, imo Majula is the only thing I really like about DS2 at all, and just about the only thing the game does right.
My opinion before watching the video:
1. Bloodborne
2. Dark Souls II
3. Dark Souls
4. Dark Soul III
5. Elden Ring
6. Demons Souls
7. Sekiro
Yea kinda accurate let’s go
🤔 mine is Round Table Hold 🤣 just bc it feels like a hang out spot with everyone 🤭 and just being held feels nice
dude you have GOT to rank your 10 favourite bosses it would be really interesting
I'll likely do that ranking before the year ends, don't worry ^^
Majula
Firelink Shrine (DS3)
Firelink Shrine (DS1)
Roundtable Hold
The Nexus
Dilapidated Temple
Hunters Dream
NPC’s are pretty important to me as they flesh out the world and set tone. Majula and Firelinks have no shortage on this. They’re also pretty efficient on being filled with vendors, upgrade systems, and small secrets.
Hunter’s Dream ranks lowest for me just because it’s so lame? No NPC’s come and go, there’s no secrets to find, and having to teleport here to teleport somewhere else every time doesn’t help either.
Alright, so there's this relatively unknown indie game named tunic which I absolutely adore. Just the art style alone will probably sell it for most people. I would really enjoy to see you play it and maybe do some boss rankings. If you couldn't tell, it's a souls-like!
If you go back to my older videos, I actually had Tunic's Overworld theme as my old outro music. I played it when it first came out, and it's definitely a game that makes you think. I'd love to revisit it, if only to try attempting that one puzzle for the True Ending legitimately lmao
Omg thanks for responding. I haven't seen many of your old videos, but now that I do I hear the main theme of tunic. Tunic basically changed how I perceive games, and it's nice to see that other people like it. However, there's only 7 bosses, counting the boss rush in the cathedral, and not many areas, so a ranking video would be hard to make. I would still love to see a full video on tunic, definitely doesn't get enough love!
Seek seek lest Billy. Seek seek lest.
And congrats on reaching the 10k
Actually, it's "Bare seek seek lest." Fake fan, smh. /joking
I love Majula, but also resent it somewhat because it had my expectations so high for DS2, which it definitely did not live up to.
every time i see ds2 im always tempted to buy in on PC and replay it.
i had borrowed it from a friend on ps3 after i found bloodborne and beat it. Sometimes it looks like an overhated game but most of the time it just looks like a clusterfuck of boring bosses and too many enemies. This video made it look glorious and i know it’s just the hub
I have it on steam, but I found hooking up a controller to be a pain so I re-purchased it on PS4 for my videos this year. Definitely the right decision.
Funny enough my favorite hub is where its game peaks
Id had a gut feeling Majula was gonna win, but i was hoping your love for Bloodborne would push Hunter Dream slightly ahead. Oh well!
Even if the topic is contentious or i disagree with a ranking of yours, it's hard to be upset! Love your analysis and reasoning. Definitely made me think twice about what i value in a hub
Love your content! And grats on 10k. Well deserved!
I adore Bloodborne, but snubbing Dark Souls II in the one category it can actually beat all the other games in would just be too cruel lmao
Never really undertood the hype for DS1 firelink shrine. Yes, the music is great and the NPCs are there but for me this is just a road junction. You can´t do anything special there which you can´t do at any other bonfires. Plus, there´s no hut or anything that makes you feel really save (I mean how many of us have been chased there by skeletons when we first played it😅).
DS3 firelink shrine will always be my fav💜
The fact that it's a road junction is exactly why some of us love it. It's not a hub in the sense of being a place to upgrade gear, or return to continue quests. It's simply a focal point from which the rest of the world expands from, with gorgeous visuals and great music. As a Metroidvania fan, it really speaks to me from that design perspective.
If majula isn’t 1 we riot.
DS2 has ONE thing that is much better than every other soulslike. Majula feels safe
My least favorite SB game, but like the Hub... DS2. Funny memory is killing the piglets each visit to finally walk around the corner to discover Bigger Pigs... which eventually gave way to BIG PIG before the zone, like about half the territory in my playthrough was finally pacified and rendered safe for pedestrians.
"Bare, bare, seek, seek, lest" 😂ded
I know its not relevant to the video but all the FF 14 music hyped me up. My ranking is pretty similar to yours except I don't like roundtable hold much so I'd placed it below DS3 and Nexus
I’m not a big fan of the ds3 hub aesthetically, but the secret betrayal OST just hits different. Original ds2 is my favorite hub though, SOTFS is a bit too bright.
People talk about the Majula music feeling comforting but to me it feels so distant and cold and makes me feel actively uncomfortable. Funny how music can hit us so different.
My favorites are Nexus, Hunters Dream and DS1 Firelink and i feel like it drops off a lot from there. Roundtable is interesting but you barely go there, and DS3 Firelink is just too fucking grey lol
Hearing the Majula music always gives me ptsd.
I’m making another comment just to shoutout the demons souls remake hub. I just love the look even if it doesn’t fit the ambience of the og.
I actually love DS3 hub. Just because of the music. Or I’m not even really sure why I like it. I can’t help it!
Before watching
1. DS2
2. DS1
3. DS3
4. Elden Ring
5. Bloodborne
6. Demon's Souls
7. Sekiro
My personal favorite is firelink shrine from ds3
Legit, first time playing DS1, which was the first of the series I played, hearing the snoring frampt without knowing who or what he was scared the crap outa me! Then on his revea I laughed my azz off😂
The Nexus in DeS remake is my favorite. In real life I value practicality over looks every time but the Nexus is just so stunningly beautiful that I don't mind all the unnecessary steps (including jumping to your death after each victorious boss fight)
Soulsborne video with FF14 music in the intro? nice :)
Nothing beats the Shadowbringers OST!
I know people don't like hunters nightmare but if you don't compare it to the og firelink shrine I think it's my favorite hub
Uh, Hunter's Nightmare? Do you mean the Hunter's Dream?
The comment was a mistake, tho the doll was once gonna refer to the Hunter's Dream as a 'nightmare' in cut dialogue.
say what u want about ds2 but they hit the mark with majula, sometimes I just sit there and just relax and take it all in.
Hot take but my favorite hub is the ds3 firelink shrine
Next time rank every possible build in ds3
Please no, I literally have no knowledge on builds or stats ;w;
Would love a Soulsborne top power bottom NPC list! Andre makes it to the top of my list ;-)
Andre always gave me Service Top energy. God, now you've got me thinking, I swear lmao
Unpopular opinion but I really think Majula is super overrated. This isn’t me hating it, quite the opposite I like Majula and some of the npcs (Except the emerald herald.) its just I cant grow a connection with it like the others. My personal favorite is the round table for spoiler reasons.
I wouldn't say that's Majula being overrated, as I feel people use overrated to describe the most mundane things nowadays, but you admitting you don't have that personal connection with it. Same with me & Sekiro's Dilapidated Temple or The Nexus from Demon's Souls. And that's a totally valid feeling - Sometimes something just doesn't click.
We all know what your favorite Hub is. You can’t lie to us.
Oh no, he's on to me.
Majula number one
The only ranking where ds2 deserves the no 1 spot.
Yeah Dark Souls II was actually the LAST Soulsbourne I got to play and yes Majula without any doubt is the best hub.
The only list that ds2 can be a top contender