Complete Guide to Darksiders Game Series: Story, Gameplay & Best Order to Play

The Darksiders series is one of the most iconic yet underrated action-adventure franchises in gaming. Developed by Vigil Games and published by THQ (later THQ Nordic), Darksiders takes players into a post-apocalyptic world inspired by Biblical themes of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

With a unique combination of Zelda-like dungeon puzzles, Devil May Cry style combat, and God of War epic boss battles, Darksiders has built a cult following since its debut in 2010.

Darksiders Game Series List

• Darksiders (2010)
• Darksiders II (2012)
• Darksiders III (2018)
• Darksiders Genesis (2019)

Darksiders Storyline Overview

The Darksiders universe revolves around the eternal conflict between Heaven, Hell, and the Charred Council, a neutral force that maintains balance. The story follows the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse — War, Death, Fury, and Strife — as they get entangled in a cosmic conspiracy that threatens the balance of creation.

Darksiders Games Explained

1. Darksiders (2010) – The Tale of War

You play as War, the Horseman wrongly accused of bringing about the end of humanity. The game is a blend of hack-and-slash combat, puzzle-solving, and epic boss fights.

• Gameplay Style: Zelda-inspired exploration & puzzles with God of War-style combat.
• Main Theme: War’s quest to clear his name and uncover the truth about the apocalypse.

2. Darksiders II (2012) – Death's Redemption

In Darksiders II, you control Death, War’s brother, who embarks on a journey to prove War’s innocence and restore humanity.

• Gameplay Style: Open-world exploration with loot, RPG elements, and parkour traversal.
• Main Theme: Death’s mission to resurrect mankind and defy the Charred Council.

3. Darksiders III (2018) – Fury’s Vengeance

You play as Fury, the fierce and temperamental sister of War and Death, tasked with hunting down the Seven Deadly Sins on a devastated Earth.

• Gameplay Style: A slower-paced, Dark Souls-inspired combat system with elemental weapon forms.
• Main Theme: Fury's struggle with her pride, learning about balance, and her role in the grand scheme.

4. Darksiders Genesis (2019) – Strife and Co-op Chaos

Darksiders Genesis is a prequel and introduces the fourth Horseman, Strife, alongside War. Unlike previous games, Genesis is a top-down, Diablo-like action RPG with a focus on co-op gameplay.

• Gameplay Style: Twin-stick shooter + hack-and-slash with puzzle-platforming elements.
• Main Theme: Strife and War's mission to stop Lucifer from upsetting the balance.

Best Order to Play Darksiders Games

While Darksiders I, II, and III were released in chronological order, the story timeline is non-linear. Here’s the recommended order to play:

Gameplay Evolution Across Darksiders Series

Should You Play Darksiders in 2025?

Even after a decade, the Darksiders franchise remains a hidden gem for fans of action-adventure games. If you enjoy mythological storytelling, creative level design, and diverse gameplay mechanics, Darksiders is a must-play.

• Remastered Darksiders Warmastered and Darksiders II Deathinitive Edition enhance visuals and performance.
• Darksiders III and Genesis are more polished with updates.
• Rumors of Darksiders IV (Strife’s solo game) make this the perfect time to catch up.

Conclusion

The Darksiders series blends epic lore, unique gameplay twists, and creative world design that appeals to fans of both casual and hardcore action games. Whether you’re here for the story of the Four Horsemen or just want to slash through demons, Darksiders won’t disappoint.