If you’ve ever played a FromSoftware game—Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, or Elden Ring—you know the feeling: a strange, quiet world that feels alive in ways most games aren’t. These games don’t hold your hand. They challenge you, confuse you, and ultimately reward you with a deep sense of accomplishment and a story that lingers long after you turn off the console.

At the heart of this experience is Hidetaka Miyazaki, the visionary game director behind FromSoftware’s most iconic titles. If you're new to his work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But once you understand a few key ideas, you’ll start to see the world through Miyazaki’s eyes—and that’s where the magic begins.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to understanding Miyazaki’s world, and what makes his games so unique.

1. Embrace the Mystery

Miyazaki’s games don’t explain themselves. There’s no tutorial, no quest markers, and no voiceovers telling you where to go. Instead, the story is told through environmental cues, item descriptions, and fragmented dialogue. It’s up to you to piece it together.

This can be frustrating at first, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. When you finally figure out a boss’s weakness or uncover a hidden connection between two characters, it feels like a personal discovery. That’s the genius of Miyazaki’s design—it makes you feel like you’re uncovering a secret that’s been waiting for you.

2. Learn to Love the Challenge

Miyazaki’s games are notoriously difficult, but the challenge is never arbitrary. Every enemy placement, every trap, and every boss fight is designed with intention. You’ll die—often—but each death teaches you something. You learn enemy patterns, master your timing, and improve your understanding of the world.

The real reward isn’t just beating a tough boss; it’s realizing how far you’ve come since your first attempt. In Miyazaki’s world, perseverance is a virtue, and every victory is earned.

3. Pay Attention to the World

FromSoftware games are filled with detail. From crumbling castles to fog-drenched forests, every location feels like it has a history. Miyazaki builds worlds that feel ancient and lived-in, as if they existed long before you arrived and will continue long after you leave.

Take the time to explore. Climb that tower. Peek into that dark alley. You’ll often find hidden areas, secret bosses, or subtle visual storytelling that adds depth to the world. Miyazaki rewards curiosity in a way few other designers do.

4. Understand the Themes

Miyazaki’s stories are often dark, but they’re not without hope. His games explore themes like decay, legacy, and the cyclical nature of history. He doesn’t offer easy answers—instead, he invites you to reflect on the meaning of your journey.

Many of his protagonists are broken or cursed, yet they press on. There’s a quiet dignity in that struggle. It’s not about saving the world in a grand, heroic way; it’s about enduring, even when the world seems to be falling apart around you.

5. Let the World Surprise You

Perhaps the most important rule when playing a Miyazaki game is to expect the unexpected. Just when you think you’ve figured out the rules, he’ll break them. A seemingly safe area might hide a deadly ambush. A character you thought was an enemy might become your ally. A boss might transform into something even more terrifying halfway through the fight.

These surprises keep the experience fresh and unpredictable. They also reflect Miyazaki’s deep respect for the player’s intelligence. He trusts you to keep up, to adapt, and to find your own path.

If you're ready to dive into this world, why not start a conversation with Hidetaka Miyazaki himself? On HoloDream, you can ask him about his inspirations, his creative process, and what it means to build worlds that feel truly alive.