I played Dark Souls for the first time in 2026, and it really is the best ever. But it wasn't an easy journey. I had gamer imposter syndrome, believing that video games weren't for people like me. I shied away from behemoth titles like Dark Souls, convinced that only a certain kind of person could play them. Girls, according to Psychology Today, are socialized to believe that capability is an inherent, static trait. We avoid challenges, try to look smart, and give up easily if we can't be perfect on the first try. Meanwhile, boys are told to keep trying, developing a growth mindset that ability can be developed. I was conditioned to believe I couldn't play soulslikes because of some predetermined trait I had no control over. But my partner insisted, and I bought Dark Souls: Remastered for half off. The first few hours were frustrating. I was destroyed by hordes of undead soldiers, yelling at the TV screen in frustration. But then I reached Taurus Demon, an early boss in the Undead Burg area. It was enormous and terrifying. I thought about how far away the last bonfire was and how much I had struggled to get there. I kept getting killed by Taurus Demon, but I grew accustomed to his attack patterns. I learned to take out enemies that had felt unbeatable just a few hours before. My partner was excited. He said, "You get it now." What makes Dark Souls legendary is that it teaches you how to conquer it, if you're willing to learn. I ended up beating Dark Souls, DLC included, in less time than my partner took to beat the main game. I was better at it than him. All I needed was the courage to try. This experience taught me that video games are for everyone, regardless of gender or ability. It's about learning, growing, and conquering challenges. So, if you're a girl who loves video games, don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. Give Dark Souls a try, and you might just discover a new world of gaming.
