Gaming

Half of the soulslike appeal is the world design and exploration, which I assume AC is all about, as I haven't played any. Elden Ring also explicitly gave people summons which make the game easier for almost every fight, so they can be approached by more casual players, and it worked.

Lastly, Dark Souls fans are tryhards that will tell you you're playing the game wrong for using magic, summons, or sometimes even a shield. Dark Souls 1 for instance is way easier early if you have the Heal spell, and the game's practically begging you to learn it by giving you all you need before the first real area. The "Prepare to die" slogan was introduced after DS1 hit mainstream.