The Souls-like genre has indelibly influenced the gaming world, motivating numerous designers to craft challenging, awe-inspiring games that demand extraordinary levels of patience and skill from their players in ways few others do.
However, unlike typical Souls-like games with their emphasis on challenging gameplay and intricate mechanics, there’s a category of games within this genre designed to cater to both veterans and beginners by keeping the fundamental elements while reducing stress: these are called Souls-lites.
Or simply, Souls-lites are more accessible versions of traditional Souls-like games, making it easier for newcomers to jump in without the high levels of stress usually associated with the genre.
Games labeled as “Souls-likes” share the core mechanics of the Souls series but provide a smoother gaming experience for players. This could be achieved by having more frequent save points, easier combat systems, or lenient character advancement.
If you‘re new to the Souls series or find high-stress video games challenging, prepare to be captivated by these Souls-like games that offer a more forgiving experience.
10. 9 Years of Shadows
A Souls-Lite Castlevania Clone
Among the many Souls-like games I’ve encountered, the 9 Years of Shadows stands out as one of the most underappreciated ones. Unlike other Metroidvania games that use Souls mechanics, this game manages to execute them exceptionally well compared to any other Souls-lite I’ve previously played.
9 Years of Shadows shares many traits with the Souls series, such as tough battles, stamina-focused gameplay, and mastering enemy behavior. While it’s not quite a pure Souls-like experience due to its slightly more forgiving nature, it stands out as an exceptional choice among comparable games in that genre.
This game is a heartfelt tribute to the platform games we grew up with, blending swift, rhythmic fighting sequences with an endearing narrative centered around bringing color back to a world enveloped by shadows.
In this rephrased version, you assume the role of Europa, a resilient, youthful warrior, who’s ready to take action and prevent the spreading rot from plunging her realm into darkness.
9 Years of Shadows seems like the kind of game I would have been captivated by as a child; each moment of my summer vacation would have been absorbed in this enchanting title. If you’re a fan of Metroidvania games with Souls-style mechanics, then I wholeheartedly endorse 9 Years of Shadows.
9. UNSIGHTED
Post-Apocalyptic Pixelated Paradise
Unsighted is a game that stays with you even long after you’ve finished playing it. It’s been years since my initial playthrough, and yet this game continues to resurface in my thoughts on a daily basis. Unsighted can spark your brain into action quicker than Usain Bolt at the Olympics.
One aspect of this game I find particularly captivating is how it combines the best elements from classic top-down action role-playing games – engaging combat, exciting exploration, and colossal foes – while also incorporating a real-time timer system that requires continuous attention.
In this game, all of your companions, including yourself, are robotic beings surviving in a world devastated by an apocalypse. Each of us has a set lifespan before we revert into mere machines, leaving it to us to either strive for salvation for everyone or face the tough choice of deciding who gets more time to witness the game’s conclusion (no extra stress intended).
In line with your expectations, this game provides an unending opportunity for repeated play, as its conclusions vary significantly depending on who you choose to rescue and when.
Leaving characters unresolved in games can linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished playing, while the characters you manage to save will always be outnumbered by those you couldn’t save.
In a less harsh fashion than traditional Souls-like games, Unsighted still encapsulates the core qualities of the genre through challenging combat, strategic decision-making, and a dynamic game world that encourages players to be agile in their actions and thoughtful in their choices.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but it is for those looking for a unique adventure!
8. Afterimage
Finally, a Metroidvania with Color
It seems that the design and movement of this game strongly brought to mind Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights for some reason.
The game stands out with its vibrant color palette and superior lighting compared to many Metroidvania games like Ender Lilies, offering a breath of fresh air amidst the prevalence of dull, dark-themed Metroidvania titles.
The main structure of this game is similar to Metroidvania, but it also adds features reminiscent of the Souls series, earning it the label ‘Souls-lite’. For instance, it offers challenging combat and open-ended exploration which require constant vigilance.
In simpler terms, Afterimage is a lively 2D side-scrolling adventure similar to exploring a vibrant neighborhood, but with a chihuahua that just won’t sit still! The game offers rapid combat unlike any other, coupled with customizable character builds and levels that don’t follow a straight path, ensuring you’ll stay on the edge of your seat throughout the entire journey.
As a passionate gamer, I find myself immersed in an exhilarating journey where I step into the shoes of Renee, a resilient young woman suffering from amnesia. The tragic remnants of her once thriving village serve as a chilling reminder of the horrific attack she miraculously survived.
Eager to recover her missing memories and reunite with loved ones thought to be gone, she sets out on an unexpected adventure that could ultimately shape the destiny of the world.
Even without its stunning visuals, Afterimage would still be an exceptional game. However, the exquisite, hand-drawn backdrops and figures serve as a delightful additional charm.
7. Eldest Souls
A Dark-Fastasy Masterpiece
It’s quite likely that a game named “Eldest Souls” falls under the Souls genre, and indeed, it usually does.
If you’re fond of games with intricate dark fantasy narratives, then you’ll undoubtedly enjoy Eldest Souls. It features obsidian blades, malevolent ancient deities, and a complex tale that’s so entangled you might need to discuss it in your next therapy session.
Among the tougher Souls-like games available, Eldest Souls stands out as one of the top choices. If you appreciate the challenging boss battles in Souls games and dislike excessive additional content, then consider adding this game to your list of desired titles.
In this game, every battle seems akin to challenging the very power of the sun, while each triumph feels like overcoming an arm-wrestling contest against a divine entity.
In this game, I step into the shoes of a solitary warrior, one of the rare humans daring enough to challenge the ancient deities known as the Old Gods. With humanity’s fate hanging in the balance, I find myself compelled to accomplish the seemingly impossible and vanquish each of these corrupted beings, seizing their thrones in the process. It’s no secret that this path won’t be easy, and the reasons for its difficulty are clear as day.
This game requires strategic thinking reminiscent of a 17th-century military commander. Each encounter may demand numerous attempts and extensive preparation time to emerge victorious. Therefore, ensure that you have ample free time before diving into it.
6. Ghost Song
An Unforgettable Souls-Lite Experience
Back in the day, I recall seeing the debut trailer for Ghost Song. It left me utterly astonished then, and I’m just as amazed now. What’s truly mind-blowing is that such a remarkable game was the initial project of an independent developer.
Ghost Song presents itself as a softened version of the Souls series, but don’t be fooled by its initial calm and enigmatic demeanor. It subtly draws you in with its serene, eerie ambiance, only to unexpectedly deliver challenging combat, intricate skill management, and a narrative so dense it would require a chainsaw to slice through.
In the game Ghost Song, you take on the role of a revived Deadsuit on the bleak moon of Lorian. Armed and focused, you begin your journey towards your goal, but it becomes apparent that the realm you’ve woken up in isn’t as it seems.
In this universe filled with unknown dangers lurking everywhere and eerie happenings shrouded in darkness, I’d need to keep a constant lookout, not just behind me but also ahead, if I’m to safely reach my destination.
5. Blasphemous 2
A Souls-esque Fever Dream
The second installment of the game Blasphemous, released in 2019, is its successor. Unlike its forerunner, it doesn’t embody the Soulslike style quite as much, but it retains many essential features characteristic of this genre.
As a gamer, I can’t help but notice that this game bears a striking resemblance to the original Blasphemous, but with a gentler, more lenient twist. It seems to be true from my gaming experience so far.
Moving forward seamlessly from its forerunner, Blasphemous 2 carries on the tale of The Penitent One, who stands alone after the devastating event called “The Silent Sorrow”.
Once more, you rise to find yourself embroiled in an eternal battle against The Curse, a vile affliction shaping the world’s destiny. Unlike before, this time, three unique weapons are immediately available for your selection, each offering a distinct approach to the game’s intense battles as you strive to overcome it.
As a gamer, whether I’m into the heavy-hitting power of a massive flail or the agile precision of twin blades, this game isn’t holding back on the action. To come out on top, I’ve got to be ready to learn from my mistakes and failures.
In this game, the fights can be incredibly intense, yet they make each tense, nail-biting moment you experience utterly rewarding.
4. Hyper Light Drifter
A Neon-Soaked Souls-Lite
One can’t help but be captivated by the visual appeal of this game beyond its intriguing name. Hyper Light Drifter stands out with its vivid, eye-popping colors that appear to leap off the screen, immersing players deeply within the gameplay.
Beyond its captivating graphics, Hyper Light Drifter stands out as a fantastic pick for enthusiasts across the board who appreciate the style of games in the Souls series.
Besides the thrilling fights we’re accustomed to, this game introduces complex strategic planning and a puzzle-like storyline that relies on observing surroundings to solve.
In this game reminiscent of “Souls”, you won’t find lengthy explanations or tutorials. Instead, the experience is silent, without guides or friendly characters. You’ll immerse yourself in a mysterious world with obsolete technology, lost wisdom, and a history so fragmented that it seems miraculous there was any hope for the future at all.
In this scenario, individuals assume the character of a Drifter, a solitary voyager burdened by an enigmatic affliction. Seeking to counteract the malady consuming you, you’ll traverse the extremities of your realm, gathering dusty relics and cryptic knowledge that may have been better left undisturbed.
3. TUNIC
Small Fox, Big Adventure
The tunic evokes a sense of contemporary freshness and nostalgic charm for me, and if it had been released in the early 2000s, I believe it could have single-handedly kept me from completing my homework. If you’ve ever pondered over what the Zelda games might have been like if Link were a fox, then Tunic is exactly what you’re looking for.
This seemingly innocuous game might deceive you with its adorable exterior, but beware: it has the power to teach you a lesson in the most satisfying manner possible.
As a fan who dives into intricate puzzles reminiscent of the Souls series but with a lighter touch, Tunic has me grappling with challenges that feel like cracking a complex chemical equation on the spot while battling for survival. It’s an exhilarating, nerve-wracking journey that leaves me perspiring, wide-eyed, and incredibly elated that I chose to play this game.
In this game, you’ll embody a small warrior fox, stranded in a vast realm. Your innate curiosity and combat skills will be your companions as you navigate through this expansive world.
Here, there’s no hand-holding; you’ll need to figure things out yourself by reading through the game’s instruction manual to understand the rules, storyline, and even the fundamental controls.
Tunics battle is tough and unforgiving, calling for precise dodging, smart stamina usage, and strategic thinking, particularly when facing the game’s larger bosses.
However, what truly enchants about Tunic is the immersive exploration and adventure it offers, making each mystery revealed, each puzzle solved, and each victory in a challenging conflict seem like an extraordinary achievement in your gaming journey.
2. Hollow Knight
“Buggy” in a Good Way
Hollow Knight is a game worth experiencing by just about anyone, and it’s particularly recommended for those who enjoy titles similar to the Souls series. While the game can be challenging, it offers an immersive experience that may surprise you with how deeply it resonates with various aspects of video gaming.
Initially, a voyage into the long-abandoned realm of Hallownest seems straightforward. However, it soon evolves into a fierce battle against The Infection – a malevolent force that strips insects of their autonomy and transforms them into automated aggressors.
As a humble knight, you stand ready, armed only with a single nail and an unwavering spirit of bravery. You are resolved to battle against this destructive Infection using every ounce of your strength, regardless of any pesky insects that may cross your path.
As you delve deeper into the realm, your skills and strength will grow, a fact that proves useful since you’ll likely require them.
You’ll have to gather every last ounce of your strength as Hollow Knight won’t show any mercy. The boss battles will challenge reflexes you didn’t know existed, the common enemies will pack a punch stronger than a speeding semi on a freeway, and getting lost is a definite risk in this game’s intricate network of underground mazes and dead ends.
Despite the challenges it presents, Hollow Knight sometimes softens its approach when it comes to advancement. For instance, much like in Souls-like games, it permits players to return after death to reclaim both their soul (Shade) and their currency (Geo).
1. Black Myth: Wukong
One Souls-Lite to Rule Them All
If Souls-like games had a special honor for exceptionally challenging gameplay, Black Myth: Wukong would undoubtedly amass numerous accolades for its extremely difficult settings.
In this game, the intense battle experience cherished by Souls series enthusiasts is transported into a captivating realm steeped in ancient Chinese folklore, reminiscent of the renowned story “Journey to the West”.
In Black Myth: Wukong, you assume the role of the Fated Warrior, an enigmatic figure who holds the ability to summon magic and transform into various beasts.
In your role as The Chosen One, you’ll traverse challenging terrains, unearth long-lost tales, and disclose hidden mysteries, ultimately discovering the truth about yourself and unveiling your hidden destiny.
On your journey, you’ll encounter countless towering adversaries who seem determined to end your path. The battles in this game are both mercilessly challenging and finely tuned, demanding proficiency in evading, blocking, and even magic use to stay alive. It’s rare for enemies to be defeated on the initial attack, so strategic thinking and careful planning are essential if you aim to emerge victorious from any fight.
In truth, Black Myth: Wukong, released in 2024, was remarkably challenging. Yet, its exceptional quality makes it a must-try for anyone who can grab a copy!
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2025-04-03 18:12