9 Anime You Need To Watch If You Enjoy Soulslike Games

Soulslike games have become incredibly popular over the last ten years. It all began with FromSoftware’s Demon’s Souls in 2009, and the Dark Souls series continued to build that popularity. Bloodborne, released in 2015, became a community favorite. These games are famous for being very challenging – players often have to die repeatedly to learn enemy patterns and overcome obstacles. With limited save points and a constant sense of tension, the genre remains thriving and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.

Dark fantasy is a common setting in Soulslike games, though it’s not a requirement. If you’re looking for something similar but want to take a break from gaming, there are many anime series that capture the same feeling. Some of these shows are hidden gems, and they range from brutal action with intense battles to stories that just feel like a Soulslike game.

Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions

A group of people find themselves in a bizarre new world, completely without memories. They’re quickly faced with deadly monsters and constant danger, where death is permanent – it’s not a game. This isn’t a story about overpowered heroes; it’s about ordinary young people struggling to survive, grow stronger, and uncover the truth about where they are, both in body and spirit.

Based on the light novel series Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, this 2016 anime is well-known for its beautiful animation and mature, often dark, themes like loss and the mental effects of fighting. While many anime feature characters transported to fantasy worlds, Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions stands out by feeling more realistic and harsh. Fans of challenging, story-rich games like the Souls series will likely find its world and story particularly appealing.

Claymore

Few stories capture the feeling of challenging action games quite like Claymore. The series takes place in a dark, medieval world plagued by terrifying, shapeshifting monsters called Yoma. A mysterious group known only as The Organization fights back by creating human-Yoma hybrids – powerful female warriors who hunt these creatures for a price. As the name suggests, they wield large claymore swords, and each warrior possesses a distinct fighting style or supernatural power. After rescuing a young boy named Raki from a Yoma attack, one of these warriors, Claire, agrees to travel with him as her companion.

Originally a 26-episode anime series that debuted in 2007, this show is based on a popular manga by Norihiko Yagi, first published in Monthly Shonen Jump. Known for its exciting battles and imaginative setting, it’s become a fan favorite. Interestingly, CBS is now working on a live-action TV adaptation, with the manga publisher Shueisha also involved. It remains to be seen whether the live-action version will match the anime’s intense action and violence.

Tokyo Ghoul

In a different version of Tokyo, humans live alongside ghouls – creatures who appear human but need to eat human flesh to survive. When college student Ken Kaneki is turned into a half-ghoul after an encounter with one of these beings, his life is turned upside down. He struggles to hold onto his humanity while trying to navigate the conflict between humans and ghouls, all while keeping his new identity a secret from friends and family. With its intense drama, gruesome imagery, and dark subject matter, Tokyo Ghoul is a perfect fit for fans of challenging, difficult games.

The anime series Tokyo Ghoul offered a fantastic adaptation of the original manga. If you enjoy dark fantasy and want a more in-depth look at Ken’s character—including the story’s more violent aspects—the manga is also worth checking out. A live-action movie released in 2017 has also received positive reviews.

Berserk

When people think of ‘Soulslike’ anime, Berserk often comes to mind. The 1997 anime series is based on Kentaro Miura’s famous dark fantasy manga and tells the story of Guts, a skilled swordsman on a relentless quest for revenge against Griffith, the leader of a mercenary band called the Band of the Hawk. Praised as one of the greatest anime ever made, the series explores complex themes – from the nature of free will to the darker side of humanity – and has had a huge impact on the dark fantasy genre.

The Berserk manga started in 1989 and is still ongoing, but after the tragic death of its creator, Kentaro Miura, in 2021, his friend and artist Kouji Mori took over. While the 1997 anime is highly recommended for fans of *Soulslike games, the 2016 adaptation has become infamous for its poor animation, weak CGI, and strange soundtrack.

Wolf’s Rain

If you watched Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim in 2004, you might remember Wolf’s Rain. This dark fantasy series is set in a world after a major disaster and centers around an old legend: when the world ends, a place called Paradise will appear, and only wolves will know how to find it. Though many believe wolves are extinct, they’ve actually been disguising themselves as humans. The story follows Kiba, a lone wolf, who is drawn to a city called Freeze City by a mysterious scent. There, he meets three other wolves, and together they begin a journey to find Paradise.

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Many fans appreciate Wolf’s Rain for its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and stunning music, composed by Yoko Kanno, known for her work on Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. The characters – Kiba, Tsume, Hige, and Toboe – powerfully convey a sense of desperation throughout the series, and their relentless pursuit of their goals, even in the face of danger, will likely appeal to fans of Soulslike games.

Rage of Bahamut

I’m completely hooked on Rage of Bahamut! It’s a dark fantasy anime set in this incredible world where gods, demons, and humans all coexist. The story starts with this legendary dragon, Bahamut, who almost destroyed everything, but all these different races teamed up to seal him away. They split a special key in two – the gods got one half, and the demons got the other – to make sure Bahamut could never return. Now, two thousand years later, this woman named Amira shows up, and she just happens to have the gods’ half of the key! She’s searching for her mother and teams up with a couple of bounty hunters. As they travel around, they run into all sorts of people – some want to keep Bahamut sealed forever, while others are trying to unleash him for some seriously evil plans. It’s a wild ride!

The first season of Rage of Bahamut is a favorite among dark fantasy fans, thanks to its rich storytelling and compelling characters. Animated by MAPPA – the studio behind hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man – it features the same high-quality animation. The series was originally based on a digital card game, though the English version of that game is no longer available.

Goblin Slayer

Initially, Goblin Slayer seems like a typical dark fantasy story. It’s set in a world where adventurers join a Guild to gain power and complete quests for rewards. A young priestess excitedly joins her first adventuring party, but their journey quickly turns disastrous when they’re relentlessly attacked by goblins. She witnesses the horrifying deaths and injuries of her companions before being rescued by Goblin Slayer, a man consumed by hatred for goblins and determined to wipe them out completely.

Goblin Slayer is a divisive anime that often sparks controversy. Many viewers were surprised by its intense violence and mature themes, as it doesn’t initially seem like a particularly shocking show. However, those who enjoy challenging, difficult games like the Souls series might find something to appreciate in it, despite the criticism it’s received since its release.

Made in Abyss

Based on the manga series by Akihito Tsukushi, Made in Abyss tells the story of Riko, an orphaned girl who lives near a massive, mysterious hole in the earth called the Abyss. This giant crater is filled with relics from ancient civilizations and draws adventurers seeking hidden treasures. But the Abyss is also cursed – the deeper you go, the worse the effects. Years after her mother vanished into the hole, Riko sets out to follow her, and her journey begins when she meets a boy who is part human, part robot.

Many fans and critics consider Made in Abyss one of the best anime series of the 2010s, praising its exciting adventures, emotional stories, and beautiful music. The series isn’t afraid to tackle dark and challenging themes, which appeals to viewers who enjoy intense experiences. It’s also known for its incredibly detailed and imaginative world. Good news for Western fans: a live-action Made in Abyss movie was officially approved in 2021.

Akame ga Kill!

Based on the action-packed manga Akame ga Kill, the story follows Night Raid, a secret group of assassins working with the Revolutionary Army. They’re determined to take down the corrupt Prime Minister Honest, who cares only about power while his citizens suffer. Tatsumi, a new recruit who left his village to help his people, joins their ranks and discovers the harsh realities of taking a life as he fights to survive in a dangerous world.

This series deeply explores the consequences of corruption and how committing murder—even with good intentions—can deeply affect someone. Both sides are driven by their beliefs, and each character must live with the choices they make. Fans of challenging, ‘soulslike’ games might enjoy the realistic portrayal of death and the constant sense of danger, where a single mistake can be fatal. While there are moments of humor, Akame ga Kill is ultimately a gritty and intense dark fantasy.

2026-02-11 03:40