The Best Castles In Soulslike Games, Ranked

Highlights

Science fiction Soulslikes offer a refreshing twist on the genre, taking players into unique futuristic settings.
Castle dungeons in Soulslike games are a proud tradition, filled with traps, soldiers, phantoms, and ancient mausoleums.
Each castle in games like Demon’s Souls and Elden Ring offers players a challenging and visually striking experience, with rich lore to uncover.

As a seasoned traveler of the realms beyond our own, I must say that these Soulslike castles have left indelible impressions upon my soul. Each one has been a labyrinthine testament to the grandeur and cruelty of their respective worlds, a challenge to be surmounted by the most resilient of adventurers.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but notice the plethora of Souls-like games flooding the market these days, each set in diverse worlds and genres. Yet, it’s undeniable that the Souls genre has an unbreakable bond with fantasy, largely due to the legendary Demon’s Souls and the epic trilogy that succeeded it. This connection translates into a common theme where we find swords, magic, dragons, and, without fail, castles in most of these games.

In many Soulslike role-playing games, the quality of their dungeon layout significantly impacts their success or failure. Among these games, iconic castle dungeons stand out as memorable highlights. These castles, towering structures that players venture into alone, have been a consistent element in these games throughout history. Here’s a list of ten outstanding castle dungeons you won’t want to miss.

10 King’s Tower (Demon’s Souls)

The Original Fortress

The Best Castles In Soulslike Games, Ranked

Originally released in 2009, Demon’s Souls was a trailblazer that set the stage for the Soulslike genre. The recent 2020 remake offers players an opportunity to immerse themselves in this classic game with updated visuals. Notably, one of the challenging dungeons and enemies from this esteemed title is the King’s Tower, a new area that fans of the remake will discover for the first time.

In the game of Demon’s Souls, though players theoretically can traverse the regions in any sequence, they often find themselves approaching the King’s Tower near the end, given its strategic placement as the final stage. This towering fortress is brimming with traps, soldiers, and menacing red phantoms, along with a historical mausoleum where players can acquire a legendary sword. It also features a familiar encounter with a dragon on a bridge and ends with a clash against Old King Allant himself. However, the game maintains its Soulslike essence by keeping secrets about this king’s true nature.

9 Fountainhead Palace (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice)

A Scenic Soulslike Castle

“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” stands out from other Souls-like games due to its intense focus on action, departure from typical RPG mechanics, and a distinctive world influenced by ancient Japanese folklore. The game is filled with formidable monsters and demanding duels, but it also boasts some breathtakingly beautiful locations.”

In the course of the game, players can reach the breathtakingly beautiful Fountainhead Palace by aligning with Lord Kuro. Here, they’ll come face-to-face with a familiar adversary known as the Corrupted Monk, and later engage in a climactic battle against the Divine Dragon, the penultimate boss before the endgame. The palace is accessed via a picturesque vantage point offering stunning views of the castle and its namesake waterfalls cascading down.

8 Volcano Manor (Elden Ring)

The Dark Side Of The Golden Order

In the expansive universe of Elden Ring, it’s no secret that many mysteries are tucked away. And none more so than in the imposing Volcano Manor, perched atop the volcanic Mount Gelmir. This formidable structure witnessed a fierce battle long ago, and remnants of the conflict – ruined walls and decaying bodies – can still be found scattered across its slopes. Yet, inside, an unexpected calm prevails. Here, players have the chance to align with a secretive group of recluses who strive to challenge the Golden Order.

Hidden beneath its polite facade, Volcano Manor conceals a grim reality. Players can penetrate an illusionary barrier to enter the castle grounds. The authentic Volcano Manor is a despicable citadel of torment and incarceration, teetering on the brink of Mount Gelmir’s lava. This perilous dungeon reveals the sordid past of Elden Ring’s Golden Order, compelling players to ponder the extent of their determination to liberate the land from the religion’s control.

7 Cainhurst Castle (Bloodborne)

Going Gothic

Bloodborne draws heavily from various genres, with its primary setting in the gothic city of Yharnam being steeped in horror and the supernatural. As players delve deeper into the game’s beast plague mystery, it develops a distinctly Lovecraftian flavor. However, when players reach the gates of Cainhurst Castle, the gothic atmosphere makes a strong return.

Cainhurst Castle stands as a grand and intimidating stronghold, adorned with statues on its parapets and halls draped with velvet and towering bookshelves. Spirits haunt its chambers, while grotesque, bloated flea women lurk in the surrounding grounds to feed on the remnants. Steeped in bloodshed and sacrilege, this abandoned castle’s past is shrouded in mystery. If a player brings their friend Alfred along, he will unveil his true nature here.

6 Lothric Castle (Dark Souls 3)

A Fortress For The Final Lord

In the epic journey of a player in Dark Souls 3, the mission to resurrect the four lords and rekindle the Age of Fire reaches its peak at Lothric Castle, a grand fortress that stands tall amidst the empire on the brink of decay. This colossal castle, which can be recognized from one of the game’s initial stages, is where Prince Lothric resides – the last lord that players must defeat to complete their quest.

A traveler’s path through the vast, ominous Lothric Castle takes them through a chilling meeting with a pair of dragons and into the colossal, spectral library known as the Grand Archives, teeming with scholars and spectral limbs. This sequence culminates in an epic rooftop battle and a climactic face-off against Prince Lothric and his formidable sibling. The majesty and magnitude of Lothric Castle ensure it leaves a lasting impression as the ultimate final stronghold.

5 Brume Tower (Dark Souls 2)

Some Of The Most Intricate Level Design Seen In Soulslike Games

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at the ingeniously intricate level designs hidden within Dark Souls 2’s DLC expansions. Among these masterpieces, Brume Tower from Crown of the Old Iron King truly stands out, embodying the series’ unique flair. This colossal mountain fortress is unlike any other Soulslike castle I’ve encountered, with its distinctly mechanical aesthetic that oozes an ancient, imposing presence.

In this downloadable content (DLC), players will gradually descend through Brume Tower, a structure characterized by its vertical structure. Along the way, they’ll encounter partially mechanical soldiers and massive steam-powered giants. The journey ends at the foot of the tower where they’ll face the Fume Knight, one of the game’s toughest bosses.

4 Sen’s Fortress (Dark Souls)

A Den of Snakes

In the initial version of ‘Dark Souls’, the meticulously crafted and interwoven level structure is what sets it apart. The realm of Lordran seems authentic and tangible, inviting players to traverse it from one extreme to another at their leisure. However, to access the latter part of the game, adventurers must first conquer Sen’s Fortress.

To enter this colossal fortress, players must first toll both Bells of Awareness. Inside, they’ll face cunning snake-like creatures and lethal mechanical hazards. Sharpswords, darts, and concealed spikes will pose constant threats, lurking around every corner. At the pinnacle of the fortress lies a massive contraption that hurls boulders to obliterate players beneath. Additionally, Sen’s Fortress is infamous for introducing players to their first encounter with mimics.

3 Stormveil Castle (Elden Ring)

The Darkness Looming Over The Starting Location Of Limgrave

In Elden Ring, though the vast open world appears to be infinite in its possibilities for discovery, many players will encounter Stormveil Castle quite early on in their journey. This imposing castle is under the watchful eye of Margit the Fell Omen, a formidable boss that most players will face initially. The menacing structure, marred by holes and adorned with eerie, ominous vines, serves as a stark reminder of the troubled condition of the Lands Between.

Stormveil Castle presents a tough maze for gamers to explore. To dodge the crossbow-wielding guards at the entrance, enthusiasts might choose to ally with the enigmatic Gatekeeper Gostoc. However, they’ll then encounter the lethal stormhawks patrolling the rooftops. Within its walls, armies of soldiers lie in wait, along with grotesque grafted beasts and a climactic battle against Godrick, a gruesomely grafted ruler who gives players a chilling glimpse of the darkness Great Runes can bring.

2 Drangleic Castle (Dark Souls 2)

A Destined End

In Dark Souls 2, the grave mission of the Chosen Undead appears to reach its climax at Drangleic Castle, the stronghold of King Vendrick’s dominion. This majestic castle is fortified with complex enchantments; players must defeat enemies close to the castle’s silent stone sentinels to move forward. The castle teems with lethal knights and soldiers, making the journey through its corridors a formidable task.

As a devoted fan, my first adventure in Drangleic Castle leads me scaling its towering battlements in pursuit of the lost king. After uncovering King Vendrick’s tragic end, I find myself compelled to revisit the castle and unearth the secret behind his power, all in an attempt to reignite the Age of Fire.

1 Shadow Keep (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)

Ending Messmer’s Reign

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the challenging expansion of Elden Ring, which transports players to the bleak Land of Shadow – a battle-scarred realm shrouded in darkness and overshadowed by the colossal Scadutree above. The ominous Shadow Keep casts its shadow over nearly the entire map, standing tall as one of the largest strongholds From Software has ever created.

In Shadow Keep, players need to climb through a vast, centralized dungeon known as a traditional legacy one, to encounter the notorious Messmer the Impaler. The labyrinthine layout of the Keep offers multiple entrances and exits that players must find for comprehensive exploration. Throughout their journey, they’ll delve into the ominous depths of the Keep, traverse its towering Specimen Chamber rafters, and even venture into the submerged Church District within this colossal castle.

2024-08-01 07:05