Soulslike Games With Better Combat Than Dark Souls

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The original Demon’s Souls paved the way for the hugely popular Dark Souls. While Demon’s Souls was a polished and well-received game that boosted FromSoftware’s reputation, Dark Souls built on that foundation and became a series of three games. Essentially, Dark Souls is an action role-playing game known for its challenging, deliberate, and demanding combat.

While players can use magic and ranged attacks in Dark Souls, the game is fundamentally focused on close-quarters combat. Though beloved by fans, its combat isn’t the most complex available – even some other games made by the same developers are more fluid. Other games in the ‘Souls-like’ genre might not be overall better than Dark Souls, but they often offer more satisfying and engaging combat systems.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Hear The Wolf Howl

Okay, so I’ve been playing Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and it’s totally different from anything else FromSoftware has made, which is saying something! It’s not your typical fantasy RPG; this one’s set in feudal Japan, which is awesome. And the combat? Forget everything you know. It’s way more fast-paced and action-packed – you’re playing as a ninja, nicknamed Wolf, so it makes total sense. It’s all about quick reflexes and precise movements!

In combat, players control Wolf, who can fight with a katana or a versatile prosthetic arm that transforms into weapons like a flamethrower or large axe. The game features a very accurate parry system – mastering it is key to breaking an enemy’s defenses and delivering a final strike. Fluid movement, including dodges and a grappling hook, adds to the fast-paced battles. However, the lack of traditional RPG progression makes this game significantly more challenging than other titles from FromSoftware.

Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

The Warriors Of Light Are Back

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is a fresh take on the very first Final Fantasy game, revisiting classic elements like the Warriors of Light, elemental crystals, and the villains Garland and Chaos. It’s an action RPG in the style of the Souls series, featuring both a partner system and a robust Job system. This Job system is a key part of what makes the combat so enjoyable, letting players experiment with different classes – like mage, warrior, samurai, and ninja – and abilities without needing to spend a lot of time grinding. It offers more flexibility in character builds compared to games like Dark Souls.

The finishing moves in Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin are incredibly satisfying – turning enemies to crystal and shattering them is always fun. Plus, having two teammates fight alongside you makes the game a bit easier, which makes it a great entry point for players new to the Soulslike genre.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Hornet

Hollow Knight: Silksong promises a more dynamic combat experience than both the original Hollow Knight and Dark Souls. While the Knight in the first game felt a bit slow, Hornet is much faster and more agile. Plus, Silksong introduces Crests that allow players to customize Hornet’s abilities and change up the combat as they progress.

You can customize Hornet’s attacks in a few ways: some upgrades will make her swings slower but more powerful, while others will speed them up at the cost of range. The game also introduces new combat options like traps and tools, including everything from simple spikes to a full-on gun. Despite being challenging, it generally feels more responsive to control than many similar action games.

Nioh

Prepare Your Stance

Nioh is an action game set in feudal Japan, blending samurai combat with challenging, Souls-like gameplay. While loosely based on the real-life William Adams, the game takes creative liberties with history, adding supernatural elements. What truly stands out is the combat system: players can switch fighting styles on the fly, changing their attacks and adding depth to every battle.

In addition to weapons, players can team up with spirit animals, which grant them access to different spells in battle, offering a unique twist. While still a difficult Soulslike game, Nioh is a bit easier to pick up than Dark Souls thanks to its multiple paths, magic system, combat stances, and faster movement.

Remnant 2

Shooting For Something Different

It might not be a perfect comparison to games like Dark Souls or other ‘Soulslikes’, but Remnant 2 definitely shares similarities. While you can fight up close, it’s primarily a shooter, not a traditional hack-and-slash RPG. This focus on ranged combat sets it apart, but don’t let that fool you – it’s still a challenging game and firmly belongs within the Soulslike category.

In a ruined world, players collect and customize a variety of guns and ranged weapons to fight off terrifying monsters. While shooting is key, character classes also have unique abilities, adding depth to the combat. If you’re looking for a challenging, action-packed game similar to the Souls series but with guns, Remnant 2 is worth a look.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Reclaim China

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a challenging action game inspired by the Soulslike genre, set in a fantastical version of China. Think of it as a more difficult take on the popular Dynasty Warriors series. A key part of the combat is timing your defenses – parrying and countering attacks – which is actually more forgiving in Wo Long than in games like Dark Souls. It takes some getting used to, but mastering the counter system will make you feel completely in control.

In Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, players will experience fluid, martial arts-inspired combat, regardless of the weapon they choose. The game also features AI-controlled partners who provide assistance, making challenging sections more manageable, especially for those playing solo.

Another Crab’s Treasure

Shell Shocked

Despite its charming appearance, Another Crab’s Treasure is a surprisingly challenging game inspired by the ‘Souls-like’ genre. Players control Kril, a crab without a shell, and must find new shells to protect themselves. Each shell offers unique abilities – a coconut shell lets you roll, while a soda can unleashes a bubbly attack.

The way the game lets you add attacks to your defensive shell is a clever feature that really enhances the usual close-combat fighting. Since the game is set underwater and you play as a crab, movement feels naturally smooth and flowing. Ultimately, the combination of shell-based abilities and the way you move is what makes Another Crab’s Treasure a standout action game.

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2025-11-16 14:38