10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

As a seasoned gamer with decades under my belt, I must say that the latest addition to this list of hidden gems, “Black Myth: Wukong,” has truly caught my eye (and my reflexes!). Hailing from the mystical land of souls-like games, it proudly carries its lineage with a blend of Sekiro and something uniquely its own.


“The ‘souls-like’ genre has risen to be among, or even the most favored genre across all video games currently available.

Thank FromSoftware for pioneering the unique style with their groundbreaking Dark Souls series, which set the stage back in 2011. Since then, numerous other developers have followed suit and executed the concept exceptionally well.

Unfortunately, it’s a tough genre to get into due to the intense difficulty it can have.

Fortunately, not all games within this genre are excessively challenging, and I’m thrilled to share some soul-like titles that offer a smoother learning curve. As a newcomer, let’s embark on an exciting journey together, exploring these games designed for beginners like myself!

10 Rise of the Ronin

The Old East

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

In my opinion, “Rise of the Ronin” is the undiscovered gem of 2024. As you continue to play it, it becomes more and more enjoyable. For those new to the souls-like genre, “Rise of the Ronin” provides a range of difficulty settings that allow you to tailor the experience to your skill level.

If you’re seeking something more complex, feel free to ramp up the complexity to a level resembling twilight, where you’ll encounter a whirlwind of action. However, for those who wish to simply immerse themselves in the narrative without much fuss, an easy mode is available that keeps things manageable and straightforward.

As a gamer, I can tell you that you’ve got the option to team up with a few friends and tackle the main missions together. This partnership not only makes the missions more manageable but also skips the need for adjusting the difficulty level.

You’ll discover numerous optional quests scattered around, each offering intriguing tidbits about the current state of the world, as well as a plethora of duel challenges that grant you access to new weapons and fighting techniques upon completion.

This game’s loop is captivating, and its combat is razor-sharp; therefore, you wouldn’t want to overlook a title that has been underestimated for a while now.

9 Code Vein

Vampire Wasteland for Two

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

Code Vein attempts to do something very different compared to most souls-likes.

In a style reminiscent of anime, the game Code Vein delivers an immersive storyline brimming with possibilities for players to tailor their characters, not just in terms of appearance, but also gameplay strategies. The narrative revolves around vampires in a post-apocalyptic setting, and while its plot may not be exceptional, it offers a unique twist compared to the usual narratives found in souls-like games.

In the world of Code Vein, there are numerous unique special attacks to discover, various character types to customize, and treasures of equipment to uncover. Once it grips you, it can be challenging to stop playing. For novice players, it provides seamless multiplayer collaboration throughout the game and a variety of combat strategies to simplify your experience.

In this game, you’ll find numerous high-damage skills to acquire, which greatly facilitate boss fights. Plus, the checkpoint system is relatively lenient, offering more leeway compared to other, harsher games within the same genre.

8 The Surge 2

Build a Brute

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

The game The Surge 2, a remarkable creation that often goes unnoticed, presents a captivating blend of futuristic and dystopian elements within the souls-like genre. It paints a vivid picture of the future where most people have undergone some form of mechanical alteration. In this world, you find yourself in the role of one such individual, assigned with the mission to eliminate a dangerous cult.

For newcomers diving into this genre, The Surge 2 offers a smoother introduction compared to many Souls-like games, despite its challenging nature.

In this game, it isn’t until several hours in that you’ll encounter your initial challenging boss. The frequent opportunity to acquire new gear and customize your character will help soften the game’s difficulty as you progress.

In The Surge 2, the variety of weapon choices, character ability modifications, and defensive strategies is immense, making it likely that you’ll endure for much longer against opponents compared to many similar games.

Beyond that, you’ll notice that this world has a touch of vibrancy compared to many other soul-like games, providing you with periods of relief amidst the action, and moments of lightness when you’re not navigating through the grim, dilapidated, and dystopian future.

If you’re seeking a soul-like game with a futuristic flair, The Surge 2 would be an excellent pick for you.

7 Bleak Faith: Forsaken

Incredible Exploration and Manageable Combat

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

Mostly uncharted territory, “Bleak Faith: Forsaken” evokes a sense of being in a perilous and unfamiliar realm more effectively than any game has done so since the original “Dark Souls.

Although it may not be polished or sophisticated in terms of technology, the fighting system offers depth and flexibility for personalization, while the world is enigmatic and bizarre enough to make you curious and eager to explore further, wondering what hidden secrets could possibly lie just beyond the next bend.

As a gamer, I’d say the fights aren’t too challenging, given that the enemies have wide opportunities for parries and gracious hit zones. This means that taking down bosses in this game is much less daunting than it usually is in Souls-like games.

Forsaken: Bleak Faith” emphasizes discovery over conflict, creating an experience that’s significantly less action-packed compared to similar genre titles, yet equally captivating through its distinctive and unconventional approach.

6 Remnant 2

An Accessible Classic

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

Out of the blue, Remnant 2 emerged as a sequel to a moderately acclaimed initial release, pushing boundaries within the souls-like gaming genre.

As a newcomer, I found this game remarkably user-friendly right off the bat, boasting one of the finest cooperative play systems among all Souls-like games.

As a fellow enthusiast, I must admit that initially grasping the rhythm of this game can be a challenge. However, given its focus on long-range battles, I wholeheartedly suggest it as an ideal starting point for anyone eager to dive into the realm of games predominantly centered around ranged combat.

You can choose different levels of challenge based on your preference, with the simplest option providing an enjoyable, effortless journey that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the various realms.

Typically, checkpoints are positioned near where boss battles take place. This means you won’t have to travel far if you fail a battle, making your progress easier.

5 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

This is the Souls-Like You’re Looking for

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

In a simple, engaging manner: “Star Wars Jedi: Survivor” immerses you in the role of Cal Kestis, a Jedi, as he embarks on a quest to dismantle the empire’s power, showcasing its stunning visuals all the way.

Initially, the series’ debut titled “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order” was decent on its own, but “Survivor” significantly elevates that structure to unprecedented heights.

In Cal’s possession are various resources, including several different lightsaber techniques to master. The combat in Star Wars has never appeared or felt as impressive as it does now. Not only is the game visually appealing, but the narrative is also captivating, making Cal’s journey one of the most engaging stories that a Star Wars game has offered so far. There are still more exciting elements to come.

As a passionate gamer, I absolutely love how this game provides a multitude of challenge levels that allow me to fine-tune every detail, from the timing of my parries to the complexities usually left untouched by other games.

battles against the bosses are quite thrilling around here, however, don’t hesitate to adjust the game’s difficulty level if you find yourself struggling. You can always give it another go once you’ve made the change.

If you like maintaining a consistent challenge level during gameplay, there are numerous optional missions available for you to engage in. Completing these missions will grant you experience points, which can help you grow stronger and ultimately overcome any particularly challenging battles.

4 Lords of the Fallen

The New Age Dark Souls

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

As a dedicated gamer, I must admit that sometimes, there’s no higher compliment than imitation, and that’s exactly what Lords of the Fallen is all about. In essence, it feels like Dark Souls 4, minus the actual number.

In this setting, the ambiance is heavy, foreboding, and risky. Every castle seems to be teeming with mortality, as if death lurks at every turn. The narrative that unfolds is equally perplexing yet captivating.

The main focus in this case is introducing the Umbral Lamp – a unique tool allowing you to explore other dimensions and, amazingly, travel to them physically. However, what makes this standout for beginners is the bonus of having two chances to try it out.

One set in the physical world and another in the shadow realm, offering a less repetitive experience for those who find the recurring life-death pattern of souls disheartening.

In the game Lords of the Fallen, you’re not confined to being just a ranged or melee fighter; you have the flexibility to excel in both aspects without needing to invest all your abilities into a single style for effectiveness.

As a character, you could choose between two roles: a spell-casting mage, who wields magical abilities for ranged attacks and close combat, or a versatile warrior equipped with a greatsword, capable of hurling javelins at distance and being proficient with bows.

The adaptability of this game makes fighting easier to grasp compared to usual FromSoftware games, thus creating a more welcoming environment for beginners venturing into the action RPG genre for the first time.

3 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Parry Your Way To Victory

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

As a gamer, I can tell you that “Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty” draws heavily from the spirit of “Sekiro”, but it’s been carefully crafted to offer a more accessible experience for gamers of various skill levels. Despite the lowered difficulty, it still packs a punch with challenges that, when overcome, leave you feeling triumphant and satisfied.

The enchantment lies in the parrying mechanism, one of the most rewarding I’ve experienced in a game, and not just easy to execute, but essential for overcoming adversaries.

Particular bosses are deeply saddened by this decision, and initially, the first battle may seem like a grueling initiation. However, once you manage to conquer this initial hurdle, the following battles should appear much more manageable to you, akin to child’s play.

In many souls-like games, it’s rare to defeat a boss with just four attacks, but here, such instances are quite common if you manage to time your moves correctly. You’ll discover numerous weapons and magical abilities throughout the game, and you can summon cooperative partners for any level, either human or AI controlled, to ease the challenge at certain points.

Even though it might take some time for you to get familiar with the game mechanics, “Wo Long: Falled Dynasty” is an excellent, enjoyable souls-like game that serves as a great introduction to the genre.

2 Black Myth: Wukong

The Monkey King of 2024

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

The newest entry on our list is “Black Myth: Wukong,” a game that openly flaunts its resemblance to souls-like games with a sense of pride. If you imagine “Sekiro” but replace parrying with dodging, you’ll get an idea of how this one plays out.

Equipped with your staff, you assume the role of The Chosen One – a relative of the mythical Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from the tale “Journey to the West.” Those acquainted with this epic story will find themselves immediately comfortable in this setting.

As a newcomer, I can vouch that Black Myth: Wukong serves as an exceptional entry point, delivering swift, action-packed battles that deviate from the traditional souls-like format at times. Despite its souls-like roots, it maintains a balance and provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate your journey.

For newcomers’ convenience, your character has the ability to morph into numerous diverse beings. The standout aspect of this is an additional health meter; when depleted, it causes a transformation back to your original form rather than causing death.

Evading is equally important, and you possess one of the most effective attacks in any game resembling Souls, the chilling spell, which temporarily freezes foes for a few moments, granting you an opportunity to land strikes.

At times it can be challenging indeed, yet the initial stages are designed to be an enjoyable and smooth learning experience. As the complexity increases, by around the fifth hour, you’ll find yourself well-versed in the combat mechanics and equipped to handle whatever challenges the game might present.

1 Another Crab’s Treasure

Under the Sea, a Souls-like for Thee

10 Best Souls-likes For Beginners

One engaging way to rephrase the given sentence could be: “Crab’s Other Treasure” has been one of the standout surprises from last year, despite appearing simple at first glance. However, beneath its childlike exterior lies a deeply enjoyable and hard-to-put-down action game with souls-like elements that showcases remarkable creativity.

In this game, you play as Kril, a crab who has lost his shell. Your mission is to retrieve it, and throughout your adventure, you’ll come across numerous adversaries and be part of an amusing, sometimes grim narrative. Despite the seeming light-heartedness, there are unexpectedly deep elements that make the game more captivating than one might initially anticipate.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the combat in this game isn’t exactly challenging, but that’s perfectly fine because of its sheer creativity. You’ll find the usual suspects like regular checkpoints, parry moves, and both light and heavy weapons, but what really sets it apart is the shell-swapping mechanic. Every time I discover a new shell, I get to upgrade Kril’s abilities and unlock new ways of moving around the game world.

As a gamer, I’m constantly amazed by the multitude of imaginative shells hidden throughout this game. Each one introduces a fresh playstyle, making my experience unique based on the shells I uncover. The bosses here might not be overly challenging, but they never fail to keep things interesting when we square off.

Preparing to share a delightful surprise – the quarrels here can be quite peculiar and amusing, believe it or not. Rest assured, some of these spats will leave an indelible impression on you.

Crab’s Treasure Redux satirizes the genre and turns out to be one of the most entertaining soul-like games we’ve seen recently.

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2024-09-27 13:39