Best Soulslike Games For New Game+

Key Takeaways

In NG+, bosses are stronger and smarter, with an incredibly large skill tree.
Mortal Shell offers new lore pieces in NG+ and lets players inhabit ancient warrior shells.
Blasphemous introduces True Torment in NG+, challenging players with tougher enemies and Penitences.

As a hardcore gamer who’s been through the trials and tribulations of countless games, let me tell you, these three titles have left quite an indelible mark on my gaming journey.

When FromSoftware initially developed Demon’s Souls, it’s unlikely they anticipated setting off a chain of events leading to their rise in prominence and the emergence of the widely recognized Souls-like genre. Games within this category are renowned for featuring intense boss battles, intricate gameplay mechanics, tough obstacles, and without a doubt, a NG+ mode that increases the difficulty level.

In most games that feature NG+, the challenge level is ramped up significantly compared to the regular gameplay. This enhancement includes tougher enemies, harder boss battles, and a greater impact on player damage. Additionally, players may need to reacquire unique weapons and abilities, many of which are improved for the heightened difficulty. Here are some top picks for Soulslike games designed for NG+ play.

5 Salt And Sanctuary

A 2D Soulslike With An Outstanding Skill Tree

In NG+ bosses are stronger and smarter
The game features an incredibly large skill tree

Exploring a gloomy realm brimming with gothic features, the game Salt and Sanctuary invites players to engage in an exciting blend of platforming and tough combat. The world is teeming with formidable adversaries that dwarf the main character, presenting significant threats at every turn. Skilled combat, strategic resource utilization, and a diverse array of weapons and magic spells are the cornerstones of gameplay in Salt and Sanctuary.

In the realm of Soulslike games, triumph requires a steady hand, memory for patterns, and an abundance of skill and lightning-fast reactions. The game boasts a vast, intricate skill system that offers players immense freedom to tailor their characters as they see fit. Upon entering NG+, you’ll swiftly discern a significant spike in challenge, with enemies becoming stronger and more hostile, and new attack patterns demanding your mastery. In essence, Salt and Sanctuary offers one of the most rewarding NG+ experiences available.

4 Mortal Shell

Dark, Fast-paced, And Overall Epic

Players can find and inhabit the shells of ancient warriors
NG+ introduces new lore pieces

In a gloomy realm shrouded in darkness for what seems like eternities, the game Mortal Shell centers around honing your skills in battle and tactical gameplay. Players can roam this world and discover various shells, each housing the spirit of fallen warriors. After locating each one, players can assume control over these shells, gaining access to each warrior’s unique abilities and talents. The shell concept not only adds an intriguing twist but also enables players to test out various builds and combat styles as they progress through the game.

In the game ‘Mortal Shell’, activating NG+ mode doesn’t just bring tougher opponents and better loot, but also reveals hidden secrets and lore details that die-hard fans eager to delve deeper into this title’s intricate storyline and grim universe will relish.

3 Blasphemous

Amazing Art Style, Fun Combat, And A Very Interesting Theme

Beautiful art style and challenging bosses
Players can take on additional Penitences to make NG+ even harder

The concept of mixing a Soulslike game with elements from the Spanish Inquisition is unique and also quite interesting. While other developers might have had a hard time pulling it off with grace, The Game Kitchen did so masterfully with Blasphemous, presenting players with the story of the Penitent One and the dark, religion-packed world he inhabits. This game features an extremely appealing art style that feels like old classics, such as Metal Slug, while incorporating modern game mechanics that rely heavily on fast-paced combat and dodging skill mastery. All of which are built upon in the sequel.

In “Blasphemous,” the boss designs are superbly crafted and will repeatedly test players as they learn their patterns and improve their abilities. The NG+ mode, known as True Torment, increases the difficulty by introducing tougher opponents that are not only resistant but also deal higher damage to the protagonist, the Penitent One. Players can opt for various Penitences, which remove or severely limit certain game items, further increasing the challenge. Essentially, True Torment provides an enjoyable opportunity to replay “Blasphemous,” making it feel like a fresh adventure as you traverse Cvstodia once more.

2 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Possibly The Hardest FromSoftware Game To Date

Set in feudal Japan, introducing many elements of the country’s culture
NG+ unlocks new skill opportunities and challenges

Although FromSoftware is a Japanese studio, many of the games they produce are set in European medieval periods, as seen through the various armor, weapons, and adversaries found throughout their titles. However, this pattern was broken with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which delved into feudal Japan and incorporated a wealth of Japanese folklore, architecture, and other elements that greatly enhance the gameplay experience.

In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you’ll encounter some of the toughest combat mechanics ever seen in a FromSoftware game – a claim that’s difficult to dispute. But the challenge doesn’t end there; even when you start over (New Game+), the bosses become significantly stronger, dealing more damage and having more health. This title is a gem for Soulslike fans as it offers fresh discoveries in each playthrough, making every encounter engaging and exciting.

1 Elden Ring

An Epic Open-world Adventure With Endless Possibilities

Increased enemy difficulty that makes every boss feel fresh
Since the game is an open world, players can use NG+ to get any items they might have missed in their first playthrough

To wrap up our list with a flourish, we have “The Elden Ring“! This game has garnered widespread acclaim since its debut in 2022, and needs no introduction. It boasts an expansive open world, numerous challenging bosses, and engaging locations that are both thrilling and fun to delve into from top to bottom. With a plethora of activities, there’s always something exciting to engage with. Similar to “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice“, this game was also crafted by FromSoftware in partnership with renowned author George R.R. Martin. Continuing the medieval European theme common to many Soulslikes, “The Elden Ring” offers an array of opportunities for players who crave more, even in NG+.

In short, NG+ (New Game Plus) increases enemy toughness and encourages players to experiment with different playstyles and character builds to overcome these challenges. This process allows players to find the style they feel most comfortable with. Additionally, it gives players another chance to traverse the game world, uncovering missed items and earning completion achievements on their preferred gaming platform.

2024-10-03 11:33