7 Best Soulslike Games For Hybrid Magic/Physical Builds, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Soulslike games offer high difficulty, intricate stories, versatile combat, and freedom in build creation.
Lords of the Fallen allows hybrid magic/physical builds, while still offering challenging bosses.
Salt and Sanctuary boasts a huge skill tree for detailed customization, making it ideal for physical and magic builds.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours exploring the darkest corners of the fantasy realm, I must say that Elden Ring truly stands out as the crown jewel among these formidable titles. With its sprawling open world and endless possibilities for character customization, it’s no wonder why this game has captured the hearts of so many.

Soulslike games are often cherished by gamers for their challenging gameplay, captivating narratives, intriguing dark worlds, and wide array of weapons and decision-making opportunities. Certain titles within this genre stand out for their combat flexibility, while others may have limitations that impact their overall playability to some degree.

In numerous scenarios, Soulslike games provide various class structures that empower players to construct potent character builds centered around specific attributes such as Dexterity or Strength. Yet, certain titles also grant enough flexibility to craft hybrid builds, which can be incredibly destructive. Here are some top-notch Soulslike games ideal for magic/physical hybrid builds.

7. Lords Of The Fallen

A Great Soulslike With Unique Designs

Players must stop evil forces from taking over the world
The 2023 version of the game takes place over a thousand years after this title’s events

In the game known as “Lords of the Fallen“, players take on the role of Harkyn, a man with a criminal past who is given a mission to thwart the wicked schemes of a powerful deity and the horde of demons that follows. While this title has faced criticism for its resemblance to the “Dark Souls” series, it’s important to remember that such similarities are intentional when discussing games within the genre known as “Soulslikes”.

In contrast to games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, Lords of the Fallen doesn’t boast an expansive magical weaponry collection. However, it does allow players to craft a unique hybrid build that combines Physical and Magic damage effectively. For those seeking a more contemporary take on this game, set over a millennium after the original 2014 release, Lords of the Fallen (2023) offers formidable boss battles and numerous discoveries to make.

6. Salt And Sanctuary

A 2D Side-scroller With Multiple Challenges To Offer

Unique art style that fits the concept of the game well
Huge skill tree that allows for detailed customization

Instead of most games on this roster, Salt and Sanctuary stands out by not demanding high-performance 3D graphics from lower and mid-tier PC systems. Its distinctive and appealing art style is less complex compared to others.

This game offers expansive areas to traverse, numerous formidable foes to vanquish, and a diverse arsenal of spells for players to utilize strategically. The unique aspect of this title lies in its support for both Physical and Magic character builds, which can be lethally effective when combined. To add, Salt and Sanctuary boasts one of the most extensive skill trees among Souls-like games, allowing players ample room to customize their characters with a high degree of flexibility.

5. Blasphemous 2

A Soulslike That Improves Greatly On Its Prequel

This title has more weapons than its prequel
Players can take advantage of various spells called “Prayers”

Upon its global release, gamers found themselves instantly drawn into the distinctive visual aesthetics and idea behind Blasphemous, a creation that drew inspiration from the era of the Spanish Inquisition.

In the upcoming game Blasphemous 2, players will assume the character of the Penitent One yet again, venturing through the bleak landscape of Cvstodia. This dark realm teems with hostile creatures, powerful adversaries, and challenging platforming sections to navigate different parts of the game. While the original Blasphemous game offered a mix of spells called “Prayers” along with melee combat, there was just one weapon at your disposal. The second installment significantly enhances this aspect as there are now three distinct weapons for the Penitent One to wield and a wider array of Prayer options.

4. Nioh 2

An Outstanding Soulslike Title Set In Japan

Set in a very interesting period in Japan
Players can create overpowered hybrid builds

Nioh 2 is based in Japan during the late 16th century, a time brimming with historical significance, adding an intriguing layer to the gameplay. This title not only boasts exceptional combat mechanics and abundant action, but some mage-class characters possess extraordinary power levels, capable of annihilating foes faster than a wink.

While not as intricate as the magical systems found in games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring, it remains highly enjoyable to employ and provides a significant edge when facing foes that, without magic, would prove significantly tougher.

3. Hollow Knight

The Hallownest Is Extremely Entertaining To Explore

Powerful Spells that can be combined with Nail attacks
The Hallownest is full of interesting creatures to talk to

scarcely any games have elevated the standard for 2D side-scrolling Soulslikes to the extent that Hollow Knight accomplished upon its debut. This captivating adventure unfolds within the enchanted subterranean realm of Hallownest, brimming with an assortment of bug-like inhabitants.

Using the formidable spells Desolate Dive and Vengeful Spirit, gamers can capitalize on the combat system within Hollow Knight by blending sword attacks, known as the “Nail”, with spellcasting for optimal damage output. As excitement mounts for the upcoming sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, fans eagerly await the chance to delve deeper into this captivating mystical world.

2. Bloodborne

A Nightmarish World Struck By Disease

Spine-chilling creatures that will give players nightmares
Arcane weapons do more damage as players increase their Arcane Stats

It’s generally agreed that among all the games FromSoftware has produced, Bloodborne is undoubtedly one of the scariest and dream-disturbing titles. Granted, both the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring have their share of frightening creatures, but they pale in comparison to the terrors encountered by players in Bloodborne.

In this game, although magic isn’t heavily emphasized, players can wield exceptionally potent weapons that amplify their damage output based on the Arcane Stat. As players improve their Arcane level, these weapons deal more and more additional damage. Initially, it might not seem like a significant perk, but with strategic Stat distribution and some persistence, players can swiftly defeat the most formidable bosses in just a few minutes, all without exerting themselves too much.

1. Elden Ring

Arguably The Title With The Most Build Options Out There

A vast open world with several things to discover
Players can experiment with different hybrid builds and create overpowered combinations

To wrap it up, let me tell you about Elden Ring, the grand opus FromSoftware has crafted, in my gaming experience. This epic adventure takes place in The Lands Between, a sprawling open world that’s brimming with diverse challenges. You’ll encounter a multitude of formidable bosses, delve into countless intriguing areas, and wield an array of weapons, armor, and enchanting spells to turn the tide of battle in your favor.

In terms of creating a build that harmoniously blends Magic and Physical attacks, Elden Ring stands out as an exceptional choice among other games. This is due to its vast freedom it offers to players, allowing them to freely explore various boosts, wands, and spells within The Lands Between, providing ample opportunities for experimentation.

2024-12-07 02:37