10 Most Revolutionary Soulslikes Every Fan Needs to Play

Dark Souls had a huge impact on gaming – so much so that a whole genre now takes its name from the game! It became known for challenging boss fights and demanding combat, a style many games have tried to copy since. But “Souls-like” games aren’t just medieval fantasy RPGs; they’ve become known for a specific way of playing, focused on overcoming tough bosses, improving your character, and learning from repeated deaths.

This genre is known for being challenging, requiring players to learn enemy attacks that can be unpredictable and frustrating. But overcoming these difficulties – like defeating a tough boss or making significant progress – is incredibly rewarding. Over time, developers have refined this core gameplay, introducing new features and adapting existing ones to various game worlds. Here are some of the most groundbreaking games in the Soulslike genre.

10. Mortal Shell

A Classic Soulslike With a Combat Twist

Mortal Shell is a standout Soulslike game that successfully puts a unique twist on the familiar formula. While it features impressive bosses and settings, the combat system is where it truly shines, setting it apart from games like Dark Souls and other titles in the genre.

Beyond blocking and dodging, players can use a ‘shell’ ability that makes them temporarily invulnerable to one attack, adding a lot of variety and strategy to fights. These shells work similarly to character classes in other RPGs, letting players customize how they play with different attacks and skills, and ultimately making the combat even more engaging.

9. Another Crab’s Treasure

A Playful Underwater Soulslike

Soulslike games don’t always have to be grim and serious. Another Crab’s Treasure proves that the challenging gameplay of the genre works well in different kinds of worlds. In this lighthearted underwater game, you play as a hermit crab on a quest to get its shell back. It includes all the classic Soulslike elements – unique skills, tough bosses, and battles where memorizing enemy attacks is key, with bosses getting harder as their health decreases.

Another Crab’s Treasure excels at using its surroundings to tell a story, and these environments are frequently incorporated into boss battles. It’s a game that both experienced Souls players will appreciate thanks to its recognizable gameplay, and newcomers to the genre will find welcoming. It also offers a fresh take for those who prefer a brighter, less grim style compared to many other Soulslike games.

8. Code Vein

The Anime Vampire Soulslike

Code Vein is a thrilling action RPG that blends anime aesthetics, vampire themes, and the challenging gameplay of the ‘Souls-like’ genre. If you enjoy any of those elements, you’ll find a lot to love in this game, which boasts a rich story, compelling characters, and a stylish anime look.

The battles can become a bit repetitive, but improving your weapons and skills still feels rewarding. If you enjoy the challenging atmosphere of Dark Souls combined with anime aesthetics, Code Vein blends these elements perfectly, creating a fresh and distinctive experience.

7. Lies of P

The Dark Pinocchio Soulslike

Lies of P is a challenging action game inspired by popular titles like Bloodborne and Dark Souls. It’s set in a beautifully designed city with a French-inspired, steampunk look, and reimagines the classic Pinocchio story as a dark, gritty adventure. You’ll battle terrifying puppets and robots using a variety of powerful and often savage weapons.

Like most great games in the Soulslike style, the combat is the biggest strength of Lies of P. The bosses are tough but offer a lot of variety, and their smooth animations let you hone your skills and timing. The game is also visually stunning – one of the best-looking in the genre – but don’t let that distract you from the excellent gameplay it offers.

6. Hollow Knight

The 2D Platformer Soulslike

You’ve probably heard of Hollow Knight, even if you haven’t played it – and for good reason! This game looks cute, but it’s a surprisingly challenging and rewarding adventure with a moving, emotional story. The beautifully hand-drawn world is fascinating to explore, filled with unique creatures, each with their own story.

Although there’s debate about whether this game truly fits the ‘Soulslike’ label, it has many similarities to those games beyond just a gloomy, medieval setting. Like Soulslike titles, Hollow Knight features difficult boss battles that require skill and practice, alongside its platforming and puzzle gameplay.

5. Black Myth: Wukong

An Epic Mythological Soulslike

Many fans believe Black Myth: Wukong should have won Game of the Year in 2024. This stunning Chinese fantasy game is a standout Soulslike title, and those who played it consider it one of the best in years. Based on the classic tale of the ‘Monkey King’ Sun Wukong, the game lets players become incredibly skilled in bo-staff combat and martial arts, reaching a level of mastery befitting a legendary demigod.

Okay, so you mostly stick with one weapon, but honestly, the game keeps things fresh with these different Stances you can switch to. Each boss feels unique because you really need to adapt and use different Stances and skills to beat them. It’s like every good Souls-like game though – if you’re determined enough, you can find a way to win, no matter what!

4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The Best Soulslike Combat

Combat is crucial in any Souls game, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice absolutely delivers. Despite its fantastical Japanese setting and epic battles, the game maintains a remarkable level of precise, samurai-inspired fighting.

The combat is incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it, and it’s a little more lenient than many other games like it. The stunning world and genuine Japanese soundtrack add a lot to the experience, which is why so many players consider it the best Soulslike game ever made.

3. Nioh 2

A Must-Play for Soulslike Enthusiasts

Nioh 2 is another fantastic example of a Japanese Soulslike game, and truly one of the best in the genre. Fans love this game from Koei Tecmo, and for good reason: it features excellent combat, memorable boss battles, a satisfying progression system, and lots of ways to customize your character’s build.

Subscribe for deeper Soulslike coverage and picks

Discover nuanced breakdowns, standout recommendations, and playstyle tips for Soulslike titles—subscribe to the newsletter for focused coverage, curated highlights, and expert analysis on these games.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

This game is a prequel, meaning it takes place before the original, so you can start playing without any prior experience. Nioh 2 improves on the first game in almost every way, especially how the story is told. What sets the Nioh series apart is its unique combination of a Diablo-style loot and crafting system with the challenging gameplay found in Soulslike games.

2. Bloodborne

The Ultimate Gothic Soulslike

Considering the team behind Dark Souls made Bloodborne, you might assume it would play much the same way, just with a different backdrop. While Bloodborne certainly boasts a beautifully realized and incredibly immersive world – arguably the best in the genre – it’s the completely revamped combat system that truly sets this gothic game apart.

As a huge fan, what really sets Bloodborne apart from other games like it is how much it pushes you to be aggressive. Forget just blocking and dodging – this game wants you to attack! Of course, you still need to learn enemy patterns and react quickly, and it’s brutally hard if you’re new to the genre. But honestly, despite the difficulty, I think Bloodborne is easily one of the greatest Soulslike games ever made.

1. Elden Ring

Everybody’s Favorite Soulslike

If you’re looking for games similar to Dark Souls, but not actually part of that series, Elden Ring is often considered the best. Created with a deep story by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the writer of Dark Souls, and with world-building help from George R.R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame, Elden Ring takes place in a haunting afterlife filled with incredibly dangerous and imaginative monsters.

In this fantastical world, you play as a powerful warrior, embarking on a journey to conquer challenges and ultimately become the Elden Lord. For many, this 2022 Game of the Year was their first experience with challenging, action-focused games—and they’ve been hooked ever since.

2026-04-30 22:41