Video game genres like role-playing games, platformers, and puzzles have been popular since the 1980s. These genres continue to change and create new types, but a newer style called “Soulslike” has become especially talked about since 2009.
What began as a small interest within action RPG games has become incredibly popular, to the point where it’s often difficult to distinguish true “Soulslike” games from those simply inspired by them. This list focuses on games that fully embody the Soulslike experience – with character progression, item collection, and incredibly difficult challenges – so you won’t find similar but not quite-there titles like Hollow Knight. These games will be ranked based on how well they execute the core mechanics, how immersive their worlds are, and ultimately, how enjoyable they are to play.
Find all 10 pairs Results
8. Salt And Sanctuary
A 2D Mystery
Salt and Sanctuary is a fantastic 2D game inspired by the Souls series. Its art style looks charmingly like something sketched in a high school notebook, giving the whole game a unique, homemade feel. It’s as if a dedicated fan brought their vision to life.
Salt and Sanctuary delivers the classic Soulslike experience – think tricky traps, diverse weapons, character progression, and incredibly challenging bosses. Being a 2D game makes enemies easier to anticipate and dodge, but it also means tighter spaces and less room for maneuverability. Though it’s not flawless, Salt and Sanctuary offers a compelling 2D take on the Soulslike formula for fans of the genre.
7. The First Berserker: Khazan
Beyond Hard, But Deeply Rewarding
The First Berserker: Khazan is an incredibly challenging game, even for fans of difficult ‘Souls-like’ titles. It demands a high level of skill, with early areas proving more difficult than the final challenges in many other games. While players can improve their character by earning experience and finding better gear, success ultimately depends on mastering the game’s combat.
If you don’t learn all the enemy attack patterns or aren’t quick enough to avoid and counter them, The First Berserker: Khazan will be incredibly difficult. While the game can be challenging, mastering it and persevering through tough fights makes the victories even more satisfying.
6. Demon’s Souls (2020)
A New Way To Enjoy The Origin
Released in 2009, Demon’s Souls started the popular trend of Soulslike games. While a bit unpolished and unique for its time, it was incredibly captivating. Exploring the game world felt more meaningful because players had to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, with dangers lurking around every corner. The importance of items and equipment also fostered a strong community of players.
Okay, so the original PS3 version definitely has its own special something, but this PS5 remake just feels better to play, honestly. They kept all the cool secrets and stuff from the first game, but everything is way smoother – fewer glitches and it just looks so much better. Both versions are fantastic though, and they’re really important games, not just for me as a player, but for FromSoftware too, and the whole genre!
5. Dark Souls
Perfecting The Formula
Released in 2011, Dark Souls built upon the foundation of Demon’s Souls. Like its predecessor, it allowed players to create and customize their characters. However, Dark Souls distinguished itself with its level design, which encouraged exploration. The game’s areas were interconnected, similar to those found in Metroid games, giving players multiple paths and options as they progressed.
Instead of searching for healing items, players could improve their Estus Flask, which automatically refilled when resting at bonfires. This encouraged exploration and removed the need for repetitive item farming. Overall, Dark Souls is as influential to the genre as Demon’s Souls, and perhaps even more so, because it refined the gameplay experience while maintaining a high level of difficulty.
4. Lies Of P
A World Of Automation
The game Lies of P successfully demonstrated that classic fairy tales can resonate with today’s audiences. The developers cleverly reimagined the story of Pinocchio in a dark and engaging way. The game is set in a chaotic, steampunk world overrun by robots, and players control a mechanical puppet—essentially, a new take on Pinocchio.
In Lies of P, you can improve your character’s abilities and collect weapons like swords. But the most unique part of the game is the ability to detach your character’s arms. Swapping arms lets you discover new attack styles – you could shock, burn, or even slice through enemies using detachable blades. The game’s world is also special; you don’t often see creepy puppets and massive robots in Soulslike games.
3. Nioh 3
An Open-Area Samurai RPG
Nioh 3 is the newest game in the challenging ‘Souls-like’ genre. Like the previous Nioh games, it’s set in ancient Japan, where samurai battle demons to protect the people. This time around, the story introduces a time-travel element: players are sent to different periods after failing to defeat a powerful demon, and each chapter takes place in a large, expansive area that feels semi-open-world.
Players can switch between two combat styles: a fast, weaker ninja build, or a slower, more powerful samurai build. Both styles have strengths and weaknesses, but the combat system is very well-refined. The game’s cooperative mode also makes it easier to pick up than many similar action games, without sacrificing the challenging experience players expect.
2. Bloodborne
Castlevania In All But Name
Bloodborne is a challenging action game, similar to the Dark Souls series, but with a distinctive gothic horror setting. It feels like a darker, more twisted version of Castlevania. Players take on the role of a hunter, tasked with cleansing a ruined city overrun by monstrous creatures and afflicted people. The game features a large, interconnected world, and players can return to a central hub area to purchase items, improve their character, and quickly travel to different locations.
The core of this game is aggressive play – there are no shields to hide behind, but skillfully timing your defenses is key. Instead of shields, you use guns, everything from pistols to flamethrowers. The most exciting part, though, is the weaponry that transforms. A cane might become a whipping chain, or a sword could turn into a powerful hammer. These features, and many others, are fueling fans’ hopes that Bloodborne will become available on more platforms than just the PS4.
1. Elden Ring
A New Era For The Genre
Since its release in 2022, Elden Ring remains the gold standard for open-world action games. While Nioh 3 offers similar expansive areas, Elden Ring’s world feels truly connected and seamless. The game’s mount, Torrent, is also exceptional – it’s arguably the best video game horse ever, with abilities like double jumping and instant summoning. Exploring the world is captivating, as every path seems to lead to hidden secrets, interesting characters, or challenging boss battles.
What really set this game apart, especially for a FromSoftware title, was its open world. Players weren’t stuck when they hit a difficult spot – they could explore somewhere else and come back later. Combined with fantastic weapons, character builds, a rich story, epic boss fights, and tons of other details, it all added up to an amazing experience. It’s difficult to picture a better game in this style, or to imagine FromSoftware outdoing themselves, because Elden Ring truly feels perfect.
Read More
- All Shadow Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Episode 12 Release Date
- Dark Marksman Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- How to Beat Antumbra’s Sword (Sanctum of Absolution) in Crimson Desert
- Genshin Impact Dev Teases New Open-World MMO With Realistic Graphics
- Sega Reveals Official Sonic Timeline: From Prehistoric to Modern Era
- Top 5 Militaristic Civs in Civilization 7
- Keeping AI Agents on Track: A New Approach to Reliable Action
- How to Get the Sunset Reed Armor Set and Hollow Visage Sword in Crimson Desert
- Where to Pack and Sell Trade Goods in Crimson Desert
2026-03-27 03:37