
Nioh 3 is selling well and receiving positive reviews. It’s often difficult for third games in a series to succeed, so it’s impressive that Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo delivered a thoughtful and well-made sequel.
With updates like its open environments and the new Ninja Style, Nioh 3 is becoming a more approachable Soulslike game. If you’re an Xbox player who enjoys games with ninjas or samurai, or action RPGs and Soulslikes in general, here are some excellent recommendations.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Ryu Vs Yakumo
Many are drawing comparisons between Nioh 3 and the Ninja Gaiden series, and with good reason – both were created by Team Ninja (specifically the 3D Ninja Gaiden games). The most recent Ninja Gaiden title, Ninja Gaiden 4, introduces a new character, Yakumo, and also lets players control the series’ original hero, Ryu, in certain stages.
As a fan, I think this is the perfect time to get into the series! It’s the newest game, and they’ve added a new character which really shakes things up and feels like a fresh start. If you enjoy the 3D action of Nioh 3, you’ll definitely love this. Now, Ninja Gaiden 4 isn’t a “Soulslike” game, but trust me, it’s seriously challenging. It’s packed with incredibly fast-paced combat, awesome moves, and the platforming is just as amazing as the fighting!
Elden Ring
Taking It On The Road
Man, since Elden Ring came out in 2022, nothing has really hit the same for me. It was the first Souls-like game that truly felt open-world, which was a game-changer. I loved being able to go wherever I wanted and fight bosses in any order. If I hit a wall with a tough boss or area, I could just explore somewhere else or level up a bit – it took a lot of the frustration out of the usual Souls experience.
Players enjoyed building unique characters and experiences, whether playing solo or with friends online. The addition of a horse, Torrent, made exploring the world much more rewarding. Despite being a challenging game, its open-ended design and extensive customization options made it one of FromSoftware’s most approachable titles, similar to how Nioh 3 broadened Team Ninja’s audience.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
The Wolf Howls
Unlike Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is known for being incredibly challenging – arguably FromSoftware’s most difficult game yet. It doesn’t quite fit into the ‘Souls-like’ category either, as it focuses less on character progression and more on pure player skill. Fans of Nioh 3 will likely find the combat system familiar and rewarding.
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you play as Wolf, a ninja who miraculously survived a deadly attack and now fights with a prosthetic arm. This arm can be customized with powerful upgrades, like a flamethrower. You’ll also have a katana and a grappling hook for navigating the world and taking down enemies. The game emphasizes stealth, and requires players to master both proactive attacks and quick reactions, making for a challenging experience.
Monster Hunter Rise
It’s Raining Ninja Dogs And Cats!
Originally released only for the Nintendo Switch, Monster Hunter Rise later became available on Xbox One. This installment stands out from other Monster Hunter games with its unique Japanese-inspired style, featuring designs reminiscent of samurai and ninja. A new addition to the series was the Palamute – a customizable canine companion that players could use alongside the traditional feline Palicos.
In the game, you can ride Palamutes as you level up, and both Palamutes and Palicoes can help you when you’re fighting monsters on your own. The Monster Hunter series is famously challenging, though it’s different from games like Dark Souls. You become stronger by defeating large monsters and using their parts to create new weapons and armor. If you enjoyed Nioh, you’ll likely enjoy this game too, as it also features a setting inspired by ancient Japan.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Dynasty Warriors As A Soulslike
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a challenging action game similar to the Nioh series, but rooted in Chinese mythology and history. If you enjoy games like Dynasty Warriors, you’ll recognize characters such as Lu Bu and Guan Yu. Developed by Team Ninja, it’s another ‘Soulslike’ experience where you create and level up your character, discovering valuable items as you progress.
Unlike the more deliberate and defense-focused combat of games like Dark Souls, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty features quick, fluid action similar to Nioh 3. When playing solo, you can team up with up to two named allies, a feature different from the random spirit partners in Nioh 3’s Benevolent Graves. You can also strengthen your relationships with these allies, unlocking bonuses reminiscent of the Social Links system in the Persona series.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Two Classes Via Two Characters
The newest installment in the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is set in feudal Japan and offers a vast open world for players to discover. The game uniquely features two playable characters. After an initial introduction, players can switch between them before starting any mission. One character, Naoe, is a quick and stealthy female ninja skilled in silent takedowns, but she’s also capable of fighting effectively when necessary.
Yasuke is a powerfully built samurai in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – incredibly strong and able to use large weapons or even break down barriers. While he can attempt stealth, he’s not as agile or silent as other characters. Both Yasuke and Naoe have strengths and weaknesses, so players will need to choose the best character for each mission. Similar to Nioh 3, players can improve both characters by leveling them up and equipping different armor and weapons.
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny
Summoning The Power Of Demons
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny is an updated version of the classic PlayStation 2 game. While it doesn’t drastically change the original, the improved controls are a welcome addition. Set in ancient Japan, the game puts you in the role of Jubei Yagyu, a samurai from a special clan who can draw power from good demons. Players use magical weapons – swords, spears, and more – to defeat demons with various elemental attacks. You can even temporarily transform into a demon-like state, similar to the Living Artifacts in Nioh 3.
In addition to battling enemies, players can form friendships with allies, and even control some of them for a short time depending on the choices they make in the story. While the combat in Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny isn’t as complex as the Nioh games, it does include counters, and the game is relatively short. This makes it a worthwhile classic PS2 title to experience on Xbox.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Soulslike In Spirit
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an action role-playing game with a vast, open world set in a fantasy medieval era, teeming with creatures like goblins and dragons. While different in tone from the Nioh games, it offers a challenging experience for players. You create your own hero and can recruit a companion, known as a Pawn, to build a team of fighters, archers, mages, and other classes, then venture out to explore the world.
A really neat feature in the game lets you pick up smaller enemies or climb onto larger ones. Instead of simply fighting them, you can even grab a goblin and throw it off a cliff for some fun! Dragon’s Dogma 2 might take a little longer to learn than other action RPGs, but sticking with it pays off with a truly special gaming experience.
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2026-02-13 03:10