Unleash Hell on Your PS5: The Top 8 Soulslike Games You Need to Play

It’s astonishing to think that games resembling Soulslike have existed for just about a decade. They first appeared in 2009 with Demon’s Souls, and truly took off with the release of Dark Souls in 2011. Today, many action RPGs featuring dodge rolls and tough enemies are often linked to this genre, but only a select few embody the required mechanics to truly be considered Soulslikes.

Apart from the PC, it’s the PS5 that boasts an impressive collection of Souls-like games. This range spans significant titles developed by studios like FromSoftware as well as smaller independent projects. Whether a gamer is new to these intriguing worlds or a seasoned player seeking their next tough challenge, they might discover their perfect fit among the top Souls-like games on the PS5.

A few criteria to keep in mind:

Only Soulslike games native to the PS5 will be considered. Therefore, no backward-compatible PS4 titles like Bloodborne.
The focus is on traditional 3D Soulslike games that unquestionably fit the genre, rather than 2D Metroidvanias or Souls-lites.
Black Myth Wukong has been left out since its developer generally avoided that term, preferring to describe the game as an action RPG.

Honorable Mentions: 2D Metroidvanias/Games With Soulslike Elements

As a passionate gamer, I’m currently diving deep into the immersive world of full 3D PS5 Soulslike games. However, if you’re craving a change of pace and fancy exploring some 2D titles that still pack a punch from the Soulslike genre, let me point out a few stellar options. Although these games are more accurately categorized as Metroidvanias, Soulslike enthusiasts might find them irresistible, given their top-notch gameplay. Here’s a quick rundown of my favorites!

Dead Cells
Blasphemous 2
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist
Grime

Honorable Mentions: Souls-Lite Games

Are Soulslites a distinct category? While the boundary between Soulslikes and Soulslite games is often subtle, the latter typically emphasize elements such as platforming, exploration, and offer less challenging levels compared to their Soulslike counterparts which focus more on combat. These games are generally perceived as less difficult than traditional Soulslikes.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Rise of the Ronin
Tunic
Stellar Blade – Souls-lite might be a stretch, but worth mentioning regardless.

8. AI Limit

A Smaller-Scale PS5 Soulslike With Great Level Design & Solid Everything Else

Because it was released on the same day as The First Berserker: Khazan, AI Limit struggled to make an impact next to its larger contemporary; however, Sense Games created a well-executed project within their budget that showcases some of the finest Soulslike gameplay elements. The setting is a decaying world with a sci-fi atmosphere, where the protagonist, Arrisa, a blader with little backstory, searches for a purpose in life. Her journey takes her through a cryptic and generally enjoyable exploration across a deteriorating city, although she spends considerable time in the sewers as well.

The standout aspect of AI Limit is its exceptional level design, considered one of the genre’s finest contemporary efforts. Despite the world feeling somewhat repetitive, each area is a thrill to discover, filled with hidden treasures, rewards, and shortcuts. AI Limit encourages exploration off the main path without resorting to overly complex level designs. The combat system follows closely in the footsteps of FromSoftware, but with some unique tweaks that offer a fresh take. For instance, instead of Stamina, the game uses a Sync Meter, which governs the actions players can perform and incentivizes aggressive play.

7. Another Crab’s Treasure

A Delightful Soulslike Platformer With A Unique Setting & A Good Story

In another twist for the Soulslike genre, Aggro Crab has crafted something unique with “Another Crab’s Treasure“, a game that offers an “easy” mode centered around a colossal cannon. This 2024 title boldly ventures into the realm of 3D platformers, a fusion that surprisingly proves effective. As Kril, players embark on a mission to retrieve the stolen crab shell, a seemingly straightforward task that soon becomes a chaotic adventure involving battles against formidable enemies, both in terms of physical might and narrative significance.

In this game, Kril’s storyline seamlessly intertwines with the gameplay mechanics, allowing you to outfit various items as makeshift shells for defensive purposes and additional special abilities that enhance your basic attacks. While the combat may sometimes feel unstable due to occasional camera issues and a bit of floatiness, it remains exciting, enjoyable, and appropriately challenging. However, what truly sets Another Crab’s Treasure apart are its standout features such as engaging platforming sequences and a heartwarming protagonist who undergoes significant character development.

6. Remnant 2

The PS5’s Soulslike Shooter

Many Soulslikes primarily focus on close-combat or modify weapons for melee use, while ranged options play a secondary role. However, Gunfire Games’ game Remnant prioritizes third-person shooter gameplay, which has sparked debate among fans of the genre. Nevertheless, Remnant: From the Ashes and its upcoming sequel, Remnant 2, are exceptions within the Soulslikes community, as they embody many Soulslike elements despite their unique shooting mechanics.

Expanding on the concepts presented in the initial review, Remnant 2 enhances its predecessor by being larger and generally superior, while also catering to solo players more effectively. To add variety across multiple playthroughs, it employs procedural generation. Gunfire’s follow-up boasts an expansive dimension-switching narrative focusing on four distinct biomes that appear to be borrowed from various games. Delving into and uncovering these worlds forms a significant part of the enjoyment, although the combat is engaging as well, particularly if you appreciate third-person shooting (melee plays a minor role in the overall experience).

While playing solo in Remnant 2 can be enjoyable with specific character choices, it truly shines in cooperative play.

5. The First Berserker: Khazan

One Of The Best Combat Systems In A PS5 Soulslike Game

As a gamer, I used to think that Soulikes were infamous for their gamepad-shattering difficulty levels. But after diving into the genre, I realized that challenging doesn’t always mean frustrating – it can also mean rewarding and satisfying. What I find is that many of the best Soulslike games actually become less daunting as you get more comfortable with their mechanics. Mastery brings a sense of accomplishment that is hard to beat in other action RPGs.

In contrast to many games, “The First Berserker: Khazan” stands out as it’s not one of them. Neople’s title ranks among the most challenging projects on PS5, and unlike some other games in the Soulslike genre, it offers less room for easy strategies to overcome tough fights. Notably, “Khazan” focuses almost exclusively on combat, with missions primarily following linear paths that culminate in a boss battle. The customization options are present through skill trees for three weapon types and eight phantoms, but this aspect is more restricted compared to games like “Dark Souls”.

For clarity, “The First Berserker: Khazan” offers exhilarating and intricate battle sequences that are enjoyable to conquer (a skill essential for those aiming to finish the campaign). However, the game primarily revolves around these combats with less emphasis on additional features.

4. Lies Of P

A Haunting Soulslike Fairy Tale

Drawing inspiration from the world of Bloodborne, the game Lies of P stands out as an impressive creation that nearly nails it across all aspects. By blending Victorian architecture with elements of Pinocchio, it boasts a unique and imaginative backdrop, backed by a creative vision and budget to truly realize this world. Compared to typical RPGs in terms of story development, it leans towards being more explicit; this approach works effectively within the Soulslike genre.

In the fast-tempo battle scenarios, where aggressive play is more rewarding than defensive strategies, the game “Lies of P” generally performs well throughout its campaign. However, there are a few instances where certain bosses might border on being excessively challenging, veering towards the unfair. Despite the core combat mechanisms being familiar to veterans of Soulslike games, “Lies of P” brings some fresh concepts such as the adaptable Legion Arms, enhancements for the P-Organ, and the ability to customize blades with handles.

3. Demon’s Souls

A Masterfully Done PS5 Remake Of FromSoftware’s Original Souls Game

Demon’s Souls sparked the creation of games similar to it, known as Soulslikes. FromSoftware’s 2009 game remains an atmospheric masterpiece that is worth playing for anyone with even a passing interest in the genre. Although it doesn’t replace the original PS3 version, Bluepoint’s remake functions as a superb companion piece that preserves many of its predecessor’s strengths while boasting impressive visuals, user-friendly enhancements, and enhanced combat.

In essence, the remake offers a largely faithful reimagining, making it stand out among other action-RPG games on PS5 that follow the Soulslike genre. Unlike its successors, which often draw inspiration from Dark Souls, the original title Demon’s Souls is more distinct in nature. A key difference lies in the boss encounters, which function more as puzzles than traditional battles and are generally less challenging compared to their counterparts. However, the true challenge in Demon’s Souls comes from the lengthy, grueling journeys to these bosses, experiences that are both demanding and unforgettable.

2. Nioh 2

Team Ninja’s Soulslike Magnum Opus

For about ten years, Team Ninja has been creating a distinct niche for themselves in the Soulslike genre, crafting challenging action RPGs often drawing from Japanese history. Although not universally adored, each of their games have more pros than cons, including Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. However, over the past few years, it seems like Team Ninja has been striving to reach the heights of Nioh 2, a game that stands alongside Ninja Gaiden Black as one of the company’s greatest accomplishments.

In its design philosophy, Nioh 2 seems to subscribe to the idea that “more is more,” piling on mechanics upon mechanics to utilize almost every function on the controller. Soon enough, players will find themselves with an extensive arsenal including hundreds of weapons, armor sets, Souls Cores, Guardian Spirits, and Yokai Skills – each playing a substantial role in combat. Initially daunting, the gameplay’s multitude of concepts coalesce effectively, allowing players to prioritize the aspects they favor most within Nioh 2.

In terms of content, Nioh 2 delivers an extensive playtime of approximately 50 hours (excluding the additional content in the Complete Edition), making it a game rich with high-quality material. While there are some repetitive elements, even side quests often introduce fresh experiences.

1. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s Masterpiece & The Best PS5 Soulslike Game

Suitingly, the top Soulslike game on PlayStation 5 is produced by the genre’s pioneers, with FromSoftware primarily focusing on Elden Ring during this console generation. Apart from Armored Core 6, they have launched Elden Ring in 2022, an expansion in 2024, and a multiplayer spin-off scheduled for 2025. Despite the frequent releases, the exceptional quality of the games has kept Elden Ring well-regarded by many.

By primarily concentrating on the standard edition, the game titled “Elden Ring” creates a vast playground that largely empowers players to chart their unique journey. Although it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing world, the realm known as the Lands Between is an exhilarating place to traverse, with virtually every corner of the map concealing something intriguing to uncover. The main storyline encompasses numerous captivating boss battles, and these are complemented by a staggering amount of optional encounters scattered throughout the world or hidden within smaller dungeons. In essence, the combat mechanism is an advancement of “Dark Souls“, offering even more diversity in character builds and personalization choices.

2025-04-20 01:35