Unlock Your Style: Top Soulslike Games for Every Player’s Preference!

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Summary

  • Soulslike games offer diverse playstyles for players to customize characters with unique abilities and builds.
  • Big-budget competitors like Lies of P and Code Vein are emerging in the Soulslike genre with innovative gameplay and storytelling.
  • Elden Ring stands out as a top Soulslike game with its vast array of content, including items, bosses, and abilities for endless player choices.

As the Soulslike genre initially emerged as a small subcategory and gained phenomenal popularity during the 2010s and beyond into the 2020s, these games have seen an incredible range of variations, with numerous titles focusing heavily on offering players extensive decision-making freedom.

From indie sensations promoting diverse gameplay styles to colossal Soulslike titles, there’s an extensive collection of top-tier Soulslikes that empower players to shape their own gaming experience. This list is arranged not only based on the games’ quality but also on the degree of freedom offered to players in deciding their playstyle.

8. Hollow Knight

There’s Life Underground

In the 2010s, there was an extraordinary surge in independent gaming, culminating in games that are often regarded as the best ever created. Defying expectations, the small indie studio Team Cherry developed Hollow Knight, a remarkable blend of Metroidvania and Soulslike genres. This game is now recognized as one of the finest Metroidvanias ever made due to its impressive lineup of memorable bosses and the inclusion of key Soulslike features that have earned it a spot on this esteemed list.

The exceptional caliber of Hollow Knight is one major factor fueling the intense anticipation for Silksong among its fanbase. In this game, players have the liberty to tailor their bug character, allowing them to choose from a wide range of charms and skills that align with their preferred playstyle. Given the game’s notorious tough difficulty level, these customizations will prove crucial.

7. Lies Of P

The Fibber’s Gambit

While FromSoftware is clearly the founding father of the Soulslike genre, there’s been a surge of high-budget challengers trying to claim the throne. Among these contenders, none have come as close as Round8 and its acclaimed 2023 game, Lies of P.

Drawing inspiration from timeless children’s tales, particularly Pinocchio, and set in a gloomy Gothic realm reminiscent of Bloodborne, this peculiar scenario developed its own distinctive tone. With a wide array of weapons, charms, clothing, and customization options, Lies of P caters to all types of gamers. Its diverse bosses are reason enough to play, but add to that the imminent arrival of new DLC, it’s an experience not to be missed.

6. Code Vein

Anime Meets Souls

The idea behind Code Vein seemed straightforward: imagine if the style of gameplay pioneered by FromSoftware in the Soulslike genre was reimagined within an anime universe. This creative twist produced a game that, despite its cult status, has yet to receive the recognition it truly merits.

In blending the Soulslike gameplay structure with captivating anime visuals and narratives, Code Vein establishes a platform for intricate character customization centered around strategic and visually stunning combat that appreciates swift decision-making and thoughtful builds. Regrettably, Code Vein, despite its innovative contributions to the Soulslike genre, didn’t receive the recognition it deserved.

5. Mortal Shell

Custom Pilot License

2020 marked a period where numerous games emulating the Soulslike formula were finally released after lengthy development, and Mortal Shell aimed to challenge FromSoftware’s dominance by emphasizing varied gameplay styles and brutal combats.

Despite not reaching the heights it possibly aimed for, Mortal Shell offered an innovative concept where players assume roles symbolizing distinct playstyles, which was unique. Essentially, this game values player choice more than many other aspects, making it an excellent choice for gamers who appreciate a title that emphasizes choice above all else.

4. Dark Souls 2

Study The First Sin

In the community of Souls fans, Dark Souls 2 is often viewed with mixed feelings. Some believe it’s unfairly criticized and showcases some unique advancements, while others consider it a less impressive work by FromSoftware’s secondary team. The reality likely falls in between these perspectives, but it retains much of the charm that makes Souls-like games exceptional.

In Dark Souls 2, many character builds will focus on improving fundamentals such as Agility (ADP) and Vitality (Vigor). However, there’s an abundance of diverse weapons, impressive armor collections, and fascinating spells to select from, allowing you to create distinctive builds. The game’s exceptional downloadable content levels further enhance this experience.

3. Nioh 2

Team Ninja’s Back At It

Initially, the game “Nioh” stood as one of the early high-budget contenders daringly aiming to outmatch the challenges posed by FromSoftware games. Though it has a controversial standing among players, it undeniably succeeded in offering formidable difficulty and a strikingly original environment.

In a refreshing enhancement, Nioh 2 surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect, providing an abundance of options for players to delve into the game’s complex yet challenging combat system. This is achieved through various poses, weapons, armor sets, and abilities, culminating in diverse builds that cater to individual playstyles.

2. Dark Souls 3

The End Of The World

Although Dark Souls 2 is often considered the odd one out in the original Souls trilogy, Dark Souls 3 might be the most undervalued and overlooked game, failing to attract the massive fanbase that other FromSoftware titles have enjoyed. Regrettably, this is unfortunate because it’s a fantastic addition to the series.

Progressing from its predecessors, Dark Souls 3 boasts an impressively vast array of items, potent weapons, armor ensembles, and distinctive skills (varying by weapon type and character build). For the widest range of options in the Souls series, choosing Dark Souls 3 is recommended.

1. Elden Ring

Foolish Ambitions Laid Bare

Without a doubt, Elden Ring sits at the pinnacle of this list. Countless accolades have been bestowed upon it, and deservedly so. This game is an extraordinary accomplishment by any standard, boasting such a wealth of top-tier gaming content that it’s almost hard to believe it was created.

Among its many features, Elden Ring stands out due to the vast array of items, bosses, character builds, skills, spells, sorceries, miracles, ashes of war, and more. The sheer volume of options means that no two playthroughs are likely to be identical, making it an ideal Soulslike game for players who prefer to carve their own path. With its open-world design, the game also offers numerous approaches to exploration and combat.

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2025-04-12 07:35