Highlights

  • The soulslike genre has rapidly grown, inspired by the success of FromSoftware's Dark Souls series.
  • Defining a soulslike involves considering elements like combat mechanics, world design, or story presentation.
  • The article recommends some of the best soulslike games, showcasing the diverse offerings in the genre.

The soulslike genre has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing in recent video game history. Following the tremendous success of FromSoftware's exceptional Dark Souls series, both triple-A and indie studios have sought to emulate the winning formula that catapulted challenging games back into the spotlight.

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Establishing the criteria for what defines a game as soulslike can be challenging. However, for the purposes of this list, we define it as any game that draws significant inspiration from Dark Souls — whether through similar combat mechanics, world design, or story presentation. Here are the absolute best games that the soulslike genre has to offer.

Updated on February 21, 2024, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: It's 2024, and you're still on the hunt for some of the best Soulslike games released? Well, you've landed in the right spot!

The ranking of this list is a blend of personal opinions and what the gaming community, at large, has been enjoying.

Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights

Beautiful Scenery of reflective water and a bright purple tree in ENDER LILIES

Set in a once-great kingdom that has been ruined by calamity, Ender Lilies: Quietus of The Knights isn't afraid to show off its Dark Souls inspiration. As well as a similar setting to the Dark Souls games, Ender Lilies also takes some cues from its combat system by littering the world with tough yet predictable enemies.

Despite borrowing a lot from Dark Souls, Ender Lilies manages to carve out its own identity through a unique art style, its Metroid-inspired world, and a slightly lower difficulty level than most soulslikes.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is focused on Lily, a priestess in Land's End. Able to cleanse a corruption which has set in, she must bind with the spirit of a dead knight and journey to rid the evil once and for all.

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S
Released
January 21, 2021

Eldest Souls

Eldest Souls key at showing giant knight character

Eldest Souls is an isometric boss-rush soulslike that sees you traveling through yet another kingdom that has fallen to ruin. Despite its somewhat derivative setting, Eldest Souls manages to create a compelling world through its excellent pixel art and creative boss arenas.

The combat in Eldest Souls is exactly as you'd expect — bosses use dangerous, telegraphed attacks that force you to carefully manage your stamina bar to avoid. Eldest Souls also adds a magic-focused skill tree instead of the typical Dark Souls leveling system, an addition that breathes some new life into the soulslike formula.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order Quality

Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order is easily the most famous soulslike on the list, combining a triple-A gleam with a slightly watered-down version of the typical soulslike combat system. Fallen Order's mechanics are certainly more forgiving than your typical soulslike, leading to many to view it as closer to The Force Unleashed than Dark Souls.

The soulslike leanings of its combat system become clearer if you choose to play on a higher difficulty setting, however, as a single mistake can lead to you being sent back to the Star Wars equivalent of a bonfire. Its on these harder difficulties where Jedi: Fallen Order really shines, especially when you're up against a skilled lightsaber wielder.

STAR WARS JEDI FALLEN ORDER
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Cal Kestis is a Jedi Padawan who must escape the clutches of the Galactic Empire in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. It's a third-person action-adventure game with elements of the Metroidvania genre, and gives you access to plenty of Force abilities. 

Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC , Stadia
Released
November 15, 2019

Dead Cells

A screenshot showing gameplay in Dead Cells

Dead Cells may be the most mechanically unique game on this list, focusing on a completely roguelite world rather than a tailored, static kingdom for you to explore. It also foregoes a stamina bar, forcing you to time attacks by pitting you against tougher foes rather than by limiting your endurance.

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As well as a focus on randomized levels, Dead Cells also differentiates itself from other soulslikes through its gear system. Instead of giving you the tools to slowly create a build over many hours, Dead Cells' roguelite frame leads you to cobble together the best build you can on each run, leading to ever-evolving gameplay.

DeadCellsTagPage
Dead Cells

A rogue-lite action platformer from Motion Twin, Dead Cells puts you in the role of the Prisoner. Your job is to escape an island, using the bodies of the dead. 

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Android , iOS
Released
May 17, 2017

Nioh 2

The main character in Nioh 2 fighting Mezuki

Nioh 2 stands out as one of the best non-FromSoftware soulslike games, and it's an impressive achievement that becomes completely unsurprising when you realize it was developed by Team Ninja. Serving as a well-realized adaptation of the Dark Souls formula, Nioh 2 shifts the setting to ancient Japan while significantly elevating the level of difficulty.

Many will discover that Nioh 2 is notably tougher than any FromSoftware title, but for some, it presents the perfect challenge. The game will repeatedly push you into the ground, hour after hour, yet you'll persist, driven by the desire to experience more of its incredible combat and world-building.

nioh 2
Nioh 2

Nioh 2 is a sequel-prequel hybrid, in which you play Hide, a half-demon who must battle legendary Sengoku Era foes while harnessing great powers. It has all the action-RPG hallmarks of its developer, Team Ninja.

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5
Released
March 13, 2020

Salt And Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary Knight fighting

Salt and Sanctuary is one of the first 2D soulslikes, setting the stage for the dozens that were to follow. Even now, years on, it is still one of the shining examples of how to adapt the Souls formula effectively without completely ripping it off.

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Salt and Sanctuary is set in — you guessed it — a kingdom that has fallen to ruin. Rather than be saddled with a grand goal to save it, though, you're simply tasked with escaping. This need to get out permeates every inch of Salt and Sanctuary's bleak world, as the unrelenting horror of its art style and crushing boss fights closes in on you as you progress deeper into the kingdom.

Salt and Sanctuary
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PS4 , PS Vita , Xbox One
Released
March 15, 2016

Thymesia

Thymesia Corvus in full armor with helmet

While Thymesia may not be the biggest Soulslike title out there, it offers a unique experience in a distinct world where death spreads as you step into the shoes of Corvus and battle your way through. Playing like your typical Soulslike game, you'll need to carefully time your attacks, guard against enemies, and master the art of parrying to survive, with multiple endings to discover and achieve.

What sets this game apart is its approach to length. Unlike many lengthy Soulslike titles, Thymesia offers a shorter experience. While this might not appeal to everyone, it brings a fresh and unique perspective without requiring a huge time commitment, making it a refreshing choice for those who want to dive into another Soulslike adventure.

thymesia
Thymesia

Thymesia is a Soulslike action RPG set in the Kingdom of Hermes, where a plague has gripped the land. As Corvus, you must harness this plague in order to save the kingdom from ruin.

Platform(s)
Amazon Luna , PC , PS5 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
August 15, 2022

Hollow Knight

Knight sat on bench underground

One of the standout 2D Soulslike games to date is Hollow Knight, and its widespread appeal is for good reason. From its exquisite art style to the intricately designed levels and enemies, the variation in this game is truly unique. Beneath its seemingly simple 2D exterior lies a shockingly deep plot that may take some time to fully comprehend.

In terms of gameplay, you assume the role of The Knight, embarking on an exploration journey through a Metroidvania setting. To progress through certain areas, you must acquire special skills, confront challenging bosses that put your skills to the test, and navigate the vast map, which often leaves you to determine where to go next. Hollow Knight's charm lies not only in its visual and gameplay aesthetics but also in the depth of its world and narrative.

Hollow Knight Cover Art
Hollow Knight

A Metroidvania adventure, Hollow Knight is a challenging 2D platformer that sees you play as the Knight as he wanders the grey environments of the Hallownest. You must battle the infected insects who reside there and discover a way to reverse the decay that pervades everything.

Platform(s)
PC , Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , macOS , Linux
Released
February 24, 2017

Lords Of The Fallen

Lords of the Fallen reboot

If you're seeking a game that shares similarities with the Dark Souls series, then Lords of the Fallen is precisely what you're looking for. This game represents a significant improvement from its predecessor and successfully incorporates familiar mechanics from Dark Souls while adding its unique touch through the introduction of the Umbral World. This feature allows you to seamlessly switch between Axiom, the living world, and Umbral, the dead world.

In terms of gameplay, it captures the essence of playing a Dark Souls game while managing to establish its distinct identity. Offering various classes, build options, an array of weapons, spells, and armor to choose from, the game provides the freedom to explore Mournstead with a customized character. Despite this freedom, it remains challenging, and you're likely to face numerous deaths; which is a characteristic that contributes to the allure of such games.

Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen is a next-gen soulslike action RPG, and a soft reboot of the 2014 original. Developed by Hexworks, it features two parallel worlds - the living Axiom, and the dead Umbral.

Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X|S , PC
Released
October 13, 2023

Remnant 2

Remnant 2

If you're in search of a Dark Souls experience with a firearms twist, then Remnant 2 is the game for you. Building upon its predecessor, Remnant 2 has made substantial improvements while staying true to the formula that made it stand out. The game is notable for its randomly generated mechanics that add a dynamic element to the storylines, bosses, loot, and even the NPCs you encounter in the game world.

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All of this is woven into a challenging experience where you unravel the threat of the Root and devise ways to eliminate it. Given the emphasis on gunplay, you'll find yourself immersed in a diverse array of weapons to wield and armor to choose from. It's simply outstanding.

Remnant 2 Cover
Remnant 2

Remnant 2 once again pits you against unimaginable evil, this time in a bid to stop a threat against everything you know. It features co-op gameplay and an expanded Archetype progression system.

Platform(s)
PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
Released
July 25, 2023

Blasphemous 2

A picture of the Penitent one in Blasphemous 2

Blasphemous 2 stands out as one of the finest 2D soulslike games released to date. Its combination of Metroidvania world design, soulslike combat, and enigmatic storytelling coalesce in a remarkable way, drawing everyone into a world of both beauty and decay.

Building upon the success of the first game, Blasphemous 2 elevates the experience, providing a smoother journey to explore the haunting land of Cvstodia. With a variety of weapons and skills at your disposal, the game challenges you to survive in this captivating world. If you found enjoyment in the first installment, Blasphemous 2 is undoubtedly designed to deliver more of what you crave.

Blasphemous 2
Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S , PC
Released
August 24, 2023

Lies Of P

P is fighting the electricity-charged Scrapped Watchman puppet boss in Lies of P, and getting grabbed.

Lies of P is the closest thing we have to Bloodborne, and we're quite content with that, at least for now. This game stands as a masterpiece, drawing heavy inspiration from Bloodborne while seamlessly incorporating mechanics from titles like Sekiro and Dark Souls. Rewriting the story we all grew up with, Pinocchio, it places it against the darkly elegant backdrop of the Belle Epoque era.

Dark, compelling, and uniquely its own, Lies of P transports you into a gaming experience that echoes the essence of Bloodborne but adds its own special touch. The setting in the city of Krat, the character design, storyline, and combat mechanics collectively make the game stand out. As a protagonist, you embody a formidable version of Pinocchio, grappling with puppets and striving to save the city of Krat.

Lies of P-1
Lies of P

Lies Of P is a soulslike game developed by Neowiz Games. Pinocchio wakes up in a train station and players are tasked with guiding him through Krat in search of his creator, Gepetto. An array of weapons at their disposal, most of which are compatible with the lead character's mechanical arm.

Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , macOS
Released
September 19, 2023
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