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A Soulslike (also spelled Souls-like) is a subgenre of action role-playing games known for high levels of difficulty and emphasis on environmental storytelling, typically in a dark fantasy setting. It had its origin in Demon's Souls and the Dark Souls series by FromSoftware, the themes and mechanics of which directly inspired several other games
- Elden Ring. Our 2022 game of the year feels like a strange kind of full-circle moment for the Soulslike genre. Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls represented a kind of counter to some of the industry trends that had taken root in the years surrounding their release.
- Bloodborne. Though Bloodborne’s nearly mythical modern status can partially be attributed to its somewhat strange PS4 exclusivity (remake when?) , the fact of the matter is that few Soulslike games in recent memory have captured more imaginations as thoroughly a Bloodborne.
- Dark Souls. Though not the godfather of this list, Dark Souls was many people’s first taste of a Soulslike experience. After all these years, you could argue it is still the best.
- Sekiro. Possibly inspired by other studios’ attempts to strip the Soulslike genre down to its essentials and explore new directions, the first FromSoftware game on this list is also considerably different from the rest of the studio’s Souslike experiences.
Nov 16, 2023 · A list of the best games that follow the Souls series formula of punishing combat, death, and progression. See the rankings, reviews, and features of Ashen, Stranger of Paradise, Lords of the Fallen, and more.
- Elden Ring. It’s impossible to talk about soulslikes without mentioning Elden Ring – so let’s get it out of the way. Like pretty much every other outlet, PCGamesN rated it the Game of the Year in 2022, and if you somehow still haven’t played FromSoftware’s (current) magnum opus, you won’t find a better – if a little extra intimidating because of its sprawling open world – soulslike to get started with.
- Dark Souls Trilogy. Good news! All three Dark Souls games are available on PC, and much like Elden Ring, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you haven’t played them.
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Only one more FromSoftware game – I promise. Where the Dark Souls games created the genre, and Elden Ring broadens it into an open world, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice makes it more of a katana-heavy action game.
- Lords of the Fallen. With the FromSoftware games out of the way, the most recent and high-profile soulslike release is Lords of the Fallen. A reimagining of a 2014 game of the same name, Lords of the Fallen borrows a lot from the original Dark Souls, to the point that from movement and visuals alone, you’d think you were once again adventuring through Lordran.
- Andrew Highton
- The Surge / The Surge 2. Deck 13. The Surge is like Dark Souls with robots! The Surge (and its even better sequel) could be considered Robo Souls if you’re a fan of the sub-genre.
- Steelrising. Spiders. Steelrising is a Soulslike set during the French Revolution – also with robots. Steelrising is far from perfect and its combat can feel a bit dull by the end, but its premise is amazing.
- Mortal Shell. Mortal Shell is mostly influenced by the Dark Souls trilogy, offering a similar grimdark feel where a nameless character goes on a quest to change their fate and that of the world.
- Lords of the Fallen. HexWorks. Lords of the Fallen now has a sequel/reboot. Lords of the Fallen was one of the first Soulslike games to imitate the Souls series and is still one of the best to this day.
Explore challenging and rewarding games inspired by the Dark Souls series. Browse the Steam tags and curator reviews to find your next souls-like adventure.
Nov 16, 2022 · A ranking of the best Soulslike games, from Bloodborne and Dark Souls to Nioh and Sekiro. Find out which games are the most challenging, rewarding, and memorable in the genre.
