If you’ve ever shouted at your screen, slammed your keyboard, or muttered “just one more try,” then congratulations—you’ve already been blessed (or cursed) by the world of Soulslike games. Known for their brutal difficulty, cryptic lore, and exhilarating sense of accomplishment, these games have carved out a loyal fan base across the globe.
But with so many titles inspired by FromSoftware’s legendary Dark Souls series, it can be tough to decide which ones deserve your time. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Soulslike games—each offering its own twist on punishing but rewarding gameplay.
Grab your Estus Flask (or coffee, if that’s more your thing), and let’s dive in!
Dark Souls III – The King of Soulslikes
It’s impossible to talk about the best Soulslike games without mentioning Dark Souls III. Considered the ultimate refinement of the formula, it combines the haunting world design of the original with the faster, more aggressive combat of Bloodborne.
From gothic castles to ash-covered ruins, every environment tells a story. The boss fights—like the Nameless King or Sister Friede—are brutal yet unforgettable. And thanks to its dedicated community, you’ll always find people to summon or invade.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s the peak of the Dark Souls trilogy and a rite of passage for any Soulslike fan.
Bloodborne – Horror Meets Soulslike
Exclusive to PlayStation, Bloodborne is a masterclass in fast-paced combat and cosmic horror storytelling. Instead of hiding behind a shield, you’re encouraged to dodge, parry, and strike back with ferocity.
Set in the nightmarish city of Yharnam, Bloodborne mixes gothic architecture with Lovecraftian horror. Every alley, sewer, and cathedral hides grotesque beasts ready to tear you apart. The more you play, the deeper the mystery goes.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s one of the most atmospheric and terrifying Soulslike experiences ever created.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Precision and Skill
Sekiro throws away traditional RPG leveling and instead focuses on pure skill. Set in Sengoku-era Japan, you play as a shinobi armed with a katana and prosthetic tools.
Unlike Dark Souls, this isn’t about stamina management—it’s about breaking enemy posture with perfect parries. Every fight feels like a high-stakes duel, especially boss battles against foes like Genichiro or the Guardian Ape.
👉 Why play it? Because mastering Sekiro is like learning a deadly dance—it’s brutally tough, but oh-so satisfying.
Elden Ring – Open World Soulslike Masterpiece
FromSoftware’s latest creation, Elden Ring, takes the Soulslike formula into a massive open world. Co-created with Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin, the Lands Between offers vast landscapes, towering castles, and terrifying enemies.
What makes it stand out is freedom—you can explore at your own pace, tackle bosses in different orders, and experiment with countless builds. Whether you’re riding Torrent across plains or delving into hidden catacombs, adventure feels endless.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s the most accessible yet deeply complex Soulslike game to date.
Nioh 2 – Samurai Soulslike
If you love Japanese mythology and tough-as-nails combat, Nioh 2 is a must-play. Developed by Team Ninja, this game blends Soulslike elements with hack-and-slash action.
What sets it apart is its deep combat system. With multiple weapon stances, yokai abilities, and fast-paced battles, no two encounters feel the same. It also rewards precision and timing, making every victory feel earned.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s a Soulslike with one of the deepest combat systems out there.
Mortal Shell – A Minimalist Soulslike
Mortal Shell may be a smaller, indie Soulslike, but don’t underestimate it. The game is all about inhabiting “shells”—fallen warriors with unique abilities—that you can swap between.
Its combat is deliberate and punishing, but the “harden” mechanic (a defensive ability to turn to stone) adds a refreshing twist. For players wanting a compact but satisfying Soulslike, this is a hidden gem.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s a Soulslike that respects your time while still delivering that familiar challenge.
Lies of P – A Dark Fairy Tale Soulslike
One of the newer entries, Lies of P, is often described as “Bloodborne meets Pinocchio.” Don’t let the fairy tale setting fool you—this is a grim, punishing Soulslike adventure through a Belle Époque-inspired city.
You play as Pinocchio, battling grotesque puppets with customizable weapons and skills. The game nails the dark, atmospheric vibe while keeping combat precise and strategic.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s one of the best modern Soulslikes not made by FromSoftware.
Hollow Knight – 2D Soulslike Brilliance
Soulslikes don’t have to be 3D—Hollow Knight proves that perfectly. This indie masterpiece combines Metroidvania exploration with Soulslike difficulty and atmosphere.
You’ll explore the haunting kingdom of Hallownest, battling creepy bugs, uncovering hidden lore, and upgrading abilities. Its hand-drawn art, haunting soundtrack, and challenging bosses make it unforgettable.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s one of the best indie Soulslike experiences ever created.
Salt and Sanctuary – Soulslike on a Smaller Scale
Another 2D Soulslike, Salt and Sanctuary is often called “Dark Souls in 2D.” It features deep combat mechanics, dozens of weapon types, and punishing bosses.
Its art style is grim and gothic, perfectly fitting the mood. While it’s smaller in scope compared to Dark Souls, the challenge is just as real.
👉 Why play it? Because it delivers the core Soulslike experience in a 2D format.
Lords of the Fallen (2023) – A Rebirth of a Soulslike
The 2023 reboot of Lords of the Fallen takes the original’s promise and delivers a polished, ambitious Soulslike adventure. With dual-realm mechanics (Axiom and Umbral), you essentially explore two versions of the world at once.
The visuals are stunning, the combat is weighty, and the game offers plenty of challenging bosses. It feels like a Soulslike designed for the modern era.
👉 Why play it? Because it’s a visually breathtaking Soulslike with a unique two-world mechanic.
Final Thoughts: Why Soulslikes Are So Addictive
The best Soulslike games share a common philosophy: they challenge you, punish mistakes, but reward persistence. Whether it’s slaying a giant beast, unlocking cryptic lore, or finally conquering that boss after 50 tries—nothing matches the rush of triumph in a Soulslike.
From classics like Dark Souls III and Bloodborne to fresh gems like Lies of P and Mortal Shell, there’s never been a better time to dive in. So pick your weapon, steel your nerves, and remember—death is not the end; it’s just the beginning of mastery.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Best Soulslike Games
The term Soulslike comes from the Dark Souls series by FromSoftware. It describes games that feature challenging combat, punishing difficulty, stamina-based mechanics, and deep world-building. Basically, if a game makes you want to throw your controller but keeps you coming back, it’s probably Soulslike.
Not always. Most Soulslike games are infamous for their difficulty. However, titles like Elden Ring or Mortal Shell offer more flexibility, making them relatively accessible for newcomers compared to older entries like Demon’s Souls or Nioh.
Nope! Each game tells its own story and mechanics. While the Dark Souls trilogy is iconic, you can jump straight into games like Elden Ring, Sekiro, or even indie Soulslikes like Hollow Knight without missing out.
Gamers often debate this, but Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice usually takes the crown. Unlike most Soulslikes where you can grind and level up, Sekiro demands precise skill and timing—no excuses.
Yes! While most Soulslikes are premium titles, some indie developers release free or budget-friendly Soulslike-inspired games on Steam. Keep an eye on platforms like Epic Games Store or Game Pass for deals and free trials.
