15 Best Soulslike Games to Test Your Skills in 2025
Trying to find the best soulslike games is like searching for the sharpest needles in a needlestack. We’ve been blessed with many decent soulslike titles for quite some time now, but only some of them are so good they’re more than worth playing at least once.
What makes a great soulslike game, you ask?
To me and many other fans, it’s a mixture of challenging combat, good atmospheric aesthetics, a wide variety of customization options, tough boss fights, and more importantly, punishing gameplay mechanics that force you to adjust your playstyle and react to unique enemy movesets with precise controls just to progress.
It’s no secret that anything “soulslike” is typically tied to being “hard”, hence it’s not really a casual-friendly genre. On the other hand, it’s the perfect genre for thrillseekers who don’t mind high-difficulty games and facing defeat over and over again, just to get that satisfaction of a well-fought victory once you finally do beat the boss or clear a hard level.
In this article, I’ll be showing you the best games in the soulslike genre that are as fun as they are challenging, with each title difficult enough to push your gaming skills to the absolute limit!
Our Top Picks for Soulslike Games
The Soulslike genre is jam-packed with tons of top-tier titles. If you want to play the absolute best, take a look at our team’s top picks for games we’re sure you’ll enjoy as a soulslike fan:
- Lies of P (2023) – a phenomenal action RPG that combines classic soulsborne atmosphere design and challenging combat with Pinocchio-themed lore.
- Dark Souls 3 (2016) – widely known as the best title in the Dark Souls series, featuring enhanced combat mechanics, visuals, and world design compared to its predecessors.
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2024) – one of the best Star Wars games in recent years that lets you explore a galaxy far, far away, complete with customizable lightsabers, blasters, and force powers, as well as a splash of soulslike combat mechanics.
- Remnant 2 (2023) – ditching the fantasy setting, this game takes the souls formula and puts a third-person shooter spin on it, making it a unique entry in the genre.
- Elden Ring (2022) – one of the best-selling open-world RPGs of all time that lets you explore a vast, unforgiving world and kill every single dragon, god, and monster that stands in your way through exciting boss fights.
There are a lot more titles on the list so keep scrolling!
15 Best Soulslike Games
Soulslikes have gained massive mainstream popularity over the last few years thanks to FromSoftware’s masterful pioneering of the genre, giving us fans a ton of cool games inspired by the soulsborne series.
But here, I’ll share only the best soulslike titles our team has expertly curated, as well as my thoughts about each game based both on my personal experience as a soulsborne fan and the general sentiment of the gaming community as a whole.
Do note that all the games listed below are guaranteed to give you that classic soulslike experience. This basically means all of them will absolutely annihilate any players who are unprepared for a real challenge, whilst also rewarding those who are willing to grind for that sweet, sweet dopamine rush that comes with overcoming a hard obstacle.
Again, be warned – the following titles will force you to become a better gamer, as does any other soulslike game out there. Don’t let that discourage you though, as they’ll also give you hours upon hours of entertainment regardless of their difficulty!
1. Lies of P
| Platforms | Release Year |
| macOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | 2023 |
Kicking off my list is Lies of P, which is one of the greatest action RPG games in recent years and is considered by many as the best non-FromSoftware soulslike game. Not only does it have that familiar dreary, grim atmosphere that all soulsborne games have, but this game’s combat is just about as high-octane and complex as well.
Terrifyingly designed bosses that are tough to beat? Check. A subtle and foreboding narrative? It’s here. Insane graphics paired with gloomy, gothic aesthetics and eerie sound design? You got it! Lies of P might as well be a FromSoftware game in all but name, and the best part is that it holds its own even against FromSoftware’s best.
As far as great soulslike games go, Lies of P is most definitely a standout title that’s a must-play for fans of the genre, owing to its incredible art style, polished game design, and its masterful integration of the classic soulslike formula we all know and love.
While Bloodborne isn’t out for PC yet, Lies of P is certainly the next best thing PC gamers can get their hands on, at least for now.
2. Dark Souls 3
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2016 |
Every gamer should put some respect on Dark Souls 3’s name, as this title pushed the entire soulslike genre to mainstream popularity in a big way, outselling both its predecessors and giving the Dark Souls trilogy the fantastic end it deserved.
Almost everything good about Dark Souls and Dark Souls 2 was present in Dark Souls 3, but the developers didn’t stop there. FromSoftware made sure Dark Souls 3 was an all-around improvement compared to any other soulsborne game that came before, and without using this game as a blueprint, I don’t think Elden Ring would’ve been the masterpiece it has grown into as well.
All in all, Dark Souls 3 is another title I highly recommend for soulslike and action RPG fans to try, as it captures what makes the early soulsborne titles truly special. It stands proud among the greatest Dark Souls games ever released, period.
Grab your copy of Dark Souls 3 >
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows | 2024 |
Would you prefer a soulslike game in a sci-fi setting? Well, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has got you covered. It’s an awesome title to pick up, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan. In fact, I recommend you play the first game – Star Wars: Fallen Order – as well, considering how both games are astonishingly good titles that nail the Star Wars power fantasy.
Unlike your typical soulslikes, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor adopts a more in-your-face style of storytelling, which is great for soulslike enthusiasts who not only enjoy tough boss fights but also appreciate a more story-heavy experience, at least compared to FromSoftware’s more subtle brand of narrative.
Also, having played quite a few Star Wars games myself, I have to say that Star Wars: Jedi Survivor is undoubtedly one of the most epic Star Wars games out there. Here, you get to see just how terrifying Darth Vader is in an epic souls-style boss battle. Need I say more?
Grab your copy of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor >
4. Remnant 2
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
Some gamers say Remnant 2 is basically soulslike with guns, and I partially agree. After all, aside from being among the most exciting TPS games in recent years, this title isn’t afraid to detract from your usual shooter and soulslike stereotypes and do its own thing.
Remnant 2 is a massive improvement compared to the first game, sporting more polished gameplay mechanics, impressive graphics, complex boss fights, fast-paced combat, and seamless co-op play with other players.
In a nutshell, Remnant 2 is the perfect follow-up to the Remnant series and is the game to play for soulslike lovers who also enjoy third-person shooters. You won’t regret picking up this one, especially if you like playing co-op with your friends or other players.
5. Elden Ring
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2022 |
Ever wanted to play a pure power-fantasy game where you can beat the ever-loving crap out of gods, dragons, and hellish abominations? Elden Ring excels in giving you that satisfying thrill of conquering insanely tough boss fights through trial and error and is by far the quintessential soulslike game, at least in my opinion.
The 28,000,000+ copies it sold speak for itself!
Aside from being one of the best open-world games ever released, Elden Ring is also the most polished AAA soulslike game in the market, surpassing Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, and all other FromSoftware titles. It has a phenomenal art style, tons of customization options, challenging difficulty, and that classic dark, yet intriguing theme we’ve all come to expect from Hidetaka Miyazaki’s works.
If that’s not enough to convince you how great Elden Ring is (I promise I’m not just glazing), let’s not forget its Shadow of the Erdtree DLC that can easily be considered among the best DLCs in gaming history, which adds a ton of content and unique, lore-rich bosses to beat to this already awesome game.
Grab your copy of Elden Ring >
6. Bloodborne
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4 | 2015 |
As you can see from this list, the soulslike genre is chock-full of remarkable action RPG titles, though very few games can rival what Bloodborne was to the soulsborne community. It’s a classic legend that drew a cult following among fans of the soulsborne series.
Moreover, Bloodborne is one of the few top-tier ARPGs I feel is quite underrated in terms of mainstream popularity. Lore-wise, this game doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to darker themes, which fits the hopelessly bleak atmosphere of the game perfectly. To me, it’s by far one of the better titles in FromSoftware’s catalog when it comes to pure storytelling.
Bloodborne’s magic lies in its Gothic atmosphere, Lovecraftian horror themes, unique trick weapon mechanics, and faster, more aggressive combat than other soulslikes (except for Sekiro). If you haven’t played this game yet, then I suggest you get it ASAP, as you’re definitely missing out.
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7. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia | 2019 |
Speaking of smooth combat systems, how can I leave out Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? This might be a hot take, but in my book, this game has the best sword-based combat system out of any action RPG out there, rivaled only by Ghost of Tsushima, which is another incredibly impressive ARPG.
Just like Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice secured a Game of The Year Award for FromSoftware back in 2019, adding to the prestigious game publisher’s already-long list of accolades. And it was a well-deserved GOTY too!
Not only is this game a fast-paced, action-packed showpiece that has that patented soulslike-style skill checks in combat, but its visual prowess and less-subtle narrative make it appealing to all kinds of action RPG enthusiasts, soulslike fans or not.
All in all, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice shines with its simple, yet hard-to-master combat. While other soulslikes let you grind for souls or runes to level up and come back stronger, in Sekiro, you either git gud, or go home crying.
Grab your copy of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice >
8. Lords of the Fallen
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
Lords of the Fallen is the successor to an original game of the same name made back in 2014. Sure enough, it’s by far the better game of the two, as it offers not only enhanced, modern graphics but also performance optimizations, better combat, and a more beginner-friendly experience.
If you’re looking for a faithful soulslike game that has Dark Souls-style atmosphere and world design, then this game certainly won’t disappoint. Not only that, but the UI, controls, and a lot of other gameplay elements are also reminiscent of classic soulsborne titles.
Aside from Lies of P, Lords of the Fallen is quite possibly the thematically closest game to pre-Elden Ring FromSoftware titles, and one that I’ll 100% recommend for hardcore soulslike lovers.
Grab your copy of Lords of the Fallen >
9. Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows | 2021 |
If I were to rank all the games listed here based on how in-depth and engaging their combat gameplay is, then Nioh 2 would surely be among the top five. This is because it has a staggering amount of playstyle variations thanks to its in-depth weapons system, which also places it amongst the most replayable games on this list.
Team Ninja has certainly outdone themselves with Nioh 2. It has better graphics, enhanced combat mechanics, wider weapon selection, and tougher boss fights compared to the first game.
For peak combat mechanics, you can dive straight into Nioh 2: The Complete Edition. This version comes packed with all the DLC expansions, giving you even more brutal boss fights, new weapons to master, and extra story content that expands on the lore.
Grab your copy of Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition >
10. Black Myth: Wukong
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2024 |
Next up, we have the people’s champion of The Game Awards 2024 – Black Myth: Wukong. Boasting over 25,000,000 copies sold worldwide, it’s easily one of the greatest single-player games, and an absolute must-play for all of you soulslike enjoyers out there.
The boss fights alone are enough for me to recommend this game to any soulsborne fan, as very few titles can stand toe-to-toe with it when it comes to how rewarding it is to master your enemies’ unique moveset and absolutely dog-walk them with well-timed counters and dodges.
It’s not just the engaging boss fights and how characterized each boss is that makes this game a standout title, however. Black Myth: Wukong is also bolstered by stunning visuals, fun RPG mechanics, and a gripping narrative filled with high-stakes action that’s rooted in Chinese mythology, which brings us a fresh perspective on the soulslike-favorite medieval fantasy setting.
Additionally, unlike in most FromSoftware titles, you do not lose any EXP upon dying in Wukong, making it the perfect entry point for soulslike noobs looking for less punishing alternatives.
Grab your copy of Black Myth: Wukong >
11. Blasphemous 2
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | 2023 |
Taking a break from third and first-person action games, we have Blasphemous 2 – a standout indie platformer game that’s heavily inspired by the Souls series. Ever wanted to see what a 2D metroidvania-meets-soulslike experience would be like? If so, then this game will blow you away.
From its eerie boss designs, dreary visuals, equipable weapons, gorgeous pixelated art, brutal animations, and dark fantasy setting, this game just screams soulslike, despite the obvious difference in the core gameplay.
I enjoyed this one a lot and would recommend both games in the series to those who don’t mind giving indie games a try. Awesome titles in the soulslike genre aren’t just limited to AA or AAA releases, after all, so I suggest you give the Blasphemous series a fair shake!
Grab your copy of Blasphemous 2 >
12. Code Vein
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2019 |
Code Vein is yet another noteworthy soulslike game that’s quite underrated compared to how good it actually is. It’s a top-tier action RPG that, despite its lackluster reception, can also be considered among the best anime games in recent decades.
What makes Code Vein a fantastic game to pick up for ARPG and soulslike fans alike is its rich character customization options, captivating anime-style visuals, intense combat system, and somewhat absurd, yet memorable story.
If you’re a soulslike fan who also loves anime elements (e.g. stylized visuals, characterizations, and narrative structure), then you really ought to be playing this one ASAP.
13. Hollow Knight
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | 2017 |
Hollow Knight is one of the best indie games any soulslike fan should try, despite how some people online contend that it isn’t soulslike at all. While I technically agree that this game does a lot of things differently from your typical soulslike, it’s not just a title I can write off when making this list simply because of how amazing it is.
As far as Metroidvania-style platformers go, you’ll find it hard to play any other game that makes you feel that adrenaline rush of outplaying tough bosses and that sense of intrigue while exploring a dark, twisted world quite as well as Hollow Knight.
Sure it doesn’t mimic almost every aspect of your typical soulsbourne-inspired game, but I’d say that Hollow Knight is the perfect title for hardcore gamers who value the soulslike genre’s capacity for high skill ceiling gameplay above all else.
Fancy playing a notoriously challenging game that’ll also get you hooked with its gorgeous, hand-drawn art style? Try this one and see how far you get.
Grab your copy of Hollow Knight >
14. Another Crab’s Treasure
| Platforms | Release Year |
| Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows | 2024 |
Many games on this list are made for hardcore dark fantasy ARPG fans, but how about a more chill game that also offers solid combat elements faithful to the genre? Well, Another Crab’s Treasure is a sleeper hit that I’d absolutely recommend you try right now, from one soulslike enjoyer to another.
And no, this is not an out-of-season April Fools joke. Another Crab’s Treasure is a must-try simply because it’s a fun, less gritty alternative take on soulslikes, showing the gaming community that even games with brighter color palettes and humorous dialogue can still be a good rendition of the genre.
Complete with tough enemies, a good story, and difficult challenges to complete, expect Another Crab’s Treasure to amaze you once you get your hands on it.
Grab your copy of Another Crab’s Treasure >
15. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
| Platforms | Release Year |
| PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
The last title is Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – a terrific ARPG made by Team Ninja of the previously mentioned Nioh series, as well as other fantastic soulslikes such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Ninja Gaiden.
Team Ninja is locked in when it comes to capturing that classic soulslike charm with their games. However, they do bring something new to the table with each release to keep things fresh and exciting.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, in particular, is an intriguing historical title based on the Romance of Three Kingdoms. It features lots of dark, gritty elements that are practically a staple in all FromSoft games, not to mention an intense combat system that can be quite punishing for beginners.
Grab your copy of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty >
FAQs
What is the most liked Souls game?
Elden Ring is by far the most liked Souls game by the gaming community as a whole. However, some hardcore soulsborne fans prefer Bloodborne, which is a beloved masterpiece in its own right.
What is the most successful Souls game?
The most successful Souls game is Elden Ring, which sold over 28,000,000 copies worldwide. The Dark Souls series takes the cake for the most successful Souls series, however, selling over 37,000,000 copies between all three games.
Which Souls game is easier?
Demon’s Souls is recognized by many soulsborne fans as the easiest Souls game, as far as combat difficulty goes.
Which Soulslike game should I play first?
I recommend playing Elden Ring first, as it’s a very polished AAA game that will give you a good introduction to the classic soulslike atmosphere, storytelling, and combat gameplay.
