Summary
- FromSoftware's history goes beyond Soulslike games, featuring unique multiplayer titles like The Adventures of Cookie & Cream.
- Ninja Blade offers a fast, cinematic experience with quick-time events, a departure from the usual Soulslike style.
- Dark Souls 2, not directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, is criticized for its lack of coherence in the world and less memorable bosses.
When someone is asked what their favorite FromSoftware game is, the answer will no doubt be some Soulslike from the past 15 years. The studio invented the genre and continues to innovate upon it, after all. However, the developer has a long history that stretches past Demon's Souls' 2009 release.
While many of the games on this "best of" list are household names, there are still a few gems from before the studio's ascension to greatness that are worth mentioning. To be fair, it is hard for any of them to hold a candle to the greatness that would come later, but they still warrant mention as some of the best FromSoftware games.
Updated on July 16, 2025, by Mark Sammut: FromSoftware is rightfully hailed as one of the best active developers of the last decade. Each new release feels like an industry-shaking event, a statement that will hopefully extend to the upcoming The Duskbloods. Until that Switch 2 game becomes a reality, I recommend checking out some of FromSoftware's greatest older games, and do not skip out on the pre-Demon's Souls era.
14 The Adventures Of Cookie And Cream
A Unique Action/Adventure Game With Multiplayer
The Adventures of Cookie & Cream
- Released
- April 30, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Platform(s)
- PS2
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Adventure
FromSoftware's penchant for unique multiplayer implementation stretches back to this 2001 title. Players can either control both of the titular characters themselves or they can invite a friend to control the other. What's more, there is even an option for two players to use one controller.
The two characters have to work together to solve certain puzzles, adding a layer of asynchronous gameplay to the co-op. The kid-friendly aesthetic is a far cry from the dreary, dying, medieval towns, castles, and dungeons fans are used to seeing from the studio.
13 Lost Kingdoms 2
A Forgotten FromSoftware IP With A Fun Combat System And Great Atmosphere
Lost Kingdoms II
- Released
- May 13, 2003
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
The success of Demon's Souls and Dark Souls was, obviously, a great thing for FromSoftware, but it did come with the consequence of pushing the developer away from more experimental franchises. At this point, we will probably never get another Lost Kingdoms game, and to be frank, even a compilation containing remasters seems unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Like so many of FromSoftware's earliest projects, Lost Kingdoms and its sequel are both fairly clunky and, at times, frustrating to play, even though they feature a pretty novel card-based combat system. Conversely, like many of the developer's earliest efforts, both of these games are rich in atmosphere, painting a dark canvas that is not far removed from something like King's Field or even the Souls titles.
12 Ninja Blade
More Bayonetta Than Dark Souls
Ninja Blade
- Released
- January 29, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action
Unlike the action of Soulslikes, Ninja Blade is fast and cinematic. Quick-time events are also a large part of the equation. Though a tired mechanic now, 2009 was the era when almost every game had them. The game is set in the modern day and feels more like a character action game than a Soulslike.
The Best Games Full Of Over-The-Top Action
For action games that crank things up to eleven and get your heart pumping, these titles are unrivaled.
Ninja Blade came out in 2009, the same year as Demon's Souls. However, this game was exclusive to the Xbox 360 and Windows. As fun as Ninja Blade is, most would agree PlayStation 3 owners got the better FromSoftware game that year.
11 Shadow Tower Abyss
The Best Of A Niche
Shadow Tower Abyss
- Released
- October 23, 2003
- ESRB
- nr
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
Alongside Armored Core, FromSoftware's earliest success arrived in the form of King's Field, a respected series that can be quite challenging to revisit. If you want to try an entry in this series, I recommend going with King's Field 4 as it is the most accessible in this day and age; that said, it is still very much a product of its time that can be hard to appreciate without any nostalgic attachment.
Shadow Tower is cut from the same cloth as King's Field, delivering an intense first-person dungeon-crawling experience that revolves around slow and deliberate movement. While not comparing favorably to modern releases, Shadow Tower Abyss has the best combat out of all these games, along with a great setting and enemy designs (a positive shared with all these games).
10 Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
FromSoftware's Best Hack And Slash Games
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
- Released
- December 25, 2003
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Platform(s)
- Xbox (Original), Xbox Series X, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Action, Hack and Slash
Another IP that has become part of history, Otogi: Myth of Demons and Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors are, at least, backward compatible with the Xbox One and Series X/S, so they are readily available to purchase. They have also aged pretty well, all things considered. Sure, they are somewhat clunky and suffer from a not-so-great camera, but they hold up well enough compared to most B-tier hack and slash titles that dropped during the mid-2000s. Otogi 2 might not be Devil May Cry, but it isn't Devil May Cry 2 either.
While I'm specifically promoting the sequel, as it improves slightly on its predecessor's formula, there is not all that much separating the two games, so I would recommend trying Myth of Demons as well. Immortal Warriors features an impressive range of playable characters, who are all fairly unique and, more importantly, have fully realized movesets. The visuals were great for the time, too.
9 Elden Ring Nightreign
FromSoftware's Roguelike Multiplayer Battle Royale...A Combo Of Words Nobody Predicted Would Ever Need To Be Said
Elden Ring Nightreign
- Released
- May 30, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Roguelite
Elden Ring was such a massive success that FromSoftware's decision to remain in the universe made complete sense. After releasing a pretty great expansion, the developer announced a project that came a bit out of nowhere: Nightreign. A multiplayer-focused rougelike that is structured around a battle royale, the 2025 release is a very different beast compared to FromSoftware's traditional releases; consequently, it might not be able to scratch the same itch for players who adore Souls games.
Elden Ring Nightreign: Best Weapons For Beating Bosses
The best weapons in Nightreign for every class take advantage of each Nightfarer's stats and passives and offer powerful weapon skills.
So, what is Nightreign? Well, players pick a class and a boss before diving into the Lands Between, where they must survive, collect loot and upgrades, and eventually take on mini-bosses en route to the big bad. Solo plays are possible, but Nightreign is very much designed around co-op, and certain bosses can be downright cruel when faced alone.
Nightreign is inherently repetitive, as you will generally be running along the same map, even if each run is technically different due to the use of procedural generation. However, the Nightlord bosses are all fantastic, while the Nightfarer classes are unique and fun to master. The gameplay is also designed to move at a far quicker pace than Elden Ring, which can take some getting used to.
8 Dark Souls 2
The Only Entry In The Series Not Directed By Hidetaka Miyazaki
Dark Souls 2
- Released
- March 11, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
When talking about the Dark Souls series, the second entry is often met with a lot of hate. However, do not let this give a false impression that the game is bad. Dark Souls 2 is still an incredible RPG, it just lacks the special sheen that makes the rest of the games pop.
The world does not feel as coherent as the other entries in the series, and the combat is not as refined as it should be for the second entry in the game. The bosses are also not as memorable as in the other titles, and there are arguably too many of them. Mytha, the Baneful Queen, is memorable, but only because of the poison pool players fight her in, which makes the fight way harder if it is not drained beforehand.
7 Demon's Souls
The Origins Of Soulslike, But A Little Janky
Demon's Souls
- Released
- October 6, 2009
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Computer Entertainment, Atlus, Namco Bandai
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 3
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Action RPG
Demon's Souls came out before FromSoftware had the reputation it has today. As a result, it did not launch up the sales charts, but instead slowly bubbled in popularity as gamers discovered its genius. Compared to what would come later, there are a lot of jank and imbalanced systems at play.
Demon's Souls Remake: The Best Weapons To Use Early On
The Demon's Souls remake is just as tough as the original, and then some. These weapons are most useful early on in the game.
There are also a few frustrating boss battles that act more as puzzles than legitimate duels, such as the Dragon God and the Storm King. Coming out in 2009 on the PS3, the technical hiccups and long load times also drag the experience down a bit.
Bluepoint Games's 2020 remake for the PS5 is obviously the more refined version. However, some prefer the original art style over the graphical overhaul.
6 Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon
The Return Of An Old Series
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
- Released
- August 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Genre(s)
- Action, Shooter
After a decade-long hiatus, the Armored Core series came back with a sixth entry. Players did not know whether to expect a return to form of a Soulslike with the titular mechs, or AC for shot. This game is definitely more of the former.
Progression is mission-based and players are encouraged to tinker with their AC or to best prepare for the challenge ahead instead of dedicating themselves to one build. Players earn money with each mission to further improve their ride, and missions can be replayed to grind cash.
5 Dark Souls
Starts The Series Off Right
Dark Souls
- Released
- September 22, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Namco Bandai
- Platform(s)
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Adventure
Few series get off to as strong a start as Dark Souls. All notable aspects of it are present here. It helps that it builds off a lot of systems established in Demon's Souls. What it adds is significant, however.
The levels being interconnected as one space as opposed to being separated by a hub immediately makes the environment feel more alive and offers more opportunities for exploration. The difficulty, though brutal, also feels more fine-tuned since it is all in the combat instead of obtuse puzzles.