Summary
- Hollow Knight offers fun 2D combat & challenging foes in a beautiful world.
- The First Berserker: Khazan surprises with diverse combat & existing lore.
- Black Myth: Wukong delivers adrenaline-pumping boss fights in fast-paced combat.
FromSoftware and Hidetaka Miyazaki did something special with the release of Dark Souls. Not only did they give fans the hardcore and rewarding experience they wanted, but the game implemented so many groundbreaking yet simple gameplay features that it spawned a whole new genre of its own: the Soulslike genre.
From 2D metroidvanias to 3D action games, the Soulslike template has made its mark across numerous games, forming a genre that continues to evolve. As one would expect, combat is the driving force that governs how compelling a Soulslike action game is. The following titles got this memo better than any others.
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Everyone knows Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Nioh, but a few great Soulslikes are relatively unknown.
8 Hollow Knight
2D Combat Is Fun To Master And Rewards Skilled Players
Hollow Knight
- Released
- February 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania
One of the greatest indie games ever made, Hollow Knight's praises are still being sung to this day. Hallownest is a beautiful, decaying world that harbors a sullen charm of its own, only to blindside the player with some of the toughest foes and bosses they'll encounter in a game.
Hollow Knight's combat is deceptively simple, letting players manage their mana while taking on hard-as-nails bosses. Sure, facetanking may be a valid strategy for some bosses, but players will always prefer fairer fights where they must time their parries and dodges to perfection if they don't want to be stuck for hours trying to defeat a boss.
7 The First Berserker: Khazan
A Surprisingly Great Soulslike With Flashy, Challenging Combat
The First Berserker: Khazan
- Released
- March 27, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
A Soulslike game that came out of nowhere and wowed fans with its diverse combat and great story, The First Berserker: Khazan is not a game that fans of Miyazaki's works should sleep on. The fact that this game is based on an existing IP ensures that lore hunters will be more than satisfied with what this title brings to the table.
Players gain access to several weapons that feature diverse movesets and can be upgraded. Managing stamina and avoiding damage is paramount, but the game encourages players to stay on the offensive with flashy, cinematic moves that hit like a truck.
6 Another Crab's Treasure
Switching Shells And Slowly Becoming Stronger Is A Blast
Another Crab's Treasure
- Released
- April 25, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
No one expected what looked like a joke game to turn into one of the best Soulslike games ever made. Another Crab Treasure's uplifting message and surprisingly emotional story add the cherry on top of the title's innovative combat system.
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Dark Souls is a classic, but notoriously difficult game. For gamers who want something more forgiving, these similar titles are great choices.
Battles are challenging and force players to find makeshift shells in the world to bolster their defense. These shells can break easily, so players should always be wary of their durability as they take on hard bosses and rely on blocking attacks.
5 Remnant 2
The Third-Person Shooting Perfects The First Game's Formula
Remnant 2
- Released
- July 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
Remnant 2 is a massive improvement over its predecessor, in terms of both how its procedural elements are handled and how its hardcore third-person shooting combat works. The game is great in both single-player and co-op, letting players engage with enemies however they wish.
Nailing enemies with a steady stream of gunfire while dodging at periodic intervals makes for a fun gameplay loop that fans can't get enough of. Acquiring a powerful gun is always a celebration that compels players to try out their new firearm on enemies who were giving them a tough time.
4 Lies Of P
Tough, Aggressive Enemies Force Players To Step It Up A Notch
Lies of P
- Released
- September 19, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike
One of the hardest Soulslikes of all time, Lies of P is not for impatient players who are prepared to lose to a boss repeatedly before finally learning their patterns. It's the perfect game for Bloodborne fans, and has the combat to match.
Remaining aggressive and trying to avoid needless damage is a must in the game, especially given how fond it is of multi-phase boss fights. The epic nature of certain encounters can become overbearing after a point, but the smooth and rewarding combat ensures that fans will love trying over and over again until they finally defeat an enemy that was giving them a tough time.
3 Nine Sols
Parrying And Applying Talismans Never Gets Old
Nine Sols
- Released
- May 29, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Blood and Gore, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Platformer, Metroidvania, Soulslike
Nine Sols is the 2D Sekiro no one knew they wanted. Parrying is a central mechanic in this title, but Nine Sols manages to stand out courtesy of a Talisman mechanic that makes for a cool and engaging riposte.
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This game has an Internal Damage mechanic that can only be converted into regular damage after triggering a talisman. This turns combat into a delicate dance where players must nail the detonation of the Talisman they place on opponents to deal severe damage and take out opponents efficiently.
2 Nioh 2
The Combat Is Fast-Paced And Engaging
Nioh 2
- Released
- March 13, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Nioh was one of the first Soulslike games that fans loved, but it had some rough edges that had to be honed. This was achieved in Nioh 2, which boasts a fast-paced combat system along with multiple weapon varieties and stances to keep combat fresh.
Players can acquire equipment to enhance their moves and use skill points to improve their competency with various weapons. All of this, combined with the Ki Pulse mechanic, ensures that fans will love mastering Nioh 2's combat system to obliterate their foes.
1 Black Myth: Wukong
Fighting Any Boss Is An Adrenaline-Pumping Moment
Black Myth: Wukong
- Released
- August 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Most people call Black Myth: Wukong a glorified boss rush game, but this isn't a bad thing in the slightest. If anything, this is precisely what fans want from a no-nonsense Soulslike that is all about impressive boss fights.
It helps that Black Myth: Wukong's combat looks great without feeling too complex, allowing players to slowly come to grips with the fast-paced combat mechanics before humbling the game's toughest bosses. It's an amazing action title that will keep fans coming back for more, and deservedly so.
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