Summary
- Gamers can enjoy Soulslike games without extreme difficulty spikes with titles like Mortal Shell.
- Mortal Shell offers tense combat, rewarding gameplay with strategic shell-switching, and top-notch Hardening mechanics.
- Soulslike games like Remnant 2 and Elden Ring offer unique twists, engaging third-person shooter elements, and seamless open-world structure for a more accessible experience.
Gamers around the world have embraced the Soulslike trend ever since Dark Souls left its mark. While fans wait for a new mainline entry of a Soulsborne title, they can still tide themselves over with a sea of Soulslike games. The sales numbers prove that there are no signs of genre fatigue, and the audience is clearly hungry for more. However, it’s worth noting that while many game devs take inspiration from the gameplay mechanics of Soulsborne titles, their notorious difficulty alienates a large portion of the gaming community.
The 21 Hardest Soulslike RPGs, Ranked By Difficulty
Not all Soulslike on the market can offer the same compelling experience as Dark Souls. Only a few RPGs capture From Soft's rewarding gameplay loop.
The "git-gud" flex is funny and all (within reason), but sometimes, gamers just want a Soulslike game where they can play without stress. There are quite a few Soulslike titles without the outrageous difficulty spike, which makes them fun from the get-go. Players can just boot the game and not worry too much about a steep learning curve. Some Soulslike don’t need players to have pro-gamer muscle memory or lightning reflexes to enjoy their time, but they’re not a cakewalk either. It’s the perfect balance that draws gamers to them.
8 Mortal Shell
Excellent Introduction To The Soulslike Genre With Room To Breathe For Novice Players
Mortal Shell
- Released
- August 18, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS4, PS5
Players looking to dip their toes into the realm of Soulslike games that are immediately fun will love Mortal Shell. This modest game might not offer colorful visuals or the polish of other exciting AAA action titles, but it’s still an amazing gem. Mortal Shell’ s hook lies in the tense combat scenarios where players have to quickly switch “shells” on the fly to attack enemies. Shells are essentially character build archetypes that players must use contextually in the heat of combat.
Another significant gameplay feature is the Hardening mechanic, which can tank almost any enemy attack the first time. Instead of relying on blocking, players need to master Hardening to avoid damage and death. Mastering these two core mechanics in Mortal Shell is a rewarding experience and serves as the perfect middle ground between Soulslike and full-blown Soulsborne.
7 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Encouraging Exploration, Intuitive Combat, And A Well-Balanced Healing Mechanic
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- Released
- November 11, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows
Jedi: Fallen Order wears its Metroidvania inspiration on its sleeve in addition to its Soulslike roots. Players are in for a heartfelt story set within the Star Wars universe, and the gameplay aspect also has been crafted with care. It shines because of its fantastic game design that explains the gameplay mechanics and then lets players figure things out independently. Exploration is a vital and fun part of the experience, often rewarding players for it.
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order: 6 Best Characters (& 6 Worst)
Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order introduced many new characters into a galaxy far, far away. Here are the five best and five worst.
As for combat, the fast-paced action will keep players glued to the screen — spatial awareness is necessary for surviving enemy onslaughts from all sides. The Jedi ability upgrades and defensive techniques feel intuitive and satisfying to master. Fallen Order offers the perfect catharsis for fans seeking a power fantasy experience within a Soulslike framework.
6 Code Vein
Anime Dark Souls That Offers A Constant Companion Who Helps Out
Code Vein
- Released
- September 27, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Code Vein is a Soulslike with broad appeal that targets gamers as well as anime fans. It helps that it’s also one of the most balanced Soulslikes out there. While the enemy AI is unforgiving and unrelenting, players have plenty of options to overcome the challenge. For one, they have access to a companion that they can recruit to fight alongside them. This inclusion adds depth and layers to the gameplay and encourages players to experiment with different weapons and playstyles.
Visually, Code Vein has a distinct anime-inspired style, and players can indulge in “fashion-souls." It basically refers to equipping characters with stylish or cosplay-worthy outfits over purely practical gear. Every landed attack feels awesome, thanks to the flashy animations and weighty movement that elevate it above many other Soulslikes.
5 Steelrising
A Unique Historical Aesthetic Backdrop, Loads Of Replay Value With Build Variety
Steelrising
- Released
- September 8, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Spiders
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Spiders, the devs behind Bound by Flame and Greedfall, are known for their janky-yet-charming AA RPGs. With Steelrising, they took a swing at a Soulslike and knocked it out of the park. Sure, their signature jank is still present, but the brisk nature of the gameplay keeps things fun and satisfying. While flaws like unbalanced OP builds can break immersion for veteran players, from a pure enjoyment standpoint, Steelrising delivers.
7 Best Souls-Lite Games, Ranked
While close to the soulslike formula, these action-RPG games are more accessible and less punishing, making them a great entry point for newcomers.
It has all the standard trappings of a Soulslike: a decent challenge, tough enemies, and build variety. But it never goes overboard. The alternative historical setting offers a refreshing change of scenery, and the branching narrative offers replayability. Player decisions shape the game’s ending, leading to one of three epilogues.
4 Remnant 2
Third-Person Shooters And Soulslike Prove To Be A Winning Combination
Remnant 2
- Released
- July 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Gunfire Games
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Remnant 2 is easily one of the most accessible Soulslike experiences for gamers, and it essentially reinvents the genre's wheel. While there is an option for a melee build, the real fun in Remnant 2 is the incorporation of its third-person shooter action into a Soulslike setting. Remnant 2 successfully keeps players engaged at all times, thanks to the procedural map generation. Randomized levels, puzzles, enemies, and loot make sure no two runs feel the same.
Remnant 2 also adds one of the most fun and creative character skill customizations in recent memory. The various combinations of perks, armor, weapons, and accessories open up several powerful buffs and upgrades. Players can mix and match to find the style that resonates with them. Creating unique and overpowered builds in Remnant 2 and mowing down enemies is an absolute delight. There’s also the co-op mode, which instantly ups the fun factor.
3 The Surge 2
An Innovative And Highly Addictive Take On The Soulslike Formula That Still Holds Up
The Surge 2
- Released
- September 24, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Deck13 Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4
For gamers wanting a more modernized take on the Soulslike genre, The Surge 2 will fulfill that wish. Although, be warned that it does demand extra focus and mastery of its combat system. The game requires learning about the different enemies and their physical forms to upgrade the player character. Specifically, players must avoid enemy attacks while targeting their specific limbs or body parts — they have their own health bars.
10 Most Ridiculous Weapons In Soulslike Games
Not every weapon in a Soulslike game is meant to look 'cool'. In fact, there are quite a few weapons that are designed to look ridiculous instead.
Once the intact parts are cut and looted, they are used to upgrade the player character’s weapons and armor. The true test of skill is navigating the perilous environment while avoiding different enemy types as they wait in ambush and launch persistent attacks. The Surge 2 is for fans of Soulslike who want a more challenging experience but with more wiggle room for messing up.
2 Darksiders 3
Castlevania Meets Legend Of Zelda With A Side Of God Of War And Soulslike Seasoning
Darksiders 3
- Released
- November 27, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Darksiders 3, much like its predecessors, is one of the most criminally underrated video games of all time. The third entry in the franchise stars Fury, the last of the Nephilim race and one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse! Gameplay-wise, Darksiders 3 draws inspiration from Castlevania with a Soulslike twist — precision and positioning to strike at enemies and avoid their overwhelming numbers. Fury primarily uses a whip named Scorn, which is a very versatile weapon capable of targeting foes at most ranges.
10 Best Games About Demon Hunters, Ranked
These great games provide the best experience for those eager to hunt demons, testing their mettle against the forces of evil.
She also has secondary weapons tied to her different "Hollow" forms that she unlocks throughout the story. Darksiders 3 also takes after The Legend of Zelda, emphasizing exploration. The world is filled with secrets and treasures, often behind intricate puzzles, requiring lots of backtracking. It’s a fun Soulslike game with a likable protagonist who grows even more powerful as her epic tale unfolds.
1 Elden Ring
Ease Into The Game With Fluid Playstyles And A Seamless Open World Structure
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
When playing Elden Ring for the first time, players can expect an almost overwhelming sense of freedom. Everything feels grandiose, as Elden Ring demands a high-risk, high-reward mentality from players. The deceptive world layout catches players off guard with massive enemies patrolling at every turn. The character customization is deep, and players are essentially required to fine-tune their builds for maximum efficiency.
Elden Ring is more accessible than any of the Soulsborne titles that came before it, and players can go about the quests in almost any order. This allows players to have fun early in the game and familiarize themselves with the level layout. Lately, Elden Ring is going through a resurgence, with its upcoming standalone co-op roguelite title, Elden Ring: Nightreign. However, for a more traditional Soulslike experience, Elden Ring is undoubtedly unmatched.
Souls-like Games With The Darkest Lore
The layer of tragedy and brutality in the lore of games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne is why so many players love these titles in the first place.