Following the success of the Dark Souls series, in the past few years, there has been no shortage of quality soulslike action games from both triple-A and indie developers. Despite many studios producing soulslike games regularly, it's no surprise that the vast majority of the highest-rated titles were released by the genre's creators at FromSoftware.
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Even with an established formula for the genre, coupled with constant experimentation to add freshness and borrowing elements from other genres, other studios often lack the same level of imagination as Hidetaka Miyazaki's team. When it comes to unique settings, rich lore, and boss and combat variety, nothing quite matches FromSoftware aside from rare exceptions. With that in mind, let's take a look at the best soulslikes as of 2025, ranked by their OpenCritic scores.
Elden Ring
Score: 95
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
An undisputed king of the genre, Elden Ring isn't just the highest-rated soulslike ever made, but also one of the most acclaimed games in general. The collaboration between Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin produced a true open-world masterpiece, bringing the refined soulslike formula into an enormous world unlike any other.
Two years later, Shadow of the Erdtree solidified Elden Ring's unmatched status in the genre, scoring an average of 94 and offering as much content as some major standalone RPGs. It's hard to imagine anything topping Elden Ring anytime soon, yet Miyazaki himself has said the game isn't perfect — but the studio is getting there.
Demon's Souls (2020)
Score: 92
Demon's Souls
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The original soulslike classic returns with previously unseen glory: Demon's Souls Remake highlights how special the original game was for Sony and how vital it is to honor the genre's roots. If only more games of the PS3 era had received the same modern treatment.
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Brought to life in stunning detail by Bluepoint Games, Demon's Souls remains among the best launch titles for any console and is still one of the few true PS5 exclusives. The definitive way to experience the game that started it all, Demon's Souls is ready to test even the most hardened soulslike fans.
Bloodborne
Score: 91
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
A true gem of the PlayStation 4 era, Bloodborne is unlucky enough to be constrained to a single platform, with PC players longing for years for a port or a remake that may never happen. This obstacle aside, Bloodborne has established itself as a must-play soulslike, inspiring many followers who tried to capture its unmistakable vibe.
Of course, nothing quite matches Bloodborne's absorbing sense of surviving Yharnam and its nocturnal dangers, coupled with terrifying enemies and aggressive combat. A truly one-of-a-kind game, and a reason to own a PlayStation console.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Score: 90
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Released
- March 22, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Probably the least pure soulslike among FromSoftware's action titles, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice abandons many familiar elements, including RPG stats and character progression, as well as a rich arsenal of weapons and skills, building its combat entirely around timing and player reactions, and emphasizing stealth.
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Nevertheless, this new breed of soulslike ended up universally praised by critics and players alike, with Sekiro's combat system often regarded as the peak of sword-based gameplay. By setting itself apart in a new niche, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is arguably easier for players without years of experience in other soulslike games, allowing newcomers to embrace the game's unique rules more easily.
Dark Souls 3
Score: 90
Dark Souls 3
- Released
- March 24, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Building on the series' rich legacy, Dark Souls 3 earned its place among the highest-rated soulslike games of the decade, though some may say it relies on its predecessors more than it should. It's great, but it offers too few distinct traits and somewhat linear levels that ultimately hold it back.
While the title may not meet every fan's expectations due to a short development cycle, it's the closest game to Elden Ring one can find, with a very familiar approach to difficulty, combat, and quest design. Traditionally for FromSoftware, some sections and boss encounters are as strong as it gets, with fantastic atmosphere, music, and now-iconic characters.
Nioh
Score: 88
Nioh
- Released
- February 7, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Finally breaking the mold, Nioh stands as a rare example of a non-FromSoftware soulslike that scored comparably to the studio's games and has as many die-hard fans as the Dark Souls series. Team Ninja's own approach to the genre bears fruit, as Nioh presents an intricate balance of layered combat systems, Diablo-like loot, and an emphasis on co-op play — all set in a distinct supernatural version of Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period.
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While the sequel scored a bit lower, currently standing at 85, it's hard to say that Nioh 2 is inferior to the original in any way, so almost any player who enjoyed the first Nioh will likely enjoy the follow-up. Now it's up to Nioh 3 to match its predecessors and push the series to new heights in 2026.
Dark Souls 2
Score: 88
Dark Souls 2
- Released
- March 11, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Despite being among the most divisive of FromSoftware's soulslikes, Dark Souls 2 scored unsurprisingly high and still has an army of devoted fans who recommend it at every opportunity. While the title is starting to show its age, with no remastered version available, the sequel to Dark Souls remains an important cornerstone for the entire genre, and even Miyazaki himself has said the game “carried the rest of the series.”
Interestingly, Dark Souls 2 offers two editions with notable differences, and it's hard to say which one is best. Players may opt for Scholar of the First Sin — the fullest and most refined edition of Dark Souls 2 that also includes all DLC and scored an average of 87, but some fans still believe the original release is the way to go.
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