Best Soulslike Games, Ranked

Games belonging to the Soulslike genre are renowned for being exceptionally tough, boasting demanding combat, complex storylines, and meticulously constructed game worlds. Originating after the triumph of the Dark Souls franchise, these games push players to their extremes, assessing their resilience, skill, and perseverance.

Even though the genre is often associated with its ominous characteristics, there are several games within this category that deliver truly exceptional experiences. These range from challenging boss encounters to immersive world-building, making them must-plays for enthusiasts eager to push their abilities to the limit. Here’s an in-depth examination of some of the top Soulslike titles worth exploring.

Death’s Door

In simpler terms, Death’s Door is an exciting blend of action and adventure, merging Soulslike gameplay dynamics with exploration reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda series. The narrative centers around a humble crow who serves as a reaper, gathering the souls of the departed. However, when one soul mysteriously disappears, our feathered protagonist embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve it.

In this adventure, you’ll encounter formidable foes, tackle intriguing puzzles, and delve into a realm brimming with concealed mysteries. If you’re seeking a Soulslike challenge but prefer a more accessible experience compared to typical games, Death’s Door could be just what you need!

Black Myth: Wukong

In a newer style reminiscent of Souls-inspired games, and based on the ancient Chinese story “Journey to the West,” you assume the role of a mighty monkey warrior. Your task is to gather six powerful artifacts scattered throughout the game. Each of these items is protected by formidable adversaries, requiring you to enhance your abilities during your adventure in order to overcome them all.

One distinctive aspect of this game is its captivating combat system, which combines old-school fighting techniques with mythical abilities. You can morph your character, cast magical spells, and engage in battles against legendary beasts. Moreover, Black Myth: Wukong boasts exceptional graphics, placing it among the most enthralling Soulslike games available today.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

In the world of Star Wars, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor carries on the adventure. Our hero, Cal Kestis, resumes his journey right where Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order concluded. As he navigates fresh dangers across unfamiliar planets, Cal is on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the Force.

To conquer your adversaries, you need to plan your assaults cleverly, conserve your energy, and employ Force skills. The battles in this game are particularly captivating due to Force capabilities and lightsaber techniques. This game carries on the tradition of its predecessor and is a must-play for Star Wars enthusiasts.

Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary was among the initial 2D games that adopted a formula similar to Soulsborne series. Despite its side-scrolling gameplay, it manages to evoke the same challenging combat and immersive storytelling as Souls games. In this game, you assume the role of a sailor who has been shipwrecked on an enigmatic island, with the only means of escape being to battle through hordes of monsters.

This game’s stunning artwork creates an unsettling ambiance, making each location shrouded in mystery. The combat is challenging, requiring you to become proficient with your moves, weapons, and spells. For anyone fond of the 2D gaming genre, Salt and Sanctuary stands as a perfect choice.

Remnant 2

In Remnant 2, the gameplay merges the challenge of Soulslike mechanics with a third-person shooting adventure. Unlike other games in this genre, you rely on firearms to stay alive amidst a perilous world teeming with lethal adversaries. While most Soulslike titles do not offer cooperative play, Remnant 2 enables teamwork, helping you tackle formidable obstacles alongside friends.

One great aspect of Remnant 2 lies in its diverse array of weapons and character roles. You’re free to select various characters, each with distinct skills and abilities. If you’re into intense battles and shooting gameplay, Remnant 2 stands out as a fantastic pick among similar titles.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out as one of the hardest games in the Soulslike genre due to its challenging combat system. You’ll assume the role of a shinobi known as Wolf, on a quest for vengeance against those who abducted his mentors. The game offers an intricately designed environment teeming with lethal adversaries and otherworldly beings.

What sets Sekiro apart is its unique combat system. Contrary to typical fighting methods, you won’t be able to vanquish foes merely by attacking. Instead, you must skillfully dodge and identify opportunities to strike them down. Thanks to its intricate mechanics and captivating game world, Sekiro offers one of the most challenging and rewarding Soulslike experiences available.

Elden Ring

In simpler terms, Elden Ring transfers the Soulslike structure into a sprawling open environment. The game centers around a damaged hero seeking methods to reassemble the fractured Elden Ring and ascend to the position of Elden Lord. The world is brimming with enigmatic locales, perilous beasts, and concealed lore that you can discover during your adventures.

Among the many commendable aspects of Elden Ring, one stands out: its remarkable freedom. This game allows you to decide how to confront obstacles, giving you the liberty to pick from various weapons, spells, and combat techniques that best align with your preferred playstyle. Boasting a rich history, exhilarating battles, and breathtaking landscapes, Elden Ring is a grand creation that sets the standard for the Soulslike genre.

2025-03-28 19:42