In just a few years, FromSoftware managed to create a new genre with games like Dark Souls. The so-called Souls Likes are extremely popular among players. To satisfy your thirst for more Souls-like games, we have compiled a top-five list of the best Souls games for you.
We’ve all been there: You’ve played through Dark Souls, and now you’re faced with the problem of wanting more. Fortunately, there are a number of games like Dark Souls that carry the success formula and offer a similar gaming experience. Good luck.
5. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
If you’re interested in a novel take on a Souls-like game, then give Sekiro: Shadow Die Twice a try. This title is the spiritual successor to Dark Souls, Demon’s Souls, and Bloodborne, and the combat is extremely tough, as usual. However, Sekiro is also exciting in another way because it breaks with FromSoftware’s own traditions: Put aside the axe and grab the samurai sword in feudal 16th century Japan as a shinobi to face the war that has broken out across the country. The story framework is particularly clear, unlike its predecessors. Nevertheless, the game doesn’t lose its Souls-like charm: Conversations and characters remain rather cryptic as usual, and connections are unclear, which awakens the natural curiosity. The world is also very rich and invites us to explore.
This game is available on PS4, Xbox One, and for PC, it can be purchased on Steam.
4. The Witcher 3
Not the most common comparison, but The Witcher 3 should also be in our list of games like Dark Souls. If you haven’t already, don’t miss out on this one because the title is great and has some similarities to Dark Souls, especially in combat scenarios with higher difficulty levels. To survive, you’ll have to rely on constant parrying and dodging. The Witcher 3 uses the success formula of Dark Souls but still comes with very special gameplay, integrating, for example, a detailed potions system to affect the enemies in the fights and letting the player explore a huge world with beautiful landscapes, detailed quests, and compelling stories on foot or at a gallop.
This popular game is available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and for PC it can be purchased on Steam.
3. Demon’s Souls
The real origin of Souls like games is actually not in Dark Souls but Demon’s Souls. Why? Demon’s Souls was also developed by FromSoftware and is considered the spiritual forerunner of Dark Souls. Thus, the popular Souls formula goes back to this game. The title received a remake in 2020 with gameplay improvements and modern graphics. So if you’re looking for games like Dark Souls, we recommend playing the grandfather of Dark Souls, which plays like the successor, especially in its level structure and gameplay.
The game is available on PS5 via the PlayStation Store. The original is available for PS3 and can be played via PlayStation Now in supported regions.
2. Bloodborne
FromSoftware fans consider this title the highlight of the developer, and there’s a good reason for that. The gameplay mechanics of the Souls series are taken to another level by Bloodborne. The omission of shields and the rather moderate pace provides the player with extremely intense and dynamic combat in the midst of a gothic world. This title, with its very dark setting, returns to the old form of Dark Souls, and many consider it to be one of the best Souls games. A dark adventure with fantastic settings, surprising twists, and challenging battles that can excite and frustrate in equal measure.
The title can be played on PS4 and PS5 and purchased via the PlayStation Store. Rumors suggest it might even be released for the PC at some point. Fingers crossed.
1. Elden Ring
If you are looking for Souls-like games, you should definitely check out Elden Ring. After all, this open-world role-playing game comes from the same developer. A 2022 released sequel that has taken the Souls formula to perfection. Enter an open, very beautiful world that has many brutal battles, tough bosses, and dungeons in store for you, embedded in expressive storytelling that clearly bears FromSoftware’s signature. Elden Ring combines the advantages of a free open world with the narrow corridors of Dark Souls and thus creates fresh gameplay that builds on the successes of its predecessors.
The game is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and for PC, you can buy it via Steam.
What Souls-like games do you want to explore next?
We hope to help a bit in your search for your next Soulslike with this article. If you are looking for other genres as well, feel free to check our lists for the best free RPG games, the best free FPS games, Co-op games like It Takes Two, the best Survival Games on PS4 / PS5 or the best RTS games.
What does a good Souls like need to excite you? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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