Summary
- The soulslike genre thrives with fast-paced combat, challenging boss fights, and rewarding exploration.
- From Mortal Shell to Elden Ring, recent years have showcased some of the best soulslike releases.
- Despite unique mechanics, games like Black Myth and The First Berserker offer fresh takes on the genre.
Inspired by FromSoftware's seminal Soulsborne series, the Soulslike genre has become a regular fixture of the gaming landscape. Every year, developers unleash brand-new adventures to immerse and challenge players worldwide. While only halfway through the decade, the 2020s have seen some of the best Soulslike releases, with many becoming big commercial hits.
7 Best Isometric Soulslike Games, Ranked
These soulslikes use isometric graphics for a unique perspective and nostalgic feel.
Defined by their fast-paced combat mechanics, role-playing-like progression systems, and grand gladiatorial boss fights, these are addictive gaming experiences with legions of fans. While often set in sprawling dark fantasy worlds with numerous hidden secrets, these games reward exploration with new items or secret boss fights. While once a niche genre for hardcore gamers, Soulslikes are now firmly a part of the mainstream gaming landscape.
10 Mortal Shell
A Twisted Dark Fantasy Nightmare
Mortal Shell
- Released
- August 18, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Cold Symmetry
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS4, PS5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
This dark soulslike fantasy started the decade strong, with stunning visuals and solid gameplay. Set in a crumbling, nightmarish world, players control a shell, a humanoid creature that can inhabit dead warriors and harden their skin to stone. These bodies allow for various playstyles, as different bodies offer different abilities.
While Mortal Shell is a clear tribute to Dark Souls, it lacks the depth and smooth combat of the series. Its clunkier combat can be tough to perfect and may frustrate some players. However, Mortal Shell does feature some unique mechanics and memorable designs that mark it as a worthy addition to the soulslike genre. While the game could never be considered a classic, die-hard fans will love this darkly surreal fantasy offering.
9 Thymesia
Discover The Plague-Ridden World
Thymesia
- Released
- August 15, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- OverBorder Studio
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
This underrated soulslike gem, highly inspired by FromSoftware’s Bloodborne, brings players to the plague-infected Kingdom of Hermes, where players control the mysterious Corvus, who takes on the plague-changed monsters roaming the world.
10 Years Later, Bloodborne Remains a Singular Entry in FromSoftware's Catalog
Looking back on Bloodborne 10 years since its release proves that the game holds a unique place within FromSoftware's now-legendary catalog.
The game blends elements of both Bloodborne and Sekiro with the latter's parry system, and includes a high level of challenge that will please long-time fans. While Thymesia does little to innovate the soulslike genre, its dark gothic visuals, solid fast-paced combat, and short playtime make it a worthwhile addition to any gamer's library.
8 Enotria: The Last Song
A Vibrant Sun-Drenched Landscape
Enotria: The Last Song
- Released
- September 16, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Jyamma Games
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Inspired by Italian folklore, Enotria: The Last Song is a beautifully designed soulslike that offers a fun action experience. While Enotria follows the standard soulslike template, with fast-paced combat and challenging boss fights, the game presents a stunning world with some unique mechanics.
Players control a Maskless One, a warrior whose abilities change with each new mask they wear. Players can create different loadouts with each mask, which can be changed during combat, offering quick choices against different enemies. While the game never strays too far from the familiar soulslike formula, its beautiful world and solid gameplay make it a fun addition for fans to play.
7 Lords Of The Fallen
A Solid Dark Fantasy Adventure
Lords of the Fallen
- Released
- October 13, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- HEXWORKS
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
This superior reboot of the 2014 soulslike of the same name brings players to an epic dark fantasy world, filled with monsters and malevolent gods. While the game follows many of the traditions created by Dark Souls, its unique two-world setting, fun combat, and epic enemy design make it a worthy addition to the genre.
Lords Of The Fallen: Hardest Bosses, Ranked
The are over 30 different bosses to find and overcome in Lords of the Fallen, and some of them are a lot more difficult than their peers are.
In the game, players customize their Dark Crusader character as they explore a large interconnected world on a quest to defeat Adyr, the demon God. While Lords of the Fallen may not be the most original game, fans of the genre will love its gritty fantasy design and challenging boss fights.
6 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Continue The Battle Against The Empire
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Released
- April 28, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Soulslike, Sci-Fi
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
A sequel to 2019’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, this popular series brought the soulslike formula to the Star Wars universe. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor improves upon its predecessor in every way. The game follows Cal Kestis, a young Jedi Knight and survivor of the Great Jedi Purge.
In the game, five years on from the events of Fallen Order, Cal and his crew continue to survive the growing threat of the Empire, as they are pushed to the very edge of the galaxy. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is more narrative-driven than many soulslike titles, but still brings all the challenge and skill required for the genre. The famous sci-fi universe is a nice change of pace from the usual dark fantasy settings, while its fun lightsaber and force combat will please many hardcore fans of the Star Wars franchise.
5 Remnant 2
An Action-Packed Soulslike Shooter
Remnant 2
- Released
- July 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Gunfire Games
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Building on the gunslinging gameplay of the original, Remnant 2 is an action-packed soulslike that presents an immersive, procedurally generated world. Unlike other games in the genre, shooting is a big part of Remnant 2, with players able to wield two guns alongside melee weapons.
The game also has a greater emphasis on co-op play than other soulslikes, with teams of three able to take on the various monsters and bosses of the world. The game follows on from the original, with players controlling The Traveler as they explore post-apocalyptic Earth after a deadly evil, known as the Root, has decimated the planet. With its unique setting and gameplay mechanics, it stands as one of the most original releases of its kind.
4 Lies Of P
A Unique Soulslike Setting
Lies of P
- Released
- September 19, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Round8 Studio, Neowiz
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
This unique addition to the soulslike genre is loosely based on the 1883 novel, The Adventures of Pinocchio. It follows the puppet’s adventure through the city of Krat, as a plague spreads through the population amid a puppet uprising.
Lies Of P: 14 Hardest Bosses, Ranked
Lies of P has quite a few bosses for Pinocchio to struggle against, with some being a lot more difficult to beat than others.
Lies of P was a commercial and critical hit, with players loving its unique take on the Souls formula. The game’s dark fantasy-style puppet enemies are a nice change from the monsters and undead commonly seen in the genre, and its combat is smooth, with lots of variation for different playstyles. Lies of P is a challenging game, and its endgame sections require a lot of patience. However, the game is one of the best soulslikes outside of the core Soulsborne titles and is a must-play for fans of the genre.
3 The First Berserker: Khazan
A Blood-Filled Action Adventure
The First Berserker: Khazan
- Released
- March 27, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Neople
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
In this challenging action RPG, players take on the role of Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, as he explores the continent of Arad on a mission of revenge.
The First Berserker: Khazan presents a bleak, cell-shaded world, with an excellent progression system, and fast and varied combat mechanics, against enemies that will challenge even genre veterans. The First Berserker is one of the strongest soulslike releases in recent years and nails the action RPG formula. Longtime genre fans will love the unique-looking game that hits on every level.
2 Black Myth: Wukong
China's First AAA Release
Black Myth: Wukong
- Released
- August 20, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Game Science
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
While the soulslike status of Black Myth: Wukong has been widely argued among fans, it undoubtedly has many similarities to the popular genre. Considered the first AAA game from a Chinese developer, Black Myth offers brilliant action gameplay, a stunning and detailed world, and a sweeping story of gods and monsters.
Based on the Chinese legend of Sun Wukong, also known as The Monkey King, Black Myth brings players into the ancient Chinese landscape where they control the Destined One on his journey to recover the six relics. The game was met with critical and financial success on release and won numerous awards.
1 Elden Ring
FromSoftware's Latest Masterpiece
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
While many developers have attempted to recreate FromSoftware’s winning formula, they remain the genre's undisputed stars. Elden Ring was also a worldwide critical and commercial hit.
This stunning open-world game blends epic boss battles, intuitive gameplay, beautiful backdrops, and an expansive, sweeping narrative. Players will find elements from the entire Soulsborne series in Elden Ring. However, the game is a massive step forward for the developers as their first large-scale open world. Elden Ring is unarguably one of the best video games ever made and a testament to FromSoftware’s enduring legacy.
10 Most Iconic Weapons In Soulsborne Games
Soulsborne games are home to various weapons that gamers can make use of, but some are arguably much more iconic and memorable than others.