Who could have predicted that FromSoftware's Demon's Souls would usher in a new subgenre of gaming? The 2009 release set the stage for its spiritual successor, 2011's Dark Souls, to take the world by storm. FromSoftware's titles have undoubtedly influenced gaming as a whole.
The best Souls-like PS Plus games are typically difficult, prioritize boss encounters, and feature weighty combat that incorporates a degree of strategy. While games such as Lords of the Fallen wear their Dark Souls influence on their sleeves, others are a bit more subtle in their comparisons. Except for a few notable exceptions, PS Plus Extra and Premium do not have many Souls titles in their library; however, there are quite a few games like Dark Souls on PS Plus.
While quality naturally impacts the rankings, more traditional Soulslike games will be highlighted first.
Updated February 22, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Soulslike games are not added to PS Plus Extra every single month, so it is always exciting when something new lands on the service. Click below to jump directly to the February 2025 addition.
1 Bloodborne
FromSoftware's Lovecraftian Souls-like Masterpiece
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4
- How Long To Beat
- 33 Hours
- Intense Fast-Paced Combat
- Immersive Victorian Gothic Setting
- All-Around Brilliant Boss Fights
- Chalice Dungeons Aren't Great, But They Are Still Fine As Bonus Content
FromSoftware's Bloodborne is the best Souls-like game on PS Plus Extra and Premium. A Gothic masterpiece set in the nightmare-inducing Yharnam, this PS4 exclusive is a masterclass in atmosphere, environmental design, music, and gameplay. Even post-Elden Ring, an argument could be made that FromSoftware peaked with Bloodborne, reaching a high that precious few developers ever get to achieve.
9 Things Bloodborne Does Better Than Any Other FromSoftware Game
Longtime fans of Soulsborne games will notice that Bloodborne does certain things better than other entries in the franchise.
Utilizing a far more aggressive battle system than the Souls games, Bloodborne does not allow players a single restful moment. When playing this game, every instance is spent on edge as a new terrifying beast lurks around every corner, waiting to brutally demolish the Hunter. It is glorious. Compared to Dark Souls or Elden Ring, Bloodborne has a smaller pool of weapons and armor, allowing for a more limited range of builds. Even though this decision can be disappointing, the included items are valid candidates that can carry players for most of the campaign, and the weapons have multiple forms. That said, the game still has a decent selection of options, so it is not fully a case of quantity over quality.
2 Demon's Souls (2020)
A Gorgeous PS5 Remake Of The Original Souls Game
Demon's Souls
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bluepoint Games
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 23 Hours
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Fantastic Visuals
- Revamped Combat
- A Genuine Current-Gen Experience
2009's Demon's Souls started the Souls-like movement, and FromSoftware's masterpiece is still worth a playthrough beyond just its historical significance. In terms of pure atmosphere, Demon's Souls is near-untouched, and most of the levels are incredibly well-designed (even if some are quite frustrating). Still, for all its brilliance, the original version shows its age in places.
Fortunately, 2020's remake is readily available and does a great job of modernizing its ancestor without diminishing most of its strengths. Arguably the best-looking Souls-like on PS Plus, Bluepoint's Demon's Souls drops players into Boletaria, granting them immediate access to five Archstones that link them to different Worlds. Each one has a unique feel, and players are encouraged to jump back and forth between them.
Compared to something like Dark Souls, Demon's Souls' difficulty comes from the trek to the bosses rather than the fights themselves, most of which are fairly easy by the standards of the genre (a few exceptions notwithstanding). However, the stages are long, dense, challenging, and puzzling.
2009's Demon's Souls is also on PS Plus Premium and birthed the Souls genre. While dated in ways (and hamstrung by the fact that PS Plus can only stream PS3 titles), FromSoftware's project is nevertheless a masterpiece.
3 Remnant 2
Third-Person Shooter Souls-like With Great Co-Op
Remnant 2
- Released
- July 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Gunfire Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 20 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
As fun as Souls-likes are in general, the genre's releases can threaten to blend together, with most games featuring fairly similar combat. As such, Gunfire's Remnant stands out due to emphasizing ranged gunplay over melee or magic. The 2023 sequel expands well on its predecessor's solid foundations, presenting an improved experience that shines brightly in co-op while also working well enough as a solo adventure.
Split into worlds/realms that all have wildly different esthetics, Remnant 2 strikes a middle-ground between curated linear progression and open-ended exploration, the latter part coming courtesy of optional dungeons that use light procedural generation. The combat is pretty typical for a third-person shooter, but it is supplemented by a robust class system and modifiers like mods and mutators. The game also nails its boss fights, a few of which are massive in scope.
4 Nioh
Team Ninja's Supernatural-Themed Romp Through Japanese History
Nioh
- Released
- February 7, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Ninja
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 35 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Intense Combat With Multiple Stances
- Consistently Challenging & Well-Designed Boss Fights
- Fun Setting
- When Is There Too Much Loot?
Team Ninja's Nioh takes the Dark Souls formula and throws a few dozen or so mechanics on top of it. Featuring three stances, a plethora of weapon types, and an expansive world filled with secrets, Nioh's similarities to FromSoftware's franchise are immediately apparent, however, the game does set itself apart quite well. The Japanese setting makes for a pleasant change of pace, especially since it is inspired by the Sengoku Period.
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The combat is quick and vicious, reflecting Team Ninja's history with franchises like Ninja Gaiden. Nioh's campaign is split into smaller maps rather than one large interconnected world, although each area does come with shortcuts and plenty of secrets. Also, Souls players who love collecting loot will find that Nioh does not hold back in dishing out goodies. In fact, it might give away too many drops.
5 The Surge 2
An Admirable Sci-Fi Take On The Souls-like Formula
The Surge 2
- Released
- September 24, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Deck13 Interactive
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4
- How Long To Beat
- 21 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Rare Sci-Fi Soulslike
- Dismemberment System
- Compact World
- Threatens To Overstay Its Welcome
Both of The Surge games are available on PS Plus Premium and Extra, and together they should provide more than 50 hours of Souls-like gameplay. While the first entry has its strengths, the sequel improves nearly every aspect of its predecessor. The combat is smooth and satisfying, especially since players have the option to target specific limbs of enemies.
The Surge 2 shows off a lot more of this universe's dystopian setting, fleshing out the world's backstory through its environmental storytelling. The Surge 2 is for anyone who has always wanted a sci-fi take on the Dark Souls formula, and the game does it well.
The Surge is certainly worth a playthrough, even if it falls short in a few areas when compared to its predecessor. Still, if someone wants to complete all the Souls-like games on PS Plus Extra, they should start with the first game in Deck13's duology.
6 Mortal Shell
Rough At Times, But Interesting Take On Builds
Mortal Shell
- Released
- August 18, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Cold Symmetry
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS4, PS5
- How Long To Beat
- 11 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Shell System Is Interesting
- Gameplay Is Pretty Fun
- Clunky Compared To AAA Soulslikes
- Repetitive
Mortal Shell wears its Dark Souls influences on its sleeve, although the game does introduce a couple of fresh ideas. As tends to be the case with this sub-genre, the core gameplay loop revolves around exploring a dark fantasy world filled with enemies that pack a punch and respawn whenever the player dies. While a bit more linear than most FromSoftware's projects, Mortal Shell's level design is cut from the same cloth.
Even though the combat system is relatively typical for these sorts of games, Cold Symmetry shakes things up in two major ways. For one, Mortal Shell incorporates different shells that correspond with classes, and players can swap between them at specific locations. These shells serve as replacements for traditional loot. Another unique concept is that players can harden their shells to block incoming attacks, a mechanic they will need to master if they want to overcome the campaign's reasonably challenging bosses.
7 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
A Soulslite Adventure In A Legendary Universe
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
- Released
- April 28, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 20 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Soulslike, Sci-Fi
- Solid Lightsaber-based Combat
- Fun Blend Of Action, Platforming, And Exploration
- Great Visuals
- More Of A Souls-lite Than A Full-Blown Soulslike
The headline act of the February 2025 PS Plus Extra lineup, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is a huge get by most metrics, and it is not just for die-hard fans of the franchise. Now, admittedly, the fact Fallen Order is not on PS Plus makes the addition of its sequel a less-than-perfect option for newcomers. While set a few years apart, the games' stories continue directly from each other, combining to chronicle Cal Kestis' journey as a Jedi Knight. While he was still coming to grips with the force in Fallen Order, Cal is pretty much a Jedi Master in Survivor, granting players a wide assortment of lightsaber stances and powers to utilize during battles.
Rather than a full open-world or the continuous semi-open structure of most Soulslike games, Jedi: Survivor is split into planets that are largely structured like 3D Metroidvanias. That means players are given the space to explore, all the while fighting off a fairly diverse roster of enemies. Like all Soulslikes, death revives fallen foes, and battles primarily come down to reading the opponent's moveset and reacting accordingly. As fun as the combat system is, Jedi: Survivor does feel more like a Soulslite than a traditional Soulslike, and it is notably easier than most other entries in the genre. Basically, this game is for people craving a sci-fi action-adventure with Souls-style combat, rather than something that is exactly like Dark Souls.
8 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits
Fun Adventure With Challenging Combat
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
- Released
- September 21, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ember Lab
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 10 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- More Accessible Soulslike
- Vibrant & Interesting Universe
- Weapon System That Encourages Trying Different Types
- Boss Fights Are Uneven
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an admirable indie project that could easily pass for a triple-A release. Ember Lab created a beautiful and immersive fantasy world that just demands to be explored, even if the campaign itself is fairly linear. Cast as the eponymous spirit guide, players must use their skills to put the deceased to rest and also fight back corruption as it spreads across the mountain. Along with a small pool of abilities, Kena is armed with a staff that can also be used as a bow.
Although not quite as combat-driven as some Souls-likes, Kena: Bridge of Spirits nevertheless incorporates frequent fights, including a myriad of boss encounters that can pack a considerable wallop. Melee actions are reasonably satisfying to execute, and they are complemented well by Kena's ranged and spiritual abilities. When not engaging in battles to the death, the game shifts its focus to puzzles, exploration, and light platforming. None of these elements are particularly original, but they are generally executed well.
9 Thymesia
Narrow Focus Results In A Well-Tuned Combat System
Thymesia
- Released
- August 15, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- OverBorder Studio
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- Amazon Luna, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Shakes Up The Souls-like Formula
- Generally Good Boss Fights
- Fast-Paced Action With A Focus On Parrying
- Repetitive Environments And Levels
- Parrying Is Quite Difficult (Not A Bad Thing, But Might Put Off Players Who Do Not Enjoy Parry-Focused Combat)
Ever since Dark Souls exploded in popularity, the gaming industry has been steadily putting out a stream of indie projects that adapt ideas introduced by FromSoftware. While most of them are 2D Metroidvanias, there are a few releases that kind of slot into the AA field, which has largely gone extinct during the last two console generations. Thymesia exists on the same level as Mortal Shell, at least in terms of production value; however, the games play completely differently, with the former taking a few pages from Sekiro's playbook rather than conventional Souls-likes. Yes, that means parrying is a cornerstone mechanic that players will need to master if they want to see the end credits, and the timing can take some getting used.
Featuring a plague doctor protagonist who, frankly, looks extremely cool, Thymesia is set in a kingdom that has succumbed to a disease, leaving mutated monsters in its wake. Corvus has to mostly clear out three zones, with each one containing a main boss and a couple of mini-bosses tied to secondary missions. This structure is arguably Thymesia's most divisive aspect, and players will spend all their time accepting missions that take them to one of three areas. While the side quests introduce new parts to each area, they still look the same, which can make the short-ish campaign feel repetitive.
Still, Thymesia has quite a few things going for it, including pretty fun combat that prioritizes speed and challenges the player's reflexes. While weapon variety is limited, the game has a decent progression system that enhances Corvus' movesets or performance.
10 Hollow Knight Voidheart Edition
The Ultimate 2D Metroidvania With Souls-like Combat
Hollow Knight
- Released
- February 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Cherry
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux
- How Long To Beat
- 27 Hours
- Genre(s)
- Metroidvania
- Great Exploration
- Addictive Combat With Good Progression
- A Lot Of Content
Team Cherry's Hollow Knight was one of the most popular indie games of the 2010s, and time has not dulled any of the project's shine. This 2D Metroidvania is set in Hallownest, a deceptively massive underground kingdom that is filled with beauty and nightmares. Cast as the Knight, players must traverse this strange world, battling enemies and defeating bosses along the way.
Hollow Knight: Best Early Charms To Get As Soon As Possible
Players should grab the following charms sooner rather than later throughout their adventures in Hollow Knight.
Similar to Dark Souls, Hollow Knight does not hold the player's hand in any significant way. Encouraging exploration and backtracking, the game fills its world with lore drops and NPCs that deliver side quests. Hollow Knight is not only one of the best PS Plus Souls-like games but also one of the greatest titles on the service.
Hollow Knight is first-and-foremost a 2D Metroidvania, and it is primarily for fans of that genre who do not mind Soulslike combat.