Xbox Game Pass is a great service for players looking to check out certain games without committing to paying full price for new releases. The wide variety of titles available on the service means subscribers have access to series or genres they might not typically play, allowing them to step outside their gaming comfort zone and experience new types of games without the risk of paying for a game they may not enjoy. Soulslike games are the perfect type of game for Xbox Game Pass since they are infamous for their difficulty, which can turn many players off from experiencing them under normal circumstances.
The Soulslike subgenre gets its name from the Dark Souls series, which pioneered this punishing style of action RPG. What defines the subgenre is largely a combination of difficult combat, the punishment of lost but recoverable experience points when defeated, and checkpoints that allow players to upgrade their abilities to grow stronger and face more difficult enemies. While the Dark Souls games themselves are not currently available on Xbox Game Pass, there are several other similar games that are great for newcomers to the genre to dip their toes into.
Xbox Game Pass Gives Genre Newcomers a Variety of Games to Try
For Xbox Game Pass subscribers looking to try some games with Soulslike elements without committing to purchasing the full title, the service has some great options. There are several solid Soulslikes available on Xbox Game Pass that can give players a feel for the genre and demonstrate some of the core aspects of what makes a game a Soulslike. Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition is a great starting point as the game is a quintessential Soulslike experience. With its dreary medieval fantasy aesthetic and carefully paced combat, Mortal Shell is a streamlined experience that can be the perfect way for players to experience a Soulslike with low commitment.
Players looking to ease themselves into the genre a bit should try Death's Door, which features several Soulslike elements such as unforgiving combat and challenging bosses, while also evoking the feeling of The Legend of Zelda with its camera perspective. Star War Jedi: Fallen Order is another great choice, since it focuses more on its story within the Star Wars universe, while also having combat and level design similar to the Soulslike genre. Regardless of the starting point, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can get a taste from the buffet of Soulslikes available on the service to see if the genre is their cup of tea.
Soulslike Veterans Benefit from Xbox Game Pass as Well
Not only is Xbox Game Pass great for Soulslike newcomers, but it can be just as helpful for established fans of the genre. With the rise in popularity of the genre over the years, the games market has become flooded with both indie and AAA titles with Soulslike elements, making it difficult to keep up with releases for hardcore fans. Luckily, Xbox Game Pass frequently adds new releases to its library, including many Soulslikes, making it easy for fans to check out a range of titles in the genre at their own pace.
This method of experiencing Soulslikes makes it easy for players to separate the hidden gems from the crowded genre since there is no risk to starting a game, getting a feel for it, and then deciding if its worth continuing or even purchasing outright. With these benefits in mind, there is a clear argument for more Soulslikes to come to Xbox Game Pass given how well they fit in with the service. While a subscription to the service is already a great value for most players, for Soulslike fans, Xbox Game Pass is essential.