10 Great Soulslikes that are Fun Instantly

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The rise in popularity of “Soulslike” games has led to a lot of attempts to copy the style of games made by FromSoftware. Some of these copies haven’t been very good, but others have been truly excellent.

Even though some people think this idea has been used too much, it’s actually led to many amazing games, and we still believe there’s plenty of room for fresh, new approaches.

Man, the last ten years have totally changed gaming, and it’s all thanks to those ‘Soulsborne’ games. Seriously, whether it’s smaller indie titles, mid-range games, or the huge AAA releases, you can see their influence everywhere. Developers are clearly inspired by what those games did, and they’re carrying that spirit forward, which is awesome.

So, if you’ve played all the FromSoftware games and are looking for something similar, here are ten excellent Soulslike games that are enjoyable right away.

10. Mortal Shell

An Imaginative Spin

Despite not being an instant hit when it first came out, Mortal Shell is now one of the Soulslike games I recommend most often.

Even though the game doesn’t have a ton of content – there aren’t many different enemies or levels – it’s still great because what is there is really well-made. Quality is more important than having a huge amount of stuff.

The game features a unique take on parrying, transforming a familiar mechanic into something fresh and impactful. This creates a combat system that is both accurate and intense, making each hit meaningful and every encounter feel critical.

I really appreciate that Mortal Shell focuses on creating a desolate atmosphere and challenging combat, much like other Soulsborne games. While it’s not perfect, the game makes your time and effort feel rewarding.

9. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Imperfect and Exciting

Like another famous Chinese game we’ll be looking at, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is one of the most strangely compelling, yet inconsistent, Soulslike games I’ve played. It’s a captivating experience, despite its flaws.

It’s a bit of a rollercoaster – sometimes brilliant, sometimes not – and that makes it immediately captivating. You’ll be wondering if it can keep up the good work all the way through, and I believe it does, even if it’s not flawless. Ultimately, it pulls it off.

It’s true that this game has a lot going on – many different systems, weapons, and a few technical hiccups. But if you’re willing to be patient, stay curious, and go in expecting a bit of a learning curve, you might actually find it quite enjoyable.

Embrace the challenging bosses, get lost in the fast-paced combat, and appreciate the game’s unique mechanics, even when they surprise you. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers might not be perfect, but it’s the kind of game that sticks with you long after you’ve finished playing.

8. Tunic

The True Concept of Exploration

Unlike most games similar to the Souls series, Tunic prioritizes exploring the world over fighting. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and I highly recommend it.

The game takes inspiration from the core design of The Legend of Zelda and the Souls games, treating the game world itself as crucial for survival. The entire experience revolves around learning and understanding your surroundings to progress and succeed.

Tunic is full of fun and difficult bosses and enemies, but what really makes it special is how it drops you into a beautiful, mysterious world without holding your hand. The joy comes from figuring everything out on your own.

Tunic doesn’t offer explanations – it doesn’t tell you what to do, where to go, how to use weapons, or even what the enemies are like. Instead, it subtly guides you throughout the game, creating a truly remarkable and immersive experience.

7. Another Crab’s Treasure

Much More than a Colorful Theme

I started playing Another Crab’s Treasure without expecting much, but I was completely surprised by how charming and imaginative the game turned out to be.

This game stands out with its vibrant underwater setting, which subtly comments on environmental issues, and its exciting combat system that feels similar to games made by FromSoftware. It’s a title that can really make you feel something.

The moment you pick up your first makeshift weapon and shield, the game becomes instantly captivating. As you unlock new ways to move, face incredible bosses, and discover weapons with unique abilities, the experience just keeps improving.

Let me tell you, after finishing Another Crab’s Treasure, I was completely blown away! It’s a really gripping adventure, full of underwater exploration and some surprisingly tough battles with squids packing heat. But it’s not just fun and games; the game really made me think about pollution and its impact on our planet. Seriously, Another Crab’s Treasure is a game that sticks with you – you won’t be left feeling neutral about it, that’s for sure!

6. Hollow Knight

Melancholy that Captivates

A lot of people complain that the beginning of Hollow Knight is slow, but I believe they’re confusing a bit of repetition with the careful groundwork laid for an incredible game.

From the very beginning of Hollow Knight, whether you’re learning the ropes or exploring the first areas, you’ll be constantly curious about what lies around the next corner. The game masterfully hints at paths you can’t yet reach, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Blending the challenging combat of Soulslike games with the exploration and upgrades of Metroidvanias creates a fantastic experience for both styles of gameplay. They naturally fit together because both focus heavily on player progression, as seen in Hollow Knight, which keeps adding new abilities and areas even near the very end.

Hollow Knight isn’t a fast-paced game, but that’s intentional. With upgrades, helpful charms, diverse bosses, hidden areas, friendly characters, and beautiful visuals and sound, the game encourages you to explore and enjoy everything at your own speed.

5. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

A Dream for Science Fiction Fans

Respawn Entertainment quickly became one of my favorite game developers, and it’s easy to see why with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. They excel at making games that feel incredibly lively and fast-paced, a talent they first demonstrated with Titanfall.

Considering how quickly the action moves, how smooth the fighting is, how beautifully the characters move, and the studio’s fresh take on familiar genres, it’s no surprise that Cal Kestis’ story is so immediately engaging and immersive.

Whether you’re familiar with Star Wars or not, this game offers a great way to experience the challenging gameplay of Soulsborne titles. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone new to both the Star Wars world and this style of game.

Plus, unlike many similar challenging games, you can change the difficulty in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order to match your abilities. This makes it a great game for both newcomers to the genre and experienced players looking for a really enjoyable and rewarding experience.

4. Salt & Sanctuary

A Flawless 2D Translation

Honestly, a lot of people don’t realize how hard it is to take a game’s whole vibe and rebuild it when you’re taking away a dimension – going from 3D to 2D, basically. That’s why I think Salt and Sanctuary doesn’t get the love it deserves; it really pulled off something special.

Ska Studios has created one of the first truly successful 2D games that captures the challenging and rewarding feeling of Dark Souls. It presents a similarly bleak but captivating world that’s fun to explore and unravel.

The game is full of hidden depths and potential. Each area feels like a universe to explore, every weapon offers a wide range of strategies, and even losing to bosses motivates you to keep learning and ultimately win.

Once you land on the island, grab a weapon, and begin fighting the undead while exploring its surprisingly tall landscapes, I wouldn’t be shocked if Salt and Sanctuary quickly became one of your favorite indie titles.

3. Remnant: From the Ashes

With Bullets, But Equally Ruthless

When it comes to video games that do something different, Remnant: From the Ashes keeps the 3D world but replaces swords and other close-combat weapons with guns, which is a really unique change.

This game isn’t just good – it’s incredibly addictive, especially when played with friends. It’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition, as it’s actually better than many other games from the same console generation.

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It’s hard to find a video game more purely enjoyable than Gunfire Games’ latest title. The gameplay is incredibly well-designed, creating a satisfying cycle of fighting, finding loot, exploring, and improving your character, and it’s tough to find anything to really criticize.

Okay, so it’s not quite a perfect game, I’ll admit. The story and graphics aren’t its strongest points. But honestly, the way it takes the shooting from third-person games and blends it with the challenging gameplay of a Soulslike? That part is just amazing – it feels totally seamless and brilliant.

2. Black Myth: Wukong

A Millenary Adventure

Black Myth: Wukong quickly became a major success, being the first Chinese-developed game to gain widespread attention and critical acclaim in the West – even earning consideration for Game of the Year awards. It’s now considered one of the best games in its genre.

Whether or not it truly fits the ‘Soulslike’ label is up for discussion, but it’s clear this game draws heavy inspiration from the titles that created the genre. It both honors those games and puts its own unique spin on familiar ideas.

Black Myth: Wukong successfully builds upon the groundwork established by FromSoftware games, while also creating its own identity. It does this by incorporating a rich, ancient mythology in a way that is both fascinating and respectful, demonstrating clear care and attention to detail without forgetting its roots.

The game features huge bosses, challenging fights with amazing animations, and plenty of hidden secrets and difficult side missions. It’s a truly satisfying power fantasy that finally gives the Monkey King the stunning visual treatment he deserves, rivaling even the classic Dragon Ball series.

1. Lies of P

The Perfect Adaptation

I usually avoid making definitive claims, but I genuinely believe Lies of P is the greatest Soulslike game ever made.

Primarily, I chose this approach because it best honors the established style of Hidetaka Miyazaki’s games, aiming to incorporate all of the core design features that make them unique.

What really sets Lies of P apart is that it’s the only game of its kind that genuinely measures up to the games that inspired it, building a world that’s just as strong in every way.

As a fan, I’m completely blown away by how well everything comes together in this game. The levels are brilliantly designed, packed with useful items, and the boss fights are genuinely challenging and interesting. I love how the different areas connect, and the story isn’t just told – you discover it through the characters you meet and the world around you. What really sets it apart, though, is how cleverly it reimagines the classic Pinocchio story!

From the second I picked up my weapon and landed my first attack in Lies of P, I just knew this game was different. That feeling stuck with me – whether I was battling the first boss, getting lost in the amazing music, or stumbling upon a hidden secret. Seriously, this game is packed with surprises! It starts out really strong, but honestly, the ending blew me away – it was way better than anything I expected.

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2026-04-07 02:42