10 Soulslikes to Play While Waiting for The Duskbloods

by

FromSoftware was among the first to establish the Soulslike genre through games like Demon’s Souls and the Dark Souls series, and they continued to innovate within this genre with Bloodborne and Elden Ring. In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of Soulslikes, as numerous developers have taken up the challenge of creating their unique interpretations of the challenging action RPG format. This fresh wave of Soulslikes is something that many fans find appealing.

It’s important to note that FromSoftware’s latest Soulslike game, titled “The Duskbloods“, doesn’t have a confirmed release date as of now, and it will be exclusive to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This means that many fans who are eagerly awaiting this game may not be able to play it immediately upon its launch due to not having access to the Switch 2. The release of “The Duskbloods” is estimated for 2026, and getting a Nintendo Switch 2 might take even more time. Fortunately, other Soulslikes such as “Code Vein” and “Lies of P” can serve as alternatives to keep players engaged in the meantime.

May 31, 2019, Bandai Namco

As a devoted enthusiast, I can confidently say that Code Vein scratches the itch for any Soulslike fan while simultaneously establishing its own distinctive mark in a densely populated genre. This action RPG masterfully combines challenging, adaptable combat with an immersive, post-apocalyptic setting brimming with intricate details just waiting to be discovered. What truly distinguishes Code Vein from other Soulslike games is its captivating, anime-inspired visual aesthetic and innovative tweaks to fundamental genre mechanics.

In the game called Code Vein, players assume the character of a Revenant – a unique, individually customizable hero with potent powers derived from blood and a shrouded past. Although it maintains the challenge and layout of a standard Soulslike game, one notable distinction lies in the presence of an AI ally who joins fights, enabling strategic team-oriented combat sequences that offer diversity to fans accustomed to this genre. Code Vein presents a refreshing yet familiar gaming experience that devoted fans should not miss out on.

Apr. 25, 2024, Aggro Crab

In simpler terms, “Another Crab’s Treasure” is an action-adventure game told from a third-person perspective, offering a lighthearted, family-friendly twist on the challenging genre known as Soulslike. Despite its deep and thought-provoking narrative that touches on real-world concerns, it remains engaging for all ages. One of the game’s notable aspects is its adaptability. Though the standard difficulty level is set to hard, “Another Crab’s Treasure” offers various difficulty settings, making it accessible and suitable for Soulslike fans of all skill levels.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but express my excitement for the one-of-a-kind adventure that is “Another Crab’s Treasure”. In this game, I find myself immersed in a breathtaking underwater world, where I engage in intense combat using everyday ocean trash transformed into armor and weapons to ward off a plethora of lethal marine adversaries. The tale unfolds around Kril, a solitary crab on a mission to retrieve his stolen shell. What truly sets “Another Crab’s Treasure” apart is its extraordinary originality. It offers an unparalleled experience that every enthusiast of the genre should not miss, especially those who seek something genuinely unique and captivating.

Sep. 18, 2023, Round 8 Studio, NEOWIZ

In this fresh take on the timeless Pinocchio story, the narrative becomes a haunting, artistic action-adventure reminiscent of Soulslike games, drawing inspiration from the Belle Époque period of French history. Lies of P might not be a FromSoftware production, but the creators have skillfully incorporated elements of those games while infusing their own distinctive style. The outcome is a Soulslike game that carves its own identity, both aesthetically and substantially.

In Lies of P, combat is intense and unrelenting, much like what Soulslike fans are accustomed to. It places great emphasis on timing and swiftly penalizes errors. A distinctive narrative feature in this game is a deceit system, allowing players to decide whether to be truthful, which significantly influences the story’s development. As you wait for The Duskbloods, this mechanic will keep you engaged.

Apr. 28, 2023, Respawn Entertainment

offers an engaging action-adventure experience that fans of the series or the Soulslike genre will enjoy. Notably, it caters to various skill levels thanks to Jedi Survivor’s difficulty settings, which range from Story Mode to Grandmaster. This time around, combat has been tailored for more customization and emphasis on parrying, with an expanded selection of lightsaber stances.

In the realms of “Star Wars: Jedi Survivor”, the visuals are breathtaking and bustling with life – friendly and dangerous entities alike. The game masterfully blends intense combat with compelling narratives, almost achieving a perfect harmony. It’s evident that the team at Respawn deeply cherishes the “Star Wars” universe, as they skillfully maintain its essence while adding intriguing layers to it. Among numerous other titles, “Jedi Survivor” is one that Soulslike enthusiasts should definitely consider not skipping over.

2011-2016, FromSoftware

Despite being launched after Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls became the introduction to the Soulslike genre for numerous enthusiasts. The series significantly impacted the evolution of action RPGs we see today. Featuring extensive world-building, deep lore discovered through NPC dialogues and item descriptions, grueling combat, and terrifying monster designs, the Dark Souls trilogy still stands as some of FromSoftware’s finest creations.

The Dark Souls trilogy generated a unique genre as players found themselves captivated by its demanding gameplay. Though each installment in the Souls series incorporates fresh mechanics, the main focus has consistently been on mastering precise dodges, managing stamina, and learning from previous failures. Each game provides a distinct motivation to engage, yet any title within the Dark Souls trilogy will scratch that itch until The Duskbloods arrive.

Set to Release May 30, 2025, FromSoftware

The forthcoming Soulslike action RPG, titled Nightreign, hails from the esteemed developers at FromSoftware. Unlike its predecessor, Elden Ring, which had restricted cooperative play options, Nightreign is specifically designed for multiplayer experiences with friends. Players traverse procedurally generated landscapes within an alternate realm called Limveld, which resembles the setting of Limgrave. Over three in-game days, they prepare for a demanding boss battle, as a shrinking ring progressively constricts their space, echoing game mechanics from battle royale games.

It’s well-known that FromSoftware specializes in creating demanding solo gaming experiences. That’s why it came as a surprise when they revealed plans to develop a multiplayer game set in the universe of one of their most popular games instead. Yet, based on what we’ve seen so far, the gameplay appears quite intriguing, and it’s scheduled for release on May 30, 2025.

Nov. 19, 2020, Bluepoint Games

Initially launched in 2009, Demon’s Souls garnered a mixed response from critics, with Sony choosing not to publish it beyond Japan. However, over time, the game amassed a significant fanbase and played a pivotal role in shaping the Soulslike genre. Unlike the original game that was exclusive to the PlayStation 3, the 2020 remake of Demon’s Souls, which updates the Soulslike experience for modern times, made its debut on the PlayStation 5.

In the remake of “Demon’s Souls,” the most striking modification lies in its graphics, which underwent a complete transformation. Now, it operates seamlessly at either 30 or 60 frames per second and boasts an upgraded orchestral soundtrack. Furthermore, developer Bluepoint has incorporated an extensive array of new items, guaranteeing that those who have completed the original “Demon’s Souls” can still enjoy a novel adventure.

Mar. 24, 2015, FromSoftware

Among the most renowned games in the Soulslike genre, “Bloodborne” has established a benchmark with its distinctive gothic horror atmosphere and swift, intense combat style. However, it’s worth noting that “Bloodborne” was an exclusive title for PlayStation 4, and since its debut in 2015, Sony has kept it confined, without any next-gen upgrades or sequels being announced thus far. For the time being, enthusiasts can revisit the original game to savor this action RPG masterpiece before “The Duskbloods” launches.

Bloodborne continues to be one of the most gripping and engrossing games in the Soulslike genre, boasting exceptional world design that creates a chilling Lovecraftian horror atmosphere. Players are drawn into an exhilarating adventure through a hauntingly terrifying landscape. If you’re a fan of this type of game, Bloodborne is likely already on your list, but for those who haven’t tried it yet, I strongly recommend giving it a go at your earliest convenience.

Mar. 22, 2019, FromSoftware

The game, Sekiro, boasts one of the best combat systems that FromSoftware has ever created, making up a significant portion of its appeal. The combat in

Characters assume the identity of a ninja known as Wolf, whose mission is to safeguard his lord, Kuro, from wicked warlords and occult perils in an imaginary feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. The narrative keeps players hooked, and the sprinkled pieces of background information across the game world enhance the experience. However, much like other Soulslikes, it’s the outstanding combat system that truly sets Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice apart.

Feb. 25, 2022, FromSoftware

Elden Ring is often hailed as one of the greatest and a true masterpiece. Upon its release, it ignited worldwide interest, and three years later, the impact continues to reverberate. The game was played by many, even those new to the Soulslike genre. It has become a global cultural sensation, solidifying FromSoftware’s legendary status in gaming history.

With all the knowledge they’d gathered from their past games, FromSoftware reached the peak of the Soulslike genre by crafting Elden Ring. This masterpiece effortlessly combines the studio’s renowned difficulty and world-building skills with a stunning, painstakingly designed open world that invites exploration. Even as we eagerly anticipate The Duskbloods, Elden Ring will forever be capable of satisfying our Soulslike cravings.

Read More

2025-04-28 02:15