As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring countless worlds and engaging in epic battles against formidable foes. But among all the titles I’ve played, none have left me quite as captivated as those belonging to the Soulslike genre.
The challenging yet rewarding Souls-like video game genre has been increasingly popular since the release of Demon’s Souls in the late 2000s. For those seeking their next favorite title in this category, here is my comprehensive ranking of Souls-like games for your perusal.
Best Soulslike Games Tier List
Ranking games in the Soulslike genre requires a precise definition on what a Soulslike even is to begin with. What you’ll find below is a list of games that have tough but fair action combat, tell great stories in unique ways, have punishing death mechanics, and directly tie your progression to your continued survial.
In conclusion, keep in mind that this is a subjective collection instead of an indisputable truth. Each gamer’s preferences vary greatly, some favoring captivating narratives while others crave a formidable challenge.
| Tier | Games |
|---|---|
| S | Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3, Blasphemous |
| A | Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Lies of P, Demon’s Souls |
| B | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Salt & Sanctuary |
| C | Mortal Shell, The Surge, Jedi Fallen Order, Dark Souls 2 |
| D | Code Vein, Lords of the Fallen (2014) |
Best S-Tier Soulslike games
Sure thing.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne continues to hold a top position in my gaming list since its debut almost a decade ago. FromSoftware’s exceptional writing, inventive boss battles, and extensive build customization options make Bloodborne an unmissable choice outside of Elden Ring. Furthermore, this game offers a significant challenge among Souls-like titles while maintaining a fair balance between punishment and reward.
Dark Souls 3
As a longtime fan of the Dark Souls series, I must confess that Dark Souls 3 holds a special place in my heart. Some folks might find it contentious that I consider this game to surpass even the legendary Dark Souls, but allow me, an avid adventurer of these intricately woven worlds, to explain.
Blasphemous
Amazing and provocative, Blasphemous stands out with unapologetic homage to its influences but creates a unique experience through intricate platforming, thoughtful combat, and striking art design. As a 2D side-scroller, it offers challenging encounters with formidable enemies and incorporates essential gameplay features like save points, limited healing, and harsh death consequences. This remarkable title demonstrates the powerful influence of exceptional game series on the gaming industry and is not to be missed.
Best A-Tier Soulslike games
This is more of a sidestep than a downgrade with these outstanding titles.
Dark Souls
Dark Souls, a game from FromSoftware, cannot be overemphasized in terms of significance. Following Demon’s Souls mechanically, Dark Souls became the game that sparked widespread appreciation for the “Soulslike” genre. With more diverse bosses and increased difficulty, along with an enhanced core gameplay experience, Dark Souls surpassed its predecessor. It also introduced us to FromSoftware’s distinctive storytelling style and semi-linear progression. A classic title that set the bar high.
Elden Ring
In a refreshing departure from the largely linear gameplay of FromSoftware’s past titles, Elden Ring expanded the Soulslike formula into an expansive open world. This shift has redefined our perspective on Soulslike games, proving that an open environment can not only complement but also enhance this gameplay style. Although Elden Ring may be slightly less daunting than previous FromSoftware games, it offers players an unprecedented array of tools to tailor their experience. The narrative is equally captivating, with renowned fantasy writer George R. R. Martin contributing to its creation, making Elden Ring one of FromSoftware’s most compelling stories yet.
Lies of P
If you’re searching for a game that shares the challenging and enjoyable combat experience of FromSoftware, but isn’t developed by them, consider giving Lies of P a try. The fast-paced battles are thrilling and engaging, yet they demand careful attention to detail. The atmosphere is captivating, with an unexpected twist on the French Revolution. This game also offers distinctive features that set it apart, such as unconventional weapon crafting. (Imagine wielding a massive hammer with the agility of a dagger!) Add to that an impressive soundtrack and you’ve found one of the most rewarding experiences in this genre.
Demon’s Souls
If not for Demon’s Souls, we wouldn’t be able to delve into this genre. This game served as an extraordinary beginning to the type of game that would consume a significant amount of our time for quite some time. Demon’s Souls paved the way for the genre while also highlighting how much progress we’ve made in games since then. In Demon’s Souls, the bosses lean towards the ‘unconventional’ with many sporting unique mechanics rather than just relying on brute force.
Best B-Tier Soulslike games
If you’ve finished playing the S and A-class titles, I recommend checking out these other games that offer hundreds of enjoyable hours of gameplay.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
As a long-time fan of Star Wars and action RPG games, I have eagerly anticipated the release of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, the latest addition to the Jedi franchise by the brilliant Respawn development team. Having played and been impressed with Fallen Order, I was excited to see how they would build upon its foundation.
Salt & Sanctuary
Salt & Sanctuary delivers a distinctive Souls-inspired adventure. Unlike Blasphemous, it draws heavily from Dark Souls, featuring replicas of certain game elements such as player messages. Yet, it maintains its individuality through an appealing, Flash game era aesthetic and innovative concepts. For instance, instead of using “Souls” to level up, Salt & Sanctuary uses “Salt,” which is transformed into Black Pearls for skill tree advancement. Each tree caters to various weapon types and character classes.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro, developed by FromSoftware, offers a fresh take on the Soulslike genre. Unlike traditional Soulslike games, Sekiro places more emphasis on quick reflexes than deep strategic planning. While it retains some elements of Soulslike games such as a collection of items and limited healing resources, the core progression system has shifted from level-based to skill-based. In Sekiro, success in combat depends less on the tools you wield and more on how effectively you use them. You’ll encounter challenges that require you to adapt and master new techniques to succeed.
Best C-Tier Soulslike games
The games are still enjoyable, but they have some unusual features that prevent them from reaching the pinnacle of excellence.
Mortal Shell
Title “Mortal Shell”: This game elicits strong opinions within the Soulslike genre community due to its imperfections. It isn’t flawless, with some rough mechanics and unclear advancement paths. However, dismissing it as an inferior Soulslike title is unjust. The foundation of this game is solid, and the cooperative aspect is a significant draw for me. In true Soulslike fashion, player collaboration is essential, particularly in specific areas where user-generated maps are indispensable. Additionally, the rich lore and more welcoming experience for newcomers to the genre add merit to this game. Newbies or those seeking a challenge should give it a try.
The Surge
In simpler terms, The Surge and Mortal Shell have similar weaknesses in their fundamental gameplay elements. However, The Surge makes up for it with an engaging and intense experience set in a gritty dystopian sci-fi universe. Although the narrative isn’t exceptional, it’s sufficient, and the captivating combat system can make you overlook certain flaws. Overall, an exciting journey worth taking if you’re looking for a change from the typical fantasy games.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
As a huge Star Wars and gaming fan, I’d describe my experience with Respawn’s first Jedi game, Fallen Order, as an immersive Soulslike journey in the galaxy far, far away. While it sets the stage for impressive advancements in its sequel, Fallen Order feels more like a foundation-laying title in terms of combat mechanics. The core gameplay is solid, but I found myself craving more diversity than what was offered.
Dark Souls 2
As a long-time fan of the Dark Souls series, I have to admit that while I hold Dark Souls 2 in high regard, it doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of its predecessor in my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, this game is still an incredible achievement with its intricate design and challenging combat. However, compared to the original Dark Souls, there are some noticeable differences that took me some time to adjust to.
Best D-Tier Soulslike Games
I’d have to admit that these options aren’t the strongest contenders out there, but they certainly offer enjoyable and distinctive experiences for those seeking something new.
Code Vein
Code Vein isn’t my preferred genre, but I gave it a try anyway. In summary, it’s a functional game with a surprising level of difficulty for someone with experience in FromSoftware games. However, there are several areas that need improvement. The game can be quite jittery, causing me discomfort even though I don’t usually get motion sickness. Additionally, the lengthy fighting animations and inconsistent combat mechanics, particularly the hitboxes, can make battles drag on. The main storyline is also rather dull and monotonous, which detracts from the overall experience. However, the game does offer a robust character customizer and an option to play cooperatively with another player, which adds some value.
Lords of the Fallen (2014)
Released in 2014, Lords of the Fallen is often credited with coining the term “Soulslike” games. However, I personally found it a disappointing spin-off from Dark Souls. Despite its differences, it imitated too heavily and failed to capture my interest. The game lacked the depth and complexity of Dark Souls, instead opting for a more conventional storyline and simpler mechanics. These elements didn’t make Lords of the Fallen shine compared to its more accomplished peers. I haven’t played the sequel yet, which came out in 2023, but based on positive feedback, I may give it another try eventually.
Honorable Mentions
I’ve come across several games that I haven’t had the pleasure of trying out for myself yet, but based on what I’ve heard from others, they sound absolutely fantastic.
Nioh
I haven’t played Nioh myself, but I’ve heard glowing reviews about this game series. It’s inspired by the real-life story of William Adams, the first Englishman to visit Japan in the 1600s, who eventually became a Samurai. Adams is also the inspiration behind the protagonist John Blackthorne from the book and FX show Shōgun. Nioh is an adored action RPG with stunning combat and a significant challenge. However, be warned that it can be quite a grueling experience, so make sure it’s the kind of game you’re up for.
Hollow Knight
I’m an avid gamer with a soft spot for challenging titles, and I’ve yet to dive into the world of Hollow Knight. But based on what I’ve heard from fellow gamers, I can’t help but be intrigued by this 2D masterpiece that’s been making waves in the Soulslike genre. With its extreme difficulty level, it’s a must-try for those who have grown tired of Blasphemous or similar games. The art style and game design resonate deeply with me, even without having played it yet. I can only imagine the captivating experience that awaits those who embark on this adventure.
Ashen
Siege of Dawn, this game sets itself apart with its cooperative elements, where player interactions are just as important as encounters with enemies. Despite some rough mechanics, Ashen offers a distinctive gaming journey.
If you’re interested in exploring additional Soulslike games following Elden Ring, head over to GamerTop for our recommended list!
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2024-07-15 21:22