The Best Souls-Like Games That Aren’t Actually Dark Souls
You wouldn’t be short of options if you’re looking for a ‘soulslike’ game, since the genre has exploded ever since FromSoftware refined the formula. But considering the commitment their difficulty necessitates, knowing which one to spend time on can be a challenge on its own.
Beyond the Dark Souls saga, Elden Ring, Sekiro and Bloodborne are the other three stand outs, but since they are made by the same developer, that’s a given. Here we’ve collected the best games in the soulslike genre not made by FromSoft, capturing the same vibe while having their own unique twist.
Lies of P
Perhaps the most acclaimed non-FromSoftware Souls-like to date, Lies of P combines precise combat, difficult boss fights, and interconnected level design with a dark reinterpretation of the Pinocchio story. Many fans consider it a genuine peer to the genre’s best.
Nioh 3
Team Ninja’s Nioh 3 builds on Souls-like foundations while adding deep loot systems and complex combat stances. Its fast-paced action and enormous build variety make it one of the most mechanically rich games in the genre.
The Surge 2
Instead of medieval fantasy, The Surge 2 brings Souls-like combat into a sci-fi setting. Its standout feature is targeted limb attacks, allowing players to harvest specific equipment pieces directly from defeated enemies.
Salt and Sanctuary
Often described as a 2D Dark Souls, Salt and Sanctuary successfully translates the formula into a side-scrolling action RPG. Challenging bosses, character builds, and exploration make it a favorite among genre fans.
Remnant II
Remnant II blends Souls-like difficulty with third-person shooting mechanics. Procedurally generated elements, co-op support, and highly varied worlds help it stand apart from more traditional entries in the genre.
Mortal Shell
While smaller in scope than many competitors, Mortal Shell introduces a clever mechanic allowing players to harden their bodies during combat. The game’s unique approach creates a distinctive rhythm during battles.
Code Vein 2
Often nicknamed “anime Dark Souls,” Code Vein 2 combines challenging combat with a post-apocalyptic setting and extensive character customization. Its companion system also makes it more approachable than many Souls-like titles.
Blasphemous 2
Drawing heavily from Spanish religious imagery and gothic horror, Blasphemous 2 merges Souls-like design with Metroidvania exploration. Its haunting art style and punishing boss encounters helped it build a passionate following.
Another Crab’s Treasure
At first glance, the colorful underwater setting looks lighthearted, but Another Crab’s Treasure delivers surprisingly challenging Souls-like combat. Its clever use of discarded ocean trash as equipment gives the game a memorable identity.
Lords of the Fallen (2023)
The 2023 reboot significantly improved upon the original game, introducing a dual-world mechanic that allows players to shift between the living realm and the land of the dead during exploration and combat.
Ashen
Ashen offers a more minimalist visual style than most Souls-likes while retaining challenging combat and exploration. Its cooperative focus and unique art direction help distinguish it from the many Dark Souls imitators.
Death’s Gambit: Afterlife
Following a major overhaul, Death’s Gambit: Afterlife became one of the strongest 2D Souls-like experiences available. It combines demanding boss fights with RPG progression and a large interconnected world.
Hollow Knight
While technically a Metroidvania, Hollow Knight borrows heavily from the Souls formula through its challenging combat, environmental storytelling, and risk-reward death mechanics. Its vast interconnected world and memorable boss fights have made it one of the most beloved games in the genre.
No Rest for the Wicked
Developed by Moon Studios, the team behind Ori, No Rest for the Wicked combines Souls-like combat with action RPG systems and detailed world-building. Its deliberate pacing and emphasis on skill-based encounters set it apart from traditional hack-and-slash games.
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars offers a more approachable take on the Souls-like formula while retaining challenging combat and exploration. Its Greek and Roman mythology-inspired setting helps distinguish it from the darker fantasy worlds common throughout the genre.