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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
YouTube/GameSpot
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.
YouTube/PlayStation
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.
YouTube/Bandai Namco Entertainment America
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.
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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.
YouTube/Nintendo of America
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.
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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.
YouTube/XBOX
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.
YouTube/IGN
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.
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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.
YouTube/Moon Studios
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.
YouTube/IGN
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.
The post The Best Souls-Like Games That Aren’t Actually Dark Souls appeared first on Den of Geek.
