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When it comes to challenging and rewarding gameplay experiences, few genres can match Soulslike. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Dark Souls series, these games offer players a deep and immersive world to explore, a wide range of weapons and abilities to master, and a combat system that rewards skill and precision.
In this article, we will be taking a look at the top Soulslike games, ranked in order of quality and popularity. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the genre or a newcomer looking to dive in, this list has something for everyone.
Dark Souls
At the top of our list, we have Dark Souls, the game that started it all. Developed by FromSoftware and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, Dark Souls was released in 2011 and is considered to be one of the most challenging and rewarding games of all time. The game features a vast open world, intricate level design, and challenging combat that will test even the most experienced of gamers.
One of the most notable aspects of Dark Souls is its deep and immersive lore. The game is set in the world of Lordran, where players take on the role of an undead warrior on a journey to link the fire and prolong the age of fire. Along the way, players will encounter a wide range of memorable characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations.
In terms of gameplay, Dark Souls excels in its challenging and strategic combat. Players must carefully manage their stamina, dodge and parry enemy attacks, and make use of a wide range of weapons and magic to defeat their foes. The game also features a unique online multiplayer system, allowing players to leave messages for others and summon each other for assistance in boss battles.
Overall, Dark Souls is a true masterpiece and a must-play for any Soulslike fan.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Elden Ring
Coming in at a close second is Elden Ring, an action-RPG video game that looks to be a spiritual successor to the Soulslike genre. Developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco and released in 2022, the game follows a third-person perspective and features an expansive open-world environment, deep character customization, and a unique combat system.
The game takes place in a mythical world known as Ebon, where the player takes on the role of the chosen one – an individual chosen by the gods to restore balance and peace to the land. The game world is vast and filled with various enemies, puzzles, and secrets. Players will need to explore the world and use their combat skills to overcome the many challenges that await them.
The combat system in Elden Ring is based on precise timing and strategic positioning. Players will need to use a combination of strong and weak attacks, parrying, dodging, and other defensive maneuvers in order to successfully defeat the enemies. The combat system is also designed to reward players for their precise timing and strategic play.
The game also features a deep character customization system, allowing players to customize their characters with hundreds of different pieces of armor, weapons, and other items. This allows players to create unique and powerful characters that can take on even the toughest of enemies.
Elden Ring looks to be a great addition to the Soulslike genre and is sure to provide players with an immersive gaming experience. With its expansive world, deep character customization, and unique combat system, Elden Ring looks to be a game that will provide many hours of entertainment.
Overall, Elden Ring is a true masterpiece and a must-play for any Soulslike fan.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows.
Bloodborne
Coming in third place is Bloodborne, the critically acclaimed action RPG developed by FromSoftware and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki. Released in 2015, Bloodborne takes place in the gothic city of Yharnam, where players take on the role of a hunter on a quest to discover the truth behind the city’s mysterious plague.
Like Dark Souls, Bloodborne features a deep and immersive lore, with a wide range of memorable characters and a richly detailed world. The game also features a similar challenging and strategic combat system, with players able to make use of a wide range of weapons and magic to defeat their foes.
One of the most notable differences between Bloodborne and Dark Souls is the game’s faster and more aggressive combat. In Bloodborne, players are encouraged to take risks and strike quickly, with the game’s “regain” system allowing players to recover lost health by counterattacking immediately after being hit.
Overall, Bloodborne is a true masterpiece and a must-play for any Soulslike fan.
Platform: PlayStation 4
Nioh
Coming in fourth place is Nioh, the action RPG developed by Team Ninja and directed by Fumihiko Yasuda. Released in 2017, Nioh takes place in a fantastical version of late-Sengoku period Japan, where players take on the role of William, a blonde-haired samurai on a quest to find an ancient relic.
Nioh features a similar challenging and strategic combat system as the Souls series, with players able to make use of a wide range of weapons and magic to defeat their foes. The game also features deep and immersive lore, with a wide range of memorable characters and a richly detailed world.
One of the most notable differences between Nioh and the Souls series is the game’s focus on historical accuracy. Nioh features a variety of real-life samurai, ninja, and yokai from Japanese history and folklore, and the game’s levels are all based on real-life locations.
Overall, Nioh is a fantastic addition to the Soulslike genre, offering a unique and immersive experience for players interested in Japanese history and culture.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Coming in at Fifth place is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the action-adventure game developed by FromSoftware and directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki. Released in 2019, Sekiro takes place in a fictionalized version of Sengoku era Japan, where players take on the role of a shinobi known as the “one-armed wolf” on a quest to rescue his young lord and take revenge on his enemies.
Sekiro features a similar challenging and strategic combat system as the Souls series, with players able to make use of a wide range of weapons and prosthetic arm attachments to defeat their foes. The game also features deep and immersive lore, with a wide range of memorable characters and a richly detailed world.
One of the most notable differences between Sekiro and the Souls series is the game’s focus on stealth and vertical exploration. Players are encouraged to make use of stealth and parkour to navigate the game’s levels and take out enemies from above.
Overall, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a fantastic addition to the Soulslike genre, offering a unique and immersive experience for players interested in stealth and ninja gameplay.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows
The Surge
Coming in sixth place is The Surge, the action RPG developed by Deck13 Interactive and directed by Adam Hetenyi. Released in 2017, The Surge takes place in a dystopian future where players take on the role of Warren, a man who wakes up in a high-tech exoskeleton to find the world in chaos.
The Surge features a similar challenging and strategic combat system as the Souls series, with players able to make use of a wide range of weapons and drones to defeat their foes. The game also features deep and immersive lore, with a wide range of memorable characters and a richly detailed world.
One of the most notable differences between The Surge and the Souls series is the game’s focus on precise and brutal combat. Players are able to target and dismember specific body parts of enemies in order to acquire new weapons and equipment.
Overall, The Surge is a fantastic addition to the Soulslike genre, offering a unique and immersive experience for players interested in a dystopian and high-tech setting.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
Tier List
Based on the analysis above, we have created the following tier list for the top Soulslike games of all time:
- Dark Souls
- Elden Ring
- Bloodborne
- Nioh
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- The Surge
It’s important to note that this list is based on our own personal opinions and experiences, and your mileage may vary. However, we believe that these games represent the best of the Soulslike genre and are definitely worth checking out.
Conclusion
The Soulslike genre has come a long way since the release of Dark Souls in 2011, with developers crafting unique and innovative experiences that push the boundaries of the form. From the intense combat of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice to the strategic depth of Nioh, the genre has never been more diverse or exciting.
Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action, historical accuracy, or dystopian settings, Elden Ring adds yet another layer to this ever-evolving genre. With its expansive world, deep character customization, and unique combat system, Elden Ring looks to be a game that will provide many hours of entertainment.
We hope that this article has helped you to discover some new Soulslike games to try out, and we wish you all the best on your own journeys through the challenging and rewarding worlds of these games.
