The Soulslike genre, popularized by FromSoftware's Demon's Souls and Dark Souls, has seen significant growth over the past ten years, offering players difficult combat, intricate exploration, and memorable boss encounters. While FromSoftware continues to innovate with titles like Elden Ring and the upcoming The Duskbloods, a diverse array of developers have contributed compelling experiences to the genre.
Defining a Soulslike can be complex, as many modern games blend elements from various genres. However, common characteristics include high difficulty, an emphasis on exploration, checkpoint systems akin to bonfires, and significant player punishment upon death. This ranking focuses on games that embody these traits, excluding FromSoftware's own Soulsborne catalog and limiting entries to one per series.
Honorable Mention: Mortal Shell 2
Cold Symmetry's latest offering, Mortal Shell 2, has garnered positive reception shortly after its release, evidenced by its Very Positive Steam player rating. While it is too early for a definitive ranking, its early success highlights the ongoing appeal of the genre.
The Top Soulslikes
10. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (2025) Developed by Leenze/505 Games, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers aims to empower players, allowing them to feel powerful through its unique clash mechanic, which enables players to hit through attacks and regain health. The game also features an interesting magic system and a Madness mechanic, though its future development is uncertain following reports of the developer disbanding.
Available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
9. The First Berserker: Khazan (2025)
Neople/NEXON's The First Berserker: Khazan merges the dark aesthetic of Dark Souls with a cel-shaded anime style. Set 800 years before the Dungeon & Fighter series, players step into the role of General Khazan for challenging boss battles. The game is noted for its brutal combat and unique visual presentation.
8. Another Crab's Treasure (2024)
Aggro Crab's Another Crab's Treasure offers a unique premise starring a crab. Its vibrant underwater environments and the player's ability to use discarded trash as armor contribute to its visual charm. The game successfully balances challenge with accessibility, including pause functionality.
7. Remnant 2 (2023)
Gunfire Games/Arc Games, THQ Nordic's Remnant 2 distinguishes itself with its focus on firearm combat rather than melee. Its procedurally generated levels provide a dynamic and unpredictable experience, deviating from the typically structured level design of the genre. The game also supports cooperative multiplayer for added assistance.
6. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (2023)
Team Ninja's Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty offers a difficult experience blending wuxia action with Sekiro-like parrying mechanics. The game demands patience and precision, rewarding players with mastery over its demon-slaying combat.
5. Black Myth: Wukong (2024)
Game Science's Black Myth: Wukong presents a boss-rush-like experience, featuring over 100 bosses inspired by Journey to the West. While more forgiving than some Soulslikes, it still offers a substantial challenge over its approximately 60-hour playtime. Combat remains engaging through customizable staves, magical spells, transformations, and spirit skills.
4. Hell Is Us (2025)
Rogue Factor/Nacon's Hell Is Us balances player guidance with the freedom to explore its war-torn world. The game's narrative and mysteries are key strengths, encouraging players to engage with NPCs and uncover the story's secrets. Its approach to storytelling offers a more discernible narrative compared to some other titles in the genre.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023) Respawn Entertainment/Electronic Arts' Star Wars Jedi: Survivor expertly blends lightsaber combat with Soulslike parrying, puzzle-solving, and Metroidvania-inspired exploration. While both Fallen Order and Survivor are highly regarded, Survivor stands out with its expanded lightsaber options and compelling narrative twist.
Available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
2. Nioh (2017)
Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo's Nioh series is renowned for its difficulty and depth. The original Nioh, released in 2017, transports players to 1600s Japan to battle yokai. Despite facing formidable enemies and bosses, the game offers extensive customization through armor, weapons, and guardian spirits, allowing for diverse combat approaches.
1. Lies of P (2023)
Co-developed by Neowiz and Nough, Lies of P offers a dark, parry-focused take on the Pinocchio tale. Set in the city of Krat amidst a puppet revolt, the game challenges players to uncover the truth behind the frenzy while managing P's humanity, which grows with each lie told. Its combat is robust, allowing for extensive weapon modification and the use of a prosthetic arm with various functions. The game also features one of the most acclaimed parry systems in the genre.
