Summary

• The soulslike genre has seen rapid growth, largely influenced by the success of FromSoftware's Dark Souls series.
• Defining a soulslike entails examining elements such as combat mechanics, world design, and story presentation.
• The article highlights some of the top soulslike games, showcasing the genre's diverse offerings. Each game brings its own unique qualities to the table.

The soulslike genre has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing in recent video game history. Following the tremendous success of FromSoftware's exceptional 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dark Souls series, both triple-A and indie studios have sought to emulate the winning formula that catapulted challenging gameꦏs bac🃏k into the spotlight.

Establishing the criteria for what defines a game as soulslike can be challenging. However, for the purposes of this list, we define it as any game that draws significant inspiration from Dark Souls — whether through similar combat mechani🌺cs, world design, or story presentation. Here are the absolute best games that the soulslike genre has to offer.

Updated on May 7, 2024, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: Soulslike games aren't for the faint of heart, as they often present a daunting challenge. But if you're the type who revels in overcoming adversity in gaming, then this list is tailor-made for you. We've updated it with a selection of additional titles guaranteed to put your skills to the ultimate test!

The ranking of this list combines pers🃏onal opinions with the collective pre🔯ferences of the gaming community at large.

Mortal Shell

168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Mortal Shell distinguishes itself in the Soulslike genre by introducing innovative gameplay mechanics and a captivating atmosphere. The standout feature is its shell system, a♔llowing you to inhabit different bodies, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. This adds layers to combat, requiring strategic adaptation to different foes and situ💯ations.

The game's dark and haunting atmosphere, reminiscent of gothic horror, immerses players in a meticulously crafted world teeming with mystery and danger in every corner. Through subtle environmental storytelling and cryptic lore, Mortal Shell deepens the sense of intrigue, much like any other Soulslike titles out there.

Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights

Set in a once-great kingdom that has been ruined by calamity, 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Ender Lilies: Quietus of The Knights isn't afraid to show off its Dark Souls inspiration. As well as a similar setting to the Dark Souls games, Ender Lilies also takes some cues from its combat system by littering the world with tough yet predictable enemies.

Despite drawing heavily from Dark Souls, Ender Lilies manages to establish its own distinct identity. With its unique art style, Metroid-insp♕ired world, and a slightly lower difficulty level compa🍒red to most soulslikes, it stands out as a refreshing take on the genre.

Eldest Souls

Eldest Souls is an isometric boss-rush soulslike that sees you traveling through yet another kingdom that has fallen to ruin. Despite its somewhat derivative setting, Eldest Souls manages to 🐟create a compelling world through its excellent pixel art and creative boss arenas.

In Eldest Souls, the combat unfolds just as you'd anticipate – bosses unleash perilous, telegraphed attacks, compelling you to meticulously regulate your stamina bar to evade them. What sets Eldest Souls apart is its introduction of a magic-focused skill tree, departing from the typical Dark Souls leveling system.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order is easily the most famous soulslike on the list, combining a triple-A gleam with a slightly watered-down version of the typical soulslike combat system. Fallen Order's mechanics are certainly more forgiving than your typical soulslike, leading to many to view it as closer to 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:The Force Unleashed than Dark Souls.

The soulslike leanings of its combat system become clearer if you choose to play on a higher difficulty setting, however, as a single mistake can lead to you being sent back to the Star Wars equivalent of a bonfire. Its on these harder difficulties where Jedi: Fallen Order really shines, especially when you're up against a skilled lightsaber wielder.

Dead Cells

168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Dead Cells may be the most mechanically unique game on this list, focusing on a completely roguelite world rather than a tailored, static kingdom for you to explore. It also foregoes a stamina bar, forcing you to time attacks by pitting you against tougher foes rath🥃er than by limiting your endurance.

In addition to its focus on randomized levels, Dead Cells stands out from other soulslikes with its unique gear system. Unlike games that let you gradually build up your character over many hours, Dead Cells' roguelite structure pushes you to assemble the best build possible during each run, resulting in gameplay that constantly evolves.

Nioh 2

Nioh 2 stands out as one of the best non-FromSoftware soulslike games, and it's an impressive achievement that becomes completely unsurprising when you realize it was developed by Team Ninja. Serving as a well-realized adaptation of the Dark Souls formula, Nioh 2 shifts the setting to ancient Japan while significantly elevating the level of difficulty.

Many will discover that Nioh 2 is notably tougher than any FromSoftware title, but for some, it presents the perfect challenge. The game will repeatedly push you into the ground, hour after hour, yet you'll persist, driven by the desire to experience more of its incredible combat and world-building.

Salt And Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary is one of the first 2D soulslikes, setting the stage for the dozens that were to follow. Even now, years on, it is still one🌠 of the shining examples of how to adapt the Souls formula effectively without comple๊tely ripping it off.

Salt and Sanctuary is set in — you guessed it — a kingdom that has fallen to ruin. Rather than be saddled with a grand goal to save it, though, you're simply tasked with escaping. This need to get out permeates every inch of Salt and Sanctuary's bleak world, as the unrelenting horror of its art style and 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:crushing boss fights close🌱s in on you as you progress deeper into the kingdom.

Thymesia

While Thymesia may not be the biggest Soulslike title out there, it offers a unique experience in a distinct world where death spreads as you step into the shoes of Corvus and battle your way through. Playing like your typical Soulslike game, you'll need to carefully time your attacks, guard against enemies, and master the art of parrying to survive, with multiple endings to discover and achieve.

What set😼s this game apart is its approach to length. Unlike many lengthy Soulslike titles, Thymesia offers a shorter experience. While this might not appeal to everyone, it brings a fresh and unique perspective without requiring a huge time commitment, making it a refreshing choice for those who want to dive into another Soulslike adventure.

Hollow Knight

One of the standout 2D Soulslike games to date is 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Hollow Knight, and its widespread appeal is for good reason. From its exquisite art style to the intricately designed levels and enemies, the variation in this game is truly unique. Beneath its seemingly simple 2D exterior lies a shockingly deep plot that may take some time to fully comprehenꦑd.

In terms of gameplay, you assume the role of the Knight, embarking on an exploration journey through a Metroidvania setting. To progress through certain areas, you must acquire special skills, confront challenging bosses that put your skills to the test, and navigate the vast map, which often leaves you to determine where to go next. Hollow Knight's charm lies not only in its visual and gameplay aesthetics but also in the depth of its world and narrative.

Lords Of The Fallen

If you're seeking a game that shares similarities with the Dark Souls series, then 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Lords of the Fallen is precisely what you're looking for. This game represents a significant improvement from its predecessor and successfully incorporates familiar mechanics from Dark Souls while adding its unique touch through the introduction of the Umbral World. This feature allows you to seamlessly switch between Axiom, the living world, and Umbral, the dead world.

In terms of gameplay, it captures the essence of playing a Dark Souls game while managing to establish its distinct identity. Offering various classes, build options, an array of weapons, spells, and armor to choose from, the game provides the freedom to explore Mournstead with a customized character. Despite this freedom, it remains challenging, and you're likely to face numerous deaths; which is a characteristic that contributes to the allure of such games.