Best Souls-Based Games

A Deep Dive into Gaming’s Toughest and Most Rewarding Experiences

Souls-based games have become a revered genre for gamers seeking a challenge, an immersive world, and a truly rewarding experience. With brutally tough combat, intricate level design, and atmospheric storytelling, these games demand patience, skill, and perseverance. Games like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Nioh have set the gold standard for the genre, each offering its own unique twist on what it means to be “soulslike.” But beyond these titans, there are many more fantastic entries that deserve a spot in the conversation. So let’s dive into the best souls-based games ever made and discover what makes them so legendary.

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Elden Ring – 2022

Elden Ring, released in 2022, is a groundbreaking collaboration between FromSoftware and acclaimed fantasy author George R.R. Martin. Set in the sprawling and mysterious Lands Between, the game redefined the soulslike genre by introducing an expansive open world teeming with lore, secrets, and challenges. Players embark on a journey as the Tarnished, an exile tasked with uniting the shattered pieces of the titular Elden Ring to ascend as the Elden Lord.

The game excels in its ambitious design, offering vast regions ranging from hauntingly eerie swamps and dense forests to colossal castles and underground ruins. Unlike the linear progression of its predecessors, Elden Ring allows unparalleled freedom to explore its world, uncover hidden dungeons, and face a plethora of unique and menacing bosses. Each area is crafted with FromSoftware’s signature attention to detail, creating a sense of wonder and dread that keeps players fully immersed.

The combat system builds upon the mechanics of Dark Souls, integrating horseback combat, stealth options, and a vast arsenal of weapons and magic. Additionally, the introduction of Spirit Ash summons allows players to call upon spectral allies in battle, providing new tactical possibilities. The game also features an interconnected narrative, bolstered by Martin’s world-building, which explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the cyclical nature of power.

Praised for its accessibility to newcomers while maintaining the challenge veterans crave, Elden Ring quickly became a cultural phenomenon, winning multiple Game of the Year awards. Its combination of intricate lore, masterful gameplay, and stunning visuals makes it not just one of the best soulslike games but one of the greatest video games of all time.

Dark Souls – 2011

When Dark Souls launched in 2011, it forever altered the landscape of gaming. Developed by FromSoftware, it was the spiritual successor to Demon’s Souls and refined its predecessor’s punishing yet rewarding formula. Set in the decaying kingdom of Lordran, Dark Souls immersed players in a grim fantasy world filled with haunting locales, cryptic lore, and ruthless enemies. The game’s story, intentionally opaque, invited players to piece together its mysteries through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and NPC dialogue.

What made Dark Souls revolutionary was its interconnected world design. Lordran is a labyrinth of sprawling, interconnected regions, each leading seamlessly into the next. Players could venture from the decrepit Undead Burg to the eerie catacombs of Anor Londo without loading screens, reinforcing the sense of exploration and immersion. The bonfire system was introduced here, serving as checkpoints while doubling as hubs for leveling up and managing resources. This clever mechanic added a layer of strategy, as resting respawned enemies.

Combat was another standout feature. Players had to master precise timing, stamina management, and dodging, as well as adapt to a myriad of weapon and armor types. Every encounter, from lowly undead soldiers to towering bosses like Ornstein and Smough, demanded patience, skill, and an understanding of patterns. Death was an ever-present teacher; each failure provided valuable lessons, encouraging players to refine their strategies and persevere.

The multiplayer component was groundbreaking, blending cooperative and competitive elements. Players could summon allies to help conquer tough areas or invade others’ worlds for PVP battles. The messaging system, where players left cryptic hints (or troll messages), added a unique social layer to the solitary experience.

Dark Souls gained critical acclaim for its difficulty, atmosphere, and intricate design, quickly earning a cult following. It spawned two sequels, inspired countless “soulslike” games, and cemented its legacy as one of the greatest games ever made. Whether you were praising the sun with Solaire or cursing the Capra Demon’s cramped arena, Dark Souls became a rite of passage for gamers seeking a challenge.

Nioh – 2017

Nioh, developed by Team Ninja and released in 2017, brings a distinctly Japanese twist to the soulslike formula. Set during the Sengoku period, a turbulent time in Japan’s history, Nioh introduces players to William Adams, a fictionalized version of the real-life English sailor who became a samurai. William’s journey is both personal and epic, involving a quest to retrieve his spirit guardian and stop the machinations of Edward Kelley, a sinister alchemist manipulating the chaos of war.

Where Nioh sets itself apart is in its combat system, which blends samurai weaponry with fast-paced action. Players can switch between three combat stances—high, medium, and low—each offering different advantages in speed, power, and defense. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as mastering stances becomes crucial for defeating enemies and adapting to their behavior. The game also incorporates ki (stamina), which players must manage carefully during combat to avoid leaving themselves open to attacks. The “Ki Pulse” mechanic, allowing players to regain stamina with precise timing, further deepens the complexity.

The supernatural is a core element of Nioh, with yokai—Japanese spirits and demons—playing a central role. These enemies often appear in “yokai realms,” areas that slow down the player’s ki recovery until purified, creating tense and tactical encounters. The boss fights, ranging from mythical creatures like the Nue (a chimera-like beast) to iconic yokai like the Hannya, are visually spectacular and mechanically challenging.

The RPG elements are robust, offering deep customization. Players can choose between various weapons, from katanas and spears to ranged options like bows and guns. Each weapon has its skill tree, allowing players to refine their playstyle. Additionally, the loot system borrows from games like Diablo, providing endless gear variety to optimize builds.

Graphically, Nioh shines with its beautiful representation of feudal Japan, blending historical landmarks with dark fantasy. The story also incorporates real historical figures, such as Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hattori Hanzo, adding a layer of authenticity to the fantastical narrative.

Critics and players lauded Nioh for its demanding combat, historical setting, and unique take on the soulslike genre. The game’s success led to the equally praised sequel, Nioh 2. For fans of punishing difficulty and intricate combat systems, Nioh remains a must-play.

Bloodborne – 2015

Bloodborne, released in 2015 by FromSoftware, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and atmospheric entries in the soulslike genre. Unlike its medieval predecessors, Bloodborne transports players to the haunting Gothic-Victorian city of Yharnam, a place riddled with eldritch horrors and an enigmatic disease known as the Beast Plague. The game’s narrative is a labyrinth of cryptic lore, delivered through environmental storytelling, NPC interactions, and item descriptions, leaving players to piece together the cosmic mystery at its heart.

In Bloodborne, players assume the role of a Hunter who arrives in Yharnam seeking a cure for their affliction. The city is a sprawling nightmare filled with grotesque creatures, bloodthirsty mobs, and an unsettling sense of decay. As the story unfolds, the focus shifts from werewolf-like beasts to Lovecraftian cosmic horrors, revealing the dark machinations of Great Ones—godlike entities influencing humanity through dreams and madness.

The gameplay builds on Dark Souls mechanics but introduces faster, more aggressive combat. Shields are almost nonexistent, encouraging players to adopt a relentless offensive strategy. The unique “rally” system allows players to regain lost health by quickly striking back, adding a layer of risk and reward to every encounter. Weapons like the Saw Cleaver and the transforming trick weapons further amplify the game’s distinctive style, offering versatility and creativity in combat.

Boss battles in Bloodborne are nothing short of legendary. From the brutal Cleric Beast and haunting Father Gascoigne to the nightmarish Orphan of Kos, each boss presents a unique challenge that demands mastery of mechanics and nerves of steel. The Chalice Dungeons, a series of procedurally generated levels, add replayability and challenge, with rare items and enemies hidden deep within their labyrinthine passages.

The hauntingly beautiful visuals and eerie score enhance the oppressive atmosphere, making Yharnam feel alive yet suffocatingly dead. Themes of forbidden knowledge, the corrupting influence of power, and humanity’s insignificance in the face of cosmic forces resonate throughout the game, cementing its status as a masterpiece.

Bloodborne received universal acclaim for its bold reinvention of the soulslike formula, its atmospheric world-building, and its deeply engaging combat. With its unique blend of Gothic horror and cosmic dread, Bloodborne is not just a game but an experience—a visceral journey into madness and triumph.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – 2019

Released in 2019 by FromSoftware, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice marked a bold departure from the traditional soulslike formula, placing players in the role of a shinobi named Wolf during the Sengoku period of Japan. Tasked with rescuing his kidnapped lord, Kuro, and seeking revenge on a clan that left him for dead, Sekiro emphasizes stealth, precision, and a narrative-driven experience.

The gameplay centers on swordplay and the innovative Posture system, which replaces stamina management. Combat requires mastering parries and counterattacks to break an enemy’s posture, leading to visceral deathblows. Unlike Dark Souls and Bloodborne, which focus on RPG elements like leveling and stat distribution, Sekiro emphasizes skill development through a fixed character progression system. Wolf’s prosthetic arm adds versatility, featuring tools like shurikens, a flamethrower, and a grappling hook, which expand both combat and traversal options.

Exploration in Sekiro is dynamic, thanks to the verticality of its environments. Players can leap across rooftops, scale cliffs, and infiltrate enemy fortresses, offering a sense of freedom not typically found in FromSoftware’s previous titles. The stealth mechanics allow players to thin out enemy ranks or avoid combat entirely, adding depth to gameplay strategies.

Boss battles in Sekiro are intense and demand precise timing and pattern recognition. Iconic encounters, like the showdown with Genichiro Ashina or the Guardian Ape, are tests of endurance and skill that push players to their limits. The resurrection mechanic, which allows Wolf to revive on the spot after death, adds an additional layer of strategy, offering a chance to turn the tide of battle but at a cost.

The narrative dives deep into themes of loyalty, mortality, and redemption, with a richly crafted world inspired by Japanese folklore and history. The visuals are stunning, with serene cherry blossom fields contrasting against bloody battlefields. The story unfolds through cutscenes, NPC interactions, and environmental storytelling, making it one of FromSoftware’s most accessible narratives.

Sekiro won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019, celebrated for its innovation, combat mechanics, and captivating world. While its high difficulty curve alienated some, it solidified Sekiro as a masterclass in action-adventure gaming, standing as a unique and unforgettable entry in FromSoftware’s portfolio.

Demon’s Souls (Remake) – 2020

The Demon’s Souls remake, released in 2020 for the PlayStation 5, is a stunning reimagining of FromSoftware’s groundbreaking 2009 game, developed by Bluepoint Games. While the original laid the foundation for the soulslike genre, the remake elevates the experience with breathtaking visuals, reimagined sound design, and modern gameplay enhancements, while staying true to the core mechanics that made it iconic.

Set in the kingdom of Boletaria, the story follows a lone hero tasked with vanquishing the Old One, a malevolent entity awakened by a lust for power. The kingdom has been engulfed by a deadly fog teeming with soul-devouring demons, and players must navigate five treacherous archstones—each a self-contained realm filled with grotesque monsters, sinister traps, and formidable bosses. The narrative unfolds cryptically, with NPCs and item descriptions offering clues to Boletaria’s tragic history and its fallen rulers.

The remake’s visual overhaul is nothing short of extraordinary. Environments are richly detailed, from the haunting halls of Boletarian Palace to the fiery depths of Stonefang Tunnel. The lighting effects, intricate textures, and redesigned enemy models breathe new life into the world, making it one of the most visually impressive games on the PS5. The soundtrack, re-recorded with a full orchestra, amplifies the eerie atmosphere, immersing players further into Boletaria’s desolation.

Gameplay-wise, the remake retains the punishing difficulty and strategic combat of the original. Players must master stamina management, weapon upgrades, and precise timing to survive. While Bluepoint stayed faithful to the core mechanics, they introduced subtle improvements, such as refined animations, smoother controls, and quality-of-life updates like a more intuitive inventory system.

Boss fights remain a highlight, with memorable encounters like the towering Tower Knight and the soul-crushing Flamelurker. The remake also emphasizes the multiplayer elements, allowing players to leave messages, summon allies, or invade others’ worlds, fostering the unique blend of camaraderie and rivalry that defines soulslike games.

The Demon’s Souls remake received widespread acclaim, praised for its fidelity to the original while embracing modern technology. For newcomers, it offers a polished introduction to the genre’s roots, while veterans can revel in the nostalgia and beauty of a beloved classic reborn. The remake stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Demon’s Souls and its pivotal role in shaping gaming history.

Hollow Knight – 2017

Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry and released in 2017, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game that combines challenging gameplay with rich, atmospheric world-building. Set in Hallownest, a sprawling, abandoned insect kingdom, players control the titular Hollow Knight as they explore the labyrinthine underground world to uncover its dark secrets and ancient history. The game’s story is delivered through environmental storytelling, cryptic dialogue, and subtle hints, leaving players to piece together the narrative on their own.

The gameplay revolves around tight combat mechanics, precise platforming, and a vast, interconnected map that encourages exploration. Players unlock abilities like wall-jumping, dashing, and double-jumping, which allow access to previously unreachable areas. The combat system includes a variety of nail-based (sword-like) attacks and magical spells, offering flexibility in how challenges are approached. Boss fights are a major highlight, with over 40 unique and challenging encounters that test reflexes, strategy, and patience.

The art style of Hollow Knight is one of its most striking features, with hand-drawn 2D visuals that create a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. Each area in Hallownest has its distinct look and atmosphere, from the eerie fungal groves of the Fungal Wastes to the regal yet decayed City of Tears. The melancholic soundtrack, composed by Christopher Larkin, enhances the game’s emotional depth and immersion.

A key aspect of the game is its emphasis on player freedom. Hallownest is a non-linear world, allowing players to explore in their own way, often stumbling upon secret areas and unexpected challenges. The difficulty level is high but rewarding, providing a deep sense of accomplishment after overcoming tough obstacles.

Hollow Knight also boasts a wealth of content, with side quests, hidden areas, and optional bosses that significantly expand its scope. The game received several free expansions, such as Godmaster and The Grimm Troupe, which added even more challenges, story elements, and new areas to explore.

Praised for its gameplay, atmosphere, and storytelling, Hollow Knight has become a modern classic in the Metroidvania genre. Its success has also led to anticipation for its sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, promising to expand on the beloved formula with a new protagonist and setting. Whether you’re a fan of intense combat, intricate exploration, or immersive storytelling, Hollow Knight is a masterpiece that delivers on all fronts.

Salt and Sanctuary – 2016

Salt and Sanctuary, developed by Ska Studios and released in 2016, is a 2D action RPG that blends the challenging mechanics of soulslike games with a gritty, hand-drawn aesthetic. Often described as “Dark Souls in 2D,” it masterfully combines brutal combat, intricate level design, and atmospheric storytelling to create a gripping experience.

The game follows a nameless sailor shipwrecked on a mysterious, cursed island. Players explore sprawling, interconnected environments filled with treacherous enemies, traps, and foreboding secrets. The narrative is shrouded in mystery, delivered through cryptic NPC dialogues, environmental cues, and item descriptions. Themes of despair, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of conflict echo those found in Dark Souls, giving the game a somber, haunting tone.

Combat in Salt and Sanctuary is fast-paced yet methodical, with players choosing from a wide variety of weapons, shields, and magic to suit their playstyle. Stamina management, precise timing, and dodging are key to surviving the game’s relentless enemies and bosses. The game also introduces a unique “salt” mechanic, where defeated enemies drop salt that players can use to level up. However, dying means losing all collected salt, unless players can reclaim it by defeating the foe that killed them—a tense and rewarding risk-reward system.

The RPG elements are robust, with a deep skill tree offering a range of character customization. Players can specialize in melee combat, magic, ranged attacks, or hybrid builds, providing countless options for replayability. Sanctuaries, which act as the game’s version of bonfires, offer a sense of safety and allow players to align with different factions, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

The boss battles are a standout feature, with grotesque and creatively designed foes like the Kraekan Cyclops and the Tree of Men. Each boss presents a significant challenge, requiring players to learn attack patterns and exploit weaknesses.

The hand-drawn art style lends Salt and Sanctuary a grim yet captivating aesthetic, with its muted color palette and gothic design perfectly complementing the game’s dark themes. The eerie soundtrack and minimalist sound design enhance the sense of isolation and dread, making the island feel alive and oppressive.

Salt and Sanctuary received widespread acclaim for its innovative adaptation of soulslike mechanics into a 2D format. Its blend of brutal difficulty, atmospheric storytelling, and rewarding exploration makes it a standout in the genre. Its success paved the way for the upcoming sequel, Salt and Sacrifice, which promises to expand on its predecessor’s mechanics and lore. For fans of challenging, immersive experiences, Salt and Sanctuary remains an essential title.

Lords of the Fallen – 2014

Developed by CI Games and Deck13 Interactive, Lords of the Fallen (2014) was one of the first games to explicitly draw inspiration from the Dark Souls formula, blending challenging combat with a robust RPG system. Set in a dark fantasy world, the game follows Harkyn, a convicted criminal seeking redemption as he battles the demonic Rhogar army and their god, Adyr.

The narrative explores themes of sin, redemption, and the struggle between humanity and divine forces. Harkyn’s tattoos, marking his past crimes, play into the game’s thematic undertone, adding layers to his character. Players unravel the world’s lore through NPC interactions, codex entries, and the environment, though the story is more straightforward than other soulslike titles.

The gameplay emphasizes tactical combat, with heavy, deliberate attacks, blocking, and dodging mechanics requiring precision. Players choose from various classes and skill trees, customizing their playstyle with weapons ranging from massive hammers to nimble daggers. Magic abilities add another dimension, with offensive, defensive, and utility-based spells expanding tactical options. The game’s armor system offers different sets that affect mobility, creating opportunities for tank-like builds or agile warriors.

One of Lords of the Fallen‘s defining features is its focus on accessibility. While still challenging, it is more forgiving than its inspirations, with a clearer learning curve and fewer punishing mechanics. The checkpoint system, represented by crystal-like save points, allows players to bank their XP or risk losing it in exchange for greater rewards.

Boss battles are a highlight, featuring hulking adversaries with unique attack patterns and phases. Memorable encounters include the imposing Commander and the Guardian, each requiring different strategies. While not as intricate as Dark Souls, the bosses provide a solid test of skill and planning.

Visually, the game shines with its gothic architecture, detailed enemy designs, and lush environments. The Unreal Engine 3 delivers impressive visuals for its time, though occasional technical issues, such as frame drops and clunky animations, were noted by critics. The soundtrack complements the dark atmosphere, with orchestral scores that heighten tension during combat and exploration.

While Lords of the Fallen garnered praise for its ambition and production values, some criticism was directed at its pacing, limited enemy variety, and less polished combat compared to Dark Souls. However, it successfully carved a niche in the action RPG space, serving as a gateway for players new to the genre.

The game’s legacy continues with the 2023 reboot of Lords of the Fallen, which expands upon the original’s ideas while refining its mechanics and narrative scope. The 2014 version, despite its imperfections, remains a commendable entry in the soulslike genre, offering a compelling and approachable alternative to FromSoftware’s titles.

Blasphemous – 2019

Released in 2019 by The Game Kitchen, Blasphemous is a striking blend of Metroidvania exploration and soulslike mechanics, set in the dark, oppressive world of Cvstodia. The game draws heavily from Spanish Catholicism, incorporating grotesque religious imagery and themes of sin, penance, and redemption into its narrative and aesthetic.

Players take on the role of The Penitent One, a mute knight burdened with a mysterious curse known as The Miracle. Armed with the Mea Culpa, a sword forged from guilt, the Penitent One embarks on a grim pilgrimage to uncover the secrets of Cvstodia and confront the source of its suffering. The story unfolds through cryptic NPC interactions, haunting lore texts, and symbolic visual storytelling, inviting players to piece together its deeper meaning.

The gameplay emphasizes methodical combat, with players needing to master dodging, parrying, and timing to overcome the game’s punishing enemies. Boss battles are a particular highlight, featuring monstrous, elaborately designed foes like Our Lady of the Charred Visage and Exposito, Scion of Abjuration. Each encounter is a test of skill and patience, requiring careful observation and adaptability.

Exploration is a cornerstone of Blasphemous. The sprawling, interconnected world is filled with hidden areas, shortcuts, and collectibles that reward curiosity. Players can enhance their abilities through upgrades, rosary beads, and relics, offering customization options that cater to different playstyles. Platforming challenges are interwoven with the exploration, adding another layer of difficulty and precision.

Visually, the game stands out for its intricate pixel art, which brings Cvstodia’s grotesque beauty to life. The environments range from desolate wastelands to haunting cathedrals, each brimming with detail and atmosphere. The soundtrack, composed by Carlos Viola, complements the dark tone with somber melodies and intense orchestral pieces.

Blasphemous received praise for its unique aesthetic, challenging gameplay, and deeply immersive world. While some players noted its difficulty spikes and cryptic progression, the game’s originality and artistic ambition earned it a dedicated fanbase. The 2023 sequel, Blasphemous 2, builds on the original’s legacy, further expanding the story and refining its mechanics. For fans of dark, thought-provoking games, Blasphemous offers an unforgettable journey into the macabre.

The Surge 2 – 2019

The Surge 2, developed by Deck13 Interactive and released in 2019, is a hardcore action RPG and the sequel to The Surge (2017). It builds on the formula established by its predecessor, offering intense, sci-fi soulslike combat set in a dystopian future. The game’s narrative follows a customizable protagonist who awakens in the walled city of Jericho, a place ravaged by a mysterious technological plague. Players must navigate this industrial hellscape, battling enemies with a unique combat system that focuses on strategic limb targeting, allowing players to dismember foes for loot.

Combat in The Surge 2 is brutal and methodical, relying on precision, stamina management, and spatial awareness. The game introduces a more refined and fluid combat system compared to the original, with faster movement and a greater variety of weapons, each with distinct playstyles. The game’s signature “targeting system” lets players lock onto specific limbs of enemies, with successful dismemberments granting valuable materials for crafting or upgrading equipment. The strategy lies in choosing the right approach to break through enemy defenses while managing your own stamina during combat.

The world-building and level design are major strengths of The Surge 2. The game features expansive, interconnected environments set within the city of Jericho, filled with secrets, hidden paths, and various factions vying for control. Unlike its predecessor, The Surge 2 has a more open-world structure, with a larger map and multiple areas to explore, each with its own distinct visual and thematic identity. The story is delivered through environmental storytelling, dialogue, and narrative events, weaving a tale about the collapse of humanity due to unchecked technological advancements.

Customization is another key feature in The Surge 2, as players can equip a variety of weapons, armor, and implants to suit their combat preferences. The RPG elements are robust, with players able to upgrade their character’s abilities, gear, and skills to improve survivability and combat prowess. The game also introduces drones that assist in combat, offering extra firepower or utility.

The atmosphere of The Surge 2 is gritty and oppressive, with a dark, industrial aesthetic reminiscent of Blade Runner and other dystopian sci-fi settings. The soundtrack, composed by Mikolai Stroinski, complements the game’s tone with ambient electronic tracks and intense combat music.

The Surge 2 was well-received for its improved mechanics, deep customization, and challenging combat. It provides a solid alternative for players seeking a more futuristic, sci-fi take on the soulslike genre. Though the game’s difficulty may prove daunting to some, its rewarding progression system and engaging world make it a standout in the action RPG space.

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The soulslike genre has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a unique blend of challenge, exploration, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s Elden Ring’s vast open world, Bloodborne’s gothic horror, or Nioh’s samurai combat, these games provide some of the most rewarding experiences in modern gaming. While not every soulslike game has reached the same level of recognition, each of these titles has contributed to shaping the genre and offering a brutal yet satisfying test of skill. So, if you’re up for a challenge, these are the best souls-based games you’ll want to sink your teeth into.