In the gaming industry, Souls games created a unique category by providing gamers with challenging battles, complex world-building, and lore. By 2025, the “Souls-like” genre has grown to include many different games that challenge gamers with different fighting styles and complexity. Here’s a list of the top 10 BEST Soulslike games you should play.
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1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, developed by FromSoftware, takes players to a reimagined late 1500s Sengoku-era Japan. Unlike traditional Souls games, Sekiro focuses on sword fighting, stealth, and grappling hook movement.
Wolf, a shinobi on a mission to rescue his lord and seek revenge. Its posture-based combat style favors aggressive play and mastery over timing. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice also won the Game of the Year award in 2019.
Availability: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Download: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
2. Elden Ring
A collaboration between FromSoftware and author George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring offers an open-world experience known as the Lands Between. Players can explore large areas, deep dungeons, and a challenging combat against bosses. The game introduces a flexible class system, horseback combat, and a rich lore that encourages exploration and discovery. It is a well-respected recent game in the genre because of its mixture of complexity and open world exploration.
Availability: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Download: Elden Ring
3. Dark Souls
Dark Souls, the game that named a genre, is well known for its punishing difficulty, interconnected world design, and deep lore. Players explore the kingdom of Lordran, battling tough enemies and discovering the secrets of a dying world. Since its release, many games have been influenced by its focus on environmental storytelling, fighting, and the stamina system. With better performance and graphics, the remastered edition of Dark Souls improves the experience.
Availability: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Download: Dark Souls
4. Lies of P
Lies of P is a dark twist on the traditional story of Pinocchio, set in a world inspired by Belle Époque that is filled with bloodlust and insanity. P, a puppet mechanoid, is controlled by players as they explore a city full of enemies and moral quandaries. The game offers a unique turn on the Soulslike formula with its branching narratives, complex combat mechanics, and customizable weapons. Its atmospheric design and challenging gameplay have garnered critical acclaim.
Availability: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Download: Lies of P
5. Blasphemous
Blasphemous combines fast-paced, brutal combat with a deeply religious and gothic aesthetic. In this game, players take on the role of The Penitent One which takes place in the cursed land of Cvstodia, fighting terrifying monsters while uncovering the dark lore. The game’s pixel art style, complex level design, and haunting soundtrack create an immersive experience. It presents a unique challenge by combining Soulslike difficulty with Metroidvania exploration.
Availability: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android
Download: Blasphemous
6. Hollow Knight
While often categorized as a Metroidvania, Hollow Knight embodies many Soulslike elements, including challenging combat, a mysterious world, and minimal hand-holding. Players explores interconnected kingdom of Hallownest, facing challenging bosses and uncovering hidden lore. Its hand-drawn art, atmospheric soundtrack, great lore, and complex controls have made it a standout title. For those looking for a challenge, the game’s depth and difficulty provide an enjoyable challenge.
Availability: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Download: Hollow Knight
7. Black Myth: Wukong
Inspired by the Chinese novel “Journey to the West” Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG that brings Eastern mythology. Players control the Monkey King, who fights mythical creatures with a variety of spells, transformations, and fighting skills. The game’s stunning visuals, dynamic combat, and rich storytelling have created a lot significant anticipation. Its unique gameplay mechanics provide a novel viewpoint within the Soulslike genre.
Availability: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Download: Black Myth: Wukong
8. Nioh
Nioh, created by Team Ninja, is set in Sengoku Japan and combines historical fiction with supernatural elements. In the game, players take on the role of William, a Western samurai navigating a land under siege from yokai and war. The game features a deep combat system with various weapon types, and Combat Stances. Action RPG fans love it because of Its challenging gameplay and rich customization options
Availability: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC​
Download: Nioh
9. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, set in feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion of the 13th century. Players control Jin Sakai, a samurai who must adapt to unconventional combat tactics to protect his homeland. With its dynamic weather and day-night cycles, the game’s open-world setting provides a deep and engrossing experience. Its combat system focuses on swordplay and stealth, allowing players to choose their approach to battles. The Director’s Cut edition includes additional content, such as the Iki Island expansion and the co-op multiplayer mode, Ghost of Tsushima: Legends.
Availability: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC
Download: Ghost of Tsushima
10. The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game developed by Neople and published by Nexon. In the game, players head to the Dungeon & Fighter Online universe, which is 800 years before the events of the game, when it is released on March 27, 2025. Players play as the role of Khazan, a revered general betrayed by his empire, who, after surviving death, becomes possessed by the Blade Phantom and sets out on a mission to seek revenge.
Availability: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Download: The First Berserker: Khazan
From epic histories to mythological adventures, these games provide players with various experiences that perfectly represent the development and diversity of Soulslike games in 2025. Every game turns its position as one of the best in the genre by combining storylines with a challenging gameplay.
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