10 Best Soulslike Games Not Made By FromSoftware

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at what makes a Soulslike game truly unforgettable – the intricate challenges and the exhilarating sense of achievement when you finally conquer them. Yet, it’s FromSoftware‘s Soulslikes that really stand out, consistently exceeding expectations in every aspect. Given their pioneering role in this genre, their games serve as the gold standard for what constitutes a great Soulslike.

If I were to distill the magic recipe into essential principles, it would boil down to two fundamental elements: challenge and satisfaction. On the surface, this might seem straightforward, but delivering on these principles is no small feat.

To be clear, unlike FromSoftware, only a few game studios have successfully nailed the formula for engaging, hard-to-put-down games. Therefore, we’ll examine top-notch Soulslike titles developed by studios other than FromSoftware.

Nioh 2

Nioh 2 presents a challenging gaming experience, boasting a steep learning curve that demands strategic planning before engaging in combat. A momentary lapse can lead to even common enemies dealing a lethal blow. Each mission introduces fresh enemy types, while the boss battles are remarkably tough and stand out from other games, including those in the Dark Souls series by FromSoftware.

As a devoted fan, I must confess that Nioh 2 isn’t everyone’s gaming delight. It certainly has its flaws, one of which is its unique approach to world design. Unlike the semi-open worlds of Dark Souls games or the vast openness of Elden Ring, Nioh 2 offers a more structured experience where missions are selected from a menu screen and you’re dropped into specific areas. This departure from the immersive, free-roaming experiences can be jarring at times.

Furthermore, the combat mechanics in Nioh 2 are numerous and intricate, which can initially feel overwhelming. However, if you’re prepared to exercise a bit of patience and invest some serious playtime, it transforms into an adventure that’s well worth revisiting.

Mortal Shell

Crafted by a small team of fifteen individuals, Mortal Shell stands as an affectionate tribute to fans of Soulslikes. In this game, you can choose various “Shells,” or characters, each possessing distinct abilities. Your task is to traverse unknown territories and vanquish monstrous foes. What sets Mortal Shell apart from its peers is that it offers a fresh perspective on several traditional mechanics commonly found in Soulslikes.

To put it simply, instead of parrying or blocking, the game introduces a “hardening” mechanic. This means that you can now reinforce your shell while an attack is coming towards you, offering more strategic options in battle. Despite being developed by a smaller team, Mortal Shell shares striking similarities with FromSoftware’s games in terms of art design and combat style, providing a familiar yet unique gaming experience.

Lies of P

In a gritty reimagining, “The Lies of P” offers a sinister take on a classic children’s tale. Unlike the gentle puppet from the stories, this Pinocchio is a mechanical troublemaker who fights machines. The setting is the steampunk city of Krat, where Pinocchio embarks on a journey to different districts in search of solutions for a mysterious petrification disease.

In “Lies of P,” you explore a colossal, semi-open world teeming with hidden mysteries and tough adversaries waiting to be defeated. As you enhance Pinocchio’s physique, you gain access to Legion Arms, a mechanical enhancement that grants you skills such as producing lightning from your fingertips. The fundamental mechanics of parrying, deflecting, blocking, and attacking seamlessly blend with the action, creating an engaging combat system. Some players even liken it to being crafted by FromSoftware, which is the greatest compliment a Soulslike game can receive today.

Code Vein

In Code Vein, you’ll encounter an intriguing blend of themes, wrapped in an anime aesthetic. Characters resemble those from The Legend of Zelda series, while the surroundings strive for a more authentic ambiance, merging post-apocalyptic and gothic settings. You can customize your character extensively, and you’ll meet numerous distinct NPCs throughout the narrative, each with its unique anime-inspired charm.

In the world of Code Vein, there’s no denying its unique charm, but when it comes to combat, it doesn’t quite match up to games like Bloodborne or Dark Souls. The blows don’t carry the impact that one would expect, making the battles seem less rewarding. However, the weapon abilities inject some excitement into the fray. What sets Code Vein apart is the presence of companion NPCs who lend a hand during fights. If you can overlook issues such as repetitiveness and limited enemy variety, Code Vein has the potential to win you over.

Hollow Knight

In the game known as Hollow Knight, you’ll find yourself in a world where danger lurks around every corner. The environment itself poses traps, while the 164 distinct, eerie creatures present constant threats. Some boss battles are so challenging that it might feel like you’re playing a survival game. And let me tell you, the similarity to Soulslike games doesn’t get any stronger than this.

In your speedy journey across a vast interwoven landscape, Hollow Knight presents you with an assortment of puzzles, battles with enemies, and multiple routes to choose from. The somber allure of its hand-drawn artwork compels you to investigate every hidden corner. Although Hollow Knight may not confuse you as deeply as Elden Ring due to its 2D design, the rapid combat and immersive environmental storytelling make it impossible to resist the urge to keep playing.

Nine Sols

For fans of Hollow Knight or those enduring the long wait for Silksong, Nine Sols offers an ideal solution. This platformer emphasizes gameplay similar to the deflection-style mechanics found in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Although melee and ranged attacks are included, mastering the art of deflection is crucial.

The game, Nine Sols, offers a blend of mythological and cyberpunk aesthetics, providing a refreshing change from the typical grim settings commonly found in Soulslikes. Unlike many games in its genre, Nine Sols is vibrant rather than somber. However, it’s the boss fights that truly set this game apart. They are distinctive, challenging, and overcoming them offers an exhilarating sense of achievement. Apart from the straightforward progression, there aren’t many issues with Nine Sols. In fact, it’s a game you can proudly remember as one of the top-notch Soulslikes, not made by FromSoftware.

Lords of the Fallen (2023)

In a new take on the Souls series formula, Lords of the Fallen offers an additional layer of challenge. This is achieved by incorporating two distinct realms – the Umbral and Axiom – that players can freely transition between. Each realm features its own set of enemies and hazards. To advance in these worlds, not only do you need to get better at playing (the “git gud” aspect), but also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills when tackling puzzles.

What sets Lords of the Fallen apart as a Soulslike game is its expanded multiplayer feature beyond PvP, such as the co-op mode. This means you can play the entire game with a friend if you wish. The combat offers variety, though it may not be as thrilling compared to other aspects. However, certain segments tend to overuse the dual-world mechanic, which might lead to some player burnout. Despite these minor flaws, Lords of the Fallen has enough unique elements to potentially become one of your favorite games.

Demon’s Souls Remake

Since FromSoftware created the initial version of “Demon’s Souls”, it’s not like they have anything left to show us. The 2020 remake by Bluepoint is an exceptional reimagining. It ticks all the right boxes: improved ambiance, enhanced sense of discovery, and more challenging updates to the boss battles.

The revamped edition not just retains the charm of the original, but also enhances it significantly. This enhancement can be seen through additional weapons, armor, and improvements to gameplay mechanics. Bluepoint’s remake gives a fresh lease of life to the first Souls series game. If you remember playing the 2009 version, the remake will impress you with its new features, reigniting your affection for Demon’s Souls.

Rise of the Ronin

Including “Rise of the Ronin” among top Soulslike games could seem daring, but it’s not without merit. Deceptively, “Rise of the Ronin” offers swift melee-shooter combat that initially resembles an adventure game. However, this is far from the truth. The bosses in this game have limited attack windows and at the highest difficulty level, they challenge even Sekiro’s formidable rogues’ gallery.

In this game, titled “Rise of the Ronin“, you’ll find various distinctive weapons such as paired swords, greatswords, rifles, and katanas at your disposal. For players who prefer a tactful approach, stealth is an option for much of the gameplay. Regarding complexity, the game offers an expansive open world. Although it may seem somewhat typical, the backdrop of 1853 feudal Japan adds an intriguing atmosphere. The story revolves around a renegade assassin on a quest to find their partner. While it may not be the most complex narrative, “Rise of the Ronin” is definitely worth giving a try.

The First Berserker: Khazan

Neople’s creation, “The First Berserker: Khazan“, is nothing short of remarkable. It has essentially crafted an anime-style game that closely resembles the ideal version of a “Dark Souls” experience. The visuals are simply captivating and unparalleled; no other game has managed to embody the dark metal anime aesthetic as perfectly as “Khazan“.

The visual appeal is captivating enough to draw you in initially. Yet, after investing some time, you’ll discover that the engrossing combat system is what truly keeps you engaged. The First Berserker: Khazan boasts an exceptionally designed combat system among all the games on this list. Its core revolves around three distinct weapons – a spear, a greatsword, and dual-wield armaments. Each weapon offers a unique skill tree and inflicts damage on enemies in its own manner.

In Khazan’s battles, it’s all about linking attacks swiftly and being agile to dodge or counterattack opponents. There are numerous skills to master, and each sword stroke carries a satisfying snap. Many anime games struggle with unconvincing narratives or poor combat mechanics. However, The First Berserker: Khazan breaks the mold, offering an exceptional experience that rivals soulslike games.

2025-03-26 05:41