2026 Is the Year Action RPGs Will Beat Soulslikes

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Action games have always been incredibly popular, but for the last ten years, a specific style has really taken over. Many action RPGs now focus on challenging combat with limited stamina, high difficulty, and slow, careful gameplay. Frankly, it’s become repetitive. Developers seem to be constantly trying to recreate the success of ‘souls-like’ games instead of innovating and exploring new ideas for the genre. This has led to a wave of games that feel like copies, rather than truly unique experiences.

I’m optimistic about 2026 because it looks like the action genre is about to get a lot more creative and diverse. Developers are moving beyond just one style of combat and are focusing on things like deeper stories, more ways to move around, richer worlds, and more complex character skills. What’s really exciting is that these new games aren’t trying to copy the popular “souls-like” style. They’re aiming for faster, more fluid gameplay with more player freedom, and action systems that feel unique instead of imitative. After years of similar games, it’s great to see the genre evolving and trying new things.

The Soulslike Era Has Defined the Genre for Long Enough

As a gamer, I can definitely say the Souls-like genre has massively impacted action RPGs. After games like Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls blew up, everyone started copying their style. Things like managing your stamina, really tough challenges, and needing perfect timing became standard. And honestly, for a while, it was great! But after a while, a lot of new games felt…samey. It felt like developers were more focused on trying to be FromSoftware instead of making something truly unique.

Eventually, it became obvious that the action RPG genre needed to change. Not every game needed to be brutally difficult or slow-paced to feel exciting. Complex worlds and confusing stories weren’t necessary either. The issue was that “soulslike” games had become the standard, and as someone who enjoys them, I could see how this was limiting creativity and variety in the genre. There was plenty of room for more innovative and diverse approaches.

For a while now, many highly anticipated games have focused heavily on being extremely difficult. But in 2026, we’re starting to see a shift. Upcoming titles are prioritizing fast-paced action, compelling characters, and more ways for players to personalize their experience. It feels like the genre is finally finding its own identity again, and I’m really excited to see what these new games will bring.

Actions Games Fully Embracing Intense Combat

I’m really hyped about how action games are making a comeback! Capcom is bringing back Onimusha, and it’s not going the Soulslike route, which is awesome. Instead, Onimusha: Way of the Sword* is focusing on that fast, stylish sword fighting that made the original games so great. It’s all about quick reactions and looking cool while you slice through enemies, and that’s exactly what I wanted!

Everyone is excited about Crimson Desert, a new game that combines a vast open world with a unique and fast-paced combat system. It looks much more fluid and exciting than many of the games inspired by the ‘souls-like’ genre. With its impressive movement, dramatic attacks, and large, detailed world, Crimson Desert shows how action RPGs can feel powerful and satisfying while still being challenging. It’s exactly the kind of innovative game this genre needs.

As a huge Marvel and PlayStation fan, I’m really excited about Marvel’s Wolverine! Insomniac has shown they can deliver fast-paced, amazing games with great stories, and I think they’re going to bring that same energy to this one. Building an action RPG around Wolverine feels like a perfect fit, and I’m expecting something different from the slower-paced games we’ve been seeing lately – in a good way!

With major releases and exciting new games like Tides of Annihilation, Phantom Blade Zero, and The Blood of Dawnwalker all planned for 2026, it could be a pivotal year for the soulslike genre. If even a few of these games are successful, the genre might finally move beyond simply copying FromSoftware’s style and begin to innovate and evolve on its own.

A New Wave of Action-Focused RPGs

In 2026, action RPGs are evolving beyond the popular ‘Souls-like’ style. While those games are well-established, the upcoming releases are showing a much wider range of approaches to gameplay and story. We’re seeing faster-paced combat, stronger narratives, more emphasis on exciting combos, and worlds designed to encourage player freedom and creativity, rather than simply punishing mistakes.

As a longtime fan, I’m really excited about this change. For years, I’ve wanted more action RPGs that offer a variety of experiences. While I still love challenging combat and learning enemy patterns, I also want games with strong stories, meaningful characters, and smooth, engaging fights. It’s been over a decade since we’ve had a game offering this much depth, and I’m looking forward to playing one where I can focus on the story and fun, rather than just grinding to improve my skills.

These new games show that action RPGs don’t need to follow a single formula to be successful. Players want variety in how they progress, how combat works, and the worlds they explore. If these games live up to their promise, 2026 could be a turning point for the genre, allowing action RPGs to move beyond the influence of soulslike games and fully realize their potential, much like they did in the past.

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2026-03-03 02:15