10 Best Soulslike Games Not Made by FromSoftware

FromSoftware didn’t create challenging games, but they popularized the idea of openly discussing how hard they are online. The popularity of ‘soulslike’ games has grown a lot in the last ten years, with many studios trying to make their own versions of these notoriously difficult games. Some of these attempts failed, but others were just as good as the original games that started the trend.

The most successful games inspired by the ‘Souls’ series don’t simply copy its formula—they innovate and explore fresh ideas. Each developer brings their own unique interests, whether it’s creepy puppets, detailed insect worlds, historical Japan, or epic space adventures. This variety is what keeps the soulslike genre exciting and ensures that fans always have new, challenging experiences to enjoy.

Lies of P Proves the Genre Can Be Refined to a Mirror Shine

FromSoftware wasn’t involved in creating this game. Instead, Neowiz Games reimagined the story of Pinocchio, setting it in a decaying, beautiful city overrun by deadly puppets. The result is a remarkably polished action RPG, and one of the best of the last five years. Even just the weapon crafting system – where you combine different parts to build unique weapons – makes the game worthwhile.

What makes Lies of P special is its unique system where your decisions – whether you choose to lie or tell the truth – impact the story’s ending and how characters react to you. The game also features challenging but fair boss battles and a beautifully crafted art style.

Hollow Knight Took the Formula Underground and Made It Poetic

Team Cherry created something truly special with Hollow Knight: a challenging platformer inspired by the ‘soulslike’ genre, set in a fading kingdom of insects. It’s beautifully hand-drawn with incredible detail, and the game is rich with story details for players who take the time to explore. Losing your currency upon death adds an extra layer of difficulty for those who enjoy a tough challenge.

The combat in this game seems easy at first, but it’s actually very precise, especially during tough boss fights like Nightmare King Grimm – it’s as challenging as anything you’d find in a FromSoftware game. Ultimately, the game shows that what makes this genre special isn’t complicated systems, but a feeling of fear, the joy of exploration, and the immense satisfaction of finally succeeding after many tries.

Nioh 2 Out-Ninjas Everything Else in the Genre

Wow, Team Ninja really outdid themselves with Nioh 2. They took everything great about the first game and cranked it up to eleven. I especially loved the Ki Pulse system – it really pushes you to play aggressively and get into a rhythm. And the loot? Forget about it! It’s seriously one of the most in-depth loot systems I’ve ever seen in an action RPG. If you’re like me and you love Dark Souls but wished there were even more ways to customize your character, this game is absolutely it. The build options are insane!

The Yokai shift system completely changes how battles play out. It’s incredibly satisfying to absorb enemy spirits during a fight and then release them in a powerful attack. The bosses are challenging and unique, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese stories. The game is more demanding than many players anticipate, and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.

Salt and Sanctuary Is Dark Souls’ Scrappier, Meaner Little Sibling

Ska Studios created Salt and Sanctuary with a tiny team of only two people. The game is a beautifully hand-drawn, side-scrolling action RPG inspired by the ‘Souls’ series, and it’s known for its incredibly immersive and dark atmosphere. Its unique art style, featuring sharp lines and faded colors, creates a disturbing and unsettling look that really gets under your skin.

For an independent game, this title has a surprisingly complex class and skill system, letting you create diverse character builds focused on different weapons and magic. Dying means losing your progress, similar to other challenging games, and the rush to recover it can be incredibly stressful. While it’s not polished, the game’s slightly unrefined nature is actually part of what makes it appealing.

Mortal Shell Rewards Patience With One of the Sharpest Hooks in the Genre

This is a truly innovative mechanic for the soulslike genre. Players can instantly turn to stone during combat – even in the middle of attacks, jumps, or when panicked – to completely negate damage from a single hit. It’s a clever defensive move that encourages attacking, improves reaction time, and fundamentally alters how players tackle each fight.

Instead of developing a single character, Mortal Shell has you take control of different fallen warriors, each with their own strengths and skills. While it’s not as expansive as some other games in the genre, Mortal Shell creates a remarkably immersive and atmospheric experience.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Turns Defense Into the Best Offense

Team Ninja’s latest game, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, emphasizes skillful combat. The game’s core mechanic, deflecting attacks, isn’t just about avoiding damage—it actively builds up a meter that allows for powerful counterattacks. Players are encouraged to be proactive and aggressive, as a defensive playstyle won’t be very effective.

The historical period of the Three Kingdoms doesn’t get enough attention in games, but Wo Long really embraces it. Featuring famous generals like Lu Bu, Cao Cao, and Zhang Liang, the game makes boss fights feel authentic and engaging. A unique morale system adds an element of risk and reward to every battle, making even regular fights surprisingly tense.

Code Vein Is the Anime Soulslike That Slaps Harder Than You’d Expect

Okay, so I’ve been playing Code Vein, and it really leans into the whole anime thing – think white hair, flowing capes, and, yeah, you play as a vampire who drinks blood. A lot of people dismiss it as just another Dark Souls clone, but honestly, it’s way more interesting than that. The way you can mix and match different abilities from different classes is actually really clever, and it’s super rewarding if you’re willing to try out different builds. It’s not just copying other games, it’s doing some cool stuff on its own.

One of the best parts of the game is the ability to play with NPC companions. These partners join you throughout your adventure and offer useful assistance, creating a cooperative feel without making the game too easy. Code Vein doesn’t aim to be as difficult as Elden Ring. Instead, it successfully delivers a polished, story-focused action-RPG that shares some similarities with the soulslike genre.

Remnant II Shoots the Genre in a Completely New Direction

Gunfire Games made a game with randomly created worlds where you play with friends and fight from a distance. It requires careful, strategic play – rushing in will quickly lead to defeat.

Success in Remnant II relies heavily on smart positioning, managing your stamina, and timing your dodges – just like in other challenging action games. The game’s class system adds a lot of replay value. Each class not only changes how you fight, but also cleverly determines which bosses and locations you’ll encounter during a playthrough.

The game’s boss battles are a welcome change, feeling carefully designed and original instead of repetitive. Remnant II demonstrates that the challenging gameplay of ‘soulslike’ games isn’t limited to sword fighting.

Jedi: Fallen Order Made the Best Star Wars Game in Years by Borrowing FromSoftware’s Homework

Respawn Entertainment took inspiration from games like Dark Souls and Star Wars, and combined them to create a unique experience. The result feels very much like Dark Souls in many ways – featuring limited stamina, safe havens resembling bonfires (here called meditation points), health potions disguised as stims, and a demanding combat system that rewards careful timing over frantic button pressing.

The game truly shines with its captivating story. You play as Cal Kestis, a memorable hero dealing with past trauma while trying to survive under the oppressive Empire. The worlds, like Dathomir and Zeffo, are beautifully designed with intricate connections, plenty of rewards to find, and encourage exploration and revisiting areas.

The Surge 2 Cuts to the Core of What Makes Soulslikes Satisfying

In Deck13’s The Surge 2, a core gameplay feature is strategically dismembering enemies. Each battle presents a choice: take the safe route for a simple win, or gamble by aiming for valuable parts of their exo-rig armor.

Okay, so playing The Surge 2 feels way different than a lot of other games like it. Instead of going for a super fantastical vibe, they built this city, Jericho City, to feel really gritty and realistic. The sci-fi stuff isn’t all lasers and rainbows, either. It’s more like rusty old factories, abandoned drone plants, and this totally messed-up corporate world. It just feels… believable, you know?

The combat is quicker and more intense than most games in the ‘soulslike’ genre, which really fits the game’s world. It may not have the most spectacular visuals, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.

2026-05-22 20:46