Initially, I found it challenging to appreciate demanding games, especially those where repeated failures led to eventual success. My perspective shifted dramatically once I began to grasp the allure of Souls games.
The crux of the enjoyment lies in transforming frustration from the rigorous mechanics into motivation. Each attempt helps refine your skills, sharpening your gameplay rather than causing mere annoyance.
Achieving victory after numerous attempts is exhilarating—there’s a profound sense of triumph in conquering a formidable foe that has tested your patience and perseverance.
That said, if you find that a game isn’t resonating with you, take a moment to step back. The choice of game is crucial, and I’m here to present an unbeatable list of titles curated to not only introduce you to the Souls experience but to ignite your passion for the genre.
10 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The Force Is Strong With Souls
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order serves as an excellent entry point into the Soulslike genre. While it retains crucial elements reminiscent of Souls games, it also offers a high-adventure narrative.
As Cal Kestis, a surviving Jedi Padawan of Order 66, you’ll navigate a simple yet engaging storyline, emphasizing exploration and gameplay akin to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but with a more accessible approach.
The beautifully designed world features interconnected levels, encouraging backtracking and exploration, with numerous enemies and bosses to challenge you. Notably, the adjustable difficulty settings allow you to enhance your skills gradually without overwhelming frustration.
9 Another Crab’s Treasure
Who Says You Can’t Laugh with Souls?
If you’re seeking a Soulslike that also brings a smile, look no further than Another Crab’s Treasure. In this whimsical adventure, you embody a hermit crab on a quest to retrieve his stolen shell.
The game cleverly combines Souls-like elements with platforming and RPG features, incorporating a quirky shell-swapping mechanic that enables you to wield bizarre items, from soda cans to classic game cartridges, in combat and exploration.
Its charming visuals and lighthearted tone disguise the fact that it still offers challenging combat—just difficult enough to keep you engaged without venturing into pure frustration.
This title diverges from traditional genre tropes, offering a fresh perspective, and when frustration strikes, the option to “shell-swap” for a gun adds a unique twist to the gameplay.
8 Remnant II
Shooting Souls
Positioned strategically in the lineup, Remnant II encapsulates the essence of “Dark Souls with guns.”This dark, adrenaline-fueled shooter appeals to players who relish both challenge and cooperative gameplay.
Set in a post-apocalyptic realm dominated by monstrous plant-like entities, players collaborate to traverse interconnected worlds, facing formidable threats to humanity’s existence.
The strategic gameplay mirrors classic Souls titles with its emphasis on movement, dodging, and multi-stage boss encounters. However, it stands out with no death penalties and customizable difficulty, making it forgiving and approachable for newcomers.
7 Death’s Door
Little Crow’s Souls
While Death’s Door may not fit neatly within traditional Soulslike parameters, its tone, world-building, and combat undeniably echo the genre, making it an engaging experience that intertwines elements of Dark Souls with classic Legend of Zelda titles.
Players step into the role of a crow reaper, tasked with collecting souls for a mysterious organization while confronting foes along the way. Its captivating story is set against a dark backdrop, accompanied by charming visuals and challenging boss battles that require strategic dodging.
Upon completing your first run, a new mode unlocks where players face challenges anew armed only with a weak umbrella—an exciting way to refine your skills higher.
6 Blasphemous
Amen
Blasphemous is another noteworthy title that embraces Soulslike elements, providing an outstanding introduction to these punishing mechanics.
Often referred to as “2D Dark Souls, ” this fabulous Metroidvania exudes a dark medieval aesthetic filled with formidable bosses and a challenging gameplay mechanics, which involve a fair die-and-respawn system with healing opportunities.
If you’re seeking a more approachable variation, check out its sequel, Blasphemous 2, which simplifies some mechanics while maintaining engaging gameplay.
5 Salt and Sanctuary
Throwing Salt Over Your Shoulder
At this juncture, we must delve into Salt and Sanctuary, a quintessential 2D Soulslike that perfectly captures the essence of its inspirations.
Upon my initial playthrough, this action RPG encapsulated the thrill and challenge inherent in Dark Souls, albeit on a more contained scale.
From character creation to seamless exploration and stamina mechanics, it successfully conveys the essence of the genre within a platformer format.
The narrative engages players with themes of forgotten islands, lost princesses, grotesque creatures, and dark secrets, crafting a storyline that could easily spark envy in famed creators like Hidetaka Miyazaki.
4 Lies of P
Pinocchio Meets Dark Souls
Regarded as a standout Soulslike not crafted by FromSoftware, I’d place Lies of P among the finest in the genre, right before we delve further into the Soulsborne landscape.
Inspired by the classic Pinocchio tale, you navigate a nightmarish city where revolting puppets challenge humanity’s survival. Your quest with Geppetto involves quelling this uprising and striving for your own transformation into a real boy.
This eclectic mix of compelling storytelling and rigorous gameplay features diverse builds, timing mechanics, and formidable bosses to conquer. It even includes an easier difficulty setting for players needing a gentler introduction.
3 Ring of Fire
It Is Time, Tarnished
Elden Ring might not occupy the top spot for many, largely due to the daunting presence of Margit, the Fell Omen—an early boss that can dishearten newcomers.
However, it stands as FromSoftware’s most accessible title, offering various systems and mechanics that broaden character build choices, making the overall journey more manageable.
The extensive open world teems with secrets, promoting exploration and engagement, while still allowing players the freedom to follow the main story at their own pace.
2 Dark Souls
Everlasting Classic
Despite controversy, I firmly believe that the original Dark Souls serves as foundational training for those venturing into Soulslike games.
Although it presents a formidable challenge, the first half of the game masterfully teaches players how to engage with its mechanics while immersed in the gameplay itself.
This seamless integration leads to an engrossing experience filled with discoveries, friendships (like Solaire), and clever strategies to overcome obstacles, such as tricking the Iron Golem.
1 Bloodborne
Embrace the Old Blood
Bloodborne was my inaugural journey into the Soulsborne genre, quickly becoming my cherished title. It stands as a masterclass in horror gaming, deserving of its place on this list.
Initially, the early gameplay proved daunting. The initial encounters with wolves and enemies tested my resolve, prompting a temporary hiatus. However, a revival of interest alongside a friend reignited my passion.
Set within a Lovecraftian horror landscape, you assume the role of a Hunter in a universe where humanity has succumbed to madness, transformed into grotesque monsters. Your mission is to battle these entities and uncover the deep mysteries surrounding their existence.
This gripping experience, rife with epic boss battles and a haunting atmosphere, ensures that each victory is met with a profound sense of achievement.
Don’t hesitate to dive into this title. It was a pivotal factor in my love for the Souls genre, and I have no doubt it could ignite the same passion in you.
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