The Soulslike genre is notoriously challenging and often overwhelming for newcomers. Although there are some titles that offer a gentler introduction, the majority of games in this realm are unforgiving, presenting players with punishing difficulty levels and complex gameplay mechanics that can leave you feeling defeated.
This genre has thrived over the past decade, captivating hardcore players worldwide with its intense gameplay and intricate design. The relentless nature of both bosses and standard enemies typically ensures that players are gripping their controllers with tension and anxiety throughout their gaming experience.
Today, we will explore a selection of Soulslike titles that offer little tolerance for casual players, catering instead to the most skilled and determined gamers.
10 Lords of the Fallen (2023)
The Darkest Soul
Lords of the Fallen is a prime example of a hardcore Soulslike that offers no assistance to players. Right from the beginning, you are thrust into a relentless battle against a formidable opening boss, setting the tone for the challenges that lie ahead.
The game’s enemies are ruthless and capable of taking you down in a single hit if you are not vigilant. As you navigate this treacherous realm, you can expect to be ambushed, poisoned, and pushed off ledges, ensuring that failure is a frequent companion on your journey.
For seasoned players, Lords of the Fallen occupies a well-earned spot among the most brutally difficult examples within the genre, featuring some of the hardest boss encounters to date.
9 Bleak Faith: Forsaken
A Complicated Trek
Bleak Faith: Forsaken offers players a uniquely perplexing and brutal experience. The intricate level design may deter newcomers, and even those who manage to navigate the world will face formidable, unpredictable enemies that can make combat exceedingly challenging.
Boss battles are particularly brutal, often forcing players to traverse back through gauntlets of enemies to reach the next encounter. Although the game invites players to explore and master its unique magic combat system, expect to hit numerous roadblocks, especially if you are less experienced in the Soulslike genre.
8 Black Myth: Wukong
Evolving into a Legend
Breaking onto the scene in 2024, Black Myth: Wukong has redefined the Soulslike experience with its fast-paced gameplay and acrobatic prowess. Initially, the game might seem approachable, with early bosses that are relatively straightforward.
However, the difficulty ramps up significantly once you enter the vast open areas, as players are thrust into challenging battles that require strategic use of transformations and abilities. As you progress, the game continues to escalate in difficulty, often keeping players on their toes while also providing an exhilarating experience.
7 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Mastering the Parry
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out as one of the most punishing titles in the gaming world. Players must rely solely on their skills, as there are no leveling systems or weapon upgrades to assist. Success hinges on mastering the precise timing of parries and dodges, where a split-second mistake can lead to defeat.
The game features numerous bosses, many of whom present multi-phase encounters, including optional battles that pose extremely high stakes. The final confrontation is widely regarded as one of the most difficult in gaming history.
6 The Surge 2
A Sci-Fi Challenge
The Surge 2 presents an open-world interpretation of the Soulslike genre, boasting impressive graphics and an engaging storyline. However, with its multitude of systems, the game has the potential to overwhelm newcomers from the get-go.
Combat requires precise timing and awareness of enemy weak points, demanding quick reflexes and an intimate understanding of enemy attack patterns. Boss fights intensify the complexity, presenting formidable challenges that require strategic planning and resource management.
5 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
An Immediate Challenge
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty epitomizes the challenging nature of Soulslikes, exemplified by its first boss, Zhang Liang, who serves as a harsh introduction to the game. Players must quickly adapt to its unique parrying system to succeed, but many find themselves overwhelmed, leading to early exits from the game.
4 Nioh 2
The Samurai Challenge
Nioh 2 ups the ante with a broad array of systems and combat techniques that can easily overwhelm new players. Although it starts off deceptively simple, the complexities quickly multiply, requiring mastery of multiple combat mechanics, timing, and strategic healing.
Each boss presents its unique set of challenges, offering a diverse range of enemies that demand adaptability and precise execution from players. This game is crafted for veteran Soulslike fans, as newcomers may find themselves quickly frustrated.
3 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
A Faithful Tribute
While Wuchang: Fallen Feathers does not introduce groundbreaking elements to the Soulslike genre, it executes its mechanics with impressive precision. The combat is reminiscent of popular titles like Sekiro and Bloodborne, featuring rapid engagements that challenge players’ reflexes.
Players will find combat unforgiving, with intelligent enemy designs that utilize ambush tactics and environmental hazards. Moreover, the game’s unique madness meter adds an extra layer of complexity, making each death a potentially costly setback that requires yet another strategic approach to navigate.
2 The First Berserker: Treasure
Intense Boss Battles
The First Berserker: Khazan, released in 2025, has emerged as one of the most difficult Soulslikes yet. This game is predominantly defined by its intricate boss battles, demanding perfect timing and reflexes to prevail.
Even introductory encounters are steeped in difficulty, requiring players to be adaptable and quick-minded. With rapid and unpredictable boss attack patterns, and an absence of traditional assistance, novices may find themselves completely overwhelmed.
1 Hollow Knight: Silksong
Navigating the Depths
Hollow Knight: Silksong sets a new benchmark for difficulty in the Metroidvania/Soulslike crossover. While enemies are typically manageable, this game features relentless foes that exploit platforming challenges to exact significant punishment on players.
Boss fights require precise strategy, as many encounters cannot be won without the proper abilities. Moreover, the game includes a punishing healing mechanic, where any interruption leads to disastrous consequences for survival.
While adjustments have been made to its difficulty, novices should gain experience in other Soulslikes before delving into this arduous journey, as the initial hardships can easily dissuade new players.
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