Grinding is a fundamental aspect commonly found in role-playing games (RPGs) and Japanese RPGs (JRPGs). This mechanic, which involves repeated battles to earn experience points (XP) or levels, is often essential for overcoming game challenges.
Soulslike games, a subgenre of RPGs, also incorporate elements of grinding. While this might not be inherently negative—as it can provide players with a numerical advantage against difficult bosses—some players seek a more skills-focused approach, feeling that excessive grinding detracts from the core experience.
Fortunately, there are several Soulslike titles where skill remains paramount, even if grinding is an option. Below, we explore ten outstanding Soulslike games where player skill takes precedence over simply powering up through grinding.
1. Axe: Shadows Die Twice
Mastering Combat Fundamentals
FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out as one of the least grind-dependent entries in the Soulslike genre. It features an experience system that allows for skill point allocation, which is essential for unlocking various abilities.
However, no amount of grinding can compensate for a lack of understanding of the game’s intricate combat mechanics involving dodging, parrying, and attacking. Players must hone their skills to advance, emphasizing that practice is far more critical than raw experience points.
2. Hollow Knight
A Unique Approach with No Leveling System
A departure from traditional Soulslike mechanics, Hollow Knight doesn’t feature a leveling system. Players earn currency by defeating enemies—this currency can be used to purchase upgrades and items, but does not offer direct enhancements to character strength.
To succeed in the sprawling underground world of Hallownest, players must rely on their abilities and exploration rather than simply grinding through enemies.
3. Blasphemous
Prioritizing Exploration Rather Than Grinding
In Blasphemous, players collect Tears, a dual-purpose currency and upgrade material. However, unlike conventional Souls games where currency can be poured into stats, Tears must be used to acquire new sword skills found at specific shrines.
This structure emphasizes exploration and battle against various unique bosses, highlighting that success is achieved through discovery rather than simple farming.
4. Another Crab’s Treasure
Adapting Strategies with Shell Mechanics
In Another Crab’s Treasure, each defeated enemy drops microplastics, which serve as an upgrade currency. While you can improve your character’s stats with these materials, the key to success lies in mastering the shell mechanics, including defenses and parries.
The Umami crystals necessary for unlocking significant abilities are limited and can only be found in designated locations, further underscoring the importance of skill over grinding.
5. Mortal Shell
Leveling is Secondary to Equipment Management
Mortal Shell replaces traditional leveling mechanics with an equipment upgrade system that allows players to enhance their shells and gear independently. Success lies in selecting the right gear for each encounter rather than simply grinding for levels.
Mastering the game’s nuanced systems is crucial, with gear choices often determining victory over grinding for raw stats.
6. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
A Narrative-Driven Soulslike Experience
In Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, players experience a story-rich journey where character progression is achieved through exploring the narrative rather than grinding for levels. Here, skill upgrades are tied to story events, making mastery of lightsaber combat essential.
While there is a leveling system in place, it emphasizes narrative progression over excessive grinding.
7. Code Vein
Focused on Skill Over Levels
Code Vein aims to limit grinding through its leveling system, which provides minor enhancements rather than significant stat boosts. Most player strength derives from gear and weapon upgrades instead of raw levels.
Moreover, the game will cap experience gain in lower-level areas if you over-level, further stressing the importance of skillful play and strategic resource management.
8. Remnant: From the Ashes
Skillful Shooting Over Grinding
Remnant: From the Ashes introduces a unique twist as a third-person shooter within the Soulslike genre. While leveling does offer some advantages, prime importance lies in accuracy and quick reflexes, particularly in a fast-paced combat environment.
Exploration and mastering gameplay mechanics will significantly enhance the player’s experience, showcasing that grinding does not replace the fundamentals of skilled shooting.
9. Salt and Sanctuary
Strategic Progression Over Grinding
Salt and Sanctuary emphasizes strategic optimization rather than grinding for numbers. Collecting Salt allows players to earn Black Pearls, which can be skillfully allocated to enhance abilities.
Success hinges on smartly distributing resources based on a chosen build, encouraging players to think critically about their character’s growth instead of mindlessly farming.
10. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Navigating Spirit Management
In Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, the protagonist’s combat prowess is largely dictated by the Spirits that accompany her. Leveling up provides minimal damage boosts, while true power comes from unlocking and managing Spirits, as well as locating special upgrades.
Although it’s possible to grind for resources, doing so is often less effective than simply focusing on honing your skills with the Spirits—proving that player ability triumphs over simple farming.
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