Top 5 Soulslike Games Offering 100+ Hours of Gameplay

While Souls-like and Soulsborne games are renowned for their replayability and immersive gameplay, they typically fall into a length range of 50 to 80 hours for 100% completion. This duration, while enjoyable, limits the options available for gamers seeking longer play experiences beyond the norm.

Aside from replaying titles for achievements, the strict selection of Souls games catering to the 100+ hour challenge is quite narrow. Fortunately, five exceptional titles stand out that can easily engage you for over a hundred hours when pursuing 100% completion. Below, I present a ranking of these standout contenders.

5. Nioh

A Game of High Difficulty

Often touted as one of the most challenging entries in the genre, Nioh delivers punishing combat accompanied by some of the most demanding boss fights. Unlike traditional Soulsborne experiences that balance difficulty with fairness, Nioh thrusts players into intensely merciless scenarios, making survival feel like a monumental task.

The bosses exhibit agility and powerful attacks that require players to abandon the familiar dodging tactics of Dark Souls. Instead, mastering Nioh’s intricate gameplay mechanics, including the crucial Ki Pulse ability, becomes essential. Personally, my initial playthrough took around 50 hours, mainly focused on the narrative, but after incorporating DLC, side missions, and the pursuit of achievements, I exceeded 100 hours comfortably.

4. Dark Souls 3

A Fitting Conclusion to the Trilogy

Protagonist using a spear and the summon using lightning in Dark Souls 3

With over 300 hours logged, my bias towards Dark Souls 3 is undeniable. However, even without aiming for covenant achievements, a thorough exploration of the world, completion of all three endings, and both DLC expansions can easily push your gameplay beyond 100 hours. The DLCs for Dark Souls 3 are particularly exceptional, showcasing From Software’s talent for creating engaging content.

For those aiming for 100% completion, be prepared for a minimum of 20 additional hours dedicated to grinding covenant achievements. Yet, gaming is about enjoyment, not endless grinding. Dark Souls 3 offers some of the most thrilling boss encounters in the series, ensuring that time spent playing feels rewarding and addictive.

3. Hollow Knight

An Indie Masterpiece

Sitting on the bench with a NPC in Hollow Knight

The classification of Hollow Knight as a Souls-like remains a topic of debate among gamers, yet it undoubtedly draws from many mechanics characteristic of the genre. As players explore the depths of Hollownest, they encounter one of the most intricate, expansive worlds crafted in an indie game.

The game combines a seamless open world adorned with brutal boss fights, rich lore, and atmospheric storytelling, making it a title that often surpasses expectations for an indie offering. Beyond the base experience, players can relish free DLCs like Grimm Troupe, featuring one of the game’s most formidable bosses, and Godmaster, which introduces intense pantheons that serve as the ultimate challenges in Hollow Knight.

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

A Combat-Driven Experience

Sekiro is arguably the most engaging title in this lineup, renowned for its finely-tuned combat system. Although it presents a steep learning curve, once players grasp the mechanics, it’s hard to put down.

This game offers unparalleled combat dynamics, complemented by a boss rush mode and four alternative endings. Pursuing 100% completion can easily extend your playtime to over 100 hours, particularly for those who wish to uncover everything the game has to offer.

Although Sekiro shines as a prime choice for speedruns, its relatively shorter campaign compared to others in this list prevents it from claiming the top position.

1. Ring of Fire

The Grandest Souls Adventure

Protagonist with the raging wolf armor set using the Bastard sword

Elden Ring stands out as the only Souls title where you can easily surpass 100 hours in a single run without a strict focus on achieving 100% completion, particularly if you indulge in its DLCs.

With six distinct endings available, only three contribute to your achievement milestones. Gamers aiming to unlock all achievements should expect to dedicate around 150 hours of playtime.

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