The recent transition of the once-PlayStation-exclusive game, Stellar Blade, to Steam has been embraced positively across the gaming community. This port not only allows a broader audience to engage with a captivating action title but also showcases commendable optimization for PC users—a feature we hope to see more often in future game ports.
Specifically, Stellar Blade stands out in the action genre. It offers a unique mix of character-driven combat, elements reminiscent of the Souls series, and other intriguing gameplay dynamics. Upon its initial release on PS5, Eve’s journey garnered significant appreciation, mainly because players were thrilled with its tightly woven combat mechanics and challenging gameplay.
However, one of the drawbacks of enjoying such a polished experience is that it can set higher benchmarks for future games, to the extent that titles which diverge too much from this formula may resonate less effectively with players. Fortunately, Stellar Blade doesn’t exist in its own bubble; many other action games deliver equally engaging combat experiences combined with varying levels of challenge.
9 Lies Of P
Perfect Guarding And Fabulous Hair
Many gameplay elements in Stellar Blade bear similarities to the notorious Souls games, particularly regarding combat difficulty and the healing mechanics tied to checkpoints.
If you’re eager to delve into a Soulslike game following your experience with Stellar Blade, Lies of P might be an excellent choice. In this action Soulslike, you embody a puppet character with a remarkable mane and a formidable mechanical arm. While Lies of P embraces more traditional Souls mechanics, like dropping currency upon death and respawning enemies at resting points, it maintains a combat flow reminiscent of Stellar Blade.
A key combat feature here is the emphasis on perfect blocking over dodging. As you engage in battles, performing blocks builds a meter for potent weapon attacks, mirroring Eve’s Beta Gauge. If you wish to transition from Stellar Blade to a Soulslike experience, Lies of P serves as the perfect bridge.
8 Devil May Cry 5
A Modern Action Classic
Often, players summarize the gameplay atmosphere of Stellar Blade as a blend between Souls mechanics and the action-packed combat found in Devil May Cry series. Thus, it’s no surprise that any game from the Devil May Cry franchise makes for an excellent follow-up.
Among these, Devil May Cry 5 is a strong contender, providing a similar level of production quality as Stellar Blade. While it differs in terms of open-world exploration and Souls-like intensity, it excels in delivering fluid, engaging combat.
Regarded as a hallmark in character-action gaming, Devil May Cry 5 invites players to execute lengthy, exhilarating combos through a variety of flashy moves and weaponry. Although it follows a linear narrative, it offers ample variety with multiple playable characters and a plethora of skills to unlock.
If you thrived on the rhythmic combat of Stellar Blade, you’ll find that Devil May Cry 5 delivers in spades—especially since its soundtrack elevates as you master combos, resulting in an exhilarating auditory experience.
7 Bayonetta
Combat In Heels Never Looked So Easy
When considering action games featuring a female lead in a strikingly designed outfit, many would immediately mention Stellar Blade. However, Bayonetta stands as an equally compelling alternative.
As a character-driven action game akin to Devil May Cry, Bayonetta also embraces engaging combat mechanics. Its pace is faster, emphasizing high-flying maneuvers and impactful combos. With an emphasis on both dodging and counterattacking, the game crafts a spectacular combat experience.
Players will discover that many of Bayonetta’s combo strings lead to sweeping, powerful attacks, often culminating in her iconic Wicked Weaves, where enormous fists erupt from portals, delivering devastating hits.
If you favor the combat aspects of Stellar Blade over its exploratory elements, Bayonetta offers an endless array of impactful, dopamine-inducing moments.
6 NieR: Automata
A Common Comparison
Upon the announcement of Stellar Blade, many noted its striking similarities with NieR: Automata, particularly in gameplay style and the focus on android characters. These similarities should not be viewed negatively—having two exceptional action games centered around androids wielding massive swords is rather appealing.
Both titles feature a similar design, allowing players to explore semi-open worlds while navigating through desolate urban landscapes and gathering quests from NPCs. Combat in NieR: Automata leans more towards dodging than blocking, introducing players to the perfect dodge mechanics from the Bayonetta series.
While NieR: Automata offers a less punishing experience overall, players should still be cautious since dying twice without retrieval repercussions can lead to significant setbacks. Beyond gameplay, both Eve and 2B exhibit a stoic demeanor, thrust into a vast, post-apocalyptic conflict against seemingly overwhelming odds.
5 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
We All Live In A Parry World
A defining aspect of Stellar Blade‘s combat is its reliance on effective parrying. This mechanic extends beyond simple blocking; it focuses on counteractions that can turn the tide of battle.
Parrying is essential in any self-respecting Soulslike, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice exemplifies this exceptionally well. Unlike other Souls titles, where dodging plays a more prominent role, Sekiro hinges on mastering parries.
To inflict lasting damage, players must remain close to adversaries while executing precise attacks, ensuring they can respond to enemy patterns and utilize the diverse parry types in their arsenal.
Although the combat in Stellar Blade is challenging, it is generally more forgiving compared to the demanding nature of Sekiro. If you seek to deepen your understanding of parrying mechanics after Stellar Blade, Sekiro guarantees an excellent experience.
4 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
More Machines, More Swordplay
Parrying takes many forms in the realm of action games. While titles like Sekiro and Stellar Blade integrate parrying into an intricate dance of attacks, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance flips the script with its unique twist on the mechanic.
In this game, players execute parries by maneuvering the control stick and guard button in the opposite direction of oncoming attacks, eventually leading to a successful parry. While it may present a challenge to learn, it adds a different layer of complexity.
What sets Revengeance apart is its ability to shift into Raiden’s Blade Mode, allowing players to perform dramatic executions following successful parries. The satisfaction derived from dismembering enemies in various ways never wanes, as the game even tracks your slicing achievements.
3 Black Myth: Wukong
A Similar Kind Of Kind-Of-Soulslike
If you aren’t quite ready to dive into the full Soulslike experience yet still desire a gameplay style that offers more than straightforward action, consider Black Myth: Wukong.
This title strikes a unique balance, merging the action elements of Stellar Blade with a layer of challenge similar to Soulslike titles. Although you play as a humanoid character inspired by myth, you’ll find parallels in combat dynamics.
In Black Myth, you’ll face mythical creatures steeped in Chinese folklore—an interesting twist compared to the distinctive enemies found in Stellar Blade.
2 Lollipop Chainsaw
You Know What You’re Here For
Let’s be clear: a sizeable number of players picked up Stellar Blade at least partially due to the allure of its main character, Eve. There’s no shame in acknowledging what attracts us to certain games.
If you are still on the lookout for action games that offer a similar flair, Lollipop Chainsaw could be right up your alley. Originally launched in 2012 and remastered for contemporary consoles in 2024, this game is a quirky journey designed by the renowned Goichi Suda.
In Lollipop Chainsaw, you step into the shoes of Juliet, a high school cheerleader who battles zombies with her sparkling chainsaw. The game revels in its absurdity—contrasting greatly with the tone of Stellar Blade—while maintaining a satisfyingly impactful combat system.
Players can also unlock various costumes for Juliet using tokens accrued from defeating zombies, further recognizing the genre’s charismatic allure. The game embraces its playful tone with achievements linked to cheeky camera angles, reinforcing what truly draws players in.
1 God Of War (2018)
One Axe Does It All
In many action games, players can wield a plethora of weaponry. However, Stellar Blade breaks this mold by focusing solely on Eve’s Blade, complemented by various upgrades and modifications.
If you enjoy crafting your playstyle around a singular weapon, God of War (2018) is an accommodating choice. Most of the game revolves around Kratos’ Leviathan Axe, which, despite being your only weapon, provides diverse combat applications similar to how Eve’s Blade operates.
With numerous upgrades and build options, you can adapt your strategies based on your preferences and combat needs. Additionally, Kratos showcases various outfit options as he acquires new armor sets, boasting almost as many skins as Eve, many of which are equally revealing—just some food for thought!
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