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The gaming landscape was transformed by titles like Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls, establishing a subgenre known as Soulslikes. Although this genre is relatively new, it has produced a plethora of ambitious projects over the past decade. Notably, 2023 introduced heavy hitters such as Lords of the Fallen, Lies of P, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Xbox Game Pass earns its reputation for diverse offerings, ensuring there’s something for every type of gamer. Soulslikes are certainly represented, even in the absence of titles from FromSoftware, the pioneers of the genre. Nevertheless, gamers can find compelling alternatives within the best Soulslike games on Xbox Game Pass.
Updated February 2, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Although recent weeks have not added new Soulslikes to Game Pass, two notable titles—Eternal Strands and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black—have made their debut on the platform.
Nine Sols
A 2D Metroidvania Inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
After an exclusive run on PC, Nine Sols made waves upon its console release in November 2024, receiving widespread praise. This title reflects a trend of 2D Metroidvanias melding with Soulslike mechanics, a combination that has become somewhat commonplace yet remains effective.Nine Sols distinguishes itself through its focus on high-speed, parry-oriented combat reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
More than just gameplay, Nine Sols boasts a captivating narrative set in New Kunlun, a vibrant world deeply rooted in Asian mythology. Players embody Yi on a mission to conquer the nine Sols, each presenting unique challenges. This combat system, while easy to grasp, demands finesse as players advance through the increasingly tough latter stages of the game. While it may not reach the punishing heights of Sekiro or Hollow Knight, it remains a formidable challenge for experienced players.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
A Sci-Fi Soulslike with Engaging Exploration & Gripping Story
Available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor invites players into an immersive original narrative within the Star Wars universe. Following the protagonist, Jedi Knight Cal Kestis, this sequel builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, Jedi: Fallen Order, which newcomers are encouraged to experience first for continuity and context. The 2019 installment is not only excellent but also one of the top Soulslike games on Game Pass.
In most respects, Jedi: Survivor surpasses its predecessor. The development of Cal Kestis’ character is more profound, the planets are visually stunning, and the combat system introduces new intricacies. Although it follows a similar framework to Fallen Order, particularly regarding the somewhat floaty combat, a new stance system enhances gameplay diversity by allowing players to mix and match fighting styles inspired by Nioh and Devil May Cry 5.
Lies Of P
A Victorian Gothic Epic Channeling Bloodborne
Lies of P is an action RPG that draws heavily from Bloodborne, taking players on a thrilling adventure with the titular character, inspired by Pinocchio, in the dark and twisted city of Krat. Unlike traditional Soulslikes, this game emphasizes a fast-paced combat style while incorporating essential genre elements in a fresh and enjoyable manner.
Combat centers around guard and deflection mechanics, requiring players to master these elements to overcome boss encounters. Although from a less-known developer, Lies of P showcases impressive polish and ambition, positioning it as a potential classic within the Soulslike genre.
Another Crab’s Treasure
A Lighthearted Underwater Soulslike Featuring Dynamic Armor Mechanics
The rise of Soulslike games has brought with it a flood of new entries, leading to a degree of saturation in the genre. Yet, Another Crab’s Treasure breaks the mold by immersing players in an underwater realm filled with delightful and imaginative environments. The story follows a quirky crab named Kril as he embarks on a journey to recover his stolen shell, combining humor with action in a unique narrative.
This platformer showcases vibrant visuals and features a combat system with distinct weapons, dodges, blocks, and parries. Players also have the option to experiment with different shell-based abilities that offer strategic advantages during combat.
Remnant 2
An Exceptional Shooter Soulslike Especially Enjoyed in Co-Op
The Remnant series brings a unique twist to the Soulslike genre, leaning into gunplay rather than the conventional melee focus. While many Soulslike games emphasize close-quarters combat, Remnant 2 delivers exhilarating third-person shooting experiences while retaining genre staples such as challenging bosses and strategic gameplay. Players are encouraged to dive into both Remnant: From the Ashes, the predecessor, and its sequel to experience the expansive universe.
Remnant 2 enhances the prequel’s ideas while introducing new worlds and refined character classes. Constructed on procedural generation for improved replay value, the game contains uniquely designed levels within each world, which encourages players to engage repeatedly to uncover all the secrets it holds. The emphasis on teamwork makes its co-op mode particularly enjoyable, presenting strategic challenges like crowd control and loot management.
Lords Of The Fallen
An Ambitious and Visually Stunning Soulslike
Similar to its 2014 counterpart, Lords of the Fallen has sparked divided opinions. Nevertheless, it stands out as one of the most visually impressive Soulslikes produced using Unreal Engine 5. While traditionally following Soulslike combat, it introduces innovative features such as two realms for extensive exploration and a unique approach to death mechanics, giving players an engaging experience.
The game’s level design is ambitious, creating a compelling sense of scale while maintaining linear gameplay structure. Though its boss battles can vary in complexity, Lords of the Fallen has garnered a fanbase for its stunning visuals and captivating gaming experience, offering a risk-free opportunity for new players to explore through Game Pass.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Team Ninja’s Fast-Paced Action RPG
Having established a reputation with the Nioh series, Team Ninja’s latest release, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, is available on Xbox Game Pass. This title incorporates familiar mechanics from previous games, including extensive loot systems filled with diverse weapons and armor. Players must master the combat system, which places a significant emphasis on deflecting attacks, reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Set against the backdrop of China’s Three Kingdoms, Wo Long merges historical figures with mythical creatures for an engaging challenge. The game features segmented exploration, offering varying Metroidvania experiences with distinct challenges presented at each level, including unique boss battles.
Dead Cells
A Masterfully Crafted Roguelike Soulslike
Dead Cells, operating under a Roguevania formula, delivers punishing difficulty with its demanding bosses, appealing to those who enjoy the Soulslike genre. Players assume control of a mysterious entity with the ability to resurrect, navigating a captivating 2D sidescroller filled with intricate visuals and tricky combat scenarios.
One of the game’s highlights is its extensive blueprint system, enabling players to acquire weapons, outfits, and abilities that enhance their journey. With multiple paths and significant customization options, Dead Cells stands as an essential indie game for fans seeking a rich gaming experience.
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
A Captivating Metroidvania Complemented by Soulslike Combat
At first glance, Hollow Knight may not seem like a traditional Soulslike, yet it seamlessly integrates numerous genre elements that cater to fans of the style. This 2D Metroidvania features punishing mechanics that emphasize death as a key element in player progression, an engaging checkpoint system, and exhilarating boss battles.
However, Hollow Knight asserts its uniqueness with captivating stories and insectoid character designs that draw players into the captivating lore woven throughout the game, leading the Knight through the captivating yet haunting remnants of Hallownest.
Tunic
A Fusion of Zelda and Dark Souls
Tunic is a delightful combination of genres that elevates it beyond mere classification as a Soulslike. Drawing inspiration from Zelda, particularly its puzzles, this indie gem’s combat mechanics invoke comparisons to Dark Souls. Players will find familiar elements such as dodge rolls, shield defenses, and health-restoring items similar to Estus Flasks.
Nonetheless, Tunic stands tall as a charming platformer that could have seamlessly fit into Nintendo’s lineup, offering players a challenging adventure filled with intricate bosses that extend well beyond simple reflexes. Balancing accessibility with depth, Tunic ranks not only among the best Soulslikes on Xbox Game Pass but also shines as one of the most remarkable titles available on the platform.
Ashen
An Ambitious Indie Soulslike Embracing Open-World Design
Ashen made a significant mark in the gaming scene back in 2018, and while it may have become overshadowed by subsequent releases, it still possesses qualities that distinguish it from newer titles. The game’s open-world mechanics grant players a level of freedom not commonly seen in other Soulslikes, allowing exploration across various regions, albeit with some progression barriers limiting immediate access.
Beyond exploration, Ashen innovatively links player progression with quest completion and collectible achievements rather than traditional leveling systems. This unique structure keeps players frequently engaged and ensures they are prepared for later-game challenges. The incorporation of AI companions also adds a collaborative dynamic, making Ashen more approachable for newcomers, while weapon upgrades contribute to a rich gameplay experience.
Non-Soulslike Games On Game Pass Dark Souls Fans Might Love
Although Soulslikes are popular, they do not represent the entirety of games that resonate with fans of the genre. Numerous titles offer enjoyable experiences, blending elements reminiscent of Dark Souls, and they merit exploration beyond traditional gameplay. Here are some noteworthy options:
Eternal Strands
Engage Towering Monsters
Eternal Strands presents an engaging action-adventure experience that echoes elements from games like Dragon’s Dogma and Shadow of the Colossus, particularly in its grand boss fights resembling puzzles. Players navigate diverse terrains while gathering resources, crafting upgrades, and engaging in dynamic real-time combat.
While gameplay is not strictly comparable to Soulslikes, Eternal Strands can fulfill a similar need through intricate boss battles requiring strategy and planning. The game also features an environmental system that poses various challenges, demanding players to strategize effectively before embarking on their adventures.
Sifu
A Focus on Martial Arts
Sifu shares a core aspect with Soulslikes: it demands players master a steep learning curve. While primarily a 3D beat ’em up, its mechanics revolve around intricate melee combat, enabling players to acquire over 100 different moves that can be chained for devastating effects. The importance of timing, paired with its challenging nuances in weapons and dodging, creates a deeply rewarding experience.
In a unique twist, death in Sifu leads to aging, adding complexity to the gameplay. Each revival strengthens the character, but aging ultimately forces players to restart after too many deaths, thus encouraging thorough exploration. Players will encounter fierce enemies and formidable bosses, challenging them in a demanding yet rewarding loop.
Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand
A New Direction for a Soulslike Developer
While not as entrenched in the Soulslike genre as other developers, Deck13 has made notable strides with titles like Lords of the Fallen and The Surge. Unfortunately, those earlier titles don’t feature on Game Pass, but their latest effort, Atlas Fallen, does and it offers a unique experience.
Unlike traditional Soulslikes, Atlas Fallen is more of an action RPG, featuring expedited hack-and-slash combat and a straightforward narrative structure. As players unlock abilities, the game offers an enjoyable gameplay experience, with the Essence Stones mechanic allowing for diverse character development choices.
The version known as ‘Reign of Sand’ encompasses extensive updates that introduce fresh challenges and improve the gameplay experience overall, making it ideal for newcomers to experience the latest enhancements in Atlas Fallen.
Monster Hunter Rise
Defeat Giants with an Emphasis on Builds
Monster Hunter is a franchise that has redefined hunting mechanics in gaming, similar to how Demon’s Souls transformed the RPG landscape. Its latest installment, Monster Hunter Rise, offers a welcoming entry point for players seeking engaging gameplay without the steep learning curve found in earlier titles.
Instead of sprawling landscapes found in Monster Hunter World, Rise features more contained environments that still leave room for exploration. The gameplay loop remains engaging, as players take down formidable monsters to gather resources that can be used for weapon and armor upgrades. Though the story serves primarily as a tutorial, delivering the main game content post-credits fosters rewarding gameplay.
Alice: Madness Returns
Embark on a Dark Journey Through a Twisted Wonderland
Alice: Madness Returns presents a dark reimagining of Wonderland, following a more mature Alice. This game combines a hack and slash combat system with impressive platforming challenges, creating an engaging experience that reflects both light and dark themes.
Though combat may not fit neatly into the Soulslike formula, the eerie environments and striking visuals draw parallels to the surreal worlds in typical FromSoftware creations. Players will navigate through nightmarish scenarios, forcing them to confront both psychological challenges and attacks.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
A Masterclass in Hack And Slash Action
Sudden announcements can be delightful, as seen with the surprising launch of Ninja Gaiden 2 Black on Xbox Game Pass. This remaster of the popular classic brings modern aesthetics to the original formula while maintaining its renowned gameplay.
Players also have the option to explore the Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, which includes Ninja Gaiden 2 Sigma and earlier titles, ensuring access to a variety of hack-and-slash experiences. Both versions offer captivating gameplay that will intrigue newcomers and veterans alike.
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
An Exceptional Spiritual Successor to Castlevania
The Soulslike genre has roots in the Metroidvania tradition, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night embodies this connection beautifully. As a modern homage to Castlevania, this indie title delivers a fulfilling experience deeply rooted in exploration and combat.
Players control Miriam, traversing an expansive castle filled with formidable enemies, numerous items, and a captivating loot system. This engagement rewards experimentation and skill mastery while the detailed environments and brilliantly designed bosses elevate the title to new heights.
Wild Hearts
Impressive Enemy Design with Complex Combat Mechanics
At first glance, Wild Hearts showcases evident influences, particularly from the Monster Hunter series. Although it debuted during a mixed reception, this title is appealing due to its engaging gameplay loop centered on tracking and battling beautiful and deadly Kemono.
The game emphasizes exploration with expansive maps while retaining intense hunting mechanics. With its unique Karakuri system, players can construct structures that enhance combat in innovative ways, leading to creative strategies as they prepare for recurring enemy encounters.
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