10 Most Revolutionary Soulslikes Every Fan Needs to Play

You know you've done well when an entire genre is named after you, and that's precisely what Dark Souls managed to do with its formula of tough, skill-based boss battles and unforgiving combat - a formula which has since been replicated, with varying success, ever since. Souls games aren't simply defined as third person RPGs in a medieval fantasy setting; over the years, they have evolved into a unique set of gameplay mechanics often centered around clearing bosses, leveling, and respawning.

The genre is notoriously difficult due to the fact of having to learn enemy attack patterns, which can often be unpredictable or downright frustrating to deal with. However, with this challenge comes an increased satisfaction when you do finally overcome a difficult boss or achieve a noticeable progression. Throughout the years, many different developers have taken the formula and tweaked it, adding new mechanics or transferring existing ones to unique settings. The following are the most revolutionary titles in the Soulslike genre.

10 Mortal Shell

A Classic Soulslike With a Combat Twist

Mortal Shell is a fantastic example of an innovative Soulslike which adds its own spin on the classic formula. The game has its fair share of cool bosses and environments, but combat is the area where Mortal Shell really manages to differentiate itself, not just from the original Dark Souls, but from other Soulslike games as well.

In addition to parry and dodge mechanics, players also have a special 'shell' ability, making them virtually indestructible for a single attack, which greatly adds to the flexibility and depth of combat - particularly given the different shell variations throughout the game. Much like standard RPG classes, shells act as a way of changing up the playstyle with unique attacks and specializations, which only serves to deepen the game's combat system.

9 Another Crab's Treasure

A Playful Underwater Soulslike

Not every Soulslike has to be dark and morbid. Another Crab's Treasure is a great example of how transferable Soulslike gameplay can be between different settings. In this playful underwater adventure, you'll take on the role of a roving hermit crab trying to retrieve its shell. The game has everything you'd expect from a typical Soulslike: specialist abilities, overpowered bosses, and combat that is reliant on learning set patterns, which usually get more difficult as the boss' health is lowered.

Another Crab's Treasure does a great job at utilizing environmental storytelling, and the environment often plays a role in boss fights as well. Overall, it's not only a game that veteran Souls players can enjoy due to its familiar mechanics, but also serves as a great introduction to the genre, or an alternative for people who don't like the darker aesthetics of most Soulslike titles.

8 Code Vein

The Anime Vampire Soulslike

If you're a fan of anime games, the vampire genre, or Soulslike vibes in general, Code Vein manages to combine all three into an action-packed and challenging experience which is just as badass as the name suggests. Rendered in a gorgeous anime style, this highly narrative-based JRPG is full of interesting lore and characters.

Although the combat can feel repetitive after a while, there is still a satisfying sense of progression as you upgrade your weapons and abilities. If you like the darker Dark Souls vibe with an anime twist, Code Vein strikes the perfect balance between the two and does so in a way that feels very unique and original.

7 Lies of P

The Dark Pinocchio Soulslike

Set in a steampunk city with a distinctly French aesthetic, Lies of P is a love letter to the Soulslike genre and clearly takes inspiration from titles like Bloodborne and the Dark Souls trilogy. This dark retelling of the Pinocchio fairytale has you fighting demonic puppets and animatrons with your oversized swords, axes and other uniquely brutal weapons.

As with any good Soulslike, the combat in Lies of P is arguably its main selling point. Bosses are challenging and varied, with fluid animations which provide opportunities to really improve your skills and timing against them. Visually, it's hard to think of many better-looking titles in the genre, but don't let the fancy aesthetics undermine the solid gameplay which Lies of P provides.

6 Hollow Knight

The 2D Platformer Soulslike

Even if you've never played it before, the chances are that you've heard of Hollow Knight — there's a good reason for that. This seemingly cute Metroidvania title not only has satisfying and challenging gameplay, but a surprisingly deep and melancholy narrative. The hand-drawn subterranean environment is a very interesting one to explore, and throughout it, you'll find all sorts of interesting creatures with their own unique tales to tell.

While some disagree that this game can be classified as a Soulslike, the two games share a lot more similarities than just a dark medieval fantasy aesthetic. Hollow Knight, on top of its platforming and puzzle elements, also has its fair share of challenging and skill-based boss fights.

5 Black Myth: Wukong

An Epic Mythological Soulslike

Black Myth: Wukong was completely robbed of a deserved Game of the Year award in 2024, but fans who played it know that this Chinese fantasy epic was the best Soulslike we have had in quite a long time. With its folklore-inspired world centered around the 'Monkey King' Sun Wukong, this game has you mastering the art of the bo-staff and martial arts techniques on a level that only a supernatural demigod could possibly achieve.

Despite the fact that you'll primarily only be using one weapon throughout, the game does a great job of mixing things up with the different Stances you can fight with. Different bosses will require different Stances and other skillsets in order to overcome them, but as with all Soulslike games — where there's a will, there's a way.

4 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The Best Soulslike Combat

If there's one thing a Souls game has to get right, it's the combat, and boy does Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice nail it. With a mythological Japanese setting, you might think some of the Samurai-style precision is lost among the spectacular and cinematic battles the game offers, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

With that said, it's a combat system that is extremely satisfying to master, and slightly more forgiving than some of the other titles in the genre. The beautiful game world and authentic Japanese OST also serve to enhance the experience, making it pretty obvious why many players consider this their favorite Soulslike of all time.

3 Nioh 2

A Must-Play for Soulslike Enthusiasts

Another incredible Japanese Soulslike which really exemplifies the genre at its very best is Nioh 2. This Koei Tecmo series is highly regarded among Soulslike enthusiasts for good reason. It combines many of the best elements of the genre, such as great combat, cool boss designs, a rewarding leveling system, and plenty of freedom when it comes to build types.

This prequel takes place prior to the events of the first game, so you won't need any prior knowledge to jump right into it. Nioh 2 builds on the first game and improves it in every way imaginable, particularly in terms of its story presentation. What makes the Nioh series so revolutionary is its Diablo-style loot system and crafting in combination with other Soulslike elements.

2 Bloodborne

The Ultimate Gothic Soulslike

From the creators of Dark Souls themselves, you might expect Bloodborne to be a rehashing of a tried-and-tested formula, simply presented in an alternate setting. While Bloodborne does indeed have a unique and visually stunning setting, the atmosphere of which is largely unrivaled in the entire genre, it's the transformation of combat which really makes this Gothic masterpiece stand out on its own.

Rather than the defensive parry systems which so often populate Soulslike combat, Bloodborne puts a distinct focus on agility and aggression, forcing you to take more risks. With that said, pattern recognition, reaction times, and overall skill play a part. The game is extremely unforgiving and notoriously difficult for newcomers. With that said, Bloodborne easily ranks among the best Soulslike games of all time.

1 Elden Ring

Everybody's Favorite Soulslike

When it comes to the best Soulslikes that aren't actually in the Dark Souls series, it's hard to look much further than Elden Ring as a number one pick. With a lore-rich game world created by Dark Souls writer Hidetaka Miyazaki in collaboration with Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring puts you in an afterlife populated by some of the most menacing and fantastical creatures you can possibly imagine.

As a warrior spirit in this ethereal land, you'll have to explore and fight your way through as you seek to become the one and only Elden Lord. For many players, the 2022 Game of the Year was their introduction into the Soulslike genre, and most haven't looked back since then.