Darkish Souls is without doubt one of the most influential video video games of all time, with From Software program’s 2011 masterpiece discovering its parts utilized in all kinds of different motion and role-playing video games. Those who use most of the similar mechanics, listed beneath, are collectively often known as Souls-likes:

Unlockable checkpoints (bonfires)Forex (souls) dropped upon deathInterconnected world with locked doorways and shortcutsRespawning enemies upon loss of life or relaxation

A recreation containing these parts, or nearly all of them, shares sufficient in widespread with the Darkish Souls collection to be thought-about a Souls-like, and we have gathered collectively eight of one of the best Souls-like video games in case you are itching for some punishment. Due to the “like” within the title, we have excluded From Software program’s personal video games from consideration, together with all Souls video games, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. Talking of From Software program’s newest masterpiece, be sure that to take a look at our roundup of one of the best video games like Elden Ring to play after visiting the Lands Between.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, PC

The third Souls-like recreation from Deck13, The Surge 2 lastly noticed the developer hitting its stride. With an enormously inventive world related through freight elevators and different mechanical infrastructure, The Surge 2 completely nails that feeling of discovery that From Software program does so nicely, and it makes sensible enchancment to the gear system by eliminating the necessity to get “proficient” in an effort to enhance totally different weapon varieties’ harm. It additionally retains the superb targeted-dismemberment system from the primary recreation, letting you concentrate on dealing further harm to an enemy or eradicating a key armor element so you may enhance your personal loadout.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, PC

An anime-inspired Souls-like with a ton of flexibility in its fight, Code Vein is ideal for anybody who loves Darkish Souls however desires to ditch the darkish fantasy for full-on gothic vampire nonsense. As within the Souls collection, there’s a ludicrously large number of weapons to select from, which you may be swinging whereas additionally counting on vampiric skills to take down the sport’s most tough enemies. The problem is not fairly as excessive because the Souls collection, for probably the most half, although there are a couple of key moments the place you may need to grind your enamel, memorize a boss’s each assault, and present them some true vampiric energy.

Obtainable for: PlayStation and PC

Crew Ninja’s second hack (and slash) on the Souls components did not make any huge adjustments from the unique recreation, however one addition was extraordinarily vital: the burst counter. Through the use of this means throughout boss battles, you are in a position to constantly keep on the offensive, delivering punishing blows and slicing by defenses like they’re butter. Enemies, in the meantime, are additionally extraordinarily highly effective, together with a couple of of the toughest bosses in any Souls-like, and identical to within the first Nioh, there are a ton of weapons to check out. The whole lot from dual-wielded katanas to huge greataxes can be found, and discovering your “new favourite” is an almost-constant course of. You possibly can choose up Nioh 2 on PS4 or on PS5 as a part of The Nioh Assortment, a compilation of each Nioh video games with PS5 efficiency upgrades.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, Swap, PC

An understated and atmospheric Souls-like that will not take you 100 hours to finish, Ashen is an fascinating Souls-like in that it is clearly simply as impressed by From Software program’s worldbuilding as it’s its construction. The desolate, chilly panorama feels prefer it desires you gone, and the enemies are greater than prepared to expedite your exit. Although missing a few of the memorable areas of a Souls recreation and that includes a couple of ludicrous issue spikes, Ashen is completely value enjoying. It is also out there on virtually each platform, together with Nintendo Swap, so you will get your butt kicked on the bathroom earlier than you return to getting your butt kicked on the sofa.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, Swap, PC

One of many first video games to take the Darkish Souls components and shift it to 2D, Salt and Sanctuary nailed the somber, uninviting tone of its inspiration however did so through a drastically totally different artwork type. This is not only a pixel artwork tackle Darkish Souls, however as an alternative a cartoony model that appears prefer it might have been a Flash cartoon from 2002–and we imply that in a great way. It is stuffed with secrets and techniques and intensely tough bosses, and although it sometimes options some issue spikes even From Software program would query, Salt and Sanctuary is without doubt one of the finest Souls-likes ever made. That’s particularly spectacular when contemplating nearly all of the sport was created by only a couple individuals.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, PC

A considerably shocking Souls-like recreation that performs a bit of bit looser with the principles of the sub-genre than another video games on this checklist, Star Was Jedi: Fallen Order proves simply how versatile each Star Wars and the Souls-like might be. Set simply after the occasions of Revenge of the Sith, the sport includes a regular development of your drive powers as you regularly unlock new assaults and new lightsaber configurations. Battles typically quantity to dodging, parrying, and counter-attacking, and its comparatively low issue in comparison with Darkish Souls makes it an awesome entry level.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, PC

After injecting some Souls parts into the undercooked Darksiders 3, Gunfire Video games took a drastically totally different method with Remnant: From The Ashes. Targeted totally on third-person taking pictures, Remnant: From The Ashes makes use of procedurally generated parts and cooperative multiplayer, although it is also completely playable as a single-player expertise. Nature-themed enemies, lots of whom deal unbelievable harm, make it fairly the problem, particularly if you happen to’re used to the “dodge, assault, dodge” routine of different Souls-likes. Nonetheless, you may discover the construction very acquainted, with a number of hidden nooks and crannies which can be additionally typically crammed with enemies.

Obtainable for: PlayStation, Xbox, Swap, PC

A disturbing 2D side-scrolling tackle the Souls-like that options brutal enemies and much more brutal platforming sections, Blasphemous is just not messing round. One false transfer and you might love all of the sources you should degree up, although the combos you may study alongside the best way will assist for a few of the most tough moments. There’s additionally a pick-and-choose upgrading system for enhancing skills and stats through geared up objects, letting you construct a personality that makes the way you play. It is actually not the identical degree of freedom you’d get in Elden Ring or a recreation like Nioh 2, however it makes repeat playthroughs very engaging.