Released in 2009, From Software's PS3-exclusive action RPG Demon's Souls kickstarted an unlikely gaming revolution, pushing a traditionally niche gaming genre into the mainstream and popularizing punishing difficulty and open-ended approaches to gameplay. It may not have been for everyone, but Demon's Souls was successful enough to spawn a series of successors, and titles like Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne went on to become some of the most acclaimed releases of the eighth console generation.
Today, dozens of games bear the "soulslike" mantel, and, while few can live up to the tremendous reputation of From Software's efforts, many are still more than worth checking out.
Lords Of The Fallen (2014)
Debuting in 2014, Deck 13's Lords of the Fallen is often credited as the first soulslike title to be developed by a studio other than From Software. Successfully replicating the intricate combat and intensely-detailed lore of the Dark Souls series is no easy feat, and, while Lords of the Fallen stumbles in many areas, it deserves recognition as a pioneer of the then-burgeoning genre.
Lords of the Fallen comes across as a simplified version of Dark Souls; with less build variety, less complicated combat mechanics, and far less interesting bosses, it may bore Souls players, but its approachability should make it more attractive to genre newcomers.
Ashen (2019)
Ashen is a pared-down take on the Dark Souls formula that borrows many elements from From Software's hit series while introducing mechanics of its own, which may throw Souls veterans for a loop. While combat in Ashen may seem very familiar to Dark Souls fans, there is a much greater emphasis on co-op and NPC interactions, and upgrading is entirely tied to weapons and loot, as the game foregoes traditional character-building elements.
Ashen's minimalist art style is appealing, and its unique twist on an established formula is endearing, though some design and quality of life issues hold it back from widespread acclaim.
Hellpoint (2020)
An intense action RPG set in a grim distant future, Hellpoint feels a bit like a cross between Dark Souls and System Shock. With a combat system dependent on snap decisions, well-timed dodges, and well-timed strikes, Hellpoint bears an undeniable Souls influence. However, though not the first soulslike game to feature a sci-fi setting, the game's Event Horizon-esque feel makes the condemned world trope prevalent in From Software's games all the more affecting.
With a dedicated jump button and an increased emphasis on co-op, Hellpoint could perhaps be more closely compared to Elden Ring than to the Dark Souls games. However, minor bugs and inconsistencies serve to mire what might otherwise be a near-perfect soulslike title.
Remnant: From The Ashes (2019)
Soulslike games thrive on well-made melee combat mechanics; from the calculated, precise encounters in Dark Souls to the frantic fights of Bloodborne, From Software games typically reward players willing to quickly close the gap on their enemies. 2019's Remnant: From the Ashes, however, dares to do the opposite, offering players arms that make viable long-range firefights.
Yet, citing Dark Souls as Remnant: From the Ashes' lone inspiration would be doing the title a disservice; while it features many staple RPG mechanics, the ranged combat has a sort of Gears of War flair, and the game's randomized elements bear resemblance to popular indie Roguelike games, such as Enter the Gungeon.
Darksiders 3 (2018)
Though beloved by some action-adventure gamers, the Darksiders series has never been well regarded for its consistency. Often compared to franchises like God of War and The Legend of Zelda, the Darksiders games do excellent jobs of adding a new twist to a well-established formula, but they are not particularly well known for defying and advancing the genres in which they dabble.
Opinion has softened over the years, but, on release, Darksiders 3 was reviled by many for its attempts to mimic the Dark Souls series. Yet, while less complex than the games from which it borrows inspiration, the third Darksiders installment is an enjoyable-enough soulslike in its own right.
The Surge (2017)
A spiritual successor of sorts to Deck 13's controversial Lords of the Fallen, The Surge retained the Dark Souls influence of its predecessor but abandoned the dark fantasy setting in favor of a near-future sci-fi scenario. Replacing armor with exoskeleton rings and broadswords with repurposed industrial equipment, The Surge has a much more unique atmosphere, though the stamina-management-centric combat and the ingenuously interconnected levels certainly are reminiscent of Souls.
Notable for its visceral combat and limb serving mechanics, The Surge was far more well-received than Lords of the Fallen and went on to spawn a sequel in 2019.
Thymesia (2022)
In a kingdom decimated by disease, a lone warrior quests to either deliver a fatal blow or rescue the land from the scourge. Clearly inspired by From Software's Bloodborne, Thymesia is an upcoming hardcore action RPG that boasts a dark gothic atmosphere and delivers fast, brutally satisfying combat ethos with which veteran Yharnamites will be familiar.
Originally slated for a late 2021 release, Thymesia is now expected to debut at some point in 2022. While fans continue to await news regarding the ever-enigmatic Bloodborne PC port, Thymesia may make for an excellent substitute.
Nioh (2017)
Developed by Team Ninja, the aptly-named studio once known for their work on the Ninja Gaiden series, Nioh is a hardcore action RPG heavily inspired by Japanese folklore and culture, and it managed to beat From Software to the punch in this regard, debuting two years ahead of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
While it may be unfairly compared to that game today, Nioh is a stellar example of how soulslike games can borrow mechanics from the Soulsborne series while adding enough new elements to feel almost entirely unique. With a somewhat whimsical tone juxtaposed with a dark atmosphere, Nioh is a cannot-miss for fans of From Software's modern output.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019)
While Respawn Entertainment may be more widely recognized for the hit battle royale title Apex Legends, the studio also developed 2019's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, an action RPG title that proved to be a drastic departure from the rest of EA's modern Star Wars-related output.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order tells an original tale that is set between the prequel and original Star Wars film trilogies, and its impactful and dynamic story is enhanced by its incredible soul-inspired gameplay. Though it is undoubtedly more forgiving than any of From Software's Soulsborne games, Fallen Order is a fantastic adventure through the galaxy far, far away, released during an otherwise tepid time for the franchise.
Mortal Shell (2020)
Mortal Shell boils the Dark Souls formula down to its basic components, perfecting exploration in combat with a small variety of weapons and environments rather than offering a more expansive, less-refined experience. With punchy, visceral combat and a new approach to the genre-staple death and rebirth mechanics, Mortal Shell is captivating enough to surprise even the most hardened of Souls veterans.
Unfortunately, it is let down somewhat by its notable brevity, but a rogue-lite mode released alongside the title's PC debut helps to shore up what is otherwise about a ten-hour title.