Soulslike games have become one of the most respected genres in modern gaming. What once appealed only to hardcore players now attracts a much wider audience. The mix of tough combat, meaningful progression, and real consequences keeps players engaged in a way few other genres can.
This article covers the Best Souls-like Games available in 2025 across PS5, PS4, and Xbox. Instead of hype or surface-level difficulty, the focus here is on how these games actually play, how fair they feel, and why they are worth your time.
What Defines a Soulslike Game
A Soulslike game is not defined by difficulty alone. It follows a design philosophy where players are expected to learn, adapt, and improve through experience rather than guidance.
Core Traits of a Soulslike
- Combat is slow, deliberate, and stamina-based
- Death carries consequences and encourages caution.
- Progression relies on checkpoints instead of constant saving.
- Enemies are placed carefully to teach positioning.
- Learning comes from failure, not tutorials.
Games that miss these fundamentals may be challenging, but they do not truly feel like Soulslikes.
Interesting info
The Soulslike genre has no official ruleset; its identity was shaped entirely by players over time.
Best Soulslike Games (Tier-Based)
This tier list ranks games based on overall quality, consistency, and how well they represent the Soulslike experience.
Tier S – Top-Tier Soulslike Experiences
Elden Ring
Elden Ring offers the most complete Soulslike experience to date. Its open-world structure allows players to explore freely, avoid walls, and grow naturally. This freedom makes it the best Souls-like game for many players in 2025.
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III refines the traditional Souls formula with strong boss design and smooth combat pacing. It remains one of the best Dark Souls-like games for players who want a focused, linear experience.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne shifts the genre toward faster and more aggressive combat. Its setting, enemy design, and combat rhythm give it a unique identity among Soulslikes.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro removes builds and grinding completely. Every fight depends on timing and precision. It is one of the hardest Soulslike-style games, but also one of the most rewarding.
Demon’s Souls Remake
This remake preserves the original structure while improving visuals and performance. It offers a classic Souls experience, especially strong on PS5.
Interesting info:
Elden Ring allowed players to manage difficulty through exploration instead of traditional grinding.
Tier A – Strong Non-FromSoftware Soulslikes
Lies of P
Lies of P delivers tight combat and consistent boss quality. Its weapon system allows customization without becoming overly complex.
Nioh 2
Nioh 2 combines Soulslike structure with deep RPG systems. Stance-based combat and build variety make it one of the best Souls-like games for experienced players.
Lords of the Fallen (2023)
This reboot introduces a dual-realm mechanic that adds depth to the exploration experience. It is slower and heavier, appealing to fans of dark fantasy.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long focuses on fast, parry-driven combat. It rewards aggressive play and precise timing.
Mortal Shell
Mortal Shell is shorter than most Soulslikes, but it’s still memorable. Its shell system changes how players approach defense and survival.
Interesting info:
Modern Soulslikes often increase player options instead of reducing difficulty.
Tier A – Soulslikes with Co-op or Ranged Combat
Remnant II
Remnant II blends Soulslike structure with third-person shooting. Its co-op focus and replayability make it one of the best Souls-like games on Xbox and PS5 for multiplayer players.
Evaluation Criteria
Each game on this list was evaluated using the same standards to keep comparisons fair and practical.
Combat Depth and Responsiveness
Combat must feel tight and reliable. Player inputs should register clearly, and mistakes should feel earned rather than caused by poor design. Good Soulslikes reward timing, positioning, and smart decisions.
Difficulty Balance
Challenge should feel fair, not cheap. Strong Soulslike games punish careless play but reward learning enemy patterns and mechanics. Artificial difficulty lowers the overall experience.
Level Design and Exploration
Levels should encourage exploration while maintaining tension. Shortcuts, hidden paths, and environmental storytelling are important. Good design allows players to learn the world naturally.
Boss Design and Learning Curve
Boss fights should test skills taught throughout the game. Well-designed bosses are difficult but readable, allowing improvement with each attempt. Poor bosses rely on randomness or damage spikes.
Replay Value and Build Options
Weapon variety, builds, or progression paths increase replayability. Soulslikes with limited customization often lose appeal after one playthrough.
Performance Across Platforms
Stable performance is essential. Frame rate, loading times, and responsiveness matter, especially on PS4 and Xbox hardware. Poor optimization can ruin good gameplay.
Best Soulslike Games by Playstyle
Different Soulslike games suit different players.
Best Soulslike for Beginners
- Elden Ring
- Demon’s Souls Remake
Best for Hardcore Players
- Sekiro
- Dark Souls III
Best Fast-Paced Soulslike
- Bloodborne
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Best Co-op Soulslike
- Remnant II
Best for Build Variety
- Nioh 2
- Elden Ring
FromSoftware vs Non-FromSoftware Soulslikes
FromSoftware games are known for consistent world design, tight combat pacing, and memorable bosses. Their titles feel carefully structured, with levels and enemies working together.
Non-FromSoftware Soulslikes often experiment more. Some focus on deeper RPG systems, others introduce new mechanics or mix genres. The best ones succeed by adapting Soul’s ideas instead of copying them directly.
2D vs 3D Soulslikes
Soulslike games exist in both 2D and 3D formats.
Key Differences
- 3D Soulslikes emphasize camera control and spatial awareness
- 2D Soulslikes focus on timing, precision, and pattern recognition
Both styles are challenging but demand different skills.
Interesting info:
Many players find 2D Soulslikes harder because mistakes are punished immediately.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Soulslike
Players often quit Soulslikes due to mismatched expectations.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing games based only on difficulty and reputation
- Ignoring preferred combat speed
- Expecting constant guidance
- Overlooking console performance
Choosing the right Soulslike matters as much as skill level.
Conclusion
The Best Souls-like Games succeed because they feel fair, not because they are punishing. Whether you’re playing on PS5, exploring the best PS4 Souls-like games, or looking for the best Souls-like games on Xbox, the genre continues to offer some of the most rewarding gameplay experiences available.
Soulslike games respect players who are willing to learn, adapt, and improve.
Interesting info:
Soulslike games thrive because they reward patience and understanding, not brute force.
FAQs
What is the best Souls-like game overall?
Elden Ring offers the most complete and flexible Soulslike experience.
Which Soulslike is best for beginners?
Elden Ring and Demon’s Souls Remake are strong starting points.
Are Soulslike games harder than Souls games?
Not always. Many modern Soulslikes provide more flexibility and tools.
Are Soulslike games worth playing in 2025?
Yes. The genre continues to evolve and remains highly engaging.
