Souls-like games are known for one thing above all else: challenge. They test patience, skill, and your ability to learn from failure. Over the years, the genre has evolved from niche hardcore titles into some of the most respected games in the industry.
In this guide, we’ve put together a souls-like games ranked list, ordered strictly from hardest to easiest, using the latest player feedback, critic consensus, and modern gameplay standards. This ranking focuses on combat difficulty, boss design, learning curve, and overall fairness.
Whether you’re a veteran or new to the genre, this breakdown of the best Souls-like games ranked will help you choose your next challenge.
The Hardest Souls-Like Games Ranked
1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Difficulty Rank: Extremely Hard
Sekiro sits at the very top of Souls-like games’ difficulty-ranked lists for one reason: it forces mastery. Unlike other Souls-like games, there’s no over-leveling to save you. You either learn the combat system, or you don’t progress.
Parry timing, posture management, and boss aggression make Sekiro one of the hardest Souls-like games ever created. Every enemy feels like a skill check, and bosses demand precision.
For many players, Sekiro is the ultimate test of skill—and also one of the most rewarding.
2. Nioh 2
Difficulty Rank: Very Hard
Nioh 2 is fast, complex, and unforgiving. Its deep combat system includes stances, Ki management, and enemy weaknesses that can overwhelm new players.
What makes it rank high among the hardest souls like games ranked is its relentless enemy design and minimal margin for error. Boss fights are intense and often chaotic, especially early on.
However, players who invest time into learning the mechanics often rank Nioh 2 among the best Souls-like games for combat depth.
3. Dark Souls II
Difficulty Rank: Very Hard
Dark Souls II remains controversial, but its difficulty is undeniable. Enemy placement, stamina management, and punishing death mechanics make it one of the most frustrating entries in the genre.
The game constantly pressures players through ambushes and limited invincibility frames. This places it high in ranking souls like games by difficulty, even if opinions on quality vary.
It’s not always fair—but it is challenging.
Mid-Tier Difficulty Souls Like Games Ranked
4. Dark Souls III
Difficulty Rank: Hard
Dark Souls III blends fast combat with classic Souls mechanics. Boss fights are aggressive, varied, and memorable.
While still tough, the game feels more refined and forgiving compared to earlier titles. Bonfire placement and smoother controls help balance the challenge.
It often appears near the top of best souls like games ranked lists due to its consistency and iconic boss design.
5. Bloodborne
Difficulty Rank: Hard but Fair
Bloodborne encourages aggressive play. Dodging forward, quick attacks, and constant pressure define its combat loop.
Early areas are brutal, but once the mechanics click, the experience becomes smoother. It’s still one of the hardest souls-like games, but its speed and rhythm make it feel more intuitive over time.
Many players consider Bloodborne the most stylish entry among Souls-like games.
6. Lies of P
Difficulty Rank: Medium-Hard
Lies of P surprised many fans with its polish and balance. It borrows heavily from Bloodborne and Sekiro while adding its own twist.
Bosses are challenging without being overwhelming, and the parry system rewards learning patterns. This makes it accessible yet demanding, placing it firmly in the middle of souls like games ranked lists.
It’s one of the strongest modern entries and a standout among the best Souls-like games released recently.
Balanced Souls Like Games (Moderate Difficulty)
7. Demon’s Souls (Remake)
Difficulty Rank: Medium
The Demon’s Souls remake preserves the original’s challenge but benefits from modern visuals and smoother controls.
World tendencies and limited checkpoints still punish mistakes, but enemy patterns are simpler compared to later games.
It’s a great midpoint for players exploring Souls-like games’ difficulty-ranked lists.
8. Black Myth: Wukong
Difficulty Rank: Medium
Black Myth: Wukong blends Souls-like combat with cinematic action elements. Boss fights are challenging but rely more on spectacle than strict punishment.
While still demanding, the game provides enough flexibility to avoid constant frustration. This balance places it comfortably in the middle of ranking souls like games for difficulty.
It’s also a strong contender among upcoming and modern souls like games, gaining popularity.
9. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Difficulty Rank: Medium
Wo Long focuses heavily on deflection-based combat similar to Sekiro but offers more forgiving systems.
Enemies are aggressive, yet the game allows recovery through skill upgrades and mechanics. It’s challenging but approachable, making it a solid choice for players moving toward easier Souls-like experiences.
The Easiest Souls Like Games Ranked
10. Elden Ring
Difficulty Rank: Medium-Easy
Despite its reputation, Elden Ring is one of the most accessible Souls-like games ever made.
Its open-world design allows players to skip difficult encounters, level up elsewhere, and return stronger. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for the most accessible souls-like games among modern titles.
While still challenging, Elden Ring gives players control over their experience, earning its place among both the best Souls-like games and the more forgiving ones.
11. Another Crab’s Treasure
Difficulty Rank: Easy
This game offers Souls-like mechanics in a lighter, more forgiving format. Death penalties are mild, and combat is approachable.
It’s often recommended as one of the easiest Souls-like games for beginners who want to understand the genre without heavy punishment.
12. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Difficulty Rank: Very Easy (Souls-like Lite)
While not a pure Souls-like, Jedi: Survivor borrows several mechanics from the genre.
Difficulty settings, generous checkpoints, and forgiving combat make it one of the easiest Souls-like games available. It’s ideal for players curious about the genre but not ready for hardcore difficulty.
Where Upcoming Souls-Like Games Fit In
Several upcoming souls-like games are expected to shake up these rankings. Titles like The First Berserker: Khazan and future FromSoftware projects are already generating buzz.
Based on early previews, many upcoming entries aim to balance accessibility with challenge, suggesting future souls-like games ranked lists may lean toward broader audiences.
Final Thoughts on Souls Like Games Ranked
Difficulty is subjective, but patterns emerge when looking at player data and feedback. The hardest souls like games ranked tend to limit player freedom, while the easiest souls like games offer flexibility and recovery options.
No matter where you fall on the skill spectrum, there’s a Souls-like game designed for you. From punishing experiences like Sekiro to more approachable titles like Elden Ring, the genre continues to grow without losing its identity.
If you’re exploring souls like games, this ranking should help you decide where to start or what challenge to tackle next.
FAQs
What are the hardest Souls-like games ranked?
Sekiro, Nioh 2, and Dark Souls II consistently rank as the hardest.
What is the easiest Souls-like game for beginners?
Elden Ring and Another Crab’s Treasure are commonly considered the easiest Souls-like games.
Are souls like games getting easier?
Modern games offer more accessibility options, but core difficulty remains a key feature.
Which Souls-like game should I start with?
Elden Ring is often recommended as the best entry point for new players.
