The gaming world has seen numerous trends, but none have made as profound an impact as the Souls-like genre. Puzzling for their tight difficulty, complex combat mechanisms, and rich lore, these titles require precision, patience, and fortitude from gamers. In 2025, Dark Souls’ legacy continues to fuel a new wave of remarkable titles that challenge and reward equally. Here’s a glimpse at the Top 10 Souls-like games that every hard-core gamer needs to play.
Leading the pack is Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s revolutionary magnum opus that redefined open-world gaming. Its expansive terrain, haunting visual designs, and relentless bosses make it the gold standard for the genre till this day. Close behind is Lies of P, a dark reinterpretation of Pinocchio’s story, which merges gothic beauty with sharp, punishing combat. Its atmospheric storytelling and deep weapon customization make it a modern standout Souls-like experience.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice goes in a different direction with its parrying-based fighting and emotional story set in a mythological Japan. Each duel is a challenge of concentration and skill. Bloodborne, on the other hand, is a genre-defining classic, famous for its gothic horror atmosphere, monstrous enemies, and aggressive, rapid-fire fighting style. Even after all these years, its creepy appeal is still unequaled.
Another powerful contender, Nioh 2, combines Japanese lore with challenging but highly rewarding gameplay, featuring rich skill systems and near-infinite replayability. Mortal Shell, while shorter in duration, introduces something new in the form of its “shell” system, in which players take on the form of various fallen soldiers, presenting a new spin on more conventional Souls-like design.
For players looking for innovation, Remnant II mixes Souls-style gameplay with third-person shooting and co-op play, and every fight is tense and hazardous. The 2023 Lords of the Fallen reboot has also reinvigorated the series, with beautiful visuals, a two-world mechanic, and unforgiving difficulty that fans of the genre love.
The cult classic Blasphemous 2 is singled out for its 2D pixel art, a mix of religious iconography, emotional narrative, and tight platforming. Lastly, one of the most hotly awaited titles of the decade, Hollow Knight: Silksong, can look to take the 2D Souls-like experience to the next level with faster fighting, new monsters, and a wider world.
From sprawling dark kingdoms to hauntingly beautiful 2D realms, Souls-like games continue to push boundaries and test limits. Whether it’s the brutal elegance of Sekiro, the gothic beauty of Bloodborne, or the vast mystery of Elden Ring, these games embody what it means to endure, adapt, and triumph. For those who seek the ultimate challenge, these titles are not just games—they’re rites of passage.
