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If you want another game that captures the tension of Dark Souls, start with Lies of P: it combines precision combat, large boss fights and interconnected exploration. For a different kind of challenge, Nioh 2 is faster and built around stances, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a focused action-adventure, and Elden Ring takes FromSoftware’s action-RPG approach into a larger open world. These are different kinds of games, so the best match depends on which part of Dark Souls you want to repeat.
What makes a game feel like Dark Souls?
“Soulslike” can describe several different kinds of resemblance. A game might share deliberate, punishing combat but have little in common with Dark Souls’ world structure, or it might preserve exploration and demanding bosses while changing the genre entirely. FromSoftware describes Dark Souls as an action RPG centered on tense dungeon exploration, fearsome enemies, discovery and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges (FromSoftware’s official portfolio).
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - Xbox One | $24.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
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Use four questions to narrow the choice: do you want methodical or faster combat; connected spaces, missions or an open world; a 3D action RPG, an action-adventure or a 2D game; and flexible builds or a more specific combat style? The picks below are editorial matches, not claims that each game reproduces Dark Souls’ systems.
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| Game | Best for | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Lies of P | Precision combat, bosses and connected exploration | Its combat and exploration are a close fit, but it is a separate game with its own systems. |
| Nioh 2 | Fast, stance-driven fights and weapon variety | Combat is quicker and more mechanically varied. |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | A focused test of combat skill | It is an action-adventure, not a Dark Souls-style build-focused RPG. |
| Elden Ring | Action-RPG combat in a larger world | Its open-world frame changes how you explore and approach challenges. |
| Hollow Knight | Demanding exploration and bosses in 2D | It is a Metroidvania, not a conventional 3D action RPG. |
| The First Berserker: Khazan | Intense, multi-stage boss fights | Its main draw is combat and bosses, rather than consistently difficult levels. |
| Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | Deflection-focused combat and historical fantasy | Its fights emphasize deflection and poise. |
Closest fit: Lies of P
Choose Lies of P if you want the strongest overlap of precise combat, boss encounters and interconnected environments without choosing another FromSoftware game. PlayStation’s guide describes fast precision combat, large bosses and sprawling connected spaces; its advice also discusses dodging, parrying, builds, damage types and amulets (PlayStation Canada’s guide to tough games).
#1 Best Overall
- DARK SOULS REMASTERED - Then, there was fire. Re-experience the genre-defining game that started it all. Return to Lordran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers. Includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
- DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN - Prepare to Die again. The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II plus all three DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or PvP multiplayer. Includes the award-winning game and both DLC chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- ALL ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS - Visit the EP!C corner to download the music of the Dark Souls saga composed by Motoi Sakaraba and Yuka Kitamura. 110 tracks and more than 6 hours to listen and take back any Dark Souls fan to the intense boss fights and the best moments of their deadly journeys.
GameSpot also highlights weapon-part combinations, shortcuts and a health-recovery mechanic that rewards attacking after taking damage (GameSpot’s games-like-Dark-Souls guide). That aggressive recovery loop is a useful distinction if you want combat that rewards pressing an opening rather than only waiting for one.
For faster, more varied melee combat: Nioh 2
Nioh 2 is the pick if Dark Souls’ deliberate pace feels too slow and you want more tactical choices during a fight. Its stance-based combat and range of weapons give encounters a quicker, more mechanically involved rhythm. GameSpot lists PC, PS4 and PS5 among its platforms; check the listing for your region and edition before buying.
Rank #2
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
For a focused combat challenge: Sekiro
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a strong choice if you want demanding encounters but do not need Dark Souls-style character builds. FromSoftware categorizes Sekiro as an action-adventure, while it classifies Elden Ring as an action RPG (FromSoftware’s official portfolio). Treat Sekiro as a related combat challenge, not as a direct substitute for Dark Souls’ RPG progression.
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Elden Ring is the clearest option if you want FromSoftware’s action-RPG sensibility with a much larger open-world frame. That broader structure changes the exploration experience; it is not simply Dark Souls expanded into more terrain. Bandai Namco also presents Elden Ring within its action-RPG and open-world RPG categories (Bandai Namco Europe’s RPG catalog). FromSoftware’s official page lists support for one to four players, so multiplayer is an option as well as solo play.
Rank #3
- The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
- Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
For 2D exploration: Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is worth considering if the appeal is difficult exploration, secrets and demanding bosses rather than a 3D action-RPG format. It is a 2D Metroidvania, with the genre’s emphasis on exploring a connected map and revisiting areas as you progress. GameSpot notes its exploration, hidden secrets, consequences for death and challenging bosses (GameSpot’s games-like-Dark-Souls guide). It is an adjacent recommendation, not a conventional Soulslike RPG.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.For boss fights and deflection: two more options
The First Berserker: Khazan
Pick The First Berserker: Khazan if intense, multi-stage boss fights are what you want most. GameSpot frames it as an outlier whose combat and boss encounters matter more than overall level difficulty. PlayStation describes its combat as fast and aggressive, with demanding bosses (PlayStation Canada’s guide to tough games).
Rank #4
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armour, magic and crafting options to create your own play style and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategise freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty suits players drawn to deflection-centered fights and historical fantasy. GameSpot describes its combat in terms of poise and deflection, while PlayStation characterizes it as a demanding action-adventure set in a dark version of the Three Kingdoms period (GameSpot’s games-like-Dark-Souls guide; PlayStation Canada’s guide to tough games).
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- Precision, bosses and connected spaces: Lies of P.
- Fast combat, stances and weapon choice: Nioh 2.
- A focused action-adventure combat test: Sekiro.
- Action-RPG exploration in a larger open world: Elden Ring.
- 2D exploration, secrets and bosses: Hollow Knight.
- Boss encounters as the main attraction: The First Berserker: Khazan.
- Deflection-based fights in historical fantasy: Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
Before choosing, check that the game is available for your platform and that the store listing matches your region and edition. Platform support and physical editions can vary.
What players value in Soulslike games
A 2024 study by Tibor Guzsvinecz asked 100 questionnaire participants to rate features associated with Soulslike games. In that sample, combat received an average importance rating of 4.70 out of 5; setting received 3.73, interconnected worlds 3.62 and difficult gameplay 3.57 (“The Soulsification of video games,” Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2024). These are ratings from those participants, not a representative measurement of all players. They offer one reason to choose by combat first, then use world structure and difficulty as tie-breakers.
Quick Recap
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