There is no source-backed universal easiest-to-hardest ranking for Soulslikes. Choose by the kind of challenge you enjoy—and what options you have when you get stuck. If you want room to explore and experiment with weapons, magic, and skills, Elden Ring is a strong first choice, though its flexibility does not make it easy. For a focused shinobi adventure, consider Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice; for weapon combinations and a Pinocchio-inspired setting, consider Lies of P.
How to choose a Soulslike that suits you
Rather than treating difficulty as a single score, compare how each game lets you approach a challenge. A game may feel more manageable to you because its combat matches your instincts or because you can step away and try a different approach. The sources available describe features and structure, not controlled comparisons of completion difficulty, required skill, accessibility, or hours to finish.
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Look at what happens when you get stuck
Ask whether you can leave a difficult encounter, explore elsewhere, and return later, or whether you would rather stay on a more focused path. PlayStation describes Elden Ring as a large world with multiple ways to approach exploration and combat. That freedom gives you room to look for another route or change tactics; it does not guarantee that any encounter will be easy. PlayStation’s Elden Ring page
Match the combat to what you enjoy
Consider whether you want to experiment with weapons and magic, rely on stealth and tools, or combine weapons and specialized equipment. Those are different play-style invitations, not evidence that one game is objectively easier than another.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore a land of vast wonders - A world unseen, where new sights rise with every stride- Enter a fascinating realm filled with the wonders and discoveries of ancient Chinese mythology! Confront mighty foes, old and new - Heroic Monkey, might and fame, adversaries rise, to test his name. One of the major highlights of Journey to the West is its diverse cast of adversaries, each with unique strengths.
- Temper your mastery of varied spells - Spells unbound, knowledge's flight, infinite abilities take their height. Spells, transformations, and magic vessels in all manifestations, complementary yet adversarial, have long been iconic combat elements of Chinese mythology.
- Discover heartfelt tales behind every façade - Uncover the stories behind a variety of characters. Beneath the ferocity of your foes is a tapestry of their origins, personalities and motivations waiting to be revealed.
- Digital Deluxe Edition Voucher Code Included - PSN voucher code provides Bronzecloud Staff, Folk Opera Mask, Folk Opera Almsgiving Armor, Folk Opera Leather Bracers, Folk Opera Buskins, Wind Chimes, and selected Digital Soundtrack.
- Languages – In-game voice: Chinese and English. In-game text: English, French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Traditional Chinese.
Choose a setting and structure you want to spend time in
The worlds differ sharply: Elden Ring is expansive fantasy, Sekiro is set in late-1500s Sengoku Japan, and Lies of P reimagines Pinocchio in a Belle Époque-inspired world. Setting is a practical part of choosing: the game whose world and story appeal to you may be the one whose demanding encounters you are most willing to learn.
Which Soulslike should you play first?
Choose Elden Ring for exploration and approach variety
Pick Elden Ring if you want a broad fantasy world, freedom to explore, and the ability to define your approach through weapons, magical abilities, and skills. PlayStation’s page calls it “perhaps the most accessible ‘Soulslike’ for newcomers to the genre in years.” That is the PlayStation.com Editorial Team’s characterization, not an objective difficulty finding or a guarantee about your experience. Read the PlayStation description
Rank #2
- Soulslike Video Game design.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
FromSoftware director Hidetaka Miyazaki described the intended challenge this way: “We want players to use their cunning, study the game, memorize what’s happening, and learn from their mistakes.” That framing is useful for any newcomer: expect to observe and adapt, rather than assume that progress depends only on quick reactions. Miyazaki’s PlayStation Blog interview
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Choose Sekiro for a focused shinobi adventure
Pick Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice if you are drawn to a shinobi story and want stealth, vertical traversal, prosthetic tools, ninja abilities, and direct combat. Its official description highlights those mechanics and its Sengoku-era Japanese setting; it does not establish how its difficulty compares with other Soulslikes. Sekiro official site
Rank #3
- 2-Pack Gamer Towels: Includes two matching hand towels with the phrase “You Dried,” styled after the iconic “You Died” screen from Soulslike games
- Perfect Size: Each towel measures 16 x 27 inches, making them ideal as hand towels, guest towels, or kitchen towels.
- Soft & Absorbent: Made from 100% cotton for a comfortable feel and everyday practicality.
- Subtle Gamer Decor: A fun, understated reference to Elden Ring, Dark Souls, Nightreign, and Bloodborne that fans will instantly recognize.
- Great Gift for Gamers: Makes a unique housewarming, holiday, or birthday gift—perfect for gaming bathrooms, kitchens, or display decor.
Choose Lies of P for weapon combinations and a Pinocchio reimagining
Pick Lies of P if you want a single-player Soulslike set in a Belle Époque-inspired world, with weapon combinations and Legion Arms. Those features are listed in the game’s official FAQ. Lies of P official FAQ
At a glance: three different fits
| Game | A good fit if you want… | Combat and structure | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | Room to explore and change your approach | Large-world exploration; varied weapons, magic, and skills | Expansive fantasy world |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | A focused shinobi story | Stealth, vertical traversal, prosthetic tools, ninja abilities, and direct combat | Late-1500s Sengoku Japan |
| Lies of P | A single-player Pinocchio reimagining | Weapon combinations and Legion Arms | Belle Époque-inspired world |
The table compares officially described features, not a measured difficulty ranking. No source here establishes which game takes the least skill or time to finish.
Rank #4
- Overhauled Character Creator – Create more lifelike characters with improved facial detail, body shapes, and visual fidelity
- Shared-Progression Cross-Play Cooperative Play – Both players now save all main story progress as long as they’re on the same “New Game” and have defeated a similar number of main bosses within one. Both players retains all loot, 100 percent vigor, and can revive each other in all online sessions.
- Free Friend’s Pass – Invite any friend to join your adventure in online co-op even if they don’t own the game. Friends keep loot and character progress, plus get full offline access to the tutorial and character creator
- Revamped Combat and Movement – V2.0 adds smoother animations, better weapon response, refined lock-on, improved evasions, and new grievous strike prompts
Check platform and edition details before buying
Availability and compatibility can vary by region and change over time, so verify the current listing for your platform before purchasing. Bandai Namco Europe reported that the original Elden Ring had sold more than 30 million units in an announcement dated 28 August 2026; that is a publisher-reported sales figure, not a measure of beginner suitability. The same announcement listed the game for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, and PC, and announced a Tarnished Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 and Tarnished Pack content for other platforms. Bandai Namco Europe announcement
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On the US PlayStation listing, the Standard Edition is for PS4 and PS5, PS4 purchasers can upgrade to PS5, and a physical disc cannot be used with a PS5 Digital Edition because that console has no disc drive. Check the listing for your region and console format before choosing an edition. US PlayStation listing
Best Value
- You died :A perfect gift for anyone who likes this adventure series, if you like this game, you can also give it to yourself, or you can like to give it to your family or good friends who like this game, they will be surprised to receive it
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The official Lies of P FAQ lists PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, Mac, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Confirm regional edition and platform details on the current listing before purchase. Lies of P official FAQ
Quick Recap
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