What Is a Souls-like Game?

Imagine a game where every battle tests your skills, every victory feels truly earned, and every loss teaches you a valuable lesson. Welcome to the world of Souls-like games. These games have won the hearts of players around the globe with their unique mix of tough challenges, detailed worlds, and deep stories. They are not for those who give up easily, but for players who love a good challenge and the joy of overcoming it.

So, what exactly makes a game “Souls-like”? Is it the tough difficulty, the careful combat system, or the rich, atmospheric worlds that seem to tell their own stories? Maybe it’s the blend of all these features, creating an experience that is both hard and rewarding. Here, we will explore what defines the Souls-like genre. We’ll look at the key features that make these games so special and why they are loved by so many.

What Is a Souls-like Game?

A Souls-like game is a type of video game that draws inspiration from the Dark Souls series created by FromSoftware. These games are known for their punishing difficulty and deep, atmospheric worlds. Typically, players are thrust into dark, mysterious settings filled with formidable enemies and challenging bosses. To succeed, they must master the game’s mechanics and learn from their mistakes. Therefore, this genre appeals to gamers who enjoy a tough but rewarding experience.

Firstly, one of the core features of Souls-like games is their combat system. Combat is methodical and deliberate, requiring precise timing for attacks, blocks, and dodges. Unlike many action games where rapid button-pressing can lead to success, Souls-like games demand careful planning and strategic thinking. Consequently, every enemy encounter becomes a test of skill and patience, and even minor mistakes can be costly. Thus, every victory feels hard-earned and satisfying.

Additionally, another defining aspect of Souls-like games is their storytelling approach. These games often employ environmental storytelling rather than explicit narratives. Players uncover the story through exploration, item descriptions, and subtle environmental clues. This encourages a sense of curiosity and discovery, as players piece together the lore and history of the game world. Ultimately, this style of storytelling adds depth and replayability, as new details can be uncovered with each playthrough.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Souls-like games is what sets them apart. First and foremost, the combat system is central to this genre. It emphasizes stamina management, precise timing, and strategic thinking. Players need to understand enemy patterns, learn to parry and dodge effectively, and exploit weaknesses. Every attack, block, and dodge uses stamina. As a result, running out of stamina leaves players vulnerable. This creates a high-stakes, intense experience. Consequently, the learning curve is steep, yet it offers immense satisfaction when mastered.

Furthermore, exploration is a critical component, as souls-like games feature interconnected worlds with hidden shortcuts, secret areas, and numerous hazards. The level design is typically non-linear, which encourages players to explore and discover new paths and items. These items can aid in their journey. Consequently, this intricate design enhances replayability. Also, players never know what they might find around the next corner.

Additionally, risk and reward are central to the gameplay. In many Souls-like games, players collect in-game currency or experience points. When a player dies, they drop their accumulated currency at the spot of their death. Subsequently, they must make their way back to that spot without dying again to retrieve their lost resources. This system adds a layer of tension to each encounter. Therefore, players must balance the desire to press forward with the need to retreat and bank their hard-earned gains.

5 Best Souls-like Games

Here’s our list of the five best souls-like games that deliver intense challenges and unforgettable experiences.

5. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a fantasy action RPG where players become the Tarnished. Guided by grace, they must wield the power of the Elden Ring to become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between. The game offers a vast world with open fields and huge dungeons that are seamlessly connected. As players explore, they face unknown threats, leading to a high sense of accomplishment. Additionally, players can create and customize their characters, choosing their appearance and combining various weapons, armor, and magic. This lets players develop their characters according to their preferred play style, such as becoming a strong warrior or mastering magic.

4. Lies of P

Lies of P is a thrilling Souls-like game that takes the classic story of Pinocchio and gives it a dark twist. Set in the beautiful yet eerie Belle Epoque era, the game plunges you into a world filled with terrifying monsters and deceitful characters. You play as a puppet created by Geppetto, trapped in a web of lies. A mysterious voice guides you through the plague-ridden city of Krat. This once-vibrant city has now fallen into chaos, its streets filled with madness and bloodlust. As you journey through Krat, you must adapt both yourself and your weapons to face the horrors that await. Your path will be full of challenges, where every decision to tell the truth or lie can change your story.

3. Remnant II

Remnant II is the sequel to the popular game Remnant: From the Ashes. In this game, players fight against deadly creatures and god-like bosses in terrifying worlds. You can play alone or with two friends in co-op mode. Together, you explore unknown lands to stop an evil force from destroying reality. Players need to choose the right gear and weapons for different environments and battles.

2. Dark Souls III

Dark Souls III is often seen as the peak of the Souls-like genre. It offers a refined and polished experience that builds on its predecessors’ strengths. Developed by FromSoftware, this game combines challenging combat, intricate level design, and deep lore. The combat in Dark Souls III is fast-paced and unforgiving. Players must master the art of timing, positioning, and stamina management. Each enemy encounter is a test of skill and patience, and even the smallest mistake can lead to death.

1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes you on an exciting adventure in a fantasy version of 1500s Japan. In this game, you get to play as a warrior on a mission for revenge and redemption. The game’s world is detailed and inspired by Japanese history and mythology. Unlike other Souls-like games, Sekiro focuses a lot on its story. The story unfolds through character interactions and the environments you explore. Each area is beautifully designed, with stunning landscapes and hidden secrets to find.

So, what’s your favorite Souls-like game and why? Share your thoughts on our socials here!