Are you looking for games like dark souls? Dark Souls is known for its tough gameplay, deep lore, and epic battles. Many games have tried to capture this magic, creating a genre often called “Souls-like” games. If you love Dark Souls and want more challenging games, here are 10 that will put your skills to the test. These games come from various developers, offering unique twists on the difficult, yet rewarding, experience that Dark Souls fans love.
Here are 10 games like dark souls:
1. Ashen
Developers: A44 Games, A44
Initial release date: 7 December 2018
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Publishers: Annapurna Interactive, Xbox Game Studios
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Genres: Action role-playing game, Adventure game, Fighting game
Designer: A44
Gameplay:
The game focuses on passive co-op systems, where you might meet other players who can help you out, similar to how Journey does it. Combat is tough and requires careful timing, much like Dark Souls. The game is shorter, making it a good choice if you want a hard but more manageable adventure.
Game Highlights:
Beautiful art style.
Passive multiplayer that feels natural.
Tough, strategic combat.
Shorter playtime (15-20 hours).
2. Bloodborne
Initial release date: 24 March 2015
Developer: FromSoftware Inc.
Platform: PlayStation 4
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composers: Yuka Kitamura, Michael Wandmacher, Tsukasa Saitoh, Cris Velasco, Ryan Amon, Nobuyoshi Suzuki
Gameplay:
The game removes shields and focuses on quick, aggressive combat. The world is rich with lore and filled with terrifying monsters, making every encounter intense and memorable.
Game Highlights:
Gothic horror setting.
Fast-paced, aggressive combat.
Deep and twisted lore.
Memorable and challenging boss fights.
3. Nioh
Developer: Team Ninja
Designers: Hidehiko Nakajima, Masaki Fujita, Hiroyuki Nishi
Initial release date: 7 February 2017
Genres: Hack and slash, Entertainment, Action-adventure game, Speculative fiction, Fantasy, Societal
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composer: Yugo Kanno
Nioh takes you to Japan’s Warring States period, blending samurai action with tough battles inspired by Dark Souls. You play as William, an Irish samurai, on a quest filled with supernatural elements and intense combat.
Gameplay:
The game is known for its variety of authentic Japanese weapons and a system called Ki Pulse, which lets you regain stamina during fights. This system adds a layer of strategy to the combat, making battles feel dynamic and rewarding.
Game Highlights:
Historical setting with supernatural twists.
Unique stamina system (Ki Pulse).
Rich variety of weapons.
Deep combat mechanics.
4. Hollow Knight
Developer: Team Cherry
Genres: Metroidvania, Fighting game
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Initial release date: 24 February 2017
Composer: Christopher Larkin
Mode: Single-player video game
Gameplay:
The game focuses on exploration, with a non-linear world full of hidden paths and upgrades. Combat is precise and challenging, and the game’s art and music create a captivating atmosphere.
Game Highlights:
Vast, interconnected world to explore.
Beautiful hand-drawn art.
Tough but fair combat.
Rich and atmospheric storytelling.
5. The Surge
The Surge takes the concept of Dark Souls and sets it in a dystopian future with sci-fi elements. You play as Warren, who uses a powerful exoskeleton to fight through a world full of dangerous robots and machines.
Gameplay:
Combat in The Surge involves targeting specific parts of enemies to get their gear, adding a strategic element to fights. The game’s setting is dark and mechanical, providing a different atmosphere compared to the usual medieval fantasy of Dark Souls.
Game Highlights:
Sci-fi setting with a dark atmosphere.
Strategic limb-targeting system.
Exoskeleton upgrades.
Unique combat mechanics.
6. Salt and Sanctuary
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now
Developers: Ska Studios, Blitworks, Sickhead Games, Kakehashi Games
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Genres: Platform game, Action role-playing game, Indie game, Adventure game, Fighting game, Shooter Video Game
Publishers: Ska Studios, Leadman Games
Initial release date: 15 March 2016
Series: Ska Studios’ Salt
Gameplay:
You explore a dangerous world filled with traps and monsters, using a variety of weapons and magic. The combat is tight and responsive, and the game offers a lot of content for those who enjoy tough challenges.
Game Highlights:
2D side-scrolling action.
Hand-drawn art style.
Tough, responsive combat.
Deep and atmospheric world.
7. Elden Ring
Initial release date: 25 February 2022
Developer: FromSoftware Inc.
Mode: Multiplayer video game
Composers: Yuka Kitamura, Tsukasa Saitoh, Yoshimi Kudo, Tai Tomisawa
Gameplay:
The game features a huge open world filled with secrets and challenges. Combat is tough and requires skill, similar to Dark Souls, but the open-world design adds a new layer of exploration and freedom.
Game Highlights:
Vast open-world exploration.
Tough, skill-based combat.
Rich lore and story.
Endless secrets to discover.
8. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Initial release date: 22 March 2019
Developer: FromSoftware Inc.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Mode: Single-player video game
Composer: Yuka Kitamura
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is another game by the creators of Dark Souls. It sets you in Japan, playing as a skilled shinobi (ninja), and features a new combat system focused on posture instead of health bars.
Gameplay:
Combat involves breaking your enemies’ posture while protecting your own. The game also emphasizes stealth and exploration, making it a unique take on the typical Dark Souls formula.
Game Highlights:
Unique posture-based combat system.
Stealth and exploration elements.
Rich Japanese setting and story.
Deep and challenging gameplay.
9. Dead Cells
Developers: Motion Twin, Playdigious, Evil Empire, Motion Twin Scop ARL
Platforms: Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Smartphone, macOS, Linux
Genres: Roguelike, Metroidvania, Fighting game
Mode: Single-player video game
Gameplay:
Expect fast and fluid combat where timing and movement are crucial. Each time you die, you start over, but you keep some progress, making each run a bit easier. The game’s art is vibrant and fluid, making it a visual treat.
Game Highlights:
Fast-paced, challenging combat.
Roguelike elements with permanent upgrades.
Beautiful and fluid animations.
Endless replayability.
10. Titan Souls
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation Vita, Mac operating systems
Developers: Acid Nerve, Devolver Digital
Initial release date: 14 April 2015
Mode: Single-player video game
Genres: Indie game, Action game, Adventure
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Writer(s): Mark Foster; David Fenn; Andrew Gleeson
Titan Souls is a minimalistic game that focuses on boss battles. You play as a tiny hero armed with only a single arrow, fighting huge titans in a quest that tests your skill and wits.
Gameplay:
Each boss has a unique way of being defeated, and you must figure it out while dodging their attacks. The game is all about precision and quick thinking, offering a real challenge with its simple yet intense combat.
Game Highlights:
Focus on boss battles.
Single-arrow combat.
Simple but challenging mechanics.
Requires both reflexes and strategy.
Conclusion
These 10 games offer a variety of experiences that capture the challenging spirit of Dark Souls. Whether you prefer the sci-fi world of The Surge, the historical setting of Nioh, or the beautiful 2D art of Hollow Knight, there’s something here for every fan of tough, rewarding games. Each game brings its own twist to the formula, providing new worlds to explore and enemies to defeat. So, gear up and get ready to test your skills in these exciting and challenging games!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What makes a game “Souls-like”?
Ans: Souls-like game has challenging combat, deep lore, and a focus on exploration and discovery. These games often feature difficult enemies, strategic fighting mechanics, and punishing difficulty where players can lose progress upon death but have opportunities to reclaim it.
Q2. Do these games have multiplayer like Dark Souls?
Ans: Some of these games have multiplayer elements. For example, Ashen features passive co-op where you can encounter and team up with other players. Others, like Elden Ring, have traditional multiplayer options where you can play with or against others.
Q3. Which game should I start with if I’m new to Souls-like games?
Ans: If you’re new to this genre, you might want to start with Ashen or Salt and Sanctuary. They offer similar gameplay but are a bit more approachable and have shorter playtimes.
Q4. Are these games available on all platforms?
Ans: Most of these games are available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Some, like Dead Cells and Hollow Knight, are also available on Nintendo Switch. Always check the game’s availability on your preferred platform before purchasing.
Q5. Are these games as hard as Dark Souls?
Ans: Yes, all these games are known for their challenging gameplay. They are designed to test your skills and patience, much like Dark Souls. However, the difficulty can vary, and some games might feel easier or harder depending on your playstyle.
Q6. Can I play these games if I haven’t played Dark Souls?
Ans: Absolutely! While these games are inspired by Dark Souls, they are standalone experiences. You don’t need to have played Dark Souls to enjoy them, but having experience with challenging games can help.
Read Also
