The best game like Dark Souls is Elden Ring — it takes everything the Souls series does well and blows it open with a massive world, layered secrets and unforgettable bosses. Beyond it, FromSoftware’s own Dark Souls III, Bloodborne and Sekiro define the genre, while Lies of P is the best soulslike anyone else has made.
Here are the best games like Dark Souls — soulslikes built on deliberate combat, tough bosses and interconnected worlds — and which one to play next.
Best games like Dark Souls
Eight soulslikes that deliver Dark Souls’ mix of demanding combat, memorable bosses and rewarding exploration.
| Game | Platforms | Why it’s like Dark Souls |
|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | PC, PS, Xbox | The Souls formula pushed to the limit in a vast open world |
| Dark Souls III | PC, PS, Xbox | The polished final chapter of the original trilogy |
| Bloodborne | PS | Faster, aggressive combat in a Gothic nightmare |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | PC, PS, Xbox | Precise parry duels where timing beats leveling |
| Lies of P | PC, PS, Xbox | The best non-FromSoftware soulslike, built on parrying |
| Nioh 2 | PC, PS | A faster, loot-driven action-soulslike |
| Black Myth: Wukong | PC, PS, Xbox | A stunning, more approachable soulslike for newcomers |
| Mortal Shell | PC, PS, Xbox | A compact, atmospheric soulslike with a body-swap twist |
How we picked them
Dark Souls is defined by deliberate, high-stakes combat, bosses you learn through repeated attempts, and interconnected worlds full of secrets. We prioritised games that deliver that challenge and payoff. Elden Ring tops the list as the natural next step — it’s the Souls formula in an open world. Dark Souls III, Bloodborne and Sekiro are the purest FromSoftware picks, while Lies of P and Black Myth: Wukong are the best made by other studios. Black Myth is also the friendliest entry point if the classics feel too punishing.
The top picks explained
Four games that best follow Dark Souls.
#1
Most classic
Best atmosphere
Best non-FromSoft
More challenge and RPGs? See our best soulslike games, games like Elden Ring and best RPG games guides.
Which one to play
Pick based on what you loved about Dark Souls.
| You loved… | Play |
|---|---|
| Exploration and freedom | Elden Ring |
| Classic Souls combat | Dark Souls III or Bloodborne |
| Parry-heavy duels | Sekiro or Lies of P |
| An easier way in | Black Myth: Wukong |
