If you've ever lost hours of progress to a towering boss, only to sprint back to your corpse and pray you don't die again, you already understand the brutal allure of a soulslike. These RPGs are defined by punishing difficulty, environmental storytelling, open-ended level design, and checkpoints that double as lifelines. Die, and you drop your currency; die again before retrieving it, and it's gone for good. It's a formula that FromSoftware perfected with Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, and Sekiro—but plenty of other studios have crafted fantasy worlds that stand proudly alongside those giants.
Below, we rank the best non-FromSoftware soulslikes that embrace the fantasy genre. Whether you're a veteran looking for your next fix or a newcomer curious about the hype, these games prove the subgenre is far from a one-studio show.
10. Ashen (2018)
Ashen swaps the genre's usual grim realism for a painterly, almost storybook aesthetic. You play a nameless wanderer searching for identity and a permanent home in a hostile, forgotten land. The game initially received mixed reviews, but post-launch patches turned the tide. Exploration is open-ended, co-op is encouraged (though optional), and gear quality matters more than stat grinding. It's not flawless, but it's a solid, genuinely fun entry.
9. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (2025)
Set in Imperial China's Shu region during the Ming Dynasty, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers casts you as pirate Bai Wuchang. A plague called the Feathering ravages the land while political factions tear the empire apart. Bai seeks a mythical artifact to resurrect her sister. The game has noticeable flaws, but its strengths outweigh them. Many soulslike fans find it easier than most, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers.
8. Thymesia (2022)
You are Corvus, a faceless plague doctor in the realm of Hermes, where alchemy backfired and mutated citizens into monsters. Thymesia ditches the stamina bar, letting you chain basic attacks freely, though some abilities have cooldowns. Enemy health bars mimic bloodletting—they regenerate unless you use your claw after whittling them down. The combat feels awkward at first but becomes rewarding. It's a singular, bleak experience that soulsborne fans should try.
7. Bleak Faith: Forsaken (2023)
This underrated gem is a science-fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by the Omnistructure, a sprawling megastructure that seems alive and constantly expands. It doesn't reinvent the wheel mechanically, but its worldbuilding is top-tier. Unraveling the lore of this ruined, terrifying complex is a joy, and the atmosphere is unmatched. If you crave a mysterious, looming world, this is a must-play.
6. The First Berserker: Khazan (2025)
Set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, this game puts you in the boots of General Khazan, a disgraced leader freed by supernatural forces. He must clear his name and restore spiritual balance. The cel-shaded, manga-style visuals are a treat for DNF fans, and combat draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It's a stylish, challenging addition to the genre.
These six games represent just a slice of the soulslike renaissance. For more ranked lists, check out our picks for the best comedy shows of 2026 and top international films of the 2020s. And if you're into dark fantasy beyond gaming, don't miss Silvercloak Saga, which begs for a streaming adaptation.
