The soulslike genre has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a unique blend of punishing difficulty, atmospheric worlds, and deeply rewarding combat. While games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption 2 have defined open-world adventures, soulslikes carve out their own niche with dodge mechanics, stamina management, and dark, unforgiving environments. Here, we rank the ten greatest soulslike video games of all time, based on authenticity, design, polish, gameplay, narrative, visuals, originality, critical acclaim, fan opinion, and overall quality.
10. The First Berserker: Khazan (2025)
Set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, The First Berserker: Khazan casts players as the exiled general Khazan, who must uncover a conspiracy after being framed for treason. This 2025 release quickly established itself as a modern classic, despite being somewhat underrated compared to other entries. Its ultra-aggressive combat is fluid and satisfying, offering a fast-paced experience that perfectly suits the soulslike genre.
9. Hollow Knight (2017)
While most soulslikes come from AAA studios, Hollow Knight proves that indie games can excel in the genre. Players control a nail-wielding bug exploring the ruined kingdom of Hallownest, battling a mysterious plague. Though it leans more into metroidvania territory, its melancholic world, dark tone, environmental storytelling, and death penalty are classic soulslike elements. It's a masterpiece that blends both genres seamlessly.
8. Dark Souls (2011)
No list of soulslikes would be complete without the game that gave the genre its name. Dark Souls follows the Chosen Undead through a grim world to ring the Bells of Awakening and decide humanity's fate. While later titles refined its formula, Dark Souls remains the most quintessential soulslike experience, embodying everything the genre stands for and kickstarting a revolution in gaming.
7. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (2023)
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor offers a more accessible entry point for newcomers to the genre. Years after the first game, Cal Kestis fights the Empire and seeks a safe haven for Force users. With varied combat, parkour, tough bosses, and a cinematic story, it's a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that also enriches Star Wars lore. It's a perfect starting point for those curious about soulslikes.
6. Bloodborne (2015)
FromSoftware's Bloodborne redefined soulslike combat by encouraging aggression over defense. Set in the decaying city of Yharnam, players battle cosmic horrors and Lovecraftian gods. Its risk-reward health system and gothic atmosphere make it a cult classic that fans still clamor for a sequel or PC port. It's a fresh, unforgettable take on the genre.
5. Elden Ring (2022)
Often considered FromSoftware's magnum opus, Elden Ring blends open-world exploration with soulslike combat. Players, as the Tarnished, traverse the Lands Between to defeat demigods and restore the Elden Ring. While it's more of a 3D fantasy adventure than a pure soulslike, its seamless integration of both genres creates something truly special. It encourages exploration and rewards persistence.
4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice trades stamina management for a posture-based combat system, focusing on precise parries and stealth. Set in feudal Japan, players control a shinobi on a quest to rescue his lord. Its unique mechanics and intense boss battles set it apart from other soulslikes, offering a fresh challenge that rewards mastery.
3. Lies of P (2023)
Inspired by the Pinocchio story, Lies of P is a dark, Belle Époque-inspired soulslike that surprised everyone with its quality. Players control a puppet in a city overrun by mechanical horrors, using a combination of weapons and lies to shape the narrative. Its polished combat, atmospheric world, and clever storytelling make it one of the best modern soulslikes.
2. Dark Souls III (2016)
Dark Souls III refined the formula of its predecessors with faster combat, stunning visuals, and some of the series' best boss fights. Set in the dying world of Lothric, players link the flame and face off against iconic enemies. It's a fitting conclusion to the trilogy and a high point for the genre, balancing challenge with accessibility.
1. Demon's Souls (2009)
The game that started it all, Demon's Souls laid the groundwork for the entire genre. Players venture through the kingdom of Boletaria, defeating demons to reclaim their souls. Its innovative mechanics, oppressive atmosphere, and unforgiving difficulty set the template for everything that followed. Even today, it remains a landmark title that every fan should experience.
For more on the best in entertainment, check out our ranking of the top video games of the 21st century and our list of must-read YA books. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, these soulslikes offer unforgettable challenges and worlds worth exploring.
