We Rank the 6 Best Soulslike Games in 2025

For some people, video games are a way to relax and play something easy. However, others spend their time trying to master the Dark Souls series. Are they cynical? Regardless, these challenging games are popular for a reason. Here’s a guide to the best Soulslike games in 2025. 

What Are Soulslike Games?

First, it’s essential to define what a Soulslike game is. These virtual worlds are meant to challenge you in ways you never thought possible. Player skills are crucial because they must time their combat perfectly and avoid damage. If you don’t, you’re out of luck because healing is intentionally difficult. Death in these games brings serious consequences, such as reversed progress.

If these games are so hard, why do people play them? Some people love the grind. The Dark Souls series is among the best examples, as critics have rated it highly at the Golden Joystick Awards. These games aptly inspired the Soulslike genre and provided a challenge you can’t necessarily get anywhere else. 

Which Soulslike Games Are the Best? 

Dark Souls came out in 2011 and created an entire genre due to its success. For the purposes of this list, however, we’re just focusing on Soulslike games not made by FromSoftware. So, what are the best Soulslike games in 2025? Here’s the definitive list. 

6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

You might not associate Star Wars with great video games besides The Old Republic. However, the Jedi series is fantastic. Some may argue whether Survivor counts as a Soulslike game, but it has crucial characteristics. For instance, you can’t heal easily, and refreshing at a checkpoint means the enemies respawn. 

Jedi: Survivor makes the list because it significantly improved upon previous iterations like Fallen Order. In this game, you have an excellent map, fun enemies and worthwhile storytelling to keep you interested. It’s still challenging because you must progress your skills to have any hope of taking down the Galactic Empire. 

5. Lies of P

If you like Soulslike games and children’s book combinations, Lies of P is one of the best options. This 2023 title is based on “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” though it’s a bit darker than the Disney movie from 1940. Instead of playing with puppets, you fight them and various NPCs with an awful petrification disease. 

Lies of P makes its mark in the Soulslike genre because of the combat. The fluid motions make you feel like a professional fencer, and each hit feels pretty natural. You also get numerous options for weapons and move sets, thus enhancing customization. Besides combat, Lies of P is special due to the incredible environment. You can tell the developers took special care of each minute detail. 

4. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

A Final Fantasy game was an excellent addition to the Soulslike genre because it consistently receives recognition for best game of the year. Some say it doesn’t belong to the category, but Stranger of Paradise exhibits numerous elements. For example, it uses the same gameplay engine as the Nioh series and has checkpoints similar to the Dark Souls bonfires. 

There are so many good things about this game, so you should give it a shot. The best part about Stranger of Paradise might be the job system. You can pick a basic or an advanced job, so anything from a sharpshooter to a dragoon is on the table. Then, you get plenty of Final Fantasy elements in the game through the stage designs and bosses. 

3. Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary is a unique Soulslike entry because it’s a 2D game, but it’s still one of the best in the genre. Ska Studios developed this title as a love letter to the Soulslike genre because of its many praiseworthy features. Some say it’s too similar to Dark Souls — though, is that really a bad thing? 

Like any Soulslike game, there’s a learning curve to figure out what’s going on. However, it still captures the magic of Dark Souls games through its unique art style and mechanics. Despite having a 2D world, you still get an excellent combat system reflected in the weight. Every time you hit an enemy, it feels realistic and reactive. Another feather in its cap is the skill tree, which is gigantic and worth the time to build. 

2. Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Lords of the Fallen comes from CI Games, though its gameplay would make you think it’s related to the FromSoftware lineup. It’s a fan favorite and one of the best Soulslike games because it improved upon the 2014 release bearing the same name. From immersive maps to satisfying combat mechanics, a run-through on your console or PC is worth it. 

The game got off to a rocky start because of bugs, but CI Games patched up the problems. Once the issues were resolved, gamers got an incredible playthrough. The world layout is the best part of the game due to its intricate and interconnected designs. While the games are supposed to be hard, you get a tiny tip through the landmarks needed for progression. 

1. Nioh 2

When you first load Nioh 2, you have to be patient. Once you get through the first few bosses, the game really starts to shine. It’s the best Soulslike game because it’s challenging while remaining a solid introduction to the genre. Some say it’s in a different category, but Nioh 2 uses familiar mechanics and Dark Souls fundamentals to qualify. 

In the game, you create a half-human and half-yōkai character who gets to earn weapons and abilities throughout the plot. You can collect soul cores and improve your yōkai powers as you progress. Some say the monster designs make the game feel odd, and the difficulty is too hard. However, it tops the list due to its excellent combat mechanics and customization. 

Debating the Best Soulslike Games in Existence

Determining which games in the genre are best will differ from one player to the next. Are there any games you would add to the list? Some titles that just missed the cut include Remnant 2 and Hollow Knight. While those games are excellent, the competition is stiff! Regardless, it’s worth the time to appreciate Soulslike games and what they’ve meant for entertainment.