The best soulslike games to start with are Elden Ring if you want freedom to explore, Lies of P if you want the classic formula done brilliantly, and Black Myth: Wukong if you want spectacle and huge boss fights. If you crave the toughest test of skill, go to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice; if you are on a budget, the new Valor Mortis costs $39.99 and is on Game Pass.
A soulslike is an action RPG built around demanding, deliberate combat, a stamina bar, bonfire-style checkpoints and a penalty for dying: you drop your experience currency and must reach the spot where you fell to recover it. The name comes from FromSoftware's Dark Souls series, which popularized the formula. Below are eight picks, with notes on difficulty and platforms.
How we chose these soulslike games
We weighed four things: the quality of the combat, the level and boss design, how welcoming the game is to newcomers, and how easy it is to buy on current platforms. Release dates and publishers come from each game's official store page, checked in October 2026. We prioritized games that are still easy to find and that you can play on modern hardware.
The best soulslike games to play
1. Elden Ring
FromSoftware's 2022 hit is the best entry point to the genre. Its open world lets you leave a hard boss and come back stronger later, and summons, spirit ashes and many build options soften the difficulty. The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adds dozens of hours of late-game content. It is available on PC, PlayStation and Xbox; the official Steam page lists the PC version and its editions.
2. Lies of P
NEOWIZ's 2023 game takes Pinocchio into a gothic city in the style of Bloodborne, with a clever weapon-assembly system and some of the best bosses outside FromSoftware. It is on PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and the Overture DLC expanded the story in 2025.
3. Dark Souls III
The 2016 finale of the trilogy is faster and more approachable than the first two games, with a superb lineup of bosses. It is the best way to see what defined the genre, and it runs on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S through backward compatibility.
4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro swaps stats and builds for a parry-focused sword system based on posture. It is the purest test of reflexes on this list and won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019. Pick it once you are comfortable with the genre.
5. Bloodborne
FromSoftware's 2015 PlayStation 4 exclusive rewards aggression instead of shield blocking, with a gothic horror setting many fans consider the studio's best. It has never left PlayStation, but it plays on PS5 through backward compatibility.
6. Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science's 2024 action RPG, based on Journey to the West, is more linear and cinematic than a typical soulslike, with no experience loss on death. That makes it a gentler option, and its boss fights are some of the most spectacular in the genre.
7. Nioh 2
Team Ninja's samurai action game has deeper and faster combat than most soulslikes, with stances, Ki management and loot. It is ideal for players who love action games such as Ninja Gaiden and want a long game with lots of build options.
8. Valor Mortis
The newest pick comes from One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner. It moves the formula to first person and to an alternate Napoleonic era, with supernatural powers. Reviews were mostly positive, but PC builds had stability issues before launch; see our coverage of Valor Mortis reviews, price and Game Pass.
Which soulslike should you play first?
Complete beginner: Elden Ring, using summons and exploring freely. Want the classic experience: Dark Souls III, then Lies of P. Like spectacle more than punishment: Black Myth: Wukong. Want the hardest skill test: Sekiro. On a budget or on Game Pass: Valor Mortis. PlayStation fans: Bloodborne.
Common mistakes new players make
Do not rush. Most deaths come from attacking too often and running out of stamina, so learn each enemy's pattern before you commit. Do not carry too much weight, since a slow dodge gets you killed. Level up vitality early, as extra health forgives more mistakes. Finally, if a boss blocks you for too long, explore elsewhere, upgrade your weapon or use the game's help systems. On PC, check that your hardware matches the specs first with our guide on how to read system requirements.
FAQ
What does soulslike mean?
It describes action RPGs inspired by Dark Souls: tough, methodical combat, checkpoints that respawn enemies, and a death penalty in which you must recover lost currency.
What is the easiest soulslike for beginners?
Elden Ring, thanks to its open world and summons, and Black Myth: Wukong, which does not take away experience when you die.
Are soulslikes the same as Metroidvanias?
No, but they overlap. Some 2D games, such as Hollow Knight, mix both styles. If you like that side, see our list of the best Metroidvania games.
