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If you have finished (or simply grown tired of) a dark-fantasy action RPG, there is no single “best” next game. Choose the experience you want: a huge world to explore, tightly connected dungeons, parry-heavy duels, elaborate character builds, gothic horror, or cinematic boss fights.
The recommendations below are organized by that choice rather than by an arbitrary overall score. Elden Ring is the broad open-world default; Dark Souls III is the purest focused version of the classic structure; Sekiro rewards precise deflections; Lies of P offers the strongest story-led third-party campaign; and the remaining games serve more specialized tastes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Clair Obscur Expedition 33 PS5 | $49.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Visions of Mana - Amazon Exclusive Edition (PS5) | $27.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Lost Soul Aside - PS5 | $33.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Mortal Shell II - PlayStation 5 | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Star Ocean: The Second Story R (PS5) | $25.10 | Buy on Amazon |
How to choose your next Soulslike
“Soulslike” describes a family of action RPGs built around deliberate combat, dangerous enemies, meaningful checkpoints, and learning through failure. The games differ sharply in what they ask you to master. Before choosing, decide which of these matters most:
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- World structure: Open worlds provide freedom and optional discoveries. Interconnected zones create a compact web of shortcuts. Mission-based games trade seamless exploration for repeatable encounters and deeper build experimentation.
- Combat language: Roll-and-space combat rewards distance and stamina control. Parry or deflection systems demand accurate timing. Stance, ki, or combo systems add another layer beyond ordinary attacks and dodges.
- Atmosphere: The list spans gothic horror, traditional dark fantasy, Belle Époque tragedy, Japanese historical fantasy, and Chinese mythology.
- Build commitment: Some games let you respec or change weapons freely; others expect you to develop a narrower combat identity.
- Campaign shape: A focused campaign can be easier to finish than an enormous world, while a mission-based structure is useful if you enjoy replaying stages and refining equipment.
Use the comparison table as a quick filter, then read the individual recommendations for the trade-offs that a short label cannot show.
#1 Best Overall
- Reactive Turn-based Combat: Craft unique builds for your Expeditioners that fit your playstyle via gear, stats, skills, and &character synergies
- Dodge, parry, and counter in real time, chain combos by mastering attack rhythms, and target enemy weak points using a free aim system
- With only one year left to live, join Gustave, Maelle, & fellow Expeditioners as they embark on a desperate quest to break Paintress’ cycle of death
- Explore an enchanting realm populated by adversaries; Wander through breathtaking landscapes, from Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield
- Experience the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, fully realized in Unreal Engine 5 with stunning graphics and a heartbreaking soundtrack
| Game | Best fit | Combat emphasis | World structure | Build flexibility | Commitment | Availability notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | Open-world exploration | Roll, spacing, weapon and magic variety | Large open world with optional areas | Very high | Long | Edition and platform availability should be checked for your region. |
| Dark Souls III | Classic interconnected Souls design | Roll, spacing, shields and weapon timing | Focused interconnected zones | High | Moderate | Check current platform support for the edition you intend to buy. |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Parry-focused duels | Deflection, posture and aggressive pressure | Structured areas linked by shortcuts | Low compared with RPG-heavy entries | Moderate | Platform availability varies by edition; verify before purchase. |
| Lies of P | Story-driven third-party Soulslike | Dodges, guards, perfect guards and weapon combinations | Focused city-based campaign | Moderate | Moderate | PC, PlayStation and Xbox availability is reported by GamesRadar+; confirm the current edition. |
| Nioh 2 | Fast combat and build crafting | Ki management, weapon skills and yokai powers | Mission-based levels | Very high | Long and system-heavy | PC, PS4 and PS5 availability is reported by GamesRadar+. |
| Bloodborne | Gothic aggression | Fast attacks and health recovery after taking damage | Dense interconnected gothic districts | Moderate | Moderate | PlayStation-only availability. |
| Lords of the Fallen (2023) | Dual-world exploration | Roll-and-space combat with realm-specific traversal | One physical world viewed through two realms | High | Long | Check the current edition and platform listing in your region. |
| Black Myth: Wukong | Cinematic boss spectacle | Fast action, spells and stance-based staff combat | Chapter-based environments | Moderate | Moderate | Platform and edition availability should be verified before buying. |
| Demon’s Souls (2020 remake) | Seeing the formula’s origin | Deliberate attacks, damage types and resource management | Separate worlds reached from a central hub | Moderate | Moderate | PlayStation 5 only. |
Elden Ring: best for open-world exploration
Elden Ring is the safest recommendation when you want the familiar tension of a Soulslike without being pushed down one route. Bandai Namco’s official action-games catalog lists its release as 25 February 2022. Its defining feature is freedom: you can leave a difficult encounter, explore elsewhere, find a new weapon or spell, and return with a different plan.
Why choose it
- The open world turns difficulty into a routing problem as much as a reflex test.
- A broad selection of weapons, magic and character attributes supports radically different builds.
- Optional caves, field encounters and legacy areas reward curiosity without requiring a single linear order.
What may frustrate you
The scale can dilute the compact discovery loop that defines older entries. You may spend time crossing the map or searching for a route when you would prefer a tightly authored dungeon. Its length also makes it a poor “quick follow-up” if you are looking for a short campaign.
Choose it if
Pick Elden Ring when exploration freedom and build variety matter more than a concentrated sequence of bespoke levels. It is also the best bridge for players who want to experiment rather than repeat one failed boss immediately.
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Dark Souls III is the cleanest choice if what you loved was the traditional formula: tense dungeon exploration, dangerous enemies, shortcuts that reconnect earlier rooms, and the satisfaction of understanding a hostile place. FromSoftware describes the series as pursuing “consistent game design ideals that lead to a high sense of accomplishment for the player,” alongside tense exploration, fearsome enemies and the joy of discovery.
Why choose it
- The campaign is more focused than an open-world game, so each new area has a clear relationship to the last.
- Combat is readable: manage distance, stamina, attack windows and the timing of your dodge, guard or weapon swing.
- Build options remain substantial without requiring the enormous inventory and map management of a larger open world.
What may frustrate you
It offers less freedom to bypass a wall of difficulty than Elden Ring. If a boss or area is blocking you, the answer is usually improved play, a different weapon setup or help from another player rather than simply riding somewhere else.
Choose it if
Start here when you want a compact, interconnected journey that demonstrates the classic Souls structure without the extra systems of the newer, larger games.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: best for parry-focused duels
Sekiro is for players who want to win by reading an opponent and breaking its posture, not by stacking defensive equipment or circling until a safe opening appears. Its central skill is the deflection: meet an incoming strike at the correct moment, stay aggressive, and turn the enemy’s pressure against it.
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Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant graphics of this beautiful world, where the powers of nature blend with the elemental aspects of mana to create a rich tapestry of life.
- Journey through enchanting locations with near-seamless transitions in a semi-open field that’s yours to discover.
- Brace yourself for fast-paced, multi-dimensional actions in battle to enrich your fighting experience.
- Use the magic of the Elementals to explore this vast world to your heart's content!
- The Visions of Mana Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a bonus sticker set (inside the case).
Why choose it
- Fights feel like technical duels because timing and rhythm matter more than conventional RPG statistics.
- Deflection encourages forward momentum; repeatedly retreating gives many opponents time to recover.
- The structure is more focused than a giant open world, making practice and route learning easier to track.
What may frustrate you
Skills learned in roll-and-shield Soulslikes do not transfer perfectly. A character build cannot compensate for consistently mistimed deflections, and the game gives you fewer traditional weapon-and-armor combinations to use as an escape hatch.
Choose it if
Choose Sekiro when the part you remember most fondly is learning an enemy’s timing and finally winning a duel cleanly. Avoid it if your priority is collecting equipment and redesigning a character every few hours.
Lies of P: best story-driven third-party Soulslike
Lies of P is the strongest recommendation for a focused, narrative-led alternative. GamesRadar+ lists its release date as 18 September 2023 and its availability on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. The setting reworks the Belle Époque into a grim city filled with puppets, giving the familiar combat loop a distinct visual and narrative identity.
Why choose it
- The campaign is directed and readable, making it easier to follow a story while still exploring shortcuts and optional challenges.
- Its weapon system is approachable: you can understand what a weapon does quickly while still experimenting with combinations.
- The setting provides a different mood from medieval castles and cosmic gothic horror.
What may frustrate you
Players expecting the vast build sandbox of Elden Ring may find the choices more curated. Its guard and perfect-guard emphasis also asks you to learn defensive timing rather than relying exclusively on long-range spacing.
Choose it if
Pick Lies of P when you want the Soulslike cadence in a self-contained campaign with a strong story hook and a setting that is neither conventional medieval fantasy nor modern realism.
Nioh 2: best for build crafters and fast combat
Nioh 2, released on 12 March 2020 according to GamesRadar+, is the most system-heavy recommendation here. It combines rapid weapon changes with a ki system, weapon skill trees and yokai powers. GamesRadar+ lists it for PC, PS4 and PS5.
Why choose it
- Ki management adds a second resource to every exchange: efficient attacks and well-timed recovery keep you from being exhausted.
- Each weapon type has its own skills, so changing weapons can change your entire approach rather than merely changing damage numbers.
- Yokai abilities add another tactical layer and let you interrupt or punish enemies in ways ordinary attacks cannot.
- Mission-based levels make it practical to replay stages, test equipment and refine a build.
What may frustrate you
The quantity of loot and systems can feel closer to a build laboratory than a minimalist action RPG. If you prefer a small, handpicked arsenal and a single continuous world, the interface and mission flow may feel busy.
Rank #3
- Fight to save your world. Save your sister. Save your soul.
- Fight for everything. Legends are born from trials.
- Epic weaponry, collect a diverse array of melee weapons and define your playstyle with stylish, effective combat.
- Stunning worlds to explore. Prepare to adventure far and wide across dangerous dimensions, majestic lands and strange new worlds.
Choose it if
Choose Nioh 2 when experimenting with equipment, skills and combat stances is as appealing as reaching the next area. It is the best fit for players who enjoy optimization and repeatable missions.
Bloodborne: best for gothic aggression
Bloodborne is the choice for a dense gothic mood and a combat rhythm that rewards attacking after you are hurt. Its health-recovery loop lets you regain recently lost health by striking back quickly, turning damage into a reason to press forward rather than automatically retreat.
Why choose it
- The atmosphere is consistently gothic, from its architecture to its enemies and escalating sense of dread.
- Fast weapons and aggressive exchanges create a sharper pace than shield-centered play.
- The world is compact and interconnected, so discovering a shortcut can transform a difficult return trip.
What may frustrate you
Bloodborne is PlayStation-only, which makes hardware ownership the first question. Its offensive healing loop also punishes a purely defensive habit; waiting too long can remove the opportunity to recover health safely.
Choose it if
Pick Bloodborne when mood and forward pressure matter more than platform flexibility or a large menu of conventional builds.
Lords of the Fallen (2023): best for dual-world exploration
Lords of the Fallen’s distinguishing idea is that its world exists in two realms. Moving between them is not merely a visual effect: it changes how you read paths, solve environmental obstacles and approach exploration. That makes it a natural recommendation for players who treat level design as a puzzle.
Why choose it
- The two-realm structure can reveal routes, threats and solutions that are invisible from a single viewpoint.
- Exploration remains the main attraction, but the alternate realm gives it a different logic from a conventional interconnected map.
- It is a good middle ground for players who want a substantial world without the full scale of an open-world map.
What may frustrate you
The added layer demands attention. You must remember which realm you are using, why a path is blocked and whether changing realms creates a new danger. If you want a straightforward sequence of rooms, this can feel like overhead.
Choose it if
Choose Lords of the Fallen when environmental traversal and discovering the relationship between two versions of a world sound more appealing than collecting the largest possible arsenal.
Rank #4
- THEIR FLESH IS YOUR WEAPON: The corpses of exceptional warriors are scattered throughout Mortal Shell 2’s destroyed world. Once discovered, each warrior can be possessed, awakening their innate strengths and mastered abilities. Evolve your own style of combat by harnessing the unique abilities of each warrior and unlock their secrets through the discovery of lost memories.
- CLEANSE A RAVAGED WORLD: Mortal Shell 2’s compact open world connects over winding footpaths guarded by desperate and fanatical adversaries. Players who wander are rewarded with new warriors to possess, additional story elements, powerful and strange weaponry, upgrades, curiosities and more. Step through derelict temples of ancient deities, across forbidden forests and icy graves, into citadels carved out of bone. Scattered between these lost landmarks are more than 60 dungeons, each providing a challenging test of the talents and weaponry you have collected on your journey.
- DETHRONE FALSE GODS: You control the Harbinger, a being that must reclaim the Undermether’s stolen eggs that are now ruthlessly guarded by grotesque, dangerous creatures. Mortal Shell 2’s combat system is agile and expressive. Stamina gauges are removed, and execution options have been enhanced, delivering a kinetic and chaotic dark power fantasy. Precision meets intensity in high-stakes combat.
Black Myth: Wukong: best for cinematic boss spectacle
Black Myth: Wukong is an adjacent recommendation rather than a strict clone of the classic Souls formula. Its strongest appeal is presentation: mythic Chinese source material, dramatic environments and memorable boss encounters. It suits players who measure a campaign by the quality and variety of its set-piece fights.
Why choose it
- Bosses and spectacle sit at the center of the experience, making each major encounter feel like an event.
- Stance-based staff combat, spells and mobility create a faster, more theatrical rhythm than traditional shield-and-roll play.
- Chapter-based progression gives the journey a clear forward shape.
What may frustrate you
If your favorite part of a Soulslike is an enormous interconnected map full of shortcuts and opaque side paths, this is a less exact match. Its appeal is closer to action adventure with Soulslike difficulty and encounter design than to a one-for-one imitation.
Choose it if
Choose Black Myth: Wukong when you want polished boss spectacle and mythic presentation first, and strict adherence to the genre template second.
Demon’s Souls (2020 remake): best for seeing the template’s origin
The 2020 Demon’s Souls remake is the recommendation for PlayStation 5 owners who want to see where many modern Souls conventions began, presented with a contemporary visual treatment. Its separate worlds, reached from a central hub, provide a different structure from the continuous maps of later entries.
Why choose it
- Distinct worlds let you change direction when one area’s enemies or damage types are a poor match.
- Deliberate attacks, resource management and enemy weaknesses highlight the genre’s early design priorities.
- The remake offers a polished entry point without requiring you to play an older-looking original.
What may frustrate you
The segmented world design can feel less seamless than Dark Souls III or Elden Ring. Some systems also reflect an earlier stage of the formula, so players expecting every later quality-of-life convention may need patience.
Choose it if
Pick Demon’s Souls when historical context and a compact, experimentally structured campaign matter more than the broad build freedom of newer releases.
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Match the game to the experience you want
You want the most freedom
Choose Elden Ring. Its open world lets you change route, build and objective when a particular challenge stops being productive.
Best Value
- Internet connection and download required to access additional languages and bug fixes
- From dangerous dungeons to bustling towns, the world of STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R is depicted in a stunning 2.5D style that combines beautiful 3D graphics with nostalgic 2D pixel characters
- Start your journey with either Claude or Rena; Depending on your choice, the perspectives and the allies you can recruit will change
- Customize party progression with a large selection of skills, including Cooking, Art, Metalcraft, and many more; Build up to Specialty levels and master the enhanced Item Creation system to craft ultimate equipment with different effects
- Japanese and English voiceover
You want the purest classic formula
Choose Dark Souls III. It keeps the focus on connected spaces, dangerous encounters and the discovery of shortcuts.
You want to master timing
Choose Sekiro for deflections and posture, or Bloodborne if you prefer aggressive attacks that recover health after damage.
You want deeper character and equipment systems
Choose Nioh 2. Its ki, weapon skills and yokai powers provide the broadest laboratory for testing builds.
You want a guided story
Choose Lies of P for a directed Belle Époque setting and a readable weapon system.
You want exploration built around a gimmick
Choose Lords of the Fallen when shifting between two realms sounds like the kind of environmental puzzle you will enjoy.
You want bosses and spectacle
Choose Black Myth: Wukong if cinematic encounters matter more than a strict Soulslike world structure.
You want an early blueprint
Choose Demon’s Souls (2020 remake) if you have a PlayStation 5 and want to experience the foundation of the formula in a modern presentation.
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Practical checks before buying
- Confirm the platform: Bloodborne is PlayStation-only, Demon’s Souls (2020 remake) is PlayStation 5-only, Lies of P is listed for PC, PlayStation and Xbox, and Nioh 2 is listed for PC, PS4 and PS5. Verify the exact edition and regional listing for every other game.
- Check the campaign shape: Pick a focused or mission-based game if you have limited time; choose Elden Ring or Lords of the Fallen if exploration is the point of the purchase.
- Decide how much system complexity you want: Nioh 2 has the heaviest build and loot demands. Sekiro has fewer conventional RPG escape routes but a stricter execution test.
- Do not assume “Soulslike” means identical combat: Sekiro’s deflection, Bloodborne’s aggression, Nioh 2’s ki and Black Myth: Wukong’s spectacle each require different habits.
- Verify current pricing and stock: Prices, editions and physical availability change by region and date, so check the platform store or retailer immediately before purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
