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For the closest non-FromSoftware match, start with Lies of P. It combines precision combat, major boss fights, and interconnected environments. If what you want most is faster, stance-based fighting, try Nioh 2; for a focused action-adventure challenge, choose Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Elden Ring takes action-RPG exploration into a larger open world, while Hollow Knight offers a distinctly different 2D take on challenging exploration and boss combat.
“Like Dark Souls” can mean combat, exploration, difficulty, or the satisfaction of learning from a hard encounter. These games share some of those qualities, but none should be assumed to reproduce every Dark Souls system.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - Xbox One | $24.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
How to choose a game like Dark Souls
FromSoftware describes Dark Souls as an action RPG built around tense dungeon exploration, fearsome enemies, discovery, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. That gives a useful way to compare alternatives: ask whether you want to repeat its deliberate combat, connected world, demanding encounters, or RPG progression.
The label “Soulslike” covers games that share some of these traits but differ in structure and genre. In a 2024 study, Tibor Guzsvinecz surveyed 100 questionnaire participants: they rated combat system importance at an average of 4.70 out of 5, setting at 3.73, interconnected world at 3.62, and difficult gameplay at 3.57. Those figures describe that study’s respondents, not all players.
#1 Best Overall
- DARK SOULS REMASTERED - Then, there was fire. Re-experience the genre-defining game that started it all. Return to Lordran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers. Includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
- DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN - Prepare to Die again. The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II plus all three DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or PvP multiplayer. Includes the award-winning game and both DLC chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- ALL ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS - Visit the EP!C corner to download the music of the Dark Souls saga composed by Motoi Sakaraba and Yuka Kitamura. 110 tracks and more than 6 hours to listen and take back any Dark Souls fan to the intense boss fights and the best moments of their deadly journeys.
- Combat rhythm: choose whether you want measured exchanges, faster weapon stances, deflections, or aggressive attack-and-recovery play.
- World structure: look for interconnected spaces and shortcuts, mission-based levels, or open-world exploration.
- Genre and perspective: decide whether you want a 3D action RPG, a focused action adventure, or a 2D Metroidvania.
- Progression: consider whether builds, weapons, equipment, and skills are important to you; each game emphasizes these differently.
Best games like Dark Souls at a glance
| Game | Best for | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Lies of P | Precision combat, bosses, and connected exploration | A close non-FromSoftware fit, with weapon-part combinations and aggressive health recovery after attacks. |
| Nioh 2 | Faster, stance-based melee combat and weapon variety | Its pace and on-the-fly tactical choices make combat more mechanically busy. |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | A focused, demanding action-adventure challenge | FromSoftware categorizes it as an action adventure, not an action RPG; don’t pick it expecting Dark Souls-style character builds. |
| Elden Ring | Action-RPG exploration in a much larger world | It takes the action-RPG direction into an open-world frame. |
| Hollow Knight | Challenging exploration and bosses in 2D | A Metroidvania rather than a conventional 3D action RPG. |
| The First Berserker: Khazan | Intense, multi-stage boss fights | Its appeal centers more on combat and bosses than on difficult levels. |
| Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | Deflection-focused combat and historical fantasy | Its combat emphasizes deflection and poise. |
Choose by the part of Dark Souls you want back
Lies of P: the closest overall non-FromSoftware fit
Choose Lies of P if you want the combination of exacting combat, boss encounters, and spaces that connect rather than feeling like a series of unrelated arenas. PlayStation’s Canada guide describes it as offering fast precision combat, large boss battles, and sprawling interconnected environments. Its advice highlights dodging, parrying, builds, damage types, and amulets.
GameSpot also points to a distinctive weapon system built from interchangeable parts, shortcuts, and health recovery that rewards attacking after taking damage. That last mechanic gives encounters an aggressive edge: recovering health is not just a matter of backing away and waiting. The combination makes this the strongest starting recommendation for someone looking for a recognizable Souls-style loop outside FromSoftware’s games.
Rank #2
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
Nioh 2: faster fights and more weapon choices
Try Nioh 2 if you want a brisker, more mechanically varied melee action RPG. Its stance-based combat and weapon variety encourage tactical choices during a fight, rather than relying on one steady rhythm. It suits players who enjoy learning a combat system’s options and switching approaches as situations change.
GameSpot lists the game for PC, PS4, and PS5. Check the listing for the edition and platform you intend to use, since availability can differ by storefront and region.
Rank #3
- The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
- Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
Sekiro: a focused action-adventure test
Pick Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice for a demanding combat challenge in a more focused action-adventure format. FromSoftware classifies Sekiro as an action adventure, while it classifies Elden Ring as an action RPG. That distinction matters if flexible character builds are central to what you want: Sekiro is a related combat challenge, not a promise of Dark Souls-style build variety.
Elden Ring: action-RPG exploration on a larger scale
Choose Elden Ring if you want FromSoftware’s action-RPG sensibility in a larger open-world setting. Both FromSoftware and Bandai Namco frame it as an action RPG, with Bandai Namco also listing it among open-world RPGs. Its official page supports one to four players, so it is also the option here with an explicitly stated multiplayer range.
Rank #4
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armour, magic and crafting options to create your own play style and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategise freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Hollow Knight: a different genre with demanding exploration
Hollow Knight is the outlier for players willing to trade a 3D action RPG for a 2D Metroidvania. It shares the appeal of exploring dangerous places, finding secrets, facing demanding bosses, and living with consequences for death, but its perspective and genre are different. Choose it for the challenge and discovery, not because you expect Dark Souls’ world structure or character systems.
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The First Berserker: Khazan: make boss fights the priority
Consider The First Berserker: Khazan if the encounters you most want are intense, multi-stage boss fights. GameSpot frames it as an outlier that puts combat and bosses ahead of level difficulty; PlayStation describes fast, aggressive combat and demanding bosses. That makes it a more specific recommendation than an all-round Dark Souls substitute.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty: deflection and historical fantasy
Try Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty if you are drawn to deflection-focused fighting and a dark Three Kingdoms setting. GameSpot describes its combat as built around poise and deflection, while PlayStation’s guide presents it as a demanding action adventure. Its appeal is therefore a particular combat style and setting, rather than a claim to match Dark Souls in every respect.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check platform and edition before buying
Platform support, store listings, and physical editions can vary by region and edition. Confirm that the specific version is available for your system and in your local store before buying; a platform listing in a recommendation guide does not establish current local stock or availability.
Quick Recap
Sources
- FromSoftware’s official site for its descriptions and genre categories for Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Sekiro.
- GameSpot’s “The 12 Best Games Like Dark Souls That Will Test Your Persistence” for comparisons and platform notes.
- PlayStation Canada’s “What are the toughest games on PlayStation?” for its descriptions of Lies of P, The First Berserker: Khazan, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
- Bandai Namco Europe’s RPG games catalog for its genre framing of Elden Ring.
- Tibor Guzsvinecz, “The Soulsification of video games,” Multimedia Tools and Applications (2024) for the questionnaire findings.
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.
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