iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you want the satisfaction of exploring a dangerous world but find Dark Souls’ room layouts more confusing than rewarding, start with Hollow Knight for readable 2D exploration or Lies of P for a more directed, familiar Soulslike route. Sekiro, Tunic, and Salt and Sanctuary are also strong fits, but each shifts the challenge in a different direction. None removes frustration altogether; the goal is to trade opaque room navigation for a challenge you would rather learn.
That distinction matters: clearer navigation does not necessarily mean easier combat, and a more directed route can mean fewer surprising connections. The right choice depends on whether you want to preserve Souls-style combat and progression, or are willing to change format to make exploration easier to read.
Which games like Dark Souls make exploration easier to read?
For a substantial change to the navigation problem, look first at Hollow Knight and Salt and Sanctuary: both move the action into a 2D exploration framework. If you want a recognizable modern Soulslike with a clearer forward route, consider Lies of P. The other two recommendations answer different frustrations: Sekiro deemphasizes Souls-style build planning, while Tunic makes discovery and incomplete information central to the experience.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
| Game | Best fit | Exploration and layout | Main challenge | What changes from Dark Souls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Knight | Interconnected 2D exploration | Routes and spatial relationships are presented in a 2D framework; ability-gated paths and backtracking still matter. | Traversal, platforming, and finding routes | Moves away from 3D rooms and Souls-style RPG progression. |
| Lies of P | A more directed modern Soulslike | More legible forward progression, with shortcuts and exploration rewards; not every area is simple or equally distinctive. | Soulslike combat and progression | Preserves the recognizable formula while favoring direction over labyrinthine wandering. |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Combat mastery over build optimization | Exploration remains rewarding, but the main draw is not a broad RPG-stat build system. | Timing, posture, and execution | Emphasizes skill trees and precision-oriented combat. |
| Tunic | Secrets and discovery | Exploration rewards curiosity and interpretation rather than only route-finding. | Combat, puzzles, and incomplete information | Action-adventure rather than a conventional Soulslike. |
| Salt and Sanctuary | A direct 2D Dark Souls-style substitute | Side-scrolling exploration changes the spatial problem, but does not eliminate opacity or demanding traversal. | Combat and RPG progression | Translates Souls-like combat, atmosphere, and progression into 2D. |
These are editorial fits, not a universal difficulty ranking. The distinction to keep in mind is layout clarity versus overall difficulty: a game can be easier to parse and still demand more precise combat.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Is Hollow Knight a good choice if 3D rooms are the problem?
Yes. Hollow Knight is the strongest exploration-first choice if stacked corridors, camera angles, and repeated-looking rooms are what make Dark Souls navigation frustrating. Its 2D Metroidvania structure makes the spatial relationships between routes easier to read without making the journey a simple straight line.
Instead of trying to interpret a maze of 3D rooms, you learn how areas connect across a side-on map. The exploration challenge shifts to recognizing routes, returning to places you could not fully access before, and finding paths that open as your abilities expand. That can make progress feel more understandable: you may know where a route is, even if you cannot take it yet.
The trade-off is important. Platforming and backtracking become part of the navigation challenge, and an ability-gated route can still leave you wondering where to go next. This is not a one-to-one Dark Souls replacement; it is the exploration-first alternative for someone willing to exchange room-by-room 3D navigation for traversal and route discovery in 2D. GameSpot includes Hollow Knight among major Dark Souls-adjacent recommendations, and Pocket Tactics includes it among difficult Soulslike games.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Does Lies of P have a clearer route than Dark Souls?
Lies of P is the strongest fit if you want recognizable Soulslike combat and progression but would rather spend less time deciphering sprawling, nonlinear spaces. Its appeal here is the balance: keep the familiar action-RPG framework, while favoring a more directed sense of forward progress.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
“More directed” does not mean that exploration disappears. Shortcuts and rewards still give a reason to look around, and there can still be confusing sections. The difference is what the route asks of you: a clearer forward path can reduce the feeling that you have to map every branching corridor just to work out what the game expects next.
That clarity has a cost for players who most enjoy the surprise of discovering how distant areas connect. A more directed structure may offer fewer of those unexpected connections than a highly nonlinear world. Search coverage positions Lies of P as a Dark Souls alternative and generally praises its level design, while also noting that some areas are less distinctive. Choose it for a modern, familiar Soulslike with less emphasis on wandering—not as a guarantee that every level will be straightforward.
Is Sekiro a better fit if build planning is frustrating?
It may be, if your frustration comes from managing a broad character build or worrying about whether you have optimized your stats. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice departs from the traditional Dark Souls formula by emphasizing skill trees and precision-oriented combat rather than a wide RPG-stat build system. PC Gamer describes it as a distinct FromSoftware experience that still rewards exploration.
This is a change in the source of difficulty, not a promise of lower difficulty. Sekiro places much more weight on timing, posture, and execution. If a fight feels hard because you are unsure what kind of character to build, that emphasis may feel like a relief. If you dislike having to master precise combat, it may simply replace one kind of friction with another.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose it when you want exploration to remain worthwhile but would rather focus your learning on combat mastery than on Souls-style build optimization. Do not choose it on the assumption that a more focused progression system makes the game easy: its challenge is concentrated in how you play, not in assembling a broad stat build.
Is Tunic a Soulslike or an exploration game?
Tunic is better described as an action-adventure game with Soulslike challenge than as a conventional Soulslike. It is the pick for someone who wants to feel clever while exploring, finding secrets, and making sense of what the world reveals.
That changes the nature of uncertainty. Rather than treating the main problem as navigating opaque room layouts, Tunic leans on discovery, puzzles, and incomplete information. The pleasure comes from working out what you have learned and what it means; the potential frustration is not knowing enough, rather than only not knowing which corridor to take.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Reference coverage describes it as a blend of Zelda-like exploration and Soulslike challenge, with discovery among its strongest elements. That makes it an appealing alternative if you want exploration to reward curiosity, but a less direct fit if your priority is preserving a traditional Soulslike structure.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is Salt and Sanctuary the closest 2D Dark Souls alternative?
Yes. If you want Souls-like combat, progression, and atmosphere but are comfortable moving to a side-scrolling format, Salt and Sanctuary is the clearest direct substitute in this list. Its 2D presentation changes how you read and traverse an area, which addresses the specific irritation of confusing 3D rooms without claiming to remove every exploration problem.
Ska Studios’ official game page describes fast, brutal, complex 2D combat alongside developed RPG mechanics. It also identifies New Game Plus, NPCs, weapon transmutation, and fast travel. Those details make the recommendation more than a simple change of camera: the game aims to retain a substantial action-RPG progression loop in its 2D format. GameSpot and Pocket Tactics also position it among the clearest 2D Dark Souls-style experiences.
Expect it to remain demanding and, at times, opaque. The useful promise is narrower: you are changing the format of exploration, not removing challenge or guaranteeing that every route will be obvious. Pick it over Hollow Knight if retaining Souls-like combat and RPG mechanics matters more than making exploration the main draw.
Recommended Free Tools
How should you choose between these games?
Start by naming the thing you want to stop doing. “I get lost in 3D rooms,” “I want a clearer route,” and “I dislike managing a build” point to different games, even if all three frustrations arose while playing Dark Souls.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Room geometry and spatial confusion: Start with Hollow Knight if you want exploration to remain the focus, or Salt and Sanctuary if you want the closer Souls-style combat and RPG substitute.
- Too much wandering before the next objective: Try Lies of P for a more directed route while retaining a recognizable Soulslike framework.
- Character-build uncertainty: Consider Sekiro, provided that precision combat sounds appealing rather than like a new source of frustration.
- Exploration that feels like solving a mystery: Try Tunic if secrets and incomplete information sound rewarding to you.
Use four questions to make the choice more precise:
- Do you need a different spatial format? If 3D room layouts are the central problem, focus on the two 2D choices rather than assuming that a similar camera and genre will solve it.
- Do you want connection or direction? Hollow Knight puts more emphasis on interconnected exploration and returning to routes; Lies of P favors a clearer forward route. Those are different exploration pleasures.
- What kind of challenge do you still want? Platforming and traversal, Soulslike combat, precise execution, and puzzles are not interchangeable. Choose the difficulty source you are willing to practice.
- How much of the Soulslike formula do you want to keep? Salt and Sanctuary is the closest 2D substitute; Tunic shifts furthest toward action-adventure. The other options sit between those poles in different ways.
Before choosing, separate “I want fewer confusing rooms” from “I want an easier game.” Sekiro can answer the first preference for some players without answering the second. Likewise, moving to 2D changes how you understand the map, but does not remove backtracking, locked routes, or the need to learn a hostile world.
What should you expect from a Dark Souls exploration alternative?
Expect a change in friction, not its total disappearance. A 2D game may make the layout easier to parse while asking you to manage platforming and return trips. A directed Soulslike can reduce aimless wandering while giving you fewer of the unexpected world connections that make nonlinear exploration satisfying. A focused combat system can remove one layer of build planning yet demand more from your timing.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThat is why there is no single “least frustrating” pick for everyone. If your problem is specifically three-dimensional room navigation, the format shift in Hollow Knight or Salt and Sanctuary is the most direct response. If you want to keep a modern Soulslike feel and reduce route ambiguity, Lies of P is the more natural starting point. The best choice is the one whose remaining challenge sounds like a skill you want to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to finish Dark Souls before playing these games?
No. These recommendations are alternatives based on the kind of exploration and challenge you want, not sequels that require Dark Souls knowledge. Choose by preferred format and challenge rather than play order.
Are all five games available on my console or PC?
Availability can vary by platform and edition, and the information here does not establish a current platform list for each game. Check the store page for your specific system before buying.
Can I avoid spoilers while looking for help if I get stuck?
Yes. Search for a narrow hint about the area, route, or puzzle rather than a full walkthrough, and stop once you have the information you need. That preserves more of the discovery these games are designed around.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
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.
