Soulslikes consistently offer a combination of intense bosses, vague yet powerful storylines, and ways to make your build fit your playstyle. The genre is filled with worlds that prove to you that anything you put your mind to can be accomplished. Let’s dive into my top Soulslikes.
Bloodborne
No matter how many years pass and what Soulslikes are popular at the moment, so many people return to Bloodborne. This classic broke the mold with its powerful story, incredible bosses, and ability to be unique to the person playing it. This was before the days of Elden Ring, before companies knew there was a significant niche of people who crave such intense difficulty.
There is no sacrificing quality when it comes to Bloodborne. Everything is perfectly married within its story and gameplay. Though this game came out in 2015, and I do have my critiques of it, its a bonafide classic, that paved the way for games like Elden Ring to exist. Play this game! It’s one of the best choices you’ll ever make.
Elden Ring Nightreign
Elden Ring Nightreign is a roguelite and Soulslike combined. Elden Ring was already unpredictable and chaotic, but turning the base game into something faster-paced that embodies whimsical chaos was one of the best things I’ve gotten to experience. Nightreign, much like the base game, has a substantial story to it, creating more lore and meat to what it already had. On top of many quality-of-life updates, Nightreign’s DLC has added new bosses, including the beloved Artorias from the original Dark Souls.
Normally, I like playing my Soulslikes solo, but Nightriegn is incredibly fun with friends and becomes the building blocks for some solid core memories. This game can be played by yourself or with a group of people that you don’t know, but overall, this game nurtures a cooperative aspect and breathes new life into what a Soulslike can be.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights blends the beauty of a metroidvania with a Soulslike in a seamless and beautiful way. From the multiple abilities and guardians that you can utilize along the way, this entry in the genre is a punishing yet rewarding gem in an underrated niche. Bosses you fight become a part of your team, and utilizing these creatures you fought against in future battles is such a smart design choice. Besides the main story of bosses to collect like Pokémon, there’s also a plethora of other bosses to add to your army that fight for you. Exploring this game thoroughly is worth the time investment!
Nioh 3
When I think of Nioh, I think of the original Soulslike before Soulslikes were even thought of. Nioh 3 is a spectacular game that, while dangerous, can be tackled with ease when approached logically. Nioh 1 & 2 (especially 2) created the fast-paced gameplay that we know and love now, so when Nioh 3 came out, it was able to capitalize on what was already working and expand on it with an open world and new gameplay mechanics. Nioh 3 has weapons that pack a punch, and bosses and enemies that, at every turn instill doubt, annoyance, and then strength.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a Soulslike that has some of the best art design I’ve ever seen. There are so many ways to succeed in this game due to how the skill tree is incorporated, allowing you to make your own playstyle in the madness of this game. On top of incredible bosses and an intriguing story, you also play as a badass female lead!
I would highly recommend getting this game, as its beautiful landscapes are mesmerizing, and its linear yet vague story creates so many questions begging to be answered. It’s fairly easy to get acquainted with in terms of mechanics and how everything flows, but deciding how to create your build and testing it out can be a time-consuming but thrilling experience.
Soulslikes are a core part of what makes me the gamer I am today, with their sparkling landscapes, gorgeous music, complex bosses, and enriching storylines. If you love Soulslikes as much as I do, then you’ll love exploring the worlds of the games above. Let me know what your favorite Soulslikes are, and which ones from this list you want to play or have played, in the comments!
