The 8 Best Soulslikes for Beginners, Ranked

FromSoftware's rapid ascent to fame and prosperity began with the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls, and the subsequent release of Elden Ring propelled the company's reputation to new heights. As a result, numerous game studios have been inspired to create games in the Soulsborne style, adding their own unique twists, giving birth to the popular Soulslike genre.

The market is now flooded with a plethora of Soulslike games, leaving prospective players overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available. For newcomers to the genre, it is advisable to start with a game that doesn't have the punishing difficulty characteristic of Soulslikes.

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight boasts an exceptional level of environmental storytelling that ranks among the finest in the gaming world. Witnessing the gradual deterioration of Hallownest as its inhabitants grapple with the Infection is a deeply moving experience, offering poignant moments throughout the game.

The anticipation surrounding the sequel to this indie masterpiece is well-founded. It transcends the typical Soulslike genre, inviting players to interact with a decaying world and become fully immersed in a narrative that, despite not being primarily story-driven as one might anticipate, is undeniably outstanding.

Tunic

Tunic stands out as a distinctive indie treasure, aiming to capture the essence of gaming's golden era when the internet couldn't prematurely reveal every detail and thus remove the challenge for players entirely. Tunic excels in engaging players with deciphering symbols and solving puzzles, showcasing this as one of its most impressive qualities, alongside its unique visual design, which is a visual delight.

Furthermore, Tunic incorporates combat mechanics clearly influenced by the Souls series. However, for those concerned about the level of difficulty, there is no need for worry—Tunic offers a range of accessibility options that can ease the challenge of its combat should it become too overwhelming for players.

Jedi: Fallen Order

Respawn Entertainment took on the formidable task of creating a new Star Wars single-player game, and they undeniably succeeded with the launch of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Although it's worth acknowledging that the game suffered from significant bugs upon release, players can now confidently explore this title for a much-improved gaming experience.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order offers numerous appealing aspects, and those who find enjoyment in it should consider delving into its sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Both games feature thrilling Soulslike combat and a gratifying lightsaber parry system.

The Surge 2

The Surge, created by Deck13, presented a respectable science-fiction Soulslike experience. However, some fans found it lacking in certain aspects that hindered their enjoyment. Fortunately, the sequel, The Surge 2, recognized and swiftly addressed the issues that plagued the original title.

In this follow-up, the combat has been enhanced for greater responsiveness, and the game's exploration aspect has reached a commendable level of quality. While the quality of bosses may still fall short of expectations, players seeking a reasonably accessible Soulslike experience will find plenty to appreciate in what The Surge 2 has to offer.

Mortal Shell

Mortal Shell remains relatively obscure to many, which is unfortunate because this Soulslike game introduces some intriguing concepts that should pique the interest of genre enthusiasts. What sets Mortal Shell apart is its remarkable accessibility, allowing even newcomers to this style of gameplay to effectively confront adversaries by utilizing the distinctive Hardening mechanic.

The ability to trigger this maneuver at any moment adds an element of excitement to combat, as players continually outmaneuver their opponents. Moreover, Mortal Shell doesn't demand a significant time investment, making it an enjoyable experience for fans to swiftly progress through and savor all it has to deliver.

Darksiders 3

The Darksiders series underwent a commendable evolution, even though it didn't attain the sales figures it warranted. Nevertheless, it was Darksiders 3 that truly divided its fanbase due to the substantial alterations it introduced to the established formula, most of which were met with unfavorable reactions.

One of the most significant changes involved the abandonment of the combat system from previous installments in favor of a more Soulslike experience. While the criticisms raised by reviewers are valid, players who can overlook this aspect will find enjoyment in Darksiders, appreciating its accessibility, particularly since many of its issues have been resolved.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells combines elements of Roguevania design with its occasional steep difficulty and formidable bosses, making it a game that continues to captivate Souls fans. Players assume the role of an enigmatic entity that seemingly possesses immortality, reemerging from an unknown substance each time it meets its demise in battle.

This 2D sidescrolling adventure boasts striking visuals, demanding yet engaging combat, and an expansive "blueprint system" that enables players to unlock weapons, attire, and accessories to incorporate into subsequent playthroughs. Offering multiple branching pathways and an extensive playstyle customization system, Dead Cells stands as an indispensable indie sensation that should not be missed.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Over the past five years, Team Ninja has solidified its position in the world of Soulslike games through the Nioh series. While these titles aren't available on Xbox Game Pass, the developer's most recent endeavor was launched directly on Microsoft's subscription service. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty incorporates many of the same concepts seen in Team Ninja's previous releases, including a loot system that inundates players with an abundance of weapons and armor.

Similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Wo Long emphasizes the importance of deflecting attacks over relying solely on blocking or evading. It's worth noting that the latter two tactics are still valuable tools in the player's arsenal, but mastering parrying is crucial for survival in the campaign.

Taking place during China's Three Kingdoms era, Wo Long blurs the line between reality and fiction by integrating historical figures alongside supernatural creatures. As is typical for a quality Soulslike game, Team Ninja's creation is brimming with challenging boss battles, with multiple such encounters in most stages. Rather than featuring a continuous world, Wo Long is divided into segments, each introducing players to a new Metroidvania-style environment. Beyond the main missions, there are also side missions that offer unique bosses and rewards.