The 10 Best Soulslike Games Not Made By FromSoftware
Soulslike games have drawn players with their intricate level design, deep lore, challenging combat, and the notorious difficulty that demands precision and patience. Soulslike games also emphasize on player self-improvement, adding in mechanics of loss should they die. You get killed by an enemy, you have to go back to where you died to get your currency/wealth back, and you lose it permanently if you die again. The sort of mechanics that make better players be more aware with the playfield they’re in.
While FromSoftware pioneered this genre with its iconic Dark Souls series and Elden Ring (with its DLC out right now!), numerous other developers have taken up the mantle to create their enthralling tales and punishing game mechanics.
Here’s a list of the 10 best Soulslike games not developed by FromSoftware that every fan of the genre should consider playing:
Hollow Knight
- Developer: Team Cherry
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release Date: 25 February 2017
Team Cherry’s masterpiece combines Soulslike mechanics with Metroidvania elements. Hollow Knight invites players to delve into serpentine caverns, combat corrupted beings, and navigate through elaborate traps to unveil a deeply buried ancient mystery.
In this game, players assume the role of a knight navigating the insect-populated, subterranean world of Hallownest, now in the throes of a devastating infection. Players will face numerous hostile insectoids throughout their journey through Hallownest’s varied landscapes. These enemies pose great danger, demanding caution and strategy, especially during boss battles.
Set against a hauntingly beautiful backdrop, distinguished by its challenging yet equitable combat and the richness of its exploratory elements. It incorporates elements reminiscent of Dark Souls, from the formidable boss fights to the unique Shade mechanic that activates upon the character’s death.
Code Vein
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
- Release Date: 27 September 2019
Often described as “anime Dark Souls,” Code Vein mixes Soulslike gameplay with a unique companion system, offering a more approachable entry point into the genre with its distinctive art style and storytelling. In a world ravaged by apocalypse, players embody a Revenant, akin to a vampire, engaged in battle against the cannibalistic beings known as The Lost.
The game’s visual presentation is stunning — from the enigmatic cathedrals to the desolate cityscapes, ensuring that each area is engaging to explore, whether in the company of others or alone. The presence of multiple endings further attests to Bandai Namco’s commitment to delivering a rich, plot-driven experience.
Read more at Kakuchopurei
Read more of our articles below!
