Ever since the catalysts forthe Souls subgenre, Demon Souls and Dark Souls, burst onto the scene, FromSoft has reigned supreme as the kings ofthe genre they single-handedly created.However, that doesn’t mean imitators haven’t been gunning to steal their crown.
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Combat is always the focus, but it never hurts to make it fun to get around.
That said, no one has been able to beat FromSoft at their own game, and their catalog of Souls experiences remains the best in class when it comes to titles utilizing the traditional Souls blueprint. However, we have had a few standout Soulslikes that have dared to be different.
They have done this by taking the Souls blueprint and then going all Dr Frankenstein with it to create a genre splice that offers all the staples of a Souls game, but with a little something extra that elevates the experience.
So, if you’re willing to step away from the tried and tested FromSoft formula and try something new and novel, then you’ll want to check out these incredible Souls hybrids.
For this list, we will also consider Souls-Lites and will try our best to stick to established genres and sub-genres. Plus, we will only include one example of each chosen genre hybrid.
Souls x Open World
Due to the fact that we aren’t allowing for Soulsborne games in this Soulslikes list, we can’t have Elden Ring as ourOpen-world representative. So, the next best thing is a little game called Ashen.
This co-op adventure has you exploring a strange, enigmatic world that is always changing around you, and thanks to the less grim and oppressive art style compared to most Souls games, this one feels like a more accessible adventure for newcomers.
If you’re seeking a refined and challenging Souls experience, this one will likely disappoint, as most of the difficulty comes through the game’s lackluster combat options. Not to mention, the multiplayer is a little wonky.
However, in terms of open-world design, atmosphere, and rewarding exploration, Ashen nails it, leading to a beginner-friendly Souls game where you can take an equally novice pal along for the ride.
9Asgard’s Wrath 2 (Hardest Difficulty)
Souls x VR
Asgard’s Wrath 2
I do need to specify that this only applies to Asgard’s Wrath if you decide to play the game on the hardest difficulty. However, if you do make that choice,this VR melee extravaganzahas serious Soulslike vibes.
In this setting, the melee combat requires a deep understanding of every enemy types moveset, and requires you to play cautiously, pick your moments and strike with precision.
Combat mastery always feels great in a Soulslike, but when you’re playing in VR and have that tactile link to your sword, there’s just something about that which makes the wins all the sweeter.
The parries feel satisfying, defeating enemy waves requires a tactical approach, and, to add some spice, you’ll have magical powers that might just give you the upper hand when the chips are down.
It’s not a perfect comparison, I’ll grant you. But alongside games like In Death, Legendary Tales, and Vengeful Rites, this title is the closest thing to VR Souls on the market today.
8The First Berserker: Khazan
Souls x ARPG
The First Berserker: Khazan
Fextralife Wiki
While we could have easily dropped the Nioh series into this spot to represent the ARPG hybrid, we wanted to go with a recent game that blew us away, both from a visual standpoint, and in terms of its relentless difficulty.
Khazanis an incredible Soulslike that forces players to master the art of parrying if they wish to stand a chance of surviving the onslaught of bosses that the game has to offer, which is immediately clear when the first boss inevitably kills you for the thirtieth time.
However, alongside the refined combat, and the anime-esque visuals, the game also boasts an ARPG looting system that will see you constantly menuing to adapt your loot, and change your playstyle if necessary to get the most out of your new treasures.
I’m in the camp that believes the bosses are a little unbalanced, as the game demands near-perfection in all fights. But if you vibe with that uncompromising design choice, then this might be the Souls Hybrid for you.
7Remnant 2
Souls x Third-Person-Shooter
While Ashen was thefirst co-op Souls gamewe mentioned, I’d be willing to stick my neck out and say that you won’t find a better multiplayer Souls experience than Remnant 2, and I say that knowing that Nightreign is on the horizon at the time of writing.
Remnant 2 is the superior sequel to the game that answered the question that nobody was asking: What would a Souls game be like if it had guns instead of swords?
It steps up the ante by offering tighter combat, an interesting story that punctuates the moments when you aren’t exploring a series of procedurally generated worlds. Plus, with the excellent multiplayer implementation, you’re able to take a couple of pals with you to take on The Root.
It’s far easier than most traditional Souls games, especially if you bring friends with you, which makes this one a great beginner romp for curious potential Souls fans. But, even if you do have a wealth of firepower at your disposal, don’t expect a cakewalk.
6Code Vein
Souls x JRPG
Continuing the rich vein of co-op Soulslikes we have going, we have Code Vein, a game that manages to marry together the harsh and punishing ideals of the Souls genre with the silly and surreal themes found in a classic JRPG.
Admittedly, this is less of a classic turn-based JRPG affair and more of adynamic and intense one akin to the likes of Nier: Automata or Scarlet Nexus,but with the added bonus of being a lot more difficult, which will please Souls purists.
The only downside to this is that using the AI partner instead of an actual human co-op partner makes the game far less enjoyable and much more frustrating. But, if you’re able to struggle through, you’ll enjoy a riveting story, some great boss battles, and a Soulslike that feels like playing through a top-tier anime.
Souls x Metroidbrainia
I’ll kick this one off with the important caveat that, because of the accessibility settings within Tunic, this game is really only as much of a Soulslike as you choose. However, if you play this game on the recommended default settings, it’s a tricky game. Believe me.
The combat is a rich blend of top-down Zelda-esque hack and slash and cautious Souls combat, with bulky enemy types and bosses that will give you a run for your money.
But, on top of this tough combat that keeps things lively, the game also boasts a world steeped in mystery with its own unique language that you’ll have to learn through discarded game manual pages, all in an attempt to solve the grand puzzle at the heart of this adventure.
It’s a game where knowledge is power,making it a top-tier Metroidbrainiaworth checking out. However, unless you turn those accessibility sliders all the way down, don’t expect smooth passage through this mysterious and wonderful world.
4Another Crab’s Treasure
Souls x 3D Platformer
Another Crab’s Treasure
If you asked me whichSoulslike is best for a beginner to hop into, I would say without missing a beat that it is Another Crab’s Treasure.
This title essentially takes all the essential Souls staples, boils them down to their purest, most simple form, and then mashes them together with traditional 3D platformer design choices that make you feel like you’ve been transported to the golden era back when the PS2 was still king.
The lighthearted story, the whimsical art style, and the accessible systems all make it so easy for newcomers to hop in and experience what a Soulslike is all about without missing a beat. But this game also includes one vital Souls staple that will humble you. Difficulty.
It finds a perfect balance between child-like whimsy and soul-crushing difficulty, and also has enough of its own ideas and design choices that it doesn’t feel like a lazy, dialed-down Souls clone either. It’s an excellent game in its own right, and the only Shoals-like on the market today.
Souls x First Person ARPG
I’ll concede that Lunacid definitely has more in common with older FromSoftware titles like King’s Field, but when you consider that King’s Field partly inspired Dark Souls, I think you’ll forgive me for including this incredible Spiritual Successor to FromSoft’s cult classic.
This title offers a dungeon-crawling ARPG experience that is reminiscent of games from the 1990’s, with intentional demake graphics to match. But, there is just a hint of Soulslike charm about this one, as you must engage with combat in a thoughtful and cautious manner if you wish to survive.
Not to mention, the world has an interconnected and enigmatic feel akin to that of Dark Souls. It’s a little on the easy side, so if you’re on the lookout for a new soul-crushing game to beat you to a pulp, this isn’t it. But if you want a Soulslike with a difference that feels like a blast from the past, then Lunacid is the one for you.
2Void Sols
Souls x Top-Down 2D
You can call Soulsborne and Soulslike games a lot of things. But, rarely can you call one of them minimalist.
Void Sols is a game that bucks that trend as it places you in the role of a little sentient triangle reminiscent of your spaceship in the old Asteroids arcade game and asks you to use traditional top-down hack-and-slash combat to deal with your foes.
Visually, it’s a spectacle as the game feels like a laser light show at all times, with a pulsing backing track pushing you forward. But, due to the wealth of strong enemies the game throws at you, you’ll get knocked back a fair amount too.
It’s a Soulslike minus all the fluff, essentially offering the closest thing to an arcade Soulslike you’ll likely ever see. It’s simplistic, and that might not suit you if you love digging around for lore in item descriptions. But if you’re in the market for all-out action, Void Sols has that in spades.
1Hollow Knight
Souls x Metroidvania
Hollow Knight
Truth be told, we were spoiled for choice when it came to the Metroidvania Souls hybrid. Games like Nine Sols, Salt & Sanctuary, and Blasphemous all came to mind. However, in truth, none could lay a glove on Hollow Knight.
Hollow Knight is one of the richest Metroidvania experiences ever crafted, with a phenomenally designed world to explore, a wealth of satisfying powers to unlock, and in terms of presentation, whether that be sound or visuals, the game is near-flawless.
But, on top of all this, the game also boasts punishing and wonderfully implemented Souls mechanics which make each runback tense, each boss battle more thrilling, and force the player to master the mechanics on offer, or simply perish over and over again.
With ample DLC and a healthy speedrunning and modding community, it really is the game that keeps on giving, and with Silksong reportedly finally on the horizon, there’s no time like the present to visit Hallownest.
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