RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourceson Google Preferred Source Google News Link copied to clipboard By Austin Manchester Published Aug 23, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT Polygon Lists At least from studios not named FromSoftware
Ever since the one-two punch of FromSoftware’s Demon’s Souls in 2009 and Dark Souls in 2011, the Soulslike genre has gradually grown in popularity. Recent years have given parry aficionados plenty of drab environments, grotesque enemies, and opaque stories to enjoy. Of course, not every Soulslike is filled with darkness; drenching its world in sun is what made 2024’s Enotria: The Last Song stand out, for example.
With Elden Ring ’s arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 and FromSoftware’s The Duskbloods right around the corner, now’s as good of a time as any to reflect on the genre of games FromSoftware helped build by looking at the 10 best Soulslikes of the past 10 years.
Of course, defining what exactly is a “Soulslike” can be a tricky endeavor, especially when so many recent games combine elements from various genres. We’re looking for games that are high on difficulty, encourage exploration, have bonfire-like checkpoints, and usually punish the player for dying. We’re limiting the list to one game per series, and excluding FromSoftware’s Soulsborne output. You already know Elden Ring is the best this genre has to offer this side of Bloodborne (the true GOAT).
First, an honorable mention: Mortal Shell 2 . Cold Symmetry’s second Soulslike stab is one of the best-reviewed Soulslikes of the year . It’s only been out a couple of days at the time of this publication, but players have been jiving with it based on its Very Positive Steam player rating . But just like with our best games of 2026 list , we want to let games settle in for a few weeks before making any definitive declarations about them.
Where to play: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers excels in making its players feel powerful . Whereas some (OK, maybe most) Soulslikes revel in beating a player down, Wuchang delights in giving players tools to create their own power fantasies. Instead of hits from bosses abruptly ending combos, Wuchang ’s clash mechanic allows players to hit through attacks, and even gain health back on each hit with the right buffs equipped. There are a lot of great ideas in Wuchang , like its magic system and Madness mechanic, that will surely get iterated on in a sequel , although how that plays out is yet to be seen after Wuchang ’s developer reportedly disbanded .
The First Berserker: Khazan combines the dark and dreary look of a Dark Souls game with a cel-shaded anime aesthetic to make for a unique visual style. While a prequel to the Dungeon & Fighter series, it’s set 800 years before the first game, so you’re good to go hacking and dodge-rolling without doing any homework. You’ll step into the boots of General Khazan for bloody and brutal boss battles, a highlight of the underrated 2025 Soulslike.
Where to play: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Another Crab’s Treasure is one of the most unique Soulslikes around for starring, well, a crab! It’s a visual treat, pulling on a large color palette for its bright underwater environments. Your poor crab’s shell has been repossessed, meaning your Fashion Souls fit comes by way of discarded trash in the ocean, like a gacha capsule or a red solo cup. Another Crab’s Treasure threads the needle between challenge and charm, and its accessibility settings (you can PAUSE the game!) certainly help in that regard.
Remnant 2 and its predecessor are some of the few Soulslikes that don’t primarily focus on melee combat. Instead, you’ll have a wide arsenal of firearms to shoot your monstrous foes in the face. It features ever-changing, procedurally generated levels to constantly keep you on your toes, a departure from the genre’s typically highly structured and connected level design. And if Remnant 2 starts getting too difficult, grab a friend for the post-apocalyptic adventure, as the game supports cooperative multiplayer.
Where to play: Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
FromSoftware may be the undisputed King of the Soulslike, but Team Ninja has given it a run for its money. Known for the NInja Gaiden games, Team Ninja has also released the Soulslikes Rise of the Ronin , Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty , and the Nioh series (more on that in a moment). Wo Long is as difficult as they come, and expertly blends together wuxia action and Sekiro -like parrying . It demands patience and practice, and through that you’ll become an expert demon slayer.
At times, Black Myth: Wukon g feels more like a boss rush game than anything as it showcases over 100 bosses to take down. It’s filled to the brim with gross insect creatures, giant monsters, rat enemies, and more inspired by Journey to the West . Wukong is a bit more forgiving than most Soulslikes, but it still provides enough challenge over the course of 60 or so hours. Though you only use Wukong’s customizable staff as a weapon with a limited moveset, magical spells, transformations, and spirit skills keep combat varied and fun throughout.
Where to play: Nintendo Switch 2 (out Oct. 8), PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X
Hell Is Us strikes a great balance between guiding a player on their journey and letting them figure things out on their own. Its war-torn world is worth spending the extra time to explore and chat it up with NPCs, some of whom are vile and some of whom are just trying to survive a new day in the midst of a civil war. Whereas you might play an Elden Ring and come out the other side not really knowing what’s going on in its world, Hell Is Us ’ storytelling and mysteries are its strengths.
Where to play: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel Survivor are a couple of the best Star Wars games ever made. They expertly mix lightsaber combat with Soulslike ...
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