While FromSoftware has been making games since well before the Dark Souls franchise took off, the developer has become known for creating the “Soulslike” genre.
These action RPG experiences feature expansive, non-linear worlds, a Metroidvania-style of progression, and brutally difficult combat. They’ll test your patience from start to finish, but there’s nothing quite like beating these bosses.
While there are plenty of Soulslike games from other developers besides FromSoftware, this list honors the very best Soulslike games developed by FromSoftware themselves.
Demon’s Souls
The one that started it all. Demon’s Souls started as a cult classic game that has since been elevated thanks to the strength of its peers.
While rough around the edges and brutally unforgiving (why do we lose half our health when we die?!), Demon’s Souls sets the foundation for future installments in the Soulslike genre. Even with the PlayStation 5 remaster, it had some quirks that feel outdated by today’s standards.
Dark Souls II
Sometimes, too much is, well, just too much.
Dark Souls II is an example of just that: trying to do too much. FromSoftware tries to incorporate a lot of new ideas here, but they all fall flat due to a lack of direction and an absolutely brutal difficulty. The game is seriously unfair at times. We all love a good challenge, but Dark Souls II takes things a bit too far.
Dark Souls
While Demon’s Souls is the first FromSoftware entry in the Soulslike genre, Dark Souls is the one that put the game on the map.
A more refined, polished, and accessible experience compared to Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls is still not afraid to pull its punches. Yet despite its incredible difficulty, players are still able to punch back. Whether it’s through discovering powerful weapons, building your character in specific ways, or simply getting good, Dark Souls is where we all fell in love with the FromSofware formula.
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Dark Souls III
FromSoftware knew that they went a bit too far with Dark Souls II. Thankfully, Dark Souls III is the sequel we wanted all along.
Rather than try to reinvent the wheel or stuff the game filled with new content and bloat, Dark Souls III is content to play the hits. While this may be a turn-off for some, this is a pretty impressive compilation of greatest hits. Plus, you can tell that FromSoftware has learned some lessons over the years.
Dark Souls III is the best game in the trilogy, thanks to its beautiful visuals, iconic boss battles, and culmination of everything fans love about these games.
Sekiro
Most of the FromSoftware Soulslike games follow the same basic formula. However, Sekiro mixes things up a bit.
While at its heart, Sekiro remains the same style of action RPG with brutal difficulty, the combat here is turned up to eleven. Instead of the dodge and counterattack style that the Dark Souls games incorporate, Sekiro is more of a dance with you and your enemy. You’ll dodge, parry, deflect, and clash swords with the enemies in a fast-paced, non-stop thrill ride of a game.
The boss battles are the true star here, with some of the best in any FromSoftware game. While the Guardian Ape gets all the attention, Isshin, The Sword Saint is the real star of the show.
Bloodborne
Like Sekiro, Bloodborne is a variation of the traditional Dark Souls gameplay. Also like Sekiro, Bloodborne focuses on fast-paced gameplay and action.
One key mechanic is the ability to regain health after performing hits on enemies. The game actively encourages players to remain in the thick of the battle, but you still need to pick your spots carefully, as the enemies are just as ruthless as ever.
At times, Bloodborne is a little too much like Dark Souls II in terms of its difficulty, but it’s a far more fair game with a better combat system. Now, if only they could remaster it for PC…
Elden Ring
While Elden Ring is the first truly open world game by FromSoftware, most of their past entries had a lot of similarities. The Soulslike franchise often borrows from Metroidvania design, allowing players to choose how they traverse the world.
Elden Ring takes things one step further by fully embracing the open world experience. Its world is massive, and players have an impressive amount of freedom to explore it as they see fit. By embracing open world design, FromSoftware has crafted a true work of art.
The traditional gameplay experience you expect remains intact. Your map isn’t littered with dozens of markers directing you to points of interest. Gameplay hasn’t been overhauled to become more accessible. This is still the traditional Soulslike experience, with no more limitations.
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