5 best Soulslike games on Steam

Soulslike games were inspired by the series of popular Souls titles developed by Japanese video game developer FromSoftware. That franchise was wildly successful because it allowed for a new type of player freedom. While being regarded as difficult games, Souls titles are never impossible to beat. By giving the player time to learn and adapt to different situations, FromSoftware was able to turn a previously niche genre into a household name.

While this studio's success can be attributed to sticking to its patented formula, the genre itself has seen plenty of entries from various developers. These offerings follow a similar game design logic to Souls games but bring their own flavor to the party. This list takes a look at five great Soulslike games that are available to play on Steam.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

5 of the best Soulslike games available on the Steam Store

1) Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Most Metroidvanias are also described as Soulslike games. This is mainly due to the brilliant enemy design quite often seen in that genre. While Ender Lillies is technically a Metroidvania by design, it has elements that would make a FromSoftware fan jump in their seat.

Also, keeping in mind the Dark Fantasy theme of this game, it ticks the boxes for the Soulslike category by having a black knight entity accompany and fight for the player character — a young girl dressed in white.

Ender Lillies has good platforming mechanics and challenging combat that involves a small learning curve. Its art design is brilliant, as the gothic dark colors blend very well with the atmosphere of this game. This is one to play if you're getting into Soulslike games.

2) Salt and Sanctuary

The critically acclaimed title Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D role-playing game that can be seen as an ode to the Dark Souls series. This title has a ton of mechanics that have been borrowed from the Souls games, and its 2D setting does not take away from the experience it offers.

Salt and Sanctuary follows the tale of a nameless warrior who is a stowaway on a ship that is attacked by a colossal sea creature. In true Souls fashion, the player faces a powerful enemy in precarious circumstances. This title then starts in earnest as gamers are marooned on a mystical island, marking the beginning of the story.

Salt and Sanctuary's main selling point is the immense inventory of spells and items that add a lot of variety to this game. It also has a class system that players can choose to suit their game style. This is a must-play for anyone itching for a balanced Soulslike experience. It's also worth noting this title has a sequel.

3) Hollow Knight

A captivating sight (image by Team Cherry)

Another 2D Soulslike game on this list that arguably revolutionized the genre, Hollow Knight is a brilliant game that is dark, melancholic, and features brutal foes not to be messed with. This title follows a nameless warrior who must discover the secrets of the underground world they inhabit.

With the game world also beset with a mysterious ailment, fans will be quick to notice the obvious nod to the Souls games. While not being a true RPG like the previous entry, Hollow Knight brings with it an intuitive combat design that is fun and exciting to engage with. Players will be rewarded for their patience in this Metroidvania as they conquer some of the hardest bosses in Soulslike history.

Hollow Knight is one of the easiest recommendations for players to try on this list. Coupled with its incredibly low price, this game is a solid experience that even rivals AAA titles. For Soulslike games fans, this title is one not to miss out on.

4) Nioh 2

This entry comes from a relatively large studio in Japan that has been attempting to emulate the Souls formula. Team Ninja — the developer of the Nioh series — has been making its own Soulslike franchise in Nioh 1 and Nioh 2. It has seen moderate success with these titles.

Following all the same basic elements as the Souls games, Nioh 2 brings with it skill trees, a demonic shift ability, and stances that are compelling to learn. It also has a ton of weapons to choose from and provides varied playstyles for the player as well.

Nioh 2 was released in 2020 and is one of the more difficult games on this list. This game is recommended for those players willing to climb a high skill ceiling.

5) Lies of P

From Korean developers comes one of the biggest surprises of 2023. Lies of P is a fantastic experience that is safe to say, rivals the Souls games. It is one of those titles that fans of this genre cannot miss. This game looks like Bloodborne and has a Victorian, steampunk style to it. Lies of P has a linear but branching world design reminiscent of the Soulslike games.

The enemies and bosses are absolutely brutal. Nioh 2 might have been hard, but Lies of P takes that to another level. Its bosses are ruthless and quick, demanding the player to time their precise dodges and counters.

This title has a ton of Easter eggs as well, referencing the Souls games. Lies of P has already received a ton of praise following its release in September 2023. The Soulslike game is challenging and dark, pulling the player into a mystery involving puppets and the meaning of life.

Soulslike games, while being seen as copies, are great in their own right. Their developers always bring something original to the table that elevates the genre as a whole. The above titles are amazing games that players should try out while waiting for their next FromSoftware title.