The best Soulslikes on PS5
So, you’ve played all the Dark Souls games, and now you’re after something similar to fill the void left in your life. Thankfully there are plenty of games on PS5 that can do that. These ‘Soulslikes’ take the formula created by FromSoftware and tweak it to varying degrees. They might put you in an alternative setting, for example, or make the combat a bit more fast-paced. Some of them even have their own twists that make them particularly interesting to check out. But what are the best Soulslikes on PS5?
That’s the question we aim to answer. Every one of the games on our list of best Soulslikes on PS5 is sure to delight fans of the Dark Souls series whether it’s because they have a similarly dark setting, challenging combat, or interconnected world. Some have all of these, in fact. And so, if you have a PS5 and you fancy a new Soulslike to sink your teeth into, look no further. Simply scroll down and you’ll find them.
1. Elden Ring
If you’re after one of the best Souslikes on PS5, your first port of call should be Elden Ring. Why? Because it’s by the very developer who created the genre, FromSoftware. This is, in fact, essentially Dark Souls but with an open-world format. It also has characters and a world created with the help of George R.R. Martin, the author of A Song of Ice and Fire — that’s Game of Thrones to you and me.
After creating your character, you’re let loose in a vast open world, and it’s because of this that it’s perhaps the most accessible Soulslike out there. After all, if you get stuck on a boss you can simply go away and explore elsewhere, gaining valuable experience as well as potentially better equipment. Ultimately, this is a must-play, even if you’re not normally a fan of games like Dark Souls.
2. The First Berserker: Khazan
There’s no doubt about it, The First Berserker: Khazan is one of the hardest Soulslikes out there. Thanks to its gorgeous anime visuals and thrilling combat system, however, you’ll keep chipping away at it until you emerge victorious.
It’s set in the world of Dungeon Fighter Online, but you don’t need to know anything about the series to enjoy The First Berserker: Khazan. It’s similar to the Nioh series in ways, with missions accessed via a map and colour-coded loot. There’s no co-op here, though; you have to tackle all of the game’s challenges alone, although you can summon help in the form of a computer-controlled ally. They’re pretty useless however, so if you’re having trouble, you might just want to drop down to the game’s easier difficulty… which is still very tough indeed.
Read our review of The First Berserker: Khazan
3. Demon’s Souls
The game that started it all: Demon’s Souls. While the Dark Souls series no doubt made the genre popular, it simply wouldn’t exist without Demon’s Souls. Thanks to Bluepoint Games, PS5 gamers can enjoy Demon’s Souls with vastly improved visuals and some carefully considered gameplay tweaks, making it the ultimate version of the game. Especially as it also runs at a much more stable frame rate.
Some aspects of Demon’s Souls perhaps haven’t aged all well, and it has certain mechanics that are simply a pain in the backside, but if you want to dive into the best Soulslikes on PS5, it just has to be considered. And even though it was a PS5 launch title it’s still one of the best-looking games around. Do yourself a favour and pick this one up, especially if you’ve never played it before.
4. Nioh 2
Originally released on PS4, Nioh 2 also received a PS5 upgrade, and as far as Soulslikes go it’s undoubtedly one of the best around. After creating your very own character who’s part demon, Nioh 2 lets you loose in a large number of missions as you venture around Japan. Though if you don’t keep your wits about you, you won’t get very far.
Building on the first Nioh (also available on PS5), Nioh 2 has a brilliant fast-paced combat system. That’s perhaps because it’s developed by Team Ninja, the studio behind Ninja Gaiden. New to Nioh 2, however, is the ability to change into a powerful demon to lay a world of hurt on your enemies and counter their punishing attacks. If you want to play a Soulslike with some extra pizazz, then, this is the one for you.
5. Lords of the Fallen
Not to be confused with the 2014 game of the same name, Lords of the Fallen gives the works of FromSoftware a run for their money. Very much inspired by the Dark Souls series, in Lords of the Fallen you’ll find yourself exploring a similarly dark and dangerous fantasy world.
What’s different here, however, is that you can visit the land of the dead. It adds another layer to the gameplay, and gives you a chance to fight on when your health bar is depleted. Lords of the Fallen has some other unique features, too, making for a game that feels familiar but fresh. In any case, it’s definitely one of the best Soulslikes currently available on PS5.
Read our review of Lords of the Fallen
6. Lies of P
While Lords of the Fallen above can be accused of being derivative of Dark Souls, Lies of P can be accused of being derivative of another game by FromSoftware: Bloodborne. From its setting that has you exploring dark city streets, to its combat that wants you to be aggressive and recoup lost health by quickly landing blows on your opponent, Lies of P will please any Soulslike fan eager for something akin to one of the PS4’s much-loved exclusives.
Thankfully it also has some original ideas of its own, and is otherwise just very well put together. Add into the mix that it’s a unique take on the familiar story of Pinocchio, and you’re onto a winner.
7. Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
A Final Fantasy game on a list of the best Soulslikes available on PS5? Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Believe it or not, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is developed by Team Ninja, the same studio behind Nioh and its sequel. As a result, it has a somewhat similar structure as well as a tough-as-nails combat system.
Based on the original Final Fantasy, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is an action RPG that puts players in control of a warrior called Jack. With plenty of jobs available, you’re free to determine his fighting style along with his strengths and weaknesses. There are even difficulty settings, so this doesn’t have to be a hardcore experience if you don’t want it to be.
Read our review of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
8. Black Myth: Wukong
There are many games based on the Chinese novel Journey to the West, but Black Myth: Wukong is no doubt the hardest, and perhaps also the best.
In this action RPG, players take control of the Destined One, embarking upon a quest to recover the six relics of Sun Wukong. Along the way, they’ll have to battle against many fearsome opponents, but as usual it’s the bosses here that put up the best fights. In many ways Black Myth: Wukong is more of a character action game than a Soulslike, but its challenging encounters mean that fans of the latter will likely lap it up. And did we mention its sumptuous visuals? Yeah, this game is a real treat for the eyes.
Read more about Black Myth: Wukong
9. Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition
Do you love games like Dark Souls but find they generally require too much of your time? You’ll probably get on well with Mortal Shell, available on PS5 in the form of an Enhanced Edition. There’s still plenty of exploration to be done here, but the world of Mortal Shell isn’t as expansive as those found in the Dark Souls games.
There’s no leveling up in order to grow in power, either. Instead, your capabilities are determined by the shell you inhabit, with more shells available to discover by those who investigate nooks and crannies. You can improve your weapons, though, which is a relief. Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition is a bit smaller in scope than other Soulslike games available on PS5, then, but some will appreciate it.
Read our review of Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition
10. Thymesia
Like Mortal Shell above, Thymesia is another Soulslike that isn’t too demanding of your time. In fact, you’re likely to beat it in around 10 hours or less if you’re fairly skilled at these types of games. Taking place inside a fractured mind, however, it does have multiple endings to discover, as well as a wealth of side missions that can extend that playing time if you wish.
The real draw here, though, is the Thymesia’s combat, which requires you to make effective use of weapons. Your saber, for example, strikes fast but inflicts damage that can be recovered by enemies. Follow up with a slow but powerful claw attack, however, and all that recoverable health will be wiped out.
