Guide: 10 Games like Dark Souls to challenge you!

Released on September 22, 2011, Dark Souls became a phenomenon and reference in the gaming universe. As well as other titles that created styles in this scene, such as Wolfenstein which popularized the first-person shooter mode, Super Mario which acclaimed the platform genre and Metroid with Castlevania which gave rise to the popularly known genre Metroidvania, Dark Souls generated the new style known as “Souls Like”. A genre attributed to all games with elements similar to Dark Souls: checkpoint system, more tactical combat and the main ingredient: a lot of difficulty.

Souls-like games have gained a dedicated fan base passionate about their high difficulty, immersive narratives, and intriguing environments. But these fans, when they finish a game in the franchise, yearn for more similar experiences that bring them that feeling of challenge, new universes, epic combats and the feeling of satisfaction with each battle won.

In this article, we will present 10 experiences similar to Dark Souls. Get ready to dive into dark and challenging universes, as we explore details such as the studios responsible, release year and a summary of its story!

1. Salt and Sanctuary

Released on March 15, 2016, produced by Ska Studios, Salt and Sanctuary delves into a dark 2D adventure, where courage is tested by imposing enemies and intricate scenarios.

It is the perfect experience of what Dark Souls would be like with 2D platform gameplay. The combat system is similar, having the same elements of attacks, parrying, special abilities, use of items similar to Dark Souls, making it easier for veteran players to adapt to the new IP.

Having a skill tree that can be developed as the player desires, the game generates an almost unlimited range of possibilities, giving total freedom to the player to create their character in the best way that suits their style.

If you're finding it difficult to continue your adventure, try calling a friend to share the challenges just by connecting another controller, uniquely allowing you to enjoy a local multiplayer Souls-Like game!

Everyone who takes on the challenge in this game should find an experience of approximately 16 hours to complete its main story, and this time practically doubles for those more enthusiastic who seek the 100%.

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.

2. Bloodborne

Bloodborne was developed by the renowned FromSoftware and released as a PlayStation 4 exclusive in 2015. The game transports players to a gothic city plagued by cosmic horrors, where any Lovecraft fan will be amazed. Embody a beast hunter and face grotesque enemies while searching for answers.

Following the same formula as Dark Souls, Bloodborne explores more agile combat, where the use of long-range weapons replace shields, making the response time for dodges and parries more difficult and yet more crucial.

The appropriate use of equipment, such as molotov and beast blood, allows beginner hunters to more easily face the challenges introduced in the game, in addition, of course, to the possibility of being able to summon other hunters to assist in their adventure through the co-op system. But be careful! Other hunters may end up invading your world to end your character's life, making for a challenging PVP experience.

The intricate narrative and challenging gameplay make this title an unforgettable journey into the darkest corners of the human mind.

Platforms: Exclusive for PlayStation 4.

3. Nioh

Developed by Team Ninja and released in 2017 for PlayStation and PC, players are immersed in a narrative set in feudal Japan. Face off against demons and samurai, combining intense action with refined strategy. The protagonist's journey is a quest for redemption, filled with deadly challenges and eye-opening discoveries.

Unlike its influences, Nioh presents a totally different gameplay. Using the system called “Ki Pulse”, the player must know how to measure the speed and frequency of their attacks, so that, when they press a Ki Pulse button, they can recover their posture, without leaving the character fatigued. This distinct gameplay from Dark Souls means that this title can bring new difficulties even to the most experienced Souls-Like players.

Just like the games mentioned above, in Nioh you can call for help from friends or unknown players through its online co-op system, transforming the challenging experience into something new and exciting.

Try different combinations of weapons, combos, spirits and items to turn your demon-slaying samurai into an invincible being!

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4 and PC.

4. Hollow Knight

Created by Team Cherry and released in 2017, Hollow Knight invites players to explore a vast kingdom inhabited by insects. In this title, the subtle narrative intertwines with complex challenges, as the player uncovers deep secrets. The unique atmosphere and enchanting art make this journey a memorable experience.

For players who love an excellent Metroidvania and Dark Souls, Hollow Knight is a complete game rich in details and challenging gameplay.

Exploring the maps is a challenge in itself, as the player must look for items that help in locating themselves in the scenario, manage the equipped items in their character, and be cautious with the use of their energy, knowing when to use it to recover life or even execute a powerful attack.

Platforms: Available for Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.

5. Blasphemous

Developed by The Game Kitchen and released in 2019, Blasphemous is set in Cvstodia, a kingdom torn apart by a religious curse, players take on the role of the Penitent one, a warrior tasked with facing grotesque and distorted creatures in search of redemption. The dark atmosphere and unique aesthetic guarantee an intense and memorable experience.

For lovers of challenge and pixel art, this title leaves nothing to be desired. The player must explore the scenarios searching for new abilities while overcoming challenging bosses with devastating blows.

The richly detailed narrative explores themes of faith, atonement and suffering, as the player explores an interconnected world full of dangers.

Platforms: Available for PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch.

6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Created by FromSoftware, released in 2019 and winner of The Game Awards of the same year, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice transports players to feudal Japan, where they embody a shinobi seeking revenge. With stealth skills and strategic combat, the game offers a unique, challenging experience full of cultural nuances.

With gameplay entirely different from Dark Souls, players must make use of the new mechanics of using Sekiro's mechanical arm and his ninja tools. Each tool will provide you with different ways of attacking, defending and even moving.

Combat is focused on breaking posture. As the player attacks or receives blows, the character or enemy's posture will decrease, filling an indicator bar, when it is complete, they will be vulnerable to a fatal blow!

Focused on single player gameplay and with several possible endings, everyone who faces this challenge will have a remarkable and epic experience.

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

7. The Surge

Developed by Deck13 Interactive and released in 2017, players face a dystopian future where machines and augmented humans collide. The tactical combat, skill upgrades, and oppressive atmosphere make this title a captivating addition to the Souls-like genre.

One of the main mechanics present in The Surge that can captivate players is the possibility of changing your character's limbs when defeating an enemy. Did you like the special kick of a powerful machine? Defeat it, and you will be able to use that limb as part of your character!

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox and PC.

8. Remnant From The Ashes

Released in 2019, Remnant: From the Ashes is a third-person shooter developed by Gunfire Games, offering a unique and immersive experience. In a post-apocalyptic world invaded by interdimensional creatures, players take on the role of a courageous survivor, exploring dynamic scenarios full of challenges.

The narrative unfolds as players seek to understand and confront a mysterious force known as "The Root", which threatens the survival of humanity. The game's defining feature is its cooperative approach, allowing players to team up to overcome hordes of brutal enemies and epic bosses. With a progression system rich in customization and a diverse arsenal, "Remnant: From the Ashes" offers an intense and unpredictable journey through procedurally generated worlds, promising unforgettable challenges at every turn.

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch.

9. Death's Gambit

Developed by White Rabbit and released in 2018, Death's Gambit offers a journey into the unknown, facing immortal creatures in a dark and mysterious world. With an engaging narrative and complex challenges, this title stands out for its originality within the genre.

Combined with incredible pixel art, Death’s Gambit shows that simple, well-known engines like Game Maker are capable of creating extremely complex, immersive and complete games.

Like the other games on this list, this game has very challenging and punishing gameplay. There is an even greater layer of difficulty for those who will try to achieve their 100%, as they will have to finish the game without saving, in less than 4 hours and without raising a single level of their character!

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.

10. Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen was released in 2014, being an action and RPG masterpiece developed by Deck13 Interactive (same creator of The Surge) and CI Games. Set in a dark world plunged into chaos following a divine war, players take on the role of Harkyn, a redeemed criminal and warrior doomed to face the demonic forces which threaten to annihilate humanity. The captivating plot unfolds amidst magnificent and dark settings, full of secrets and challenges to be uncovered.

With clear influences from the Souls-like genre, Lords of the Fallen stands out for its challenging gameplay and tactical combat system, where skill and strategy are essential for survival. The game offers an immersive experience with a deep progression system, allowing players to customize and choose between different classes for their character. The dense atmosphere, combined with stunning visuals and imposing bosses, makes "Lords of the Fallen" an epic journey for action RPG lovers.

Platforms: Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Exploring the "Souls-like" is a challenging journey, and these 10 games offer captivating and immersive experiences, not disappointing any fan of the Dark Souls franchise.

Share your impressions, favorite games and which ones caught your interest in the comments. What new dark adventures await you?

Be sure to also check out our list that every JRPG fan should know about 10 Games Like Final Fantasy To Try!