FromSoftware's legacy in Souls-like games

FromSoftware, founded in 1986, initially gained recognition for its King's Field and Armored Core franchises. In 2009, the company introduced the Souls-like genre with Demon's Souls, characterized by its dark fantasy lore, challenging combat, and rich gameplay.

Other developers entering the Souls-like space

While FromSoftware has remained a leader in the Souls-like space with titles such as Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Elden Ring, other developers have also created notable Souls-like experiences.

Another Crab's Treasure as a new entry

ActuGaming.net compiled a list of non-FromSoftware Souls-like games, highlighting titles such as Another Crab's Treasure, developed by Aggro Crab and released in April 2024. The game follows Kril, a crab who has lost his shell, navigating a polluted underwater world filled with enemies.

Accessibility in Souls-like games

The game offers accessibility options to ease players into the Souls-like experience. This reflects a growing trend among developers to make the genre more approachable for a wider audience.

Code Vein II and its expansion

Code Vein II, developed by Bandai Namco, was announced during the Summer Game Fest 2025 and released in 2026. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of a customizable hunter of Revenants.

New content for Code Vein II

A paid DLC, Mask of Idris, was released in September 2026, introducing new content and a 2.0 update with endgame content. This expansion added depth to the game's narrative and gameplay mechanics.

The First Berserker: Khazan

The First Berserker: Khazan, developed by Neople/Nexon, was released in March 2025. The game follows the tragic story of Khazan, a general from the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, seeking revenge against his betrayer.

Challenging combat in The First Berserker

Despite not achieving widespread success, the game is noted for its challenging combat. This aligns with the Souls-like genre's reputation for difficulty and rewarding gameplay.

Lies of P and its expansion

Lies of P, developed by Round8 Studio and published by Neowiz, reimagines the story of Pinocchio in a dark, 19th-century French-inspired setting. A paid expansion, Overture, was released in 2024, offering a prequel to the main story.

Sequel in development for Lies of P

A sequel, potentially titled Wonders of O, is in development. This indicates continued interest in the game's narrative and setting.

Lords of the Fallen (2023) and its sequel

Lords of the Fallen (2023), developed by Hexworks and CI Games, is a sequel and reboot of the 2014 Lords of the Fallen. The game features a unique lantern system allowing players to travel between the world of the living and the dead.

Future plans for Lords of the Fallen

A sequel, Lords of the Fallen II, is expected in early 2027. This suggests ongoing investment in the series and its core gameplay mechanics.

Mortal Shell II and its improvements

Mortal Shell II, developed by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack, was released in 2026. It improves upon the original Mortal Shell with more dynamic combat and a unique mechanic allowing players to possess fallen warriors' armor.

Nioh 3 and its setting

The Nioh series, developed by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, is set in 16th-century Japan. Nioh 3 was released in February 2026, following the story of Takechiyo Tokugawa during the Edo period.

Gameplay style of the Nioh series

The series features a mix of samurai and ninja gameplay styles. This blend of mechanics has contributed to the series' popularity within the Souls-like genre.

Remnant II and its DLCs

Remnant II, developed by Gunfire Games and published by Arc Games, is a post-apocalyptic Souls-like that received three paid DLCs after its release. The game allows for procedural generation of levels and cooperative play.

Salt and Sanctuary and its sequel

Salt and Sanctuary, developed by Ska Studios, is a 2D Souls-like inspired by Metroidvania games. A sequel, Salt and Sacrifice, was released in 2022 but received mixed reviews.

Steelrising and its accessibility

Steelrising, developed by Spiders and published by Nacon, is set in an alternate 1789 France. The game features a unique accessibility mode for newcomers.

The Surge series and its mechanics

The Surge and The Surge 2, developed by Deck 13 Interactive, are science-fiction Souls-like games. The first game was released in 2017, and the sequel in 2019, with a focus on dismemberment mechanics.

Valor Mortis and its setting

Valor Mortis, developed by One More Level and Lyrical Games, is a first-person Souls-like set in an alternate 19th-century Europe. The game features supernatural abilities linked to a mysterious plague.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty and its sequel

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, developed by Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, is set in a dark fantasy version of ancient China. A sequel, Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, is expected in March 2027.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and its fan base

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, developed by Leenzee Games and published by 505 Games, was released in 2021. Despite commercial failure, the game has a dedicated fan base, and a sequel is in development.