2024's top Souls-like games

Which Souls-like games are the best? This demanding genre is ideal for video game masochists or those who like a challenge and the sense of accomplishment they get from conquering hardship. In any case, only the strong make it out alive. Can you? You have two options: leave or get gud.

Should you prefer the latter choice, maybe our rankings of the top Game titles include Lego, Disney, Crash Bandicoot, Tomb Raider, and Sonic. Mobile and Switch are more your style. Additionally, we provide lists of the top games, such as The Witcher 3. as well as the top open-world games if you're hoping for a thrilling journey.

The top mobile and Switch Souls-like games are as follows:

Best Soulslike games: Bleak Sword. Image shows a warrior battling in a dark street.

Bleak Sword - mobile

Although this game doesn't seem to have anything in common with Dark Souls, there are really a lot of similarities between the two. You'll go through easy stages and battle massive, terrifying opponents here. Though each has a distinct fighting style, they are all exceedingly difficult to defeat once you get to recognize their attack patterns. Is this beginning to sound familiar?

Additionally, the art direction is quite inviting. Its 2D pixel visuals are used in a 3D world, which greatly enhances the fighting system. Despite its simple appearance, it can sometimes be really eerie and spooky. It's a game you won't want to miss and is accessible on the Apple Arcade and Switch.

Soulslike games: A duck avoiding spikes in a dungeon

Duck Souls - mobile

Look, I adore ducks and I love a good Soulslike, but screw this game. I take great satisfaction in conquering obstacles and never giving up, yet this game still serves my personal interests. Duck Souls and Dark Souls are quite different games, except from the phrase "souls." However, because of the intense struggle and the arrogant look the duck gives me when I fail, Duck Souls needs to be on this list. It's not as easy as it sounds—all you have to do is go from point A to point B. Spikes that are located in awkward areas should be avoided; one contact might be fatal. Good luck.

Still, I must admit that the look is appealing, taking me back to the days of pixelated video games. Of course, with a little mobile game like this, the landscapes do become a little monotonous. It doesn't lessen the difficulty, for sure.

If you're interested in learning more about the game, we have a Duck Souls review.

Soulslike games: A knight stood outside in the dark next to a tree

Mobile - Wayward Souls

Wayward Souls confirms my theory (at least in this instance) that every game with the term "souls" in it has at least some influence from the venerable Dark Souls series. There isn't a greater Soulslike Experience for mobile players than this one.

Wayward Souls has a ton of areas for you to explore, including dungeons full of many foes that try to stop you from continuing your trip, as you would anticipate from a game of this kind. Naturally, there are other people and things trying to get you as well; the surroundings are rife with dangers and traps. If you're looking for a demanding experience that's affordable, Wayward Souls is the best option.

Soulslike games: Salt and Sanctuary key art showing a warrior holding a sword in one hand and casting magic with the other

Switch between Sanctuary and Salt

What a fitting name—Salt and Sanctuary. Are you curious as to why? You find yourself seeking refuge from people who continue to give you your butt because you have died so many times that you can't help but feel sour. This game is the best Soulslike you can find on the Switch. It has a lot of foes, dark and dank landscapes, challenging bosses, and melee-heavy action that will definitely bring back memories of your time in Lordran.

Unfortunately, the sequel, Salt and Sacrifice, is only available on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC at this time. That being said, there is still a chance that the game may eventually make its way to the Switch.

Soulslike games: A screenshot from Animus showing a warrior stood in front of dead bodies

Mobile Animus

Animus is without a doubt the most comparable mobile game to FromSoft's Dark Souls title out there. Without a doubt, however, it falls short of the genre's pioneer, but if you're looking for something to play on your smartphone, it's still worth a try. With a variety of adversaries, a large 3D environment to explore, and a ton of boss battles, it embraces many of the aspects that make Dark Souls fantastic. Is this the greatest Soulslike available? No, but it's a decent try as far as it goes for a mobile one.

Furie - Switch Soulslike games: a screenshot from Furi showing two samurai preparing to fight

Do you just want to pick battles as they happen without having to search for them? Do you? Excellent, Furi is the ideal Soulslike game for you since it prioritizes boss battles above exploration. That's correct, you go from one battle to the next in this hack 'n slash shooter, which is really a boss rush game.

You may use both melee and ranged combat, much as in other similar games, so you can approach each encounter in a different manner. It makes the game very replayable; on your second run, you could have to fire several shots from a distance whereas on your first run just includes swords. Furi is a great game with several well-designed bosses, regardless of your choice.

Soulslike games: a screenshot from Grimvalor showing archers firing arrows at a warrior

Mobile Grimvalor

What a match. A great side-scrolling RPG that is likely to satisfy anybody looking for a mobile Souls-like game is Grimvalor. Grimvalor offers a hack 'n slash gameplay style with a plethora of foes and bosses to take on. It goes without saying that even those of us who take an aggressive stance must use caution while fighting, thus learning how to leap and avoid is crucial.

The bulk of creatures in this horrible realm, just as in Lordran, want you dead. He could do with your business, in addition to the neighborhood store. Patience is essential if you want to live here, and don't be scared to try out new equipment, weapons, and abilities.

Soulslike games: Hollow Knight key art showing the titular character in a cave next to the title

Switch – Hollow Knight

With good cause, Hollow Knight is a Switch favorite at SmartRead. Among the greatest Switch Metroidvanias, Hollow Knight masterfully combines the Soulslike concept with a unique sense of style. As you explore Hollownest and learn about the mysteries that afflict these regions, you assume the role of an anonymous hero. Of course, there are several obstacles in your road as well as numerous routes you might choose.

You acquire additional abilities as you go through the game, and they're all necessary to finish this fantastic adventure. Nevertheless, we have a Hollow Knight bosses guide that outlines tactics and vulnerabilities for every battle to help you have an easier time. The power of this title is undeniable, and it will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Fortunately for you, there are many of comparable experiences on our list of the top games like Hollow Knight.

If you'd want additional information, we even have a Hollow Knight review.

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Treasure Found by Another Crab

Another Crab's Tale is as nasty as they come, so if you're looking for an underwater Souls-like experience, look no further. After seeing all that this deep-sea expedition has to offer, you could find yourself returning to Lordran for a leisurely holiday.

The classic Soulslike experience is provided by Another Crab's Tale, which has enough of boss battles to keep you on your toes, rewarding exploring for your curiosity, and enjoyable but difficult gameplay. If you're interested in going on deep sea adventures but don't want to take on the challenge of Another Crab's Treasure, check out our selection of the top ocean games for Switch and mobile devices.

Soulslike games: Dark Souls key art showing the chosen undead lighting a bonfire

Dark Souls: Remastered - Switch

How could I leave out the person who ignited this whole trend? You should play Dark Souls: Remastered if you're looking for the best possible Souls-like experience. Really, after spending some time in Lordan, you'll be able to clearly notice how much of an impact FromSoftware's game has had on a number of games, including the ones that were previously included in our list.

One of the hardest but most rewarding games out there is Dark Souls, particularly when you consider that some of its many monsters may stop you from moving forward for hours at a time. You are free to choose how you want to handle fighting in the game, however; you may be strong, fast, magical, or let your inner pyromaniac go. However, it does not imply that you won't face opponents in Lordran who will defeat you.

Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful hints and strategies in our Dark Souls bosses guide to help you win. After finishing Lordran, Chosen Undead, check out our selection of the top games similar to Dark Souls for the Switch and mobile devices. To find out more about two of the most important characters in the game, maybe peruse our Dark Souls Gwyn and Dark Souls Gwyndolin guides.

These are the top Souls-like games available for the Switch and mobile devices; completing them all indicates your level of deity or your penchant for hardship. Which is still up in the air. Here is our list of the top games similar to Stardew Valley if you're looking for something a little bit simpler right now. If you're looking for spooks, we also offer guidelines for FNAF characters and Poppy Playtime characters.

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