Summary
The infamousSoulslike genrehas taken the gaming world by storm ever since the overwhelming success of the very firstDark Soulsback in 2011. For over a decade, fans have been clamoring for the sort of brutal, no holds barred action RPG combat that only Soulslikes can deliver.
Not all Soulslikes are created equal. Even among From Software’s stable of legendary Soulsborne games, some games are easier than others, and while the easiest games will usually still provide a pretty hefty challenge, the hardest ones will absolutely decimate players who aren’t prepared. Here are some ofthe most challenging Soulslike games currently available to players with a PlayStation 5.
While its gameplay is clearly inspired by games likeDark SoulsandSekiro,Wo Long: Fallen Dynastytakes its story inspiration from a much older source. This Soulslike takes place during the fall of the Han Dynasty, around 200 CE. As can be expected from a Soulslike game,Wo Long: Fallen Dynastytakes a decidedly fantastical approach to this turbulent period in history; the protagonist must contend with foes that have been corrupted and transformed by demonic Qi.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynastyis a deeply challenging game, with all the hallmarks of the genre, including relentless combos, massive bosses, and staggeringly high damage being dealt by opponents. Timing is especially key in this game, as the parry windows for successfully deflecting attacks are particularly unforgiving.
Lords of the Fallenwears itsDark Soulsinspirations proudly on its sleeve, which is something the series has done since its original release in 2014. The newer game, which serves as more of a spiritual successor than a true sequel, has adapted many of FromSoft’s hallmarks, including player customization, sporadic PVP encounters, and, of course, intense difficulty.
The game’s combat has been enhanced considerably from the original 2014 game, particularly in terms of its magic system. Of course, with better combat comes more intense challenges, and fans have noted that the common enemies are just as difficult asthe game’s imposing bosses.
Thanks to the nonlinear nature of theDark Soulstrilogy’s world and story,Dark Souls 3manages to function as both an excellent conclusion to the game’s narrative and an ideal starting point for new players. The game beautifully illustrates the decaying spiral of the Age of Fire and the effect its downfall has on the legendary figures who are struggling to survive as the darkness encroaches.
It’s also an ideal introduction to the trilogy’s infamous difficulty.Dark Souls 3is arguably the most approachable title in the series. It features a higher than average number of bonfires, and a polished combat system that new players shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting used to. However, it’s far from an easy game. Infamous bosses like Pontiff Sulyvahn, the Nameless King, and Sister Friede present a major challenge to even seasonedDark Soulsveterans.
The twoNiohgames bring the Soulslike formula to feudal Japan, with explosive results. These titles blend classicDark Soulscombat with monsters lifted directly from the pages of ancient Japanese mythology and folklore, forcing players to contend with imposing yokai on their travels.
TheNiohgames take their Soulslike inspirationsseriously, boasting some of the most difficult boss fights in the genre. Success in these games relies on split-second reflexes, speedy dodging, and perfect parries. These games are not for the faint of heart, but players who enjoy Japanese folklore will find a lot to love.
The originalDemon’s Soulsnever rose to quite the level of fame that its successors did, but it remains a vital piece of the history of this iconic genre. 2020’s remake rebuilt the game from the ground up, giving PS5 players a chance to experience the roots of one of the most iconic parts of the modern gaming industry.
Demon’s Soulsis a deeply challenging titlethat should not be undertaken lightly. New players will likely be especially frustrated by the brutal way the game punishes death, reducing a player’s maximum HP by half until they manage to kill a boss.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicepresents a unique challenge for Soulslike fans. This action-adventure casts players as a ninja with a prosthetic arm, and it’s the first FromSoft Soulslike to incorporate stealth as a major mechanic.
It’s also one of the hardest games FromSoft has ever made.Sekiroeschews the heavy RPG elements present in its predecessors in favor of hard action gameplay. This means players can no longer rely on powerful builds and high levels to get them through thehardest bosses in the game, forcing them to rely much more on pure skill.
The elevator pitch forLies of Pis: a gothic steampunk Soulslike starring Pinocchio. This alone makes it one of the most unusual Soulslikes currently available. Its impressive polish, eye-catching enemy design, and fascinating world-building helped make it a hit when it launched in 2023, as did its high difficulty.
Lies of Ptakes much of its gameplay design fromBloodborne, offering a high-speed combat challenge with an emphasis on dodging and parrying. It’s important to keep moving during combat encounters inLies of P, and players who get caught flat-footed are in for a lot of trouble.
By many accounts,Bloodborneis a strong contender for FromSoft’s best game. This gothic horror nightmare is a finely-tuned action RPG with some of the best boss designs the genre has to offer, and a difficulty level that perfectly complements its bloodsoaked atmosphere.
Bloodborneall but removes the shields that were a major facet of combat in the precedingDark Soulsgames, forcing players to stay on their toes and dodge or parry to mitigate damage from the massive, mutated beasts prowling Yharnam’s streets. This lack of safety, combined with a mechanic that lets players regain health by attacking quickly after taking damage, means players are encouraged to fight swiftly, aggressively, and recklessly, a strategy that leads to pitched battles against aggressive and brutal foes like Father Gascoigne, Vicar Amelia, and the infamous Orphan of Kos.
Elden Ringwas a major upheaval for the genre when it released in 2022, bringing the brutal bosses and high-stakes combat ofDark Soulsto an expansive new open world. The Lands Between are rich with dangers, boasting a staggering array of enemies andbosses ready to tear hapless explorerslimb from limb.
Despite the open world formula bringing new avenues for player freedom and exploration,Elden Ringstill has a reputation as one of FromSoft’s hardest titles. Many of the bosses feature truly overwhelming combos, and their AI is infamously designed to punish characters who try to pause and heal mid-fight. Players will need to explore thoroughly and level up often if they want any hope of succeeding in the Lands Between.
Dark Souls 2has an unfortunate reputation as something of a black sheep in theDark Soulstrilogy. While it may not be quite as finely tuned as the first and third games, it still has some excellent content to offer, and its special edition re-release,Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin,is especially worth exploring for anyone looking for an intense challenge.
Scholar of the First Sinremixes many of the enemy placements throughout the kingdom of Drangleic, introducing major new threats and disrupting the memory of fans who’d played the original version of the game. The result is dungeons thick with enemies, leading to some of the most intense boss fights the series has to offer. Unforgiving foes like the Fume Knight, the Smelter Demon, and the Lost Sinner will put any Soulslike player’s abilities to the ultimate test.
