Elden Ring’s impact cannot be overstated and, for the most part, represents what players adore about FromSoftware, as well as unassociated titles that are often dubbed as “Souls-like.“FromSoftware’s formulaic nichehas been so well-developed that players can attune toDark Soulsas a genre, with similar games often adopting multiple feature and mechanic influences. Hence, the term Soulslike is inspired byDemon’s Souls, and the more broadly ubiquitousDark Souls.
Elden Ringis only the latest of FromSoftware’s massively popular titles, but it also delves into uncharted territory for the developer, and further opens the door to what FromSoftware is capable of.Elden Ring’s popularity may very well be the gateway for many players to now branch out and seek interest in another FromSoftware game or aSouls-like from another developer entirely. If fans have fully completedElden Ringand are looking for another Soulslike title, there are a few that could pique players' interest.
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Bluepoint Games' Demon’s Souls Remake
Demon’s Souls' remake is arguably one of the most visually enhanced andeasier Soulslike titles.Demon’s Souls' remake was developed by Bluepoint Games and not FromSoftware, which explains the animation fluidity and graphical fidelity it has that is uncharacteristic of FromSoftware’s own titles. TheDemon’s Soulsremake’s easily digestible length makes it fantastic for new players, especially contrasted againstElden Ring’s massive scope and scale, and sorceries are significant and prominent between both games as well.
IfElden Ringwas compared with anyDark Soulsentry, its similarities would perhaps bemost comparable toDark Souls 2. However, these similarities would not be preferable, and unfortunately contribute to many of the reasons why many FromSoftware fans dislikeDark Souls' sequel the most out of each franchise installment.Elden RingandDark Souls 2share similar enemy mob ambushes, boss battles with two or more opponents or re-skinned enemies, and surprise traps that can be a nuisance.
Dark Souls' first installment may be too much of a step back in terms of visuals and quality of life features, even ifDark Souls Remasteredwas chosen. Of course, there are salient reasons to want to play any of theDark Soulsentries immediately after shelvingElden Ring. However, this would not be advised if players experienced difficulty withElden Ring. Plus,Demon’s Soulsis technically where the franchise’s Soulslike formula started anyhow, so it would not necessarily be disruptive or interpolative to start with its remake.
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Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight
Soulslike does not have to mean that a game rigidly follows the exact same structure and formula that a FromSoftware game has. Instead, it implies that certain elements or characteristics are transferrable and similarly noticeable between them, particularly if they contribute to a wider portion of UX or gameplay. One of these similarities are embellished and eccentric boss battles as a chief element.Hollow Knight’s 2D art directiondoes not allow for players to somersault around enemies, but it adapts to this through creative dashes and jumps to make use of a specific arena during fights.
Indeed,Hollow Knightwould be a fantastic next choice afterElden Ring, especially if players are also skilled at platforming.Hollow Knightis as much of an action-platformer as it is a Soulslike, with a grueling Path of Pain challenge that is optional.Hollow Knightstill maintains the genetic blueprint of Soulslike titles.
Checkpoints behave comparably to Soulslike games, where intermittent benches become the player’s respectiveDark Soulsbonfires, orBloodbornelamps. The player’s amassed currency is stripped from them upon death, but can be retrieved if players are able and willing to return to where they had perished.Hollow Knight’s cartoonish atmosphere in a fantastical, subterranean world of creatures and insects is wholly charming, and any Soulslike player would be remiss not to play it.
The Game Kitchen’s Blasphemous
Similar toHollow Knight, the hack-and-slash action-platformerBlasphemousis largely billed as a metroidvania. This is true and lends itself to fun mechanics and item fetch-quests, butBlasphemous' Soulslike qualitiesare unmistakable. Bile flasks areBlasphemous' respective Estus flasks, for example, which are replenished at Prie Dieu altars at the cost of enemies' resurrections.
If Soulslike players are devoted fans of FromSoftware’s sparse storytelling,Blasphemouswill be the perfect next title for them.Blasphemousis steeped in rich, fantastical Catholicism that is etched into the land of Cvstodia’s obscure lore. This is not unlikeElden Ring’s own fanatical lore underpinnings of the Golden Order and Finger worship. ManyNPC characters exist inBlasphemousthat suggest questlinesand other absurdities to players, which typically involve taking a quest item to another NPC.
It is through interacting with these NPCs that players receive any understanding ofBlasphemous' lore and world building, but that is precisely what makes Soulslike games' narratives engaging.Blasphemous 2has also finally been announced, should players want to experience the first installment before the second eventually releases. Ultimately, players may choose whichever Soulslike game appeals to them in terms of aesthetic art style, gameplay, or narrative lore, but these choices should not be missed, as they represent some of theSoulslike genre’s best qualities and features.
Elden Ringis available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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