The Challenge Continues In Other Gaming Worlds
Dark Souls is a series synonymous with being one of the most challenging adventure games of all time. This game is built for folks who adore medieval settings, dark fantasy narratives, and harsh gameplay. With its cult-like following, impact on the gaming industry, and fun explorative elements, Dark Souls remains one of the best hardcore games ever.
If you’ve finished playing Dark Souls and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 8 picks.
Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.
So without further ado, we present 8 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Dark Souls.
Elden Ring
Many would argue Dark Souls walked so Elden Ring could run. This was one of 2022’s most groundbreaking titles for its chilling open world, challenging obstacles, and fitting combat. Like Dark Souls, this game features a plethora of entities who wish to put you in your place.
This difficulty curve in this game is on par with what you’d find in the Dark Souls series. It’s a game that’s relentless and aims to make you work for your victory. Gamers should expect to fail missions numerous times. However, its harsh challenges are what makes Elden Ring a beloved gem in the fandom.
With its epic boss battles, complex dungeons, and multi-layered storyline, Dark Souls enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in this game. This game offers a fun customization system that is robust and varied. Its online multiplayer components hold weight and make the world feel more alive. Check this game out if you’re a diehard Dark Souls fan.
Demon’s Souls
Dark Souls owes a lot to Demon’s Souls. This game set the groundwork for FromSoftware and helped it become the menacingly charming studio it is today. While many may prefer its 2010 original over the 2020 remake, both iterations offer a worthwhile experience for fans.
This game evokes the same melancholic atmosphere as Dark Souls. From its character and landscape design to its harsh combat and difficulty, Demon’s Souls is a prized relic that deserves as much praise as its popular successor.
The gameplay will make gamers feel stressed and energetic while its storyline provides enough dramatic beats to warrant a heartbreaking response. Even when you’re up against the game’s lighter opponents, you’ll find yourself freezing on the spot.
If you’re looking for another Souls-like title that’ll leave you shaken and enchanted by what it offers, check out Demon’s Souls.
Nioh (Series)
Souls-like fans adore games that’ll challenge them to the highest degree. Another great title like Dark Souls that evokes a similar sensation would be the Nioh series. While both games are wonderful gems, many fans adore the improvements and new battle format administered in the second entry.
Although everything feels different, Nioh still retains its level of difficulty. However, Nioh 2 offers some fairness with its fights. For example, enemies have health bars and the traversal options feel grander in comparison. The game’s setting is vastly different in theme but offers the same gloomy tone.
Nioh 2’s narrative is on par with the Dark Souls franchise, despite lacking as much depth and personality as later Souls-like titles. The combat and abilities you’ll gain access to in Nioh 2 make fights feel refreshing and invigorating. If you’re searching for a Souls-like title with a lesser-scaled environment but fun game mechanics and challenges, check out Nioh 1 and 2.
Bloodborne
From one Souls-like to the next, we find ourselves at Bloodborne. This is another action-adventure game developed by FromSoftware and includes menacing enemies, vast locales, and fun game mechanics. It was a swell game not many got to play because of PlayStation’s exclusivity.
This game places you in control of a deadly hunter who explores a Victorian-era city called Yharnam. This city evokes doom and gloom in every corner as its inhabitants tend to fall victim to the area’s disease. As their last hope, you must explore this environment and locate this plague’s source.
It’ll be no easy feat. Players will encounter many beasts and cosmic entities in their pathways. These enemies deliver a gruesome bout that may require gamers to replay certain fights numerous times. At the same time, the combat is fast-paced and offers a nice risk-and-reward system. If you’re looking to travel through a darkened environment full of dangerous beasts, check out Bloodborne.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is another game full of distinct creatures, medieval landscapes, and countless quests. While its world isn’t as explorative as most, this game contains enough content to entice fans of adventure and mythological titles.
In Dragon’s Dogma, you can choose from many classes. Each class offers something refreshing to the mix, giving players an opportunity to embark on journeys that are different from their peers. At the same time, this game features incredible AI companions that’ll assist you in your endeavors.
While this may be a deal-breaker for people who enjoy difficult games, fans will be flabbergasted by these NPCs’ efforts in battle. Learning your class’s abilities will assist you in the long run, so practicing your strengths on lower-class foes is the way to go. Definitely check out Dragon’s Dogma if you’re looking for an impressive monster-slaying action-adventure game.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells is an indie game with enough challenge and action to warrant Dark Souls enthusiasts’ attention. This roguelike action platform game wreaks adventure and anxiety. From its hidden locales to its chilling imagery, this is a stellar title for older audiences.
Dead Cells boasts many monsters and villains who dish out immense damage. This game encourages players to trudge forward despite its rough difficulty level. Those that can withstand the game’s wrath will be pleased to know of the remarkable upgrades you’ll receive during your journey.
These upgrades will strengthen your character’s equipment and skills. Dead Cells offers a randomized-level design that’ll allow the game to feel distinct and less repetitive. If you’re looking for an indie game that packs a punch and delivers a rich world to explore, check out Dead Cells.
Salt and Sanctuary
Are you searching for a game that feels like Dark Souls but offers a stellar blend of different genres? Salt and Sanctuary might be the title you seek. Developer Ska Studios brings you a daunting 2D action RPG with brutal combat and rich RPG mechanics.
Dark Souls fans will admire Salt and Sanctuary’s cursed settings, abandoned locales, and bloody dungeons. Players will encounter a plethora of distinct and exhilarating boss fights that’ll keep you on your toes. While you can over-level yourself to handle them, it’ll feel more rewarding to defeat enemies on equal terms.
Salt and Sanctuary boasts fast-paced combat and wonderful platforming gameplay. This game includes over 600+ weapons, armor pieces, spells, and knickknacks for you to collect and upgrade. If you’re looking for another gritty and challenging world to traverse, consider playing this game.
Severance – Blade of Darkness
Have you ever played an old video game that was ahead of its time? Severance – Blade of Darkness evokes a similar feeling. Blade of Darkness provided fans in 2001 with a worthy challenge with its incredible enemies, bosses, and harsh world.
The game can be made easier if you over-level yourself, but many fans enjoyed Blade of Darkness for its harshness. You’ll feel satisfied after defeating the game’s numerous enemies, as the combat is intense, like Dark Souls. The controls and fighting system may feel a bit wonky, considering the time it was released.
Occasionally, your character may not move or attack as you would like. Considering its hack-and-slash gameplay, this can be eerily frustrating. Everything from the game’s ambient soundtrack to its character class variety is astonishing.
Severance – Blade of Darkness offers a rich world full of blood, violence, and exploration. If you can look past the game’s dated features, you’re in for a bloody good time.
So there we have it, our 8 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Dark Souls.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!