Games Like DARK SOULS™ II

DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.

Why similar: Souls-like 47.7%, Dark Fantasy 15%, Difficult 10.6%, RPG 8%, Action RPG 5.5%

Why You'll Like It: It is the definitive expanded version of Dark Souls II, preserving the same deliberate combat, build variety, and hostile dark-fantasy world while refining enemy placement and online features.

Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!

Why similar: Souls-like 45.2%, Dark Fantasy 16.2%, Difficult 11.2%, RPG 6.8%, Action RPG 5.2%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers the same stamina-based melee, cryptic worldbuilding, and brutal boss design, with a faster but still unmistakably Souls feel.

Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.

Why similar: Souls-like 49.1%, Dark Fantasy 13.8%, Difficult 9.8%, RPG 7.1%, Action RPG 5.8%

Why You'll Like It: As the game that established the series formula, it offers the closest mix of cautious combat, oppressive atmosphere, and rewarding exploration.

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ACTION RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between.

Why similar: Souls-like 45.5%, Dark Fantasy 14%, Difficult 10.2%, RPG 7.4%, Action RPG 7.2%

Why You'll Like It: It expands the Souls formula into a larger world while keeping the exact kind of dangerous encounters, build freedom, and grim fantasy tone Dark Souls II fans crave.

Lies of P is a thrilling soulslike that takes the story of Pinocchio, turns it on its head, and sets it against the darkly elegant backdrop of the Belle Epoque era.

Why similar: Souls-like 55.7%, Dark Fantasy 13.5%, Action RPG 8.2%, Difficult 6.6%, RPG 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Its precise dodge-and-guard combat, demanding bosses, and bleak world create one of the strongest non-FromSoftware takes on the Souls structure.

A vast world awaits in the medieval, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As a fabled Dark Crusader, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. The final major update Version 2.5 is out now: features deadlier boss battles and all-new Veteran Mode.

Why similar: Souls-like 42%, Dark Fantasy 17.7%, Action RPG 12%, RPG 9.6%, Exploration 4.4%

Why You'll Like It: This modern souls-like leans hard into heavy melee, dark-fantasy aesthetics, interconnected exploration, and high-stakes checkpoint progression.

Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.

Why similar: Souls-like 58%, Dark Fantasy 9.7%, Difficult 9.1%, RPG 7.3%, Action RPG 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: Like Dark Souls II, it rewards patience, positioning, and character specialization, even if it trades medieval fantasy for a samurai-demon setting.

Battle hordes of yokai in this masocore Action RPG. Create your protagonist and embark on an adventure through a myriad of locales across Japan during the Sengoku period. Utilize the new Yokai Shift ability to defeat even the most ferocious yokai and be prepared to brave through Dark Realms created by your enemies.

Why similar: Souls-like 43.9%, Difficult 13.8%, RPG 12.8%, Dark Fantasy 11.9%, Co-op 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: It combines punishing stamina-based combat with deep RPG builds, tough enemies, and a constant focus on mastering weapons and timing.

Their Flesh is Your Armor. Mortal Shell is a deep action-RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a shattered world. Survival demands superior awareness, precision, and instincts. Possess lost warriors, track down hidden sanctums of the devout, and face formidable foes.

Why similar: Souls-like 52.9%, Dark Fantasy 14.9%, Difficult 8.9%, RPG 7.5%, Action RPG 6.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its slower, weighty combat and oppressive ruined world strongly echo Dark Souls II’s vulnerable, methodical feel.

Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.

Why similar: Souls-like 63.8%, Dark Fantasy 12.4%, Difficult 9.1%, RPG 6%, Action RPG 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: This 2D souls-like captures the same dark atmosphere, stamina-based combat, cryptic world, and build experimentation in side-scrolling form.

Ashen is an action RPG about a wanderer in search of a place to call home.

Why similar: Souls-like 49%, Dark Fantasy 11.6%, Action RPG 10.8%, RPG 8.3%, Multiplayer 3.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its sparse world, measured combat, and emphasis on dangerous exploration recreate the isolating adventure and tension that define Dark Souls II.

In a bid to survive, explore the sprawling, devastated Jericho City. Fight ferocious threats in brutal, unforgiving combat, slashing and tearing the limbs off your opponents to steal their equipment.

Why similar: Souls-like 72.2%, RPG 10.5%, Difficult 7.1%, Action RPG 2.8%, Action 2.6%

Why You'll Like It: It translates the Souls loop into sci-fi with deliberate combat, dangerous enemies, exploration shortcuts, and satisfying build customization.

Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.

Why similar: Souls-like 59.9%, Difficult 17.3%, Dark Fantasy 7.4%, RPG 3.9%, Action 3.1%

Why You'll Like It: Although it drops RPG builds, it retains FromSoftware’s signature difficulty, hostile world design, and intensely rewarding combat mastery.

Welcome to CREO, the megacorporation saving the world! A catastrophic event has knocked you out during the first day on the job… you wake up equipped with a heavy-grade exoskeleton, in a destroyed section of the complex.

Why similar: Souls-like 74.9%, Difficult 8%, RPG 7.9%, Action RPG 2.5%, Action 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Its stamina management, punishing death loop, and careful one-on-one combat make it a great fit for players who enjoy Dark Souls II’s tactical pace.

Hellpoint is an intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online coop.

Why similar: Souls-like 50.3%, RPG 10.4%, Action RPG 9.9%, Difficult 6.8%, Co-op 5.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its lonely atmosphere, labyrinthine level design, and deliberate combat feel especially close to Dark Souls II despite the sci-fi horror setting.

In the face of certain death, we rise. Team up and embark on a journey to the ends of hell to unlock your past and escape your living nightmare in CODE VEIN.

Why similar: Souls-like 51.7%, Action RPG 10.9%, Difficult 10%, Dark Fantasy 7.4%, RPG 7%

Why You'll Like It: It offers dodge-focused souls-like combat, memorable boss fights, and lots of build flexibility, just filtered through a more anime-inspired style.

Thymesia is a gruelling action-RPG with fast-paced combat and an intricate plague weapon system. In a kingdom where death spreads, play as a mysterious character known by the code name "Corvus". Prey upon your enemies, wield the power of disease and find the truth in your own memories.

Why similar: Souls-like 45.6%, Dark Fantasy 15%, Difficult 13.6%, Action RPG 9.2%, RPG 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: This is a compact, combat-focused souls-like with aggressive enemy design, tight timing windows, and a bleak plague-ridden atmosphere.

Plunge into a dark fantasy Action-RPG, harnessing powerful magic alongside a satisfying combat system. When the tyrannical god, Adyr, invades the human realm seeking vengeance for his imprisonment, humanity calls upon an unlikely defender… a convicted sinner named Harkyn.

Why similar: Souls-like 43.6%, Dark Fantasy 16.7%, Difficult 9.6%, RPG 9.2%, Action RPG 8.8%

Why You'll Like It: It is an older, heavier souls-like that emphasizes weighty attacks, risky commitment, and dark-fantasy boss encounters much like Dark Souls II.

A new dark fantasy Three Kingdoms action RPG from Team NINJA, the developers of Nioh.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.4%, Dark Fantasy 15.1%, Difficult 12.6%, Action RPG 10.8%, RPG 9.3%

Why You'll Like It: It is a faster, parry-heavy spin on the souls-like formula, but still delivers punishing encounters, character growth, and intense boss battles.

Pascal's Wager: Definitive Edition is a challenging action role playing game set in a world of dark fantasy. Step into the shoes of Couriers, as they discover the tale behind the mysterious Dark Mist.

Why similar: Souls-like 43.6%, Dark Fantasy 18%, Action RPG 11.4%, Difficult 10.7%, RPG 9.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its grim mood, stamina-driven melee, and linear-but-hostile stages make it a strong fit for players wanting another dark and demanding souls-like.

The world has been thrown into chaos by an ancient evil from another dimension. As one of the last remnants of humanity, you must set out alone or alongside up to two other survivors to face down hordes of deadly enemies to try to carve a foothold, rebuild, and retake what was lost.

Why similar: Souls-like 58.7%, RPG 10.1%, Co-op 7.8%, Difficult 6.8%, Dark Fantasy 6.6%

Why You'll Like It: It adapts the Souls structure to guns and co-op, keeping tough checkpoint-based progression, dangerous enemies, and high-pressure boss fights.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a challenging 2D action platformer with deep RPG elements. As an agent of Death bound to his service, unravel the mystery of Siradon and discover the true price of immortality.

Why similar: Souls-like 61.6%, Dark Fantasy 13.7%, RPG 8.5%, Difficult 6.1%, Action RPG 5.1%

Why You'll Like It: This 2D action RPG mirrors the Souls formula with punishing bosses, meaningful builds, and a somber world full of danger and secrets.

REMNANT II® pits survivors of humanity against new deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds. Play solo or co-op with two other friends to explore the depths of the unknown to stop an evil from destroying reality itself.

Why similar: Souls-like 61.3%, RPG 11.4%, Co-op 9.6%, Multiplayer 4.1%, Action 3.3%

Why You'll Like It: Like its predecessor, it mixes punishing combat and character builds with rewarding exploration, just with more polish and class variety.

Paris, 1789. The French Revolution has been suppressed with bloodshed by Louis XVI and his merciless mechanical army. Aegis, a mysterious automaton masterpiece, must confront the king's army alone to save history in this challenging action-RPG.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.9%, Dark Fantasy 12.1%, Difficult 10.4%, Action RPG 9.9%, RPG 9.1%

Why You'll Like It: Its stamina-conscious combat, checkpoint structure, and tough action-RPG progression make it a solid Souls-style alternative with a unique setting.

In a vibrant undersea kingdom on the verge of collapse, a hermit crab embarks on a treasure hunt to buy back his repossessed shell. The second game from AGGRO CRAB.

Why similar: Souls-like 72%, Dark Fantasy 8.4%, Action RPG 8%, RPG 4.9%, Atmospheric 2.3%

Why You'll Like It: Beneath its playful look is a genuine souls-like with demanding melee combat, dodge timing, recoverable resources, and layered exploration.

Explore the last remnants of civilization in this vast, unforgiving, and interconnected world. Learn what is left of its history. Discover pockets of natural life in the perpetually expanding Omnistructure. Lose yourself in a journey unlike any other. Find your purpose in the world.

Why similar: Souls-like 53%, Action RPG 14.2%, RPG 12.3%, Exploration 4.6%, Action 3.4%

Why You'll Like It: It aims for the same sense of oppressive mystery, large-scale ruins, and deliberate combat that make Dark Souls II so atmospheric.

ENDER LILIES is a dark fantasy 2D action RPG about unraveling the mysteries of a destroyed kingdom. On this sorrowful journey, encounter horrific enemies against whom a moment of inattention could be fatal. Overcome these hardships and seek the truth with the help of fallen knights.

Why similar: Souls-like 52.2%, Dark Fantasy 23.1%, Difficult 11%, Action RPG 7%, Atmospheric 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: It delivers melancholic worldbuilding, demanding fights, and careful exploration in a softer but still very Souls-adjacent 2D structure.

Blasphemous is a brutal action-platformer with skilled hack’n slash combat set in the nightmare world of Cvstodia. Explore, upgrade your abilities, and perform savage executions on the hordes of enemies that stand between you and your quest to break eternal damnation.

Why similar: Souls-like 62.3%, Dark Fantasy 22.6%, Difficult 11.5%, Action 2.1%, Adventure 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: Its brutal combat, dark religious horror, and unforgiving exploration capture the same grim satisfaction even in a metroidvania format.

Dive into the latest evolution of The Last Faith: a dark and gothic fusion of metroidvania and soulslike. Engage in merciless and precise combat with a huge range of weapons, firearms, and custom executions. Let nothing stand in the way of your journey to salvation.

Why similar: Souls-like 60.6%, Dark Fantasy 22.5%, Difficult 12%, Action 2.5%, Adventure 1.5%

Why You'll Like It: This gothic metroidvania channels Souls-like combat weight, dark-fantasy style, and challenging progression better than most 2D alternatives.

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining the game’s core design.

Why similar: Souls-like 62.4%, Action RPG 9.2%, RPG 7.1%, Co-op 6.9%, Multiplayer 5.7%

Chronos: Before the Ashes is an atmospheric RPG that chronicles a hero’s lifelong quest to save their homeland from a great evil.

Why similar: Souls-like 71%, RPG 15.2%, Action 5.8%, Adventure 4.2%, Atmospheric 3.9%

Why You'll Like It: Its deliberate melee combat, dangerous bosses, and gloomy fantasy-adventure structure make it a worthwhile souls-lite for Dark Souls II fans.

Set in a huge open world, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen presents a rewarding action combat experience.

Why similar: RPG 26%, Dark Fantasy 19.3%, Action RPG 16.1%, Difficult 7%, Open World 6.8%

Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.4%, Dark Fantasy 17.2%, Difficult 13.7%, Action RPG 12.7%, RPG 8.2%

The ultimate DARKSIDERS II experience! 1080p native resolution. Reworked and tuned game balancing and loot distribution. Improved Graphic Render Engine for even higher visual quality, lighting and shadows. Improved and reworked level, character and environment graphics.

Why similar: RPG 24.2%, Dark Fantasy 16.9%, Souls-like 14.5%, Action RPG 12.6%, Action 8.5%

Blade of Darkness is a hardcore fantasy action-adventure with unique combat mechanics and role-playing elements that pioneered the “soulsborne” genre. Pick one of four characters to hack and slash through a gory quest to save the world from the forces of Chaos.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.3%, Dark Fantasy 18.3%, Difficult 14%, RPG 8.6%, Action RPG 7.6%

The adventure continues in Torchlight II! An Action RPG filled with epic battles, bountiful treasure, and a fully randomized world. Bring your friends along for the journey with online and LAN multiplayer.

Why similar: Action RPG 37%, RPG 29.9%, Co-op 14.3%, Multiplayer 5.9%, Fantasy 5.4%

Become a glutton for punishment and persevere, alone or with a friend, against 20+ merciless bosses and legions of skeletal nightmares in this savage yet charming 2D souls-like.

Why similar: Souls-like 35.3%, Unforgiving 19.9% ★, Dark Fantasy 13%, Difficult 11.3%, Action RPG 10.6%

No remarkable journey is achieved without great effort. In Outward, the cold of the night or an infected wound can be as dangerous as a predator lurking in the dark. Explore the vast world of Aurai solo or in Co-op. The Definitive Edition features both DLCs and quality of life improvements.

Why similar: Souls-like 37.4%, RPG 23.2%, Co-op 9.2%, Difficult 8%, Open World 6.2%

Path of Exile 2 is a next generation Action RPG from Grinding Gear Games, featuring co-op for up to six players. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world of Wraeclast and seek to end the corruption that is spreading.

Why similar: Souls-like 40%, Action RPG 21.8%, Dark Fantasy 17.8%, RPG 11.6%, Multiplayer 3.5%

DarkMaus is an indie action RPG with challenging, skill-based combat that punishes careless play.

Why similar: Souls-like 84.4%, Dark Fantasy 5.8%, Difficult 4.8%, RPG 3.8%, Action 1.2%

Join your fellow Marked Inquisitors in this online coop successor to award-winning 2016 Soulslike Salt and Sanctuary.

Why similar: Souls-like 43.9%, Dark Fantasy 18.1%, Action RPG 13.3%, RPG 9.3%, Co-op 7.2%

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a single player, narrative driven action-RPG that challenges the players to choose their own experience – from the appearance of their Arisen, their vocation, their party, how to approach different situations and more - in a truly immersive fantasy world.

Why similar: Action RPG 33.2%, RPG 29%, Open World 9.6%, Fantasy 8.2%, Action 5.6%

Dark Fantasy Warrior is a third-person action role-playing game in Dark Souls style. Extremely dark, deep and DIFFICULT! All of that in this super action game and prepare to die. Are you ready to fight Darkness?

Why similar: Souls-like 46.2%, Dark Fantasy 20%, Action RPG 12.6%, RPG 10.7%, Action 3.2%

Explore alternative realities while trying to save Your own from approaching annihilation. Dark fantasy rpg action game which will take You on a journey deep into the realms of Errent.

Why similar: Souls-like 60.2%, RPG 14.2%, Dark Fantasy 9.7%, Difficult 8.3%, Action 4.1%

Journey into the ruthless open world of Pale Coins, an old-school fantasy RPG. Face punishing bosses, goblin-infested dungeons, and discover legendary weapons as you customize your champion and fight across Grenmark for the fabled Champion's Coin.

Why similar: Souls-like 37.4%, Dark Fantasy 15.7%, Action RPG 12.5%, Difficult 11.5%, RPG 9.5%

An epic adventure awaits, where you and your chosen partners explore a post-apocalyptic world, face fierce battles against powerful enemies, and uncover an epic story that transcends time.

Why similar: Souls-like 58.3%, RPG 16.1%, Action RPG 15.3%, Action 4.8%, Difficult 3.4%

The new open world, spellcasting action-RPG. The grimoires have been stolen, civilisation is in ruins. Rise, Curator! Craft ancient elemental magics and challenge the great lords who threaten to fracture reality itself.

Why similar: Souls-like 37.7%, Dark Fantasy 16%, Difficult 12.4%, Action RPG 10.9%, RPG 8%

Explore, fight, survive and unravel mysteries in this unique and unforgiving 3D isometric RPG set in an original dark, low fantasy world. Exanima's exceptional attention to detail and realistic simulation of all things aim to provide a deeply immersive and dynamic gameplay experience.

Why similar: Dark Fantasy 28.5%, Souls-like 27.5%, RPG 17.7%, Difficult 17.7%, Atmospheric 3.2%

Immortal Planet is an action RPG with challenging combat that rewards patience and punishes recklessness. Explore the crumbling remains of a society of immortals trapped in endless cycles of rebirth. Fight your way to discover the planet's mystery and escape its curse.

Why similar: Souls-like 58.4%, RPG 12.1%, Difficult 7.7%, Action RPG 6.2%, Dark Fantasy 6%

Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power.

Why similar: Souls-like 72.5%, Difficult 20%, Action 2.4%, Adventure 2.2%, Atmospheric 1.6%

Rediscover the dark fantasy classic that defined the modern ARPG genre; fully remastered with a new class, fresh content, quality‑of‑life upgrades, and an overhauled endgame. Chain brutal skill and item synergies, rise in power, and carve through Hell’s armies with up to eight players.

Why similar: Action RPG 25.6%, Dark Fantasy 25.3%, RPG 25.1%, Co-op 8.8%, Action 6.6%

Sands of Aura is an open-world action adventure with a fantasy setting of a realm in its twilight--a world buried beneath a sea of sand. Sail across the sandseas to return life to a dying world in an unforgettable experience that is equal parts engaging story and unrelenting, souls-like combat.

Why similar: Souls-like 40.6%, Dark Fantasy 17.2%, Action RPG 14.3%, Difficult 12.1%, RPG 6.8%

Developed in cooperation between Square Enix and Team NINJA (Koei Tecmo Games), STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is a hard-core action RPG that takes the FINAL FANTASY series in a new direction. Experience the boldest and most merciless battles in FINAL FANTASY history.

Why similar: Souls-like 28.5%, Action RPG 17.4%, Dark Fantasy 16%, RPG 14.7%, Action 4.2%

Deathbound is a unique Soulslike. Build a party of four characters and instantly morph between them in and out of combat. Combine their abilities to pull off devastating attacks and slay those who stand before you.

Why similar: Souls-like 41.1%, Dark Fantasy 15.8%, Difficult 13.3%, Action RPG 11.9%, RPG 9.5%

Dracula, weak and yearning release from immortality, must reclaim his powers and defeat Satan. An epic fantasy adventure set in an expansive modern-day world!Awoken after centuries of slumber, weakened and yearning for release from his immortal bonds, Dracula must reclaim his powers and make a pact with Death, to defeat Satan and gain...

Why similar: Epic 23.3% ★, Action 21.3%, Adventure 16.2%, Action RPG 16%, Third Person 7%

Gather your party and get ready for a new, back-to-the-roots RPG adventure! Discuss your decisions with companions; fight foes in turn-based combat; explore an open world and interact with everything and everyone you see. Join up with a friend to play online in co-op and make your own adventures with the powerful RPG toolkit.

Why similar: RPG 57.1%, Co-op 18.7%, Fantasy 8.3%, Adventure 5.3%, Multiplayer 4.5%

In the third game in the dark samurai action RPG series Nioh, you will need to use both Samurai and Ninja combat styles in your battles against formidable yokai as you explore a thrilling open field.

Why similar: Souls-like 38.5%, Dark Fantasy 13.1%, Action RPG 12.3%, Difficult 11.7%, RPG 9.3%

The Star Wars® Saga continues with Star Wars®: The Force Unleashed™ II, the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever created.

Why similar: Action 39.1%, Third Person 28.5%, Adventure 16.4%, RPG 10.5%, Fantasy 5.6%

Enotria: The Last Song is a soulslike set in a beautiful sun-lit world inspired by Italian folklore where the brightest sun casts the darkest shadow. Wear unique role-altering masks, face formidable foes and alter reality with the power of Ardore to unravel the secrets of Enotria.

Why similar: Souls-like 41.9%, Dark Fantasy 13.4%, Difficult 12.7%, Action RPG 9.8%, RPG 9.5%