Sometimes you just need a game that’s going to pose a serious challenge. Games like that go a long way in keeping a shorter game at a decent playtime, thanks to how often you’ll have to re-fight bosses. Obviously, the best kind of game for that kind of thing is a soulslike game.
There are a bunch of games on the PS5 that take the different and excellent attributes that make up a Dark Souls game and apply them in new and unique ways. Some may be incredibly reminiscent of Dark Souls games, but you probably aren’t going to mind that when a game features a unique new mechanic or setting.
10 Biomutant
If you played through the core Dark Souls games and felt like there weren’t enough animal creatures doing battle, then Biomutant is for you. This game matches the Dark Souls-style gameplay loop while managing to stand out from its peers with fun exploration featuring unique mounts.
You get to fully customize your own little creature before being dropped into the world to learn how to play. The whole thing will immediately feel like Dark Souls, though it does have a much less ambitious story for the most part.
9 The Nioh Collection
Why just get one soulslike game when you could get two? They both have remastered versions, too. If you pick up The Nioh Collection, you’ll have access to two great games that give you Dark Souls combat through the vessel of a samurai or a yokai spirit.
The original Nioh was already a triumph, but Nioh 2 somehow managed to make almost every aspect even better while providing an experience that will remind you of the Dark Souls series. The gameplay is familiar, but there are some unique quirks to each game that keep them unique.
8 Code Vein
You might be a big fan of anime and anime games, and that means you’ll love Code Vein. The game is relatively short, and most people consider it to be a lot easier than Dark Souls, but taking that formula and translating it into a brooding anime is exactly what this game is like.
You get to create your own character before joining a group to find various Bloodsprings. The level of customization is much greater than the average Dark Souls, but you won’t find yourself shouting at the TV nearly as much.
7 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Depending on who you ask, some people are likely to tell you that Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a much more skill-based game than any other soulslike game. This comes from the requirements of learning deflections to your advantage to succeed.
The beauty of this game is that if you don’t like how obtuse the Dark Souls games can be at times, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a fairly straightforward experience from start to finish. Most of your brain power will go to mastering combat while you enjoy the story.
6 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin
This game is essentially the Final Fantasy series take on the Dark Souls formula, and to a lot of people, it’s a surprise hit. You aren’t going to have as much customization at your fingertips in this game, but luckily, you aren’t stuck with a single gameplay style.
You take control of Jack, someone interested in destroying Chaos. Since the game has a heavy emphasis on story, it’s best to experience the rest yourself, but just know it isn’t anything mind-blowing for the Final Fantasy series by any means.
5 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
This game should feel incredibly soulslike, considering it was made by the same developers of the Dark Souls series. Much like Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice tries to go in a new direction and take some unique swings for the soulslike genre.
You get to play as a shinobi in a very classic take on the Sengoku period of Japan’s history. Rather than heavy RPG elements, this game introduces a much more straightforward story and some fun stealth mechanics that really shake up a familiar formula.
4 Mortal Shell: Enhanced Edition
Mortal Shell will immediately remind you of Dark Souls both in playstyle and overall world design. What sets it apart is the shell mechanic you can access to battle the game's many threats.
The different shells you have access to all have unique play styles, so it’s worth swapping them out when possible to have an easier time in certain areas or against certain bosses. Of course, you can just stick to one style and try to brute force your way through the game if you wish.
3 Elden Ring
Elden Ring is yet another effort from the FromSoftware team to spin away from Dark Souls to some degree. The world of this game was famously worked on by Game Of Thrones writer George R. R. Martin, though that has had a mixed reception.
With a huge open world to explore, this soulslike game gives you the ability to hop onto a mount to travel across the land. Outside of that, much of the game's combat and exploration will feel incredibly familiar to any Dark Souls veterans.
2 Bloodborne
All this game needed for a catchy title was just a single word, Bloodborne. This was the first major spin-off attempt by the FromSoftware team, and just about everyone loved its faster-paced gameplay, especially since they could use guns and canons for battle.
Rather than putting an emphasis on defense, this game places a major emphasis on pressuring your opponents and parrying. If you like tough battles and flexing your quick reflexes, you’ll probably love this bizarre and dark adventure that feels ripped out of a twisted and mature Tim Burton film.
1 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
If you want your soulslike game to come with a large story, look no further than Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The quiet worlds you must explore will feel like a more sci-fi take on Dark Souls, and the combat will feel eerily similar.
For a long time, this was one of the longest Star Wars games to truly master, so a Dark Souls fan like you should have a great time learning every aspect of it. Don’t forget to meditate often, as those meditation points act as your bonfires in this game.