Soulslikes: 9 Games That Will Test Your Endurance
A selection of 2026 soulslikes – from Elden Ring to the genre's recent releases. Hard bosses, a high cost of mistakes and that feeling when you finally beat the game.
Lootaem editorial team
· 5 min read · 971 words
A soulslike is a genre where dying is normal, and a win feels real precisely because it did not come on the first try. We have picked 9 games – from an easy way in for newcomers to hardcore picks for genre veterans.
Elden Ring
An open world created by FromSoftware together with George R. R. Martin – "Game of the Year 2022" according to most publications. The Lands Between are huge: explore them on horseback, take on bosses in any order, survive. The most accessible soulslike from FromSoftware – because in an open world you can always leave and level up in another direction.
*Metacritic 94 · Steam 93% · 30 million copies*
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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – GOTY Edition
Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019 – and the most technically demanding game on this list. The combat system is built around deflecting attacks: no leveling or farming, only reflexes and practice. Samurai-era Japan, single-player campaign. No paid expansions.
*Metacritic 88 · Steam 95% · 10 million copies*
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Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
A hardcore action RPG in feudal Japan: you are a half-yokai, and this is what gives you the advantage in combat – the power of the demons themselves against demons. The pace of fights is higher than in Dark Souls, the stance system adds depth, and the Complete Edition includes all DLC. For those who found Elden Ring not demanding enough.
*Metacritic 86 · Steam 87%*
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Lies of P
A dark soulslike inspired by "Pinocchio": the city of Krat is overrun by frenzied puppets, Pi assembles weapons from parts and makes moral choices that change the ending. The first major Korean soulslike that stands alongside the Japanese masters of the genre. A good entry point for newcomers: it is a bit more forgiving than FromSoftware games.
*Metacritic 80 · Steam 92%*
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Black Myth: Wukong
The first Chinese AAA game – and a phenomenal sales launch right out of the gate. The Destined One against gods and demons from the mythology of "Journey to the West" in Unreal Engine 5. Visually it is one of the most beautiful games in the genre; in difficulty it stays closer to the middle – the bosses are tough, but not merciless.
*Metacritic 81 · Steam 97% · 25 million copies*
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Stellar Blade
A Korean action game from Sony: Eve against the Naytiba invaders on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The parry and dodge system is close to Sekiro, the style is closer to anime. One of the newer ways into the genre for those who want a fast pace without being punished for every mistake.
*Metacritic 84 · Steam 94% · on PC since June 11, 2025*
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STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor
Cal Kestis continues his path as a Jedi: 5 lightsaber stances, the open world of the planet Koboh, a visit to Jedha and Coruscant. The most newcomer-friendly soulslike on this list: several difficulty levels, a familiar universe. Press scores are average – but Star Wars fans rate it higher.
*Metacritic 78 · Steam 71%*
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Remnant II
A soulslike shooter with co-op for up to 3 players, procedural worlds and arena bosses – each run is unlike the last. A 2023 Game of the Year contender. With two or three players, tough bosses are easier to take down by splitting roles – and this is what makes Remnant II the best co-op soulslike in the selection.
*Metacritic 80 · Steam 82%*
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WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers
A soulslike from the Chinese studio Leenzee set in China during the decline of the Ming dynasty: the protagonist Wu Chang is a pirate with amnesia and the "Feathering curse". Fast melee combat, a system of stealing skills from enemies, several endings. One of the genre's recent releases of 2025.
*Metacritic 73 · Steam 56%*
Lootaem catalog page →What to choose for your level
The short version, so you do not have to scroll back up:
- Where a newcomer should start – Lies of P, STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor: they are more forgiving.
- Hardcore – Sekiro, Nioh 2, Elden Ring: here you die a lot, and for a reason.
- Two or three players – Remnant II: the only one on the list with full co-op.
All nine are in the Lootaem catalog – open a game's page to see the offer.
Questions and answers
Which soulslike is best for getting into the genre?
Lies of P or STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor – both forgive mistakes a bit more than FromSoftware games. If you want the "real thing" right away – Elden Ring: the open world lets you go to another boss when you get stuck.
Can you play soulslikes with a friend?
Remnant II is built specifically for co-op for up to 3 players – it is the only game in the selection with full cooperative play. The others are single-player games.
Which soulslike is the hardest in the selection?
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – the combat system requires precise parrying with no option to "over-level"; only skill works here. Nioh 2 comes next.
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