Dark Souls, released in 2011 by FromSoftware, was so popular that it even spawned the term “Souls” for games that offer the same challenge, combat, and sense of exploration. This list of games like Dark Souls pays homage to these challenging but proven games, in case you’ve beaten Dark Souls and its sequels and are looking for something new.
When talking about some of the most important games of the last decade, it goes without saying that Dark Souls will inevitably be part of the conversation. Released at a time when AAA publishers were increasingly reluctant to include a serious challenge in their games, Dark Souls made a strong impression on the video game industry by combining old-school gameplay with a modern twist to create something truly unique and revolutionary.
The one thing that is certain is that this game will spawn a franchise, and the trilogy is considered by many to be one of the best video game franchises of all time. So it’s obvious that the end of Dark Souls will leave a void that most games won’t be able to fill. However, the popularity of the franchise has spawned a number of Souls, some of which are worthwhile. So if you want to feel the same way you did when you first played Dark Souls, here are some action RPGs that are very similar to that flagship title.
Dark Souls gameplay and game design differ from other action RPGs in that they rely on patience and strategy, rather than blind, fast-paced mayhem. The mirrored approach to combat makes each battle more meaningful; a good plan can lead to great success. The variety and distinctiveness of the entire team offer great value to those interested in the intricacies of melee combat, magic, and ranged attack methods. Following the success of this franchise, many have attempted to emulate these aspects with equally satisfying results, and some have even succeeded in this regard.
This is an ultimate list of upcoming similar games to Dark Souls in one way or another. Let’s start with:
Hell Point
This is a dark action RPG set in a heavily atmospheric sci-fi universe, where the line between science and occultism is blurred. Once a pinnacle of human achievement, the Irid Novo space station has fallen, its ruins are now overrun by cruel interdimensional entities acting as puppets of the malevolent Cosmic Gods. That sounds very Lovecraftian and cosmic horror is one of my favorite things. People are talking that this game is a hybrid between Dark Souls and Dead Space. I like both games, so I’m excited to play the full game one day. Actually, if you want, you can play one chapter for free – You can find Hell Point, The Thespian Feast on Steam. I like this model way more than early access because here you don’t have to pay a dime before you try. This is actually an old good demo version style, so don’t be harsh on the developers, they are doing a good job.
Eitr
Eitr is a substance in Norse mythology. This liquid is the origin of all living things. The substance is supposed to be very poisonous and is also produced by mighty Midgard serpent. It would be much better if it produced vodka instead. Also kinda poisonous, so really good substitute for Eitr. Well, of course, the game has to change its name then, but I see no problem with that. In the game you are The Shield Maiden – your fate determined by the fate-weaving Norns and their sacred loom before you even entered this world. However, your destiny was shattered when the mischievous God Loki interfered, dripping spots of the wretched substance vodka… Eitr into the unwoven loom, forever altering your path and engulfing the great tree Yggdrasil in darkness.
Third parties are talking that the game is coming out someday in 2020, but it was delayed so many times that I’ll believe it only when I have a copy in my PC’s hard drive. Don’t get your hopes up. It seems that Eitr could be the game that we will never touch with our filthy fingers.
Dungeonhaven
This game looks like Dark Souls. I mean, it looks exactly like Dark Souls just with a bit more colorful art style and that is impressive, because developers of the game, “The Cold War Game Studios” are made up of only two people. There is no solid proof that the game will come out in 2020 – no official statement has been made yet, although previously it was widely known that the game will be released in 2019. Sadly, it never happened.
Plague Hunter
This is an indie platformer game set in the dark fantasy vein. In the game, you’ll be using sword and guns to cut your way through hordes of zombies and other terrible monsters, at the same time avoiding deadly traps.
Developers say that this game has old school gameplay, but all I can see is a slight lack of quality. I know it’s just a demonstrational video, but you can already feel the lack of animations, meaning that developers took a shortcut instead of a long road. Though I will not judge the game before its release, it would be unprofessional. Every problem I just mentioned could be minor in comparison to an amazing story or maybe even great gameplay. We’ll see.
Dolmen
Cosmic Horror and Sci-Fi are two ways to talk about Dolmen. It is a third-person action game with RPG elements, but with a Lovecraftian plot that calls players to find what’s behind the darkest secret of the universe! A forgotten planet called Revion Prime will be the place where the action takes part and it won’t be easy: Adaptation and exploration will be your main weapons as you craft new items and equipment from your enemies ‘carcasses! Dolmen collected 20 thousand dollars in pledges on Kickstarter while they asked just for 15 thousand. Meaning that players are quite optimistic about it and have an urge for Dolmen to be released.
So I guess, this is how the case of the game will look like. And this will be the latest expansion, huh?
Sand is the Soul
This is an adventure game mixed with combat and RPG elements.
As developers say, here you will venture through the decaying Victorian post-punk autonomy of Cross hill. You can choose to go AWOL, take part in a coup d’état, be a junkie addicted to the drug called the Sand, get killed by an angry lover, screw everyone and overthrow the ruler and become a despot, and much more…Your actions will define your tale so here you’ll have to choose wisely, for at no point, will the game judge your actions.
“I don’t believe it”. Yeah, me too. Will have to recheck all those promises after release, because they sound kinda cool. The game is very artsy, it has a really strong style, and not everyone will like it. But the game will be released for every major platform, so, at least we know that publisher trusts this game and that is a good sign.
Hollow Knight: SilkSong
As the lethal hunter Hornet, a journey to new lands, discover new powers, battle vast hordes of bugs, beetles, and beasts, uncover ancient secrets tied to your nature and your past. Here you will face over 150 never before seen foes! Everyone wants you dead, but you’re the ultimate killing machine and no bug or beetle is safe near you.
Elden Ring
The game is a collaborative effort between Dark Souls game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and fantasy novelist George Martin – famous creator of Game of Thrones.
Elden Ring will be themed around dark fantasy and have the ability for players to create their own custom characters instead of playing as a fixed protagonist.
Developers also considered Elden Ring to be a more “natural evolution” of the Souls series, as the game will be much larger in scale compared to them, featuring an open world with new gameplay mechanics such as horseback riding and combat. Sadly, no gameplay trailer is released yet, but I think this game will definitely be a hit.
BioMass
Uncover the secrets of the sinking metropolis, clash beam sabers, or be a gunslinger. Make alliances or go alone. Here your actions have consequences – those who learn the nature of this world will be able to shape it as they see fit. Here you will also find dynamic boss fights with their own amazing rewards if you manage to turn on the secret fighting phase that can be triggered only if certain requirements are met. The game looks like a great example of science fiction souls like pixel-art RPG. Yeah, that is a genre now.
Project Awakening
This is an open-world fantasy action RPG destined for PlayStation 4, or possibly even for a next-generation console if development takes long enough. “Project Awakening” is merely a placeholder title – the game will probably get another name in the future.
The developers intended to focus the game more heavily on action elements, but it will also feature role-playing stuff. It is expected to feature seamless travel from the world into dungeons and other indoor areas.
The multiplayer mode may support anything from four to twelve players. It is not yet clear if the game will include magic, although we can clearly see that the knight is fighting a dragon-like creature here. So magic will probably be on the table.
The developers also have debated the inclusion of firearms as well. So you can shoot dragons I guess. I really hope that it will look like this. Also keep an eye on Lords of the Fallen 2, although no trailer or even a gameplay screenshot is available yet.
