FromSoftware embarked on a bold journey with Elden Ring. Despite the Dark Souls series having built a loyal fanbase, some remained doubtful about whether the studio could replicate that success in an expansive open-world format. However, any concern was quickly dispelled upon the game’s release. Exceeding expectations, Elden Ring garnered immense popularity and is hailed as one of FromSoftware’s finest creations.
The game offers a vast and immersive experience, inviting players to lose themselves in the sprawling environment known as The Lands Between. After completing the main storyline and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, players may find themselves yearning for similar adventures. Here’s a roundup of some of the top games reminiscent of Elden Ring, whether they embrace open-world mechanics or simply present challenging gaming experiences.
Updated December 31, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Given the grim and relentless atmosphere of Elden Ring, a refreshing change of pace may be sought. Therefore, we have included an intriguing 2024 Soulslike title in our recommendations. Click below to discover this game.
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1. The Dark Souls Series
Setting the Stage for Elden Ring
Players who have enjoyed Elden Ring but haven’t yet delved into the Dark Souls series are encouraged to prioritize it on their gaming list. It offers gameplay mechanics and combat that closely align with the Elden Ring experience, albeit in a less open-world fashion. The realms within the Dark Souls franchise are equally as dark, ominous, and creatively designed as those in Elden Ring.
The Dark Souls series established the core principles that Elden Ring builds upon. Players will recognize features such as resting at specific points to level up and a nuanced weapon and armor system across the games. Though they guide players through their progression, exploration still plays a significant role, particularly during initial playthroughs. Memorable and challenging boss encounters characterize each title in the series, including the often-overlooked Dark Souls 2, which is certainly worth experiencing.
2. Demon’s Souls
Where the Souls Genre Began… and Its Remake
Having stood the test of time, Demon’s Souls is far from a relic of the past; it is an essential experience for newcomers familiar with FromSoftware’s masterpieces. Released in 2009, it set the groundwork for what would evolve into the Souls genre, distinguished by its intricate level design, intense boss battles, and a range of character builds.
While Demon’s Souls shares similarities with its successors, it offers a unique gameplay experience focusing more on environmental challenges rather than boss encounters. The difficulty mainly arises from navigating the challenging areas rather than engaging with bosses, fostering a gameplay style that rewards patience and strategy. Moreover, the game’s World Tendency system significantly influences the gaming experience.
3. Bloodborne
FromSoftware’s Gothic Soulslike Masterpiece
Elden Ring’s strange and grotesque enemies might remind players of the disturbing imagery present in Bloodborne. This earlier release shares the developer’s signature style but delves into a more gothic horror theme that enhances its distinct identity. The game delivers a punishing, intricately designed world where players face an array of horrifying bosses and beautifully crafted environments.
Bloodborne excels by emphasizing speed and aggressive tactics in combat, creating a relentless action experience complemented by an essential expansion that is equally critical to the narrative. For fans of high-octane gameplay and a rich, atmospheric world, Bloodborne stands out as one of FromSoftware’s best offerings.
4. Rise of the Ronin
Team Ninja’s Take on an Open World
In recent years, Team Ninja has carved its niche within the Soulslike genre. Their latest release, Rise of the Ronin, embraces an open-world format reminiscent of titles such as Dragon’s Dogma and Assassin’s Creed. Unfortunately launching alongside Dragon’s Dogma 2, this game offers a fresh perspective for those captivated by Elden Ring.
While its open-world exploration shares structural similarities with games like Horizon Zero Dawn, it is essential to note that the combat emphasizes agility and tactical travails. Players enjoy customization and a diversified combat system, fostering engaging gameplay in an expansive, meticulously designed universe.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild & Tears of the Kingdom
Expansive Open World That Emphasizes Player Freedom
Just as Elden Ring revitalized the open-world genre in 2022, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did the same in 2017. Set in an expansive, vibrant Hyrule, BOTW encourages exploration, allowing players to engage with the world on their terms. It’s essential to recognize that while both games share certain philosophical aspects regarding world design, their gameplay experiences diverge considerably.
Combat in BOTW focuses less on challenge and more on puzzle-solving, with weapons often designed to be temporary. Despite these differences, both titles share a commitment to exploration and player agency. Tears of the Kingdom, as a direct sequel, builds on the foundations laid by BOTW, introducing new mechanics while maintaining the core experience that players loved.
6. Stellar Blade
Way More Than Just a Pretty Face
On the surface, Stellar Blade might appear to merely showcase an attractive protagonist, but it also offers a captivating action RPG experience. Players assume the role of a soldier defending Earth from invaders, immersing themselves in a narrative driven by combat, fashion, and exploration.
The game’s combat system prioritizes skillful dodges and parries, reminiscent of titles like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, while sustaining a diverse array of enemies and bosses. Players will find engaging, open environments that necessitate exploration and come packed with customization options that enhance replay value.
7. Shadow of the Colossus
Mountain-Size Bosses & Grim Setting
If you appreciate battling the colossal foes in Elden Ring, Shadow of the Colossus offers a similar experience. Despite its linear approach, players face distinctly mighty creatures, providing a gripping challenge as they navigate through aesthetically striking locations.
While it differs from the broader exploration available in Elden Ring, it grants a series of formidable encounters, invoking a primeval struggle against enormous adversaries. Focusing heavily on boss fights, Shadow of the Colossus remains an iconic experience, especially the 2018 remake, which introduces modern enhancements to the gameplay.
8. This Series
Intense Combat That Is (Generally) More Fast-Paced Than Elden Ring
Nioh and its sequel have become standout titles in the Soulslike genre, showcasing Team Ninja’s dedication to crafting challenging games. These titles embrace fast-paced combat reminiscent of the intensity found in games like Sekiro, while integrating detailed mechanics and memorable boss encounters.
Unlike Elden Ring, Nioh is less about free exploration and more about skilled action sequences within intricately designed environments. However, for fans of fast-paced combat and deep gameplay mechanics, it remains a worthwhile recommendation.
9. Star Wars Jedi Games
A Galaxy Far, Far Away Goes Through Its Soulslike Phase
EA and Respawn entered the Soulslike arena with the Star Wars Jedi series, featuring two critically acclaimed entries. Players guide Cal Kestis through a range of planets embroiled in a battle against the Galactic Empire. The games adeptly blend exploration and action reminiscent of high-quality Metroidvania experiences.
While not entirely open-world, these games still offer expansive environments filled with engaging narratives and memorable moments. Though the combat has notable room for improvement, the series successfully captures the essence of lightsaber combat in a narrative unknown to most video games.
10. Hollow Knight
2D Metroidvania Masterpiece With Soulslike Combat
Indie game Hollow Knight proves that smaller titles can rival AAA offerings in terms of depth and challenge. Players embark on a grueling quest through the haunted world of Hallownest, leveraging smooth platforming and upgrade systems. The character’s journey mirrors the exploration and theme found in Elden Ring.
11. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Action RPG That Prioritizes Combat Over Story
2012’s Dragon’s Dogma developed a cult status, paving the way for its anticipated sequel. While fans might expect similar gameplay to Elden Ring, Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a distinct style that emphasizes its combat systems and varied enemy encounters, framed in a different narrative environment.
This installment provides an expansive yet directed open world, rewarding players for mastering combat mechanics while navigating challenges. Its unique vocation system enables diverse character growth, catering to various playstyles that will resonate with fans of RPG mechanics.
12. No Rest For The Wicked
Punishing Isometric Action RPG
No Rest For The Wicked takes a unique approach with its isometric view, drawing players into a dark, immersive world rife with challenges. Currently in early access, this game combines finely-tuned combat mechanics with survival elements and an engaging narrative.
Set on the island of Socra, players confront various formidable foes while navigating a beautifully designed environment. Its combat style challenges players not only to defeat enemies but also to manage resources and build effective strategies to survive.
13. Ashen
An Early Soulslike Attempt to Go Open-World
Ashens’ indie debut signals a bold attempt to capture the essence of Soulslike gameplay, offering a streamlined experience similar to Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Featuring a compelling cel-shaded art style, Ashen allows for strategic combat while navigating through its semi-open world.
Less expansive than Elden Ring but enjoyable nonetheless, Ashen presents players with enough freedom to explore and discover various elements while adhering to the familiar Soulslike mechanics.
14. Lies Of P
More Bloodborne Than Elden Ring, But Still Awesome
Lies of P utilizes the narrative of Pinocchio to create a darkly enchanting world, rife with memorable enemies and shadowy locales. Borrowing heavily from Bloodborne, this anticipated 2023 title employs distinctive combat mechanics that reward precision and adaptation.
While lacking the customization breadth of Elden Ring, Lies of P compensates with a compelling narrative woven into its fast-paced environment. Utilizing its semi-open world efficiently, it provides players with engaging scenarios and interactions that captivate throughout.
15. Ghost Of Tsushima
Gorgeous Open-World & Accessible Hack-and-Slash Combat
Ghost of Tsushima represents a more traditional open-world experience, rooted in narrative and exploration. While it shares characteristics with conventional Ubisoft-style designs, this samurai epic emphasizes atmospheric storytelling and beautiful landscapes, allowing for breathtaking exploration.
Though more accessible than Elden Ring, its engaging combat system invites players to master intricate mechanics that test their mettle throughout challenging encounters. While differing significantly in structure, Ghost of Tsushima warrants attention for its engaging gameplay and world design.
16. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Intense Medieval Simulator With Deep Combat System
Kingdom Come: Deliverance appeals mainly to enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth narratives and character development, diverging from the gameplay focus of Elden Ring. Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Europe, players strive for revenge amid a backdrop rich in historical detail.
While promoting skills reflective of realistic melee combat, Kingdom Come enhances player investment in character progression through actionable gameplay. Though it emphasizes storytelling, its world design and progression systems resonate with fans of layered RPG mechanics.
17. Kingdoms Of Amalur
At Release, The Open-World Game With The Best Melee Combat
Initially released with moderate fanfare, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning ultimately attained classic status, showcased by its remastered edition, Re-Reckoning. Similar to Elden Ring, this vibrant open-world RPG prioritizes combat, allowing players to explore various build types and loadouts.
While the complexity and challenge of its combat fall short of Soulslike standards, the game’s frenetic, colorful combat offers a delightful alternative. For players seeking a different atmosphere, Amalur’s world provides a refreshing contrast to Elden Ring’s darker tones.
18. Another Crab’s Treasure
Soulslikes Should Add Platforming More Often
A quirky indie title, Another Crab’s Treasure stands out by offering a unique experience in which players control a crab on a quest to reclaim its stolen shell. While visually different from Elden Ring, it embodies many ‘Soulslike’ elements—requiring skillful dodges and strategizing to defeat enemies.
The game introduces platforming mechanics, enhancing engagement and providing a fresh pace for players who enjoy exploration and combat challenges. Despite its charming aesthetic, it retains elements of challenge and strategy that fans of the genre can appreciate.
19. Lords Of The Fallen
The Soulslike Genre Tries on Unreal Engine 5
Despite the challenges presented by the 2014 iteration of Lords of the Fallen, the 2023 sequel embraces modern advancements and aspirations while reimagining the franchise. This new release integrates ambitious mechanics, particularly the ability to navigate two distinct realms.
Although not a quintessential open-world experience like Elden Ring, it offers a seamless, expansive environment crafted using Unreal Engine 5, presenting dynamic environments and numerous combat styles for diverse player engagement.
20. Monster Hunter: World
Focus On Hunting Giant Monsters, With Some Exploration
For those enamored with Elden Ring’s formidable boss challenges, Monster Hunter: World serves as an excellent alternative. With a primary focus on battling massive creatures, players engage in elaborate weaponry and team-oriented tactics. The game promotes immersive environments while implementing strategic gameplay mechanics to challenge even the most skilled hunters.
Recognized for its engaging “boss gauntlet” gameplay, players experience thrilling encounters that often test their tactical gameplay, adding longevity and depth to the experience.
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