10 reasons to play Souls-like games

5 days ago, by Enzo

Long considered games reserved for a handful of particularly persistent players, Souls-like titles have ended up becoming one of the most influential genres in modern video games. Building on the formula popularized by FromSoftware, those titles emphasize challenging combat, meticulous exploration, and a particularly rewarding sense of progression. While their reputation for being difficult may be intimidating, they actually offer a unique experience that few other genres can match. Without further ado, here are ten good reasons to give them a chance.

1. A challenge that offers genuine satisfaction

Souls-like games require observation, patience, and perseverance. Every victory is hard-earned, and it rewards your progress rather than your character’s level or equipment. The sense of accomplishment you feel after defeating a specially difficult boss is one of the genre’s greatest strengths.

2. Deep and technical combat

In a Souls-like game such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, every attack, every dodge, and every parry counts. Battles prioritize precision, stamina management, and reading enemy movements rather than simply mashing buttons. This depth transforms every fight into a veritable duel.

3. Progression that rewards learning

Unlike many RPGs where a character’s power alone is enough to steamroll the game, Souls-like games reward the player’s skill above all else. As the hours go by, you get better through experience, not only through your stats.

4. Memorable bosses

The genre is famous for its spectacular showdowns against gigantic creatures, fearsome knights, or nightmarish monsters. Each boss has its own mechanics and forces the player to adapt their strategy. Thus, these battles often become the most memorable moments of the adventure.

5. Plenty of secrets

The levels are teeming with hidden passages, ingenious shortcuts, rare items, and optional areas. You get rewarded for exploring every nook and cranny, be it with a powerful weapon, a piece of the story, or a new route. This constant curiosity greatly enhances immersion. The worlds of the Dark Souls series remain the gold standard when it comes to exploration, ingenious shortcuts, and secret areas.

6. Fascinating worlds

Souls-like games often feature dark, mysterious, and richly detailed worlds. Their art direction, architecture, and soundscapes tell a story without necessarily relying on lengthy cutscenes. Every location invites exploration and interpretation, particularly those in Lies of P.

7. Subtle storytelling

Rather than explaining everything, these games prefer to let the player piece together the story through item descriptions, dialogue, or the environment. This approach stimulates the imagination and encourages community theories, and uncovering the secrets of the universe little by little is an integral part of the fun.

8. A wide variety of playstyles

Heavy warrior, agile assassin, mage, archer, or even a mix of approaches: Souls-like games generally offer plenty of options when it comes to customizating your character. Each player can build a character tailored to their playstyle, particularly in Black Myth: Wukong, which comes close to the Souls genre without being one in the strictest sense.

9. An experience that builds patience

The genre teaches players to accept failure as a normal part of progression. Every defeat becomes an opportunity to analyze one’s mistakes and return better prepared. This philosophy makes victories all the more satisfying and provides a genuine sense of mastery, particularly in games like Khazan: The First Berzerker.

10. A passionate community

Souls-like games have a particularly active community that’s always ready to share tips, theories, or unique challenges. From discussions about lore to guides, builds, and the toughest battles, there’s a genuine culture surrounding the genre. Playing a Souls-like game means joining a community of enthusiasts.

Souls-like games aren’t just appealing because of their difficulty: they offer a well-rounded experience where challenge, exploration, and personal progression complement each other perfectly. Behind their demanding battles lie fascinating worlds, captivating stories, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Here you have the Souls-like games below that we recommend. Of course, they all align well with the 10 reasons we’ve mentioned.