9 Souls Likes That Feel More Like You Learn About Them

While there are many great games out there, few can offer the likes of Souls in terms of the challenge they face, the complex mechanics they have, and the fearsome bosses players have to contend with. While some focus more on combat and leave other aspects behind, there are others that have more complex pillars to them.

When it comes to the latter, there’s a much wider perspective to be had, which not only helps you understand certain bosses and areas better, but also makes the experience feel more immersive. Here’s another Souls favorite that gets bigger the more you learn about it.

9

Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Soft Reboot Fixed several Bugs

Where the original Fallen Kings was released, it wasn’t a complete failure, but it certainly wasn’t as improved as this version, which came out in 2023. It was not treated as a fix, but as a soft reboot, Lords of the Fallen (2023) it does more things right than its predecessor did wrong.

Although it doesn’t have the level of lore that other titles enjoy Elden Ring knowing, learning more about the world and building details can help make the experience of playing it feel “complete”.

8

The Shell of Death

Proving AA Soulslikes Can Shine Again

While The Shell of Death it doesn’t have the complex game mechanics that other titles do, it still delivers a fun experience, showing just how far an AA title can go when done carefully—even when following a well-established blueprint and standing on the shoulders of giants.

The Shell of Death it doesn’t really break the Souls-like mold in terms of combat or bosses. However, if you delve deeper into the doctrine and start reading about the goddess Vatra, for example, you will soon discover that there is more to this subject than meets the eye.

7

The lies of P

All-Out Puppet Mayhem Set in a Victorian Country

When I first heard The lies of PI couldn’t help but think it was going to be another shameless book copy Dark Souls a franchise or something like that. However, I’m glad I was proven wrong when I picked up the game and started exploring the streets of Krat. Admittedly, the formula is very similar to other Soulslikes—explore the area, defeat a few enemies, get to the boss arena, upgrade, purify and repeat.

However, while it follows a very similar style to other games in its genre, The lies of P feels unique thanks to its common sense and the Victorian nature that it uses as a setting to unfold. The more you learn about the corrupted animations, corpses, and other enemies, the more interesting everything becomes.

6

Blasphemy 2

It’s Simpler Than The Original, But Also Better Designed

Although many people think Blasphemy 2 being better all around than its predecessor, there are some things I miss from the original, including the increased sense of difficulty that is its hallmark. Now, I don’t say Blasphemy 2 it’s not difficult, because it really is. However, the first one made me even more desperate. As if I was powerless before the various threats of the night that I had to face.

That said, I’m including the second installment of the franchise on this list because it expands on what was already presented to us in the first game, while also adding a few of its own elements, such as Altarpieces of Favor. Not only does this increase the different Stats you can raise, but it also lets you take a trip down memory lane with Altarpieces like Crisanta and Nacimiento—both of which are present in the original title.

5

Salt and the Sanctuary

A Great Tree of Skills to Benefit From

There are so many good things to say Salt and the SanctuaryI’ll start by saying that it has one of the biggest trees I’ve seen in Soulslike. In addition, this game has one of the features that many despise in Soulslikes, but that I personally love: fighting multiple bosses at once. A good example of this is fighting the Architect and the Skinless.

To set aside the fighting equipment and meet the boss, Salt and the Sanctuary it gives us a dark world and an interesting story behind it, which, although not as extensive as other titles, still holds up well. If you don’t believe me, look up a theory based on a nameless God and thank me later.

4

The Hollow Knight

Hallownest Is More Complicated Than It Seems

At a glance, The Hollow Knight it almost looks like a children’s game because of its animated design and the character’s silly voices. However, those who have played it know that the story of Hallownest is very dark. And once you’ve read the story and learned more about the game, every corner feels colder, every character feels sadder than before, and every ruined or abandoned place comes to life in the worst possible way.

For me, at least, it is sometimes difficult to make my way through the game while killing zombified insects now that I know what I know, and that, in particular, victims of the situation and “Infection”. That said, even with that knowledge, it beats the hardest bosses The Hollow Knight still great fun, Sisters of Battle is one of my favorites.

3

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The Lore Complements the Story Wonderfully

Maybe it was just me. But when I started Sekiro: Shadows Die TwiceI thought it would be like playing any of the games Dark Souls franchise. And since I consider myself a veteran of those, I didn’t think I would have a hard time overcoming it. Boy, was I wrong. Those of you who have already played it and beat it know that the game mechanics are very different, focusing on facing danger head on, rather than trying to avoid it.

As you explore every room in Ashina, you’ll uncover various secrets, find interesting NPCs, and face fearsome enemies—all pieces of the bigger picture that you’ll only be able to see if you take the time to learn more about the game. A good starting point I would recommend is reading about headless minimasters. Evil heroes turn into ghostly creatures that live in the dark. Doing sidequests inside Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is one of the best ways to learn more about Ashina and her story.

2

Blood

Even in the Dark World, There’s Much To Find

In all the dark, nocturnal games FromSoftware released, Blood probably the greatest representation of what Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team envisioned as horror. I can’t remember a single moment of playing a game where I wasn’t on the edge of my seat and waiting for the next scary thing to come at me with a vicious intent. And that’s exactly what it does Blood good – especially if you know the lore behind it.

Learning more about the hunters, the City of Yharnam, and the strange blood-soaked rituals and beliefs of The Healing Church makes it all Blood the feeling is very deep. The more you learn, the higher the stakes, and the more immersive the experience. Whether that’s a good thing or something that will give you nightmares is still up for debate.

1

Elden Ring

There Is A Library To Read

Few articles have made history like this Elden Ring within the gaming community. It took the best parts of Dark Souls franchise and combined them with a huge open world that gave players the freedom they always wished they had. The Lalands Between holds many secrets that can only be revealed through exploration and a few hours of perusal study.

Once you understand the history of Radagon, Godfrey, Mohg, Morgott, and the other divine beings in The Lands Between, even the opposing boss takes on a new level of meaning and depth. I’ve always been a Dexterity user who specializes in dual sword fighting.