1
Elden Ring
FromSoftware · 2022
95Score
FromSoftware’s open-world masterpiece and the genre’s defining modern entry.
SoloCo-op
Meta95
OC95
The Best Soulslikes, Ranked
Soulslikes ask for patience and precision: learn the enemy, earn every step, and feel the rush when a boss finally falls. Pioneered by FromSoftware and now a genre of its own, these are the best soulslikes, ranked by combined Metacritic and OpenCritic scores.
11 games rankedGenre avg. score 85Updated June 2026
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Showing 11 of 11 games
2
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware · 2019
90Score
A posture-and-parry duel-fest that strips the formula down to pure swordplay.
Solo
Meta90
OC91
3
Dark Souls III
FromSoftware · 2016
90Score
The polished, fast-paced send-off to the trilogy that started it all.
SoloCo-opOnlinePvP
Meta90
OC90
4
Hollow Knight
Team Cherry · 2017
90Score
A soulslike metroidvania with tough combat, hidden depths, and breathtaking art.
Solo
Meta90
OC89
5
Nioh 2
Team Ninja · 2021
85Score
A faster, loot-heavy take on the formula with deep stance-based combat.
SoloCo-opOnline
Meta85
OC85
6
Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science · 2024
85Score
A gorgeous action-soulslike retelling of Journey to the West with spectacular boss fights.
Solo
Meta83
OC88
7
Dark Souls: Remastered
FromSoftware · 2018
83Score
The game that named the genre, with the most interconnected world FromSoftware built.
SoloCo-opOnlinePvP
Meta84
OC82
8
Remnant II
Gunfire Games · 2023
82Score
A gun-focused soulslike with procedural worlds, built for three-player co-op.
SoloCo-opOnline
Meta82
OC82
9
Lies of P
Round8 Studio · 2023
82Score
A stylish Pinocchio-themed soulslike with a satisfying parry-heavy combat system.
Solo
Meta82
OC81
10
Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science · 2024
82Score
A gorgeous action-RPG retelling of Journey to the West, with spectacle boss fights and shape-shifting combat.
Solo
Meta82
OC81
11
Code Vein
Bandai Namco · 2019
75Score
An anime-styled soulslike with a constant AI partner that softens the difficulty.
SoloCo-op
Meta75
OC75
How we rank
Every game gets a single HostedGG Score: a weighted blend of the two leading review aggregators, so no single outlet decides the result.
- Metacritic · 55%
- OpenCritic · 45%
Critic scores were verified against Metacritic and OpenCritic in June 2026. OpenCritic launched in 2015, so a few older classics have no OpenCritic average; for those the score uses the Metacritic number on its own. This is an independent editorial ranking, and no game pays for placement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best soulslike game?
Elden Ring tops our combined score and is the best starting point for most players, with Sekiro, Dark Souls III, and Hollow Knight close behind.
What is the best soulslike for beginners?
Elden Ring is the most forgiving thanks to its open world and summons, and Code Vein’s AI partner makes it gentler than most.
Which soulslikes have co-op?
Elden Ring, Dark Souls III, Remnant II, and Nioh 2 all support co-op, which can make tough bosses much more manageable.
Explore more rankings
Best RPGsSprawling worlds, deep builds, and stories that stick with you.Best Survival gamesGather, craft, build, and live to see another dawn.Best ShootersTight gunplay, killer level design, and that perfect headshot feel.Best Strategy gamesOut-think, out-build, and out-maneuver, turn by turn or in real time.Best Open-world gamesVast maps worth getting lost in, packed with things to do.Best RoguelikesRun-based runs, permadeath, and just one more attempt.Best Co-op gamesThe best games to play with friends, from couch to online.Best Horror gamesSurvival horror, psychological dread, and things best not faced alone.Best MetroidvaniasInterconnected maps, ability-gated secrets, and that next upgrade.
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