Top 5 Souls-Like Games That’ll Push You To The Edge: Lies Of P, Nioh, More

Before you ask, the quirky Another Crab’s Treasure is indeed a part of our definitive Souls-like list.

Souls-like games are marked by incredible boss battles and overtly challenging difficulties.

Source : NEOWIZ

The Dark Souls trilogy is one of the most popular franchises in gaming history. These games, along with other similarly functioning titles by FromSoftware are categorised as Soulsborne games. Games that fall within this category are meticulously crafted and very challenging. 

Out of love and admiration for these games, a new genre within gaming was born: Souls-Like. A Souls-like game is essentially one which might contain mechanics reminiscent of Soulsborne games, like a limited number of heals, dodging, parrying, and more. However, these games are not developed by FromSoftware itself.

Many developers have taken up the task of creating their Souls-Like games, trying to put their twist on the beloved formula. Some have failed while others have seen unprecedented success. 

So, let’s look at some great Souls-Like games you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

Nioh

Nioh launched in 2017 and was developed by Team Ninja, the same developers behind the iconic Ninja Gaiden series. The game was also followed by a sequel, Nioh 2, in 2020. 

It strays from typical Soulsborne games and has different mission-based areas instead of a semi-open or open world.  

The game employs a combat system which at its base, is more complex than your traditional Soulsborne game. The player is required to cycle through different stances during combat, with each one having its pros and cons. 

The different areas of the game are beautifully designed and the story takes inspiration from feudal Japan with mystical concepts like Yokai, supernatural entities in Japanese folklore, sprinkled in. 

It is sure to offer hours of fun to anyone who enjoyed the atmosphere and setting of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. 

Nioh is available on PS5, PS4 and PC. 

Lords Of The Fallen

Lords of the Fallen, which came out in 2023, was developed by Hexworks. The game feels very similar to the original Dark Souls trilogy. This is due to its dark fantasy aesthetic and medieval world. 

The game is built on Unreal Engine 5, and sports amazing graphics. Elaborate and elegant design can be spotted in every aspect of the game. 

Another world, known as the Umbral Realm, mirrors reality within the game. The players are often required to enter this world to solve puzzles and aid further exploration. The Umbral Lamp, which is used to interact with this world is a core mechanic of the game, having utility not only in exploration but also in combat. 

The world, aesthetic choices, combat mechanics and bosses of the game will surely satisfy someone suffering from Dark Souls withdrawal. 

Lords of the Fallen is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. 

Thymesia

Thymesia is much smaller in scale than all the games in this list, but it makes up for it with a well-polished, responsive and fun combat system. It was developed by OverBorder Studio and came out in 2022. Thymesia, like Nioh, isn’t the open world and instead has different levels which the player needs to complete. 

While it may not have an expansive open world like Elden Ring, its combat system is what lands it on this list. 

Thymesia takes gameplay inspiration from Bloodborne and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. The game has mechanics like parrying and dodging and it also requires you to have an aggressive playstyle. You can make yourself stronger using the available skill tree and attribute upgrades. 

The game also has a very interesting mechanic known as plague weapons, in which players can steal enemies’ weapons for one hit. Further into the game, these weapons can also be upgraded and utilised through mana usage.

All of this results in a fast-paced combat system which might seem difficult at first, but becomes more rewarding as you play on. 

Thymesia is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC. 

Another Crab’s Treasure

At first glance, people might not believe that a game this cute is a Souls-Like. But once they start playing, I’m sure they will feel the same dread they felt towards other Soulsborne or Souls-Like game. 

Another Crab’s Treasure was developed by Aggro Crab and came out on all major platforms this year in April. 

It is one of the most innovative Souls-Like game I have ever seen, combining a bubbly, humorous story with the nerve-wracking combat that Souls-Likes are known for. You play as a hermit crab, who’s on a quest to reclaim his shell. And during that journey, you find several substitutes, all of which have interesting designs and abilities. Some of them include a bottle cap, a cold-drink can and even a rubber duck. 

While the game initially has a light atmosphere, further progression reveals dark elements as well. The game also acts an amazing form of social commentary, showcasing the hazards of pollution in the sea, without making it preachy.  

The game is a fresh breath of air for anyone fatigued by the serious tone of Soulsborne and most Souls-Like games. 

Another Crab’s Treasure is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. 

Lies Of P

Lies of P is considered by many, the closest thing to Bloodborne on PC. And while Bloodborne on PC might not ever happen, Lies of P is definitely a worthy substitute. 

The game was developed by NEOWIZ and Round 8 Studio and launched in 2023. 

Lies of P is one of the most polished Souls-Like to exist. The sheer quality of the game almost makes one forget that it’s not made by FromSoftware itself. The game heavily encourages you to use parrying and for good reason. Parries in Lies of P are some of the most satisfying I have ever experienced.

A dark turn on the story of Pinocchio, you play as the titular character while exploring and fighting through a city overtaken by puppets. 

Additionally, a Victorian aesthetic is artistically implemented in the game. The game also has incredible graphics, amazing music and to tie it all, a combat system that will urge anyone to come back for more. 

Lies of P is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. 

(The author is a student of Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi)