Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls ushered in a new subgenre of RPG/action-adventure gaming in the form of Soulslikes. While still in its infancy, the concept has produced quite a few projects over the last decade, and many tend to be ambitious projects. 2023 alone produced Lords of the Fallen, Lies of P, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, all of which were massive releases in their own right.
6:15 Related Best Games On Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass is unquestionably worth the subscription fee, but which of the available games are the best use of your hard drive space?
Xbox Game Pass’ value comes from its variety. The subscription service tries to cover as wide of a spectrum as possible, offering something to interest most tastes. Soulslikes are no exception, even if none of FromSoftware’s genre-creating releases are part of the service. Still, some of the best Soulslike games on Xbox Game Pass serve as great alternatives to Dark Souls and Bloodborne.
Updated June 13, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Galleries were added for every game, along with Lords of the Fallen since that was added to Game Pass at the end of May 2024.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Metascore: 86
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Released April 28, 2023 How Long To Beat 20 Hours
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel, Jedi: Survivor. Developed by Respawn, the games tell an original story in the Star Wars universe, with an in-hiding Jedi Knight named Cal Kestis taking center stage. Regardless of quality, newcomers should try to start with Fallen Order as its story leads directly into Survivor. More importantly, the 2019 release is not only great but also one of the best Soulslike games on Game Pass in its own right.
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Still, Jedi: Survivor is (generally) bigger and better in most areas. Cal Kestis’ character is more fleshed out, the featured planets are more visually striking and fun to explore, and the battle system has a few more tricks up its sleeve. Just to be clear, the sequel mostly sticks to the same blueprint as Fallen Order, particularly the enjoyable but floaty combat. Still, Jedi: Survivor added depth via a stance system, which is like a mix of Nioh’s mechanic and Devil May Cry 5’s Dante moveset. Essentially, players can decide Cal’s preferred fighting style by equipping two stances simultaneously.
Lies Of P
Metascore: 84
Lies of P Released September 19, 2023 Developer(s) Round8 Studio , Neowiz How Long To Beat 20 Hours
Starfield was not the only big September 2023 game to launch directly on Xbox Game Pass. Lies of P is a fantastic action RPG that takes obvious inspiration from arguably FromSoftware’s best game: Bloodborne. Creatively inspired by Pinocchio, the game follows the iconic puppet as he makes his way through Krat, a city overrun with horrendous monstrosities that range from humanoid guards to massive entities. Offering more fast-paced action than the traditional Soulslike, Lies of P incorporates most of the genre’s basic ingredients, but they are combined in a way that allows the game to stand out positively.
While dodging is an option, the combat prioritizes guarding and deflections, the latter of which must be mastered to make the many challenging bosses more manageable. Even though it was not created by a well-known developer, Lies of P is polished, ambitious, and impressive, and it will likely go down as one of the best Soulslike games of all time.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Metascore: 79 (PC)
Another Crab’s Treasure Released April 25, 2024 Developer(s) Aggro Crab How Long To Beat 14 Hours
Under the sea, there are plenty of creative bosses who need to be put to the fork. Another Crab’s Treasure provides an endearing and clever take on the Soulslike formula, one that could easily have gotten by on charm alone but wisely opted to be pretty fun as well. As Krill, players go on a substantial but not overly long journey to retrieve their stolen shell; in the meantime, they have to make do with makeshift “armor” pieces, most of which provide unique abilities that justify their existence beyond just stats. Unsurprisingly, Kril’s quest involves taking on all sorts of aquatic entities, including some gigantic creatures with over-the-top and glorious movesets. Fortunately, the crab has a capable weapon (fork) that can be upgraded through Stainless Relics.
Although not playing all that differently from most Soulslikes, Another Crab’s Treasure’s originality is found in other areas. The ocean-based setting is, obviously, a complete departure from the genre, and that extends to its colorful aesthetic. The shell/armor system is inspired and makes each discovery exciting, while the combat prioritizes accessibility and style over challenge.
Remnant 2
Metascore: 85
Remnant 2 Released July 25, 2023 How Long To Beat 20 Hours
Both Remnant games are on Xbox Game Pass, and they scratch a unique itch within the Soulslike sphere. The vast majority of the genre’s entries focus on melee combat, with only a few leaning into ranged action. Gunfire Games’ IP is by far the best example of the latter, and these two releases are the definitive third-person Soulslike shooters since they push this type of action to the forefront rather than having it as a complementary piece to close-quarters combat. While it might be a few years old by this point, Remnant: From the Ashes is still great and should not be skipped over just because its sequel is available; in fact, an argument could be made that the first title is the better of the two packages. Still, Remnant 2 expands on most of its predecessor’s ideas, all the while providing more varied worlds to explore and better-defined classes.
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Remnant 2 uses procedural generation technology to expand its replayability while still allowing room for tailor-made levels. This feature is limited to dungeons within worlds, meaning that each run should be a bit different. Consequently, players will need to play through the game multiple times to experience everything it has to offer, which is a positive creative decision considering New Game+ is a very common feature of Soulslikes. The gameplay is fantastic and intense, provided someone is a general fan of third-person shooters. Crowd control is a big part of the challenge, especially since Remnant 2 is designed with co-op in mind. While not quite as exciting as in some other Soulslikes, loot is also central to a playthrough, although players will mostly be picking up rings, amulets, and relics rather than weapons.
Lords Of The Fallen
Metascore: 77
Lords of the Fallen (2023) Released October 13, 2023 Developer(s) HEXWORKS How Long To Beat 30 Hours
Similar to its 2014 spiritual predecessor, Lords of the Fallen is arguably among the most polarizing Soulslike games, even though it has more than a few positives. By using Unreal Engine 5, Hexworks created one of the genre’s most visually striking projects that 100% looks like an AAA release, even if it was not published by a particularly major company. If nothing else, the game’s production value is impressive.
The core combat is fairly typical for a Soulslike, but Lords of the Fallen has a couple of fresh ideas, including the existence of two realms that players are encouraged to swap between frequently. This concept also plays into the game’s take on death, offering a bit of a twist on the standard formula. For the most part, the level design is quite good and ambitious, and it is designed in a way that belies a sense of scale while sticking to a fairly linear structure. LOTF’s boss fights are epic in scale but somewhat of a mixed bag in practice, with most being relatively simplistic.
Lords of the Fallen is one of those games that seems to have no middle ground; players either love or hate it. Thanks to its Game Pass arrival, people on the fence can try it without any risk.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Metascore: 79
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Released March 3, 2023 How Long To Beat 27 Hours
Team Ninja has spent the last half a decade cementing its place in the Soulslike world through the Nioh games. While those releases are not on Xbox Game Pass, the developer’s most recent project debuted directly on Microsoft’s subscription service. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty utilizes many of the same ideas introduced in Team Ninja’s previous outings, including a loot system that drowns players in weapons and armor. Similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Wo Long prioritizes deflecting attacks over guarding or dodging; just to be clear, the latter two are still important tools in the player’s arsenal, but everyone will need to somewhat master parrying if they want to last long in the campaign.
Set during China’s Three Kingdoms era, Wo Long blends reality with fiction by incorporating historical figures alongside supernatural monsters. Like any good Soulslike, Team Ninja’s game is absolutely stuffed with challenging boss fights, and players can expect to face usually a few of these sorts of enemies in most stages. Rather than a continuous world, Wo Long is divided into parts, with each one dropping players in a new Metroidvania-style area. Besides the main missions, there are side missions that can have unique bosses and drops.
Dead Cells
Metascore: 91
Dead Cells Released August 7, 2018 Developer(s) Motion Twin How Long To Beat 15 Hours
Dead Cells is Roguevania in design but its steep difficulty at times and its punishing bosses are enough to have Souls fans coming back for more. Players will take control of a mysterious being that’s seemingly immortal, reappearing from a slush of who-knows-what each time it’s slain in battle.
The 2D sidescrolling adventure features beautiful visuals, visceral yet challenging combat, and a massive “blueprint system” in which players can unlock weapons, outfits, and accessories to infuse into future runs. With multiple branching paths and a deep playstyle customization system, Dead Cells is a must-play Indie hit.
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition
Metascore: 89
Hollow Knight Released February 24, 2017 Developer(s) Team Cherry How Long To Beat 27 Hours
Though appearances may not indicate it at first blush, Hollow Knight features a whole host of Soulslike elements that are sure to please fans of the niche. This 2D Metroidvania romp ticks most of the essential boxes — punishing death mechanics that put progression at risk, the signature checkpoint system, and exhilaratingly challenging boss encounters are all sure to delight.
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That said, Hollow Knight certainly carved out its own identity. The insectoid character designs and the setting are as compelling as they are charming, and it’s difficult not to fall in love with the surprising depth of the lore as players guide the Knight through the ruins of Hallownest.
Death’s Door
Metascore: 87
Death’s Door Released July 20, 2021 Developer(s) Acid Nerve How Long To Beat 10 Hours
Death’s Door is incredibly charming, thanks to its beautifully designed worlds and characters. Players will hop in as a small yet expressive crow and set forth on an adventure to collect souls from some pretty imposing bosses. Along the way, they’ll uncover new items, abilities, and weapons. The aesthetic feels like a “happier” Dark Souls, with the crow making its way through some pretty interesting areas, including a castle-like manor.
Death’s Door is a fantastic adventure for players who are looking for something mysterious and story-driven. Combat-wise, the game is fast-paced and offers a decent amount of variety, even if it is not exactly a loot-driven experience. While sharing similarities with Soulslikes, Death’s Door also takes inspiration from The Legend of Zelda’s isometric entries in its level layout, exploration, and puzzles.
Tunic
Metascore: 85
Tunic Released March 16, 2022 Developer(s) Andrew Shouldice How Long To Beat 12 Hours
Tunic is a lot of things, and describing it solely as Soulslike would be a disservice to the game’s creativity and ambition. Along with taking obvious inspiration from Zelda, particularly with its puzzles, this indie darling’s combat system undeniably favors games like Dark Souls. The game contains most of the core fundamentals that are synonymous with these types of releases: dodge roll, shield guarding, and telegraphed enemy moves. There are even items that work to replenish health similar to Estus Flasks.
However, Tunic is more than just a top-down take on the Souls formula. It is a charming puzzle-platformer that would have not looked out of place on Nintendo’s resume. It offers a challenging adventure with complex bosses that often require more than just quick reflexes. It manages to be accessible and mainstream while hiding depth that will surprise even the most veteran of players. Tunic is not just one of the best Soulslike on Xbox Game Pass, but it is simply one of the best games on the subscription service.
Non-Soulslike Games On Game Pass Dark Souls Fans Might Love
Soulslikes are not a dime a dozen, and only a small number of games share significant similarities with FromSoftware’s franchise. That said, fans of these types of projects should not limit themselves to just games that ape Dark Souls’ combat or level design as they would miss out on some enjoyable titles that they are likely to enjoy. The upcoming games are worth consideration:
Diablo 4
Metascore: 91
Diablo 4 Released June 6, 2023 How Long To Beat 27 Hours
Every year, there are a couple of high-profile AAA games that launch to almost universal praise, only for their reputation to slowly (or quickly) decline as the initial hype subsides. Diablo 4 went through this process in 2023, and Blizzard’s RPG is currently in a strange place where quite a few people seem to be waiting for its D3-style redemption arc. Seasons 2 and 3 helped somewhat, but the game is very polarizing, and that probably will not change for a long time (if ever). Still, Diablo 4’s Xbox Game Pass arrival presents an ideal opportunity for non-fans to give this title a try without having to invest direct cash; ultimately, if the gameplay loop does not click with them, they can just move on to something else.
Now, as an isometric hack and slash action RPG, Diablo 4 plays nothing like Soulslikes. The combat system is quite straightforward and arcadey, at least compared to Dark Souls or Nioh. While very different in that area, D4 is a solid pick for people who enjoy trying out different builds, picking up loot, and exploring a dark fantasy world packed to the brim with dungeons and fun boss fights. A more casual experience than a traditional Soulslike, Blizzard’s divisive project can be fun, especially with friends.
Monster Hunter Rise
Metascore: 87
Monster Hunter Rise Released March 26, 2021 How Long To Beat 22 Hours
Similar to Demon’s Souls, Capcom’s Monster Hunter essentially started its own subgenre, one that has produced games like Dauntless and God Eater. Also, like FromSoftware’s releases, Capcom’s series is still the standard-bearer for these types of projects, and there are really no close competitors. Debuting on the Nintendo Switch before making its way to PC and ultimately other consoles, Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible entry in the franchise, making it the perfect entry point for anyone who might have found previous entries like Monster Hunter Generations too intimidating.
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Unlike its immediate predecessor, Monster Hunter World, Rise features smaller-scale maps, albeit ones that still provide room for a degree of exploration. For the uninitiated, Monster Hunter’s gameplay loop involves defeating creatures to use their parts to create better armor and weapons needed to survive against deadlier threats. Rise’s story campaign is just a glorified tutorial that can be completed within a few hours, and the real game begins once the credits roll. Players are free to pick from 14 weapon classes, all of which control and feel wildly different.
Dead Space (2023)
Metascore: 89
Dead Space (2023) Released January 27, 2023 How Long To Beat 12 Hours
As a third-person sci-fi shooter, Dead Space is an entirely different beast to any of the Soulslikes, especially the horror-oriented first game or its 2023 remake. Both versions are on Xbox Game Pass, and while they generally cover the same story, they are different enough in key areas to warrant dual recommendations. The original has aged beautifully, with its visceral combat and claustrophobic atmosphere holding up to modern scrutiny. If someone is planning to play through the trilogy, they might want to stick to the 2008 version for consistency’s sake, at least in terms of presentation. Dead Space 2 is particularly great, and an argument could be made that it still represents the franchise’s peak. Dead Space 3 eliminates nearly all the horror elements in favor of straightforward action; while not bad, it is the weakest of the trilogy.
The 2023 remake serves as a good entry point for new players, all the while still catering to veterans who grew up with Visceral Games’ version. One of the remake’s big additions is expanding Ishimura, granting players the opportunity to freely explore the terrifying mining ship. That said, the campaign is still generally linear, which works well for this story. While it won’t scratch every Soulslike itch, Dead Space’s incredible level design, punishing but fair combat, upgrade system, and sense of mystery and foreboding should hit home with fans of the genre.
Evil West
Metascore: 75
Evil West Platform(s) PS5 , PS4 , PC , Xbox Series X/S Released November 22, 2022 How Long To Beat 11 hours
AA games have become uncommon in the last decade, with the indie scene largely taking up the mantle in their place. Nevertheless, mid-tier titles do come around every once in a while, and Flying Wild Hog’s Evil West fits the bill perfectly. At times, this 2022 game feels like a throwback to the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, with its very linear campaign, simple combat, and silly storyline. Boasting a spooky Wild West motif, Evil West casts players as a vampire hunter who must punch and shoot their way through arena after arena of monsters.
Connected via a fairly forgettable (if periodically charming) narrative, the action is quite repetitive, with missions largely following a similar structure and reusing the same enemies. While far from perfect, Evil West works due to its enjoyable and straightforward combat. Once players get into a rhythm, they can just shut their brains off and go along for the ride, which can be satisfying when in the right mood.
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection
Metascore: 72
Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection Released June 10, 2021 How Long To Beat 30 Hours
Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden trilogy is responsible for some of the action genre’s highest high points, particularly the first two 2000s games. The Master Collection contains remasters of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, marking the Xbox debut for the first two games.
Although an argument can be made that this trilogy does not contain the best versions of every game, the content here is still top-notch, delivering frantic and addictive combat that requires dedication to master. Ninja Gaiden plays wildly different from any of the Dark Souls games, but they both demand that players study their aggressive enemies in order to survive.
Out of the three games, Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the best overall experience, and this version is easier than the more famous Black iteration. The sequel is not a stark departure from its predecessor, and it has fun boss fights along with a solid selection of weapons. Razor’s Edge is almost the weakest game of the trilogy, but it is still a passable hack and slash game in its own right.
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch
Metascore: 80 (PS5)
F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch Released September 7, 2021 Developer TiGames How Long To Beat 12 Hours
Originally a PlayStation exclusive, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch finally made its way to Xbox in June 2023, with its launch coinciding with a Game Pass debut. In the indie scene, 2.5D Metroidvanias have become so commonplace that new releases have started to blur together. Due to the sheer volume of competition in the market, a game needs to be better than “decent” to stand out from the crowd, and F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch utterly decimates that ceiling. Set in a grimy and decrepit Steampunk city that is impressively detailed, the title knocks its urban jungle environments out of the park. F.I.S.T. brings to life a purposefully ugly and uncomfortable world that has a long and tumultuous history, one that is explored quite well throughout the lengthy campaign.
As far as the gameplay and level design are concerned, F.I.S.T. primarily sticks to the standards that have come to define Metroidvanias. Players will get to explore a relatively expansive map that is filled with secrets and new areas that can only be accessed once special items or abilities are unlocked. Compared to most of the genre’s releases, F.I.S.T.’s combat system is quite involved and complex since it focuses heavily on combos and features a wide assortment of mechanics.
Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night
Metascore: 84
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Released June 18, 2019 Developer(s) ArtPlay How Long To Beat 15 Hours
The Soulslike genre has roots in Metroidvanias, and that extends to the 3D outings that tend to hog the limelight. While Castlevania has been sadly relegated to a thing of the past, the franchise’s influence can be felt in modern releases, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night serves as the perfect spiritual successor to Symphony of the Night. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the indie game launched to a largely positive reception, and it serves not only as a great throwback to a ’90s classic but also as an accessible entry point into Metroidvanias in general.
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As Miriam, players get to explore an impressive and expansive castle filled to the brim with delightful (and difficult) monsters, many of which drop powers that can be wielded by the protagonist. Bloodstained features a robust loot system that will likely hit home with Soulslike fans who love to play around with different abilities and weapons. More importantly, the game’s combat is also on-point, delivering fast-paced action that is constantly satisfying and challenging. The boss fights are also generally enjoyable, and ArtPlay put together some immaculate designs for these creatures. Even the castle’s environments are detailed and gorgeous.
Wild Hearts
Metascore: 76
Wild Hearts Released February 16, 2023 How Long To Beat 46 Hours
At a glance, Wild Hearts’ main influence should be painfully obvious since EA and Omega Force’s game screams “Monster Hunter.” Although Capcom’s franchise is arguably more popular than ever, the world could always use a few more projects that follow in its footsteps, especially ones that bring a few unique ingredients with them. Despite having a mixed launch, particularly on PC, Wild Hearts is an impressive first effort, one that has a lot of potential for expansion (that might never be tapped into). As a hunter, players track down Kemono, creatures that are always beautiful, frequently massive, and typically deadly.
Wild Hearts emphasizes exploration a bit more than Monster Hunter, especially since its four maps are fairly big for this type of game. However, the focus is nevertheless on the hunt, leading to grueling battles that still have fairly fast-paced minute-to-minute action. The game’s standout mechanic is Karakuri, which allows players to build structures that provide benefits both in and out of battle. This system rewards creativity and adds a fresh dynamic to combat scenarios, especially since players will eventually find themselves taking on enemies they have already defeated.
8:43 More Best RPGs On Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass has many fantastic titles from varying genres, and here is a look at the best RPGs the service has to offer.