DARK SOULS III, released in 2016, solidified FromSoftware's legacy as masters of the challenging action RPG. Its intricate world design, punishing yet fair combat, and rich lore continue to captivate players. If you've conquered Lothric and are yearning for more of that intense, rewarding experience, you're in luck. The 'Soulslike' genre has exploded, offering a plethora of titles that echo the core tenets of the Dark Souls series. This article explores the top 5 best games similar to DARK SOULS III, guaranteed to test your mettle and keep you coming back for more, even in 2026.
1. Elden Ring
From the very same developers at FromSoftware, Elden Ring is the most obvious and perhaps the greatest evolution of the Dark Souls formula. Launched in 2022, it takes the familiar challenging combat, intricate world-building, and deep lore and expands it into a vast open world. Players are given unprecedented freedom to explore the Lands Between, encountering a staggering array of enemies, colossal bosses, and hidden secrets. The sheer scale and depth of Elden Ring make it an essential play for any fan of DARK SOULS III. Its accessibility has also been improved with features like Spirit Ashes, which can aid in difficult encounters, but don't mistake this for an easy ride; the challenge remains, as does the immense satisfaction of overcoming adversity.
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2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Another masterpiece from FromSoftware, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) offers a different flavor of Soulslike. Instead of relying on a shield and heavy armor, Sekiro emphasizes aggressive, agile swordplay and a posture-based combat system. Players must master parrying and deflecting enemy attacks to break their guard and deliver a deathblow. Set in a fantastical Sengoku-era Japan, the game boasts a stunning art style and a more focused narrative than Dark Souls. While it deviates from some traditional RPG elements like character builds, its combat is arguably one of the most refined and satisfying in the genre. The high-octane duels and intricate boss fights are reminiscent of the best encounters in DARK SOULS III, demanding precision and a keen understanding of enemy patterns.
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3. Nioh 2
Koei Tecmo's Nioh 2 (2020) masterfully blends the challenging combat of Dark Souls with the historical and mythological setting of feudal Japan. It introduces a robust character customization system, a deep loot system, and a unique Ki Pulse mechanic that allows players to recover stamina rapidly by timing a button press. The combat is incredibly deep, offering multiple stances and a wide variety of weapons and Yokai abilities to master. Nioh 2 is known for its relentless difficulty, but also for the immense sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming its formidable bosses. The mission-based structure differs from Dark Souls' interconnected world, but the core loop of learning enemy patterns, honing your skills, and progressing through brutal challenges remains firmly intact.
4. Bloodborne
While technically not a direct successor in the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne (2015) is an absolute must-play for anyone who enjoys the challenge and atmosphere of DARK SOULS III. Developed by FromSoftware, it shifts the setting to a gothic, Lovecraftian world called Yharnam. Bloodborne ditches shields entirely, forcing players into a fast-paced, aggressive combat style that rewards dodging and retaliating with its unique 'Regain' system, allowing players to recover lost health by attacking enemies shortly after being hit. The faster pace and visceral combat feel distinct yet carry the same soul-crushing difficulty and rewarding exploration that fans adore.
5. Lords of the Fallen (2023)
The 2023 reboot of Lords of the Fallen offers a fresh take on the Soulslike formula, set in the vast, parallel realms of the living and the dead. This action RPG features challenging combat, intricate level design, and imposing boss battles. The core mechanic involves seamlessly switching between the Umbral and the Adyr realms, using the darkness of the Umbral to your advantage while navigating the dangers of both worlds. This duality adds a unique layer of strategy to exploration and combat, setting it apart from its inspirations. For those seeking a modern Soulslike with a dark fantasy aesthetic and demanding gameplay, Lords of the Fallen (2023) is a compelling choice that captures much of the spirit that made DARK SOULS III so beloved.
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Conclusion
The legacy of DARK SOULS III continues to inspire a vibrant and diverse genre. Whether you're drawn to the open-world exploration of Elden Ring, the precise swordplay of Sekiro, the intricate combat of Nioh 2, the gothic horror of Bloodborne, or the dual-realm mechanics of Lords of the Fallen, there's a challenging adventure waiting for you. These titles not only pay homage to the Dark Souls series but also carve out their own unique identities, offering countless hours of demanding yet incredibly rewarding gameplay in 2026 and beyond.
