What are the best Soulslike games? It’s a challenging genre that suits the masochists of the videogame world or those who like a challenge and enjoy the feeling they get when they overcome adversity. Either way, only the strong survive – can you? You’ve got two choices: get gud or get out.
If you like the second option better, as Soulslike games are a bit too intimidating, perhaps our lists of the best Lego games, Disney games, Crash Bandicoot games, Tomb Raider games, and Sonic games on Switch and mobile are more your speed. We also have lists of the best games like The Witcher 3 and the best open-world games if you’re after a grand adventure.
Here are the best Soulslike games:
Bleak Sword
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
To look at this game, you might not think it was anything like Dark Souls, but these games have a surprising amount in common. Here you’ll go through small levels and face off against hulking, monsterous foes. Each one has a unique style of battle and is very difficult to overcome, but once you begin to identify their attack patterns. Starting to sound familiar?
The art direction is really appealing too. It uses 2D pixel graphics, but in a 3D space (which really benefits the battle system), but despite the minimalistic look, it manages to be wonderfully atmospheric and even frightening at times. It’s available on both Apple Arcade and Switch and is not a game you’ll want to miss.
Duck Souls
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
Look, I enjoy a good Soulslike and I like ducks, but sod this game. I pride myself on overcoming challenges and not giving up, but this game continues to serve me my own butt. Besides the word ‘souls’, Duck Souls doesn’t have a great deal in common with Dark Souls, but given its grueling challenge, and the smug look I feel the duck gives me when I fail, it has to be on this list. All you need to do is get from point A to point B, but it’s not as simple as it seems. You need to avoid spikes that are in some inconvenient places – one touch and you die, good luck.
I can say that the aesthetic is charming, however, reminding me of the good old days, when games were pixelated. The environments do become quite repetitive, but that’s to be expected with a small mobile game like this. It certainly doesn’t diminish the challenge.
We happen to have a Duck Souls review should you want to learn more about the game.
Hellpoint
Portable platforms: Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and Windows handhelds
Hellpoint isn’t the first Soulslike you probably think of, but it’s worth your time being one of the cheaper options on this list. All of the basic fundamentals from the genre are present, including a limited capacity for healing items that forces you to be careful while facing tremendous odds.
Combat features both heavy and strong attacks along with the ability to dodge, giving you great freedom to move around as you strike your foes. Plus, it’s causing damage that proves to be the main way in which you regenerate health. Just like with Dark Souls, it’s worth thoroughly exploring your surroundings as you may stumble across some optional areas.
Wayward Souls
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
When a game has the word ‘souls’ in it, I can almost guarantee that it at least has some influence from the iconic Dark Souls franchise, and Wayward Souls proves me right (on this occasion, at least). For mobile gamers, you can’t get a much better Soulslike experience than this.
As you might expect from such a game, Wayward Souls features plenty of locations for you to explore, including plenty of dungeons that are full of many enemies who want to put an end to your journey. Of course, it’s not just other beings that have it out for you, as the environment is full of traps and hazards. Should you be after a challenging experience that fits right in your pocket, Wayward Souls is the way to go.
Salt and Sanctuary
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds
Salt and Sanctuary, what an apt name. Do you want to know why? It’s because you die so many times that you can’t help but feel salty as you seek sanctuary from those that keep handing your butt to you. If you’re after a fantastic Soulslike on Switch, you need to look no further than this one, as it features dark and dank environments, many enemies, difficult bosses, and a melee-heavy combat experience that’s sure to remind you of your time in Lordran.
Regrettably, its sequel, Salt and Sacrifice is currently exclusive for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC, but that’s not to say we’ll never get the game on Switch – there’s always hope.
Animus
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
Undoubtedly, of all the Dark Souls-influenced mobile games out there, Animus is the most similar to FromSoft’s title. However, make no mistake, it pales in comparison to the godfather of the Soulslike genre, yet it’s still worth a crack if you want something to play on your smartphone.
It takes a lot of what makes Dark Souls great to heart, with a range of enemies, an open 3D world to explore, and an abundance of boss fights. Is it the best Soulslike out there? No, but as far as a mobile attempt goes, it’s a good one.
Furi
Portable platforms: Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and Windows handhelds
Do you just want to get in fights without having to go looking for them? You do? Great, Furi is the perfect Soulslike game for you, as it gets rid of exploration and instead focuses on boss fights. That’s right, this hack ‘n slash shoot ’em up is essentially a boss rush game, you go from one fight to the next.
Like other Soulslike games of this nature, you can engage in both melee and ranged combat, meaning you can approach each battle in your own way. It certainly makes the game very replayable – perhaps your first run involves nothing but swords, and then your second is all about shooting some bullets from a distance. Whatever you decide, Furi is an excellent game with some well-designed bosses.
Mortal Shell
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Windows handhelds, and Steam Deck
Mortal Shell is a brutal experience that easily qualifies as one of the best Soulslike games you can play. I’d go so far as to say it’s also one of the closest to the original material; while it can differentiate itself just fine, this is one of the closest games like Dark Souls you can get. However, it does have a heavy emphasis on melee combat, so if you’re someone who tends to cast spells in FromSoftware’s games, you need a change of approach here.
Piecing together the story in Mortal Shell takes considerable effort and dedication, as the game drip-feeds you information throughout your adventure, similar to Dark Souls. However, there is one glaring difference between the two, and that’s the amount of equipment on offer. There’s an abundance of Armor for you to use in Lordran and the vast majority of Soulslikes, but Mortal Shell limits you to four shells, though each has its own playstyle and backstory.
An important thing to take note of with Mortal Shell on Switch is that it’s the complete edition, meaning you get all of the DLC as well as the base game.
Grimvalor
Portable platforms: iOS and Android
What a game. Grimvalor is a fantastic side-scrolling RPG that’s sure to please anyone who’s after a Soulslike game for mobile. When it comes to gameplay, Grimvalor gives you a hack ‘n slash experience, with many enemies and bosses for you to face. Of course, even those of us with an aggressive approach need to think carefully when we engage in a fight, so it’s important to master how to jump and dodge.
Much like in Lordran, the majority of beings in this hellish world want you dead. Except for the local merchant, he could do with your business. If you want to survive here, patience is key, and don’t be afraid to experiment with items, weapons, and skills.
Hollow Knight
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds
Hollow Knight is a Switch favorite at Pocket Tactics, and with good reason. As one of the best Switch Metroidvanias, Hollow Knight embraces the Soulslike formula perfectly while also finding its own identity. You take on the role of a nameless hero and must fight your way through Hollownest as you uncover the secrets that plague these lands. Of course, there are many enemies in your way, with many paths for you to walk.
As you progress through the game, you unlock new skills, all of which are essential if you want to complete this excellent journey. However, to make things a little easier for you, we have a Hollow Knight bosses guide, in which we detail strategies and weaknesses for each fight. There’s no denying the prowess of this title, so much so that you’re bound to want more. Luckily for you, our list of the best games like Hollow Knight is full of similar experiences.
We even have a Hollow Knight review if you want to learn more about it.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds
If you want an underwater Soulslike experience, you need to look no further than Another Crab’s Tale, for this game is as brutal as it comes. Seriously, you might wind up in Lordran for a relaxing vacation after seeing what this deep-sea adventure has to offer.
Another Crab’s Tale offers the quintessential Soulslike experience, featuring fun but challenging combat, exploration that rewards you for your curiosity, and an abundance of boss fights to keep you on your toes. Should deep sea adventures sound like a good time to you, but you don’t want the challenge of Another Crab’s Treasure, check out our picks for the best ocean games on Switch and mobile.
Ashen
Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Windows handhelds, and Steam deck
Ashen is, to put it bluntly, a Dark Souls clone, but it’s not quite as punishing, which makes it a good starting point for players who are new to the genre. Much like the game that inspires it, Ashen puts a heavy emphasis on combat and world exploration, encouraging you to find a playstyle that works for you, be that getting up and close and personal or striking from a distance.
However, a core difference between Ashen and Dark Souls is that Ashen doesn’t actually feature player stats. In most Soulslike or any RPG, you level up with experience, which then gives you attribute points to spend. In Ashen, rather than boosting stats, your equipment determines efficiency in battle. You can still use talismans to boost your abilities and perks, though.
Dark Souls: Remastered
Portable platforms: Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and Windows handhelds
How could I not include the one that started this craze? If you want the ultimate Soulslike experience, you should give Dark Souls: Remastered a try. Seriously, after a little bit of time in Lordan, you can see exactly what influence FromSoftware’s game has on a variety of titles, including the aforementioned ones in this list.
Dark Souls is one of the most challenging yet rewarding games you can experience, especially when some of its many bosses can prevent your progress for hours. However, the game does afford you the freedom to approach combat – you can be speedy, use strength, wield magic, or let out your inner pyromaniac. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some foes in Lordran that won’t best you.
Fortunately, our Dark Souls bosses guide is full of useful tips and advice to ensure you claim victory. Once you’re done in Lordran, Chosen Undead, you should wander over to our list of the best games like Dark Souls on Switch and mobile. Maybe check out our Dark Souls Gwyn and Dark Souls Gwyndolin guides to learn more about two of the most prominent figures in the game.
Lies of P
Portable platforms: Windows handhelds and Steam Deck
Okay, so Lies of P might just be the best Soulslike game ever made besides the DS games themselves. It takes the story of Pinocchio and twists it on its head, featuring familiar characters such as Gepetto. You play as the titular character, leading him through the dark world of Krat and fighting back against many powerful enemies, including plenty of bosses.
Like any good Soulslike, there are plenty of weapons on offer, each of which falls under a different category that suits different playstyles and stats. Perhaps the most interesting thing is how ‘lies’ play a part. Of course, nothing involving Pinocchio would be complete without some bending of the truth. There are crucial moments in which you get to decide whether or not to lie, and these choices can even impact the ending you get.
If there is just one game you play from this list that isn’t Dark Souls, let it be Lies of P.
There you have it, the best Soulslike games on Switch and mobile – if you overcome all of these, you’re either a god or a sucker for punishment. We’re not sure which yet. If you now want something a bit easier, our list of the best games like Stardew Valley is the place to be. We also have FNAF characters and Poppy Playtime characters guides if you’re after spooks.