For a demanding Souls-like on PS4, start with Bloodborne for the closest match to FromSoftware’s action-RPG formula, Dark Souls III for the most direct continuation of the series, or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice if you want a sharper, timing-focused combat system. This is an editorial ranking, not an objective all-time consensus: each pick offers demanding third-person combat, repeated learning through encounters, and meaningful progression, but some depart from the familiar Souls formula more than others.
This guide covers games playable on PlayStation 4, not every Souls-like available on newer PlayStation systems. Store editions and availability can vary by region, so check the exact listing before buying.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Hellpoint - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $34.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Minecraft - Bedrock Edition PS4 | $42.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Rollercoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe - Playstation 4 PS4 - Get your race on! | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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L.A. Noire (PS4) | $20.39 | Buy on Amazon |
How this PS4 Souls-like ranking works
“Souls-like” is a flexible label, not a formal standard. Here it means a demanding third-person action game built around deliberate combat, learning enemy patterns through repeated encounters, and character or equipment progression. A close fit uses these elements as its core loop; an adjacent pick changes the combat emphasis or structure enough that it may not satisfy someone seeking a Dark Souls-style experience.
The ranking prioritizes how strongly each game fits that expectation, while noting what kind of player is most likely to enjoy its differences. PlayStation’s pages establish the PS4 framing and named editions for the leading picks; a secondary PS4 roundup supplies context for the additional candidates. These sources support a shortlist, not a definitive universal order.
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#1 Best Overall
- Dozens of melee and ranged weapons and armor pieces to suit your playstyle. Every weapon has unique special abilities that unlock the more you fight with them
- A fascinating new sci fi universe reminiscent of classic sci-fi movies, set in the aftermath of a massive quantum cataclysm and complete with a deep lore and goosebump introducing soundtrack
- The space station orbits in real time around an ominous black Holmes that triggers various dynamic events such as boss appearances, horde assault as well as modified enemy stats and positions
- The entire game can be completed uninterrupted in co-op. The loot is shared, and the experience of local player two is saved and not watered down.
- More dread and shivers awaits you as you travel deeper into the darkest corner of this forsaken colony
The best Souls-like games for PS4
1. Bloodborne — best overall fit
Bloodborne is the most natural starting point for a PS4 player who wants a FromSoftware action RPG with a distinct identity. It places the action in the gothic city of Yharnam and is described by PlayStation as an action RPG. Its rapid, aggressive combat gives encounters a different rhythm from the more defensive feel many players associate with Dark Souls, while the dangerous world and repeated fights reward observation and adaptation.
Choose it if you want a close genre fit with a forceful combat pace and a strong sense of place. PlayStation has a Bloodborne Complete Edition bundle page; check your regional storefront for the edition and contents available to you.
Rank #2
- Play and share with friends on console, mobile and Windows 10
- discover community creations in the new in-game store
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2. Dark Souls III — best for the classic formula
Dark Souls III is the clearest choice if you want the series’ familiar blend of deliberate fights, enemy-pattern learning, exploration, and RPG progression. PlayStation’s store describes it as the latest chapter in the series and lists a Deluxe Edition that includes the game and Season Pass. Because bundle contents matter, verify the listing for your region rather than assuming every edition contains the same extras.
Choose it for the most direct Dark Souls experience in this guide. The PlayStation Store listing for Dark Souls III notes that PS5 play may lack some features available on PS4; this guide’s ranking is specifically about PS4-playable games.
Rank #3
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3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice — best for timing-focused combat
Sekiro belongs on a Souls-like shortlist because it shares demanding third-person action and a learning curve built around repeated encounters, and its official site identifies PlayStation 4 as a platform. But it is not simply another Dark Souls: its combat identity is distinct, with a sharper emphasis on timing and precision. That makes it a strong pick for players who want to master a demanding system, but a less exact match for those mainly seeking broad RPG build choices or a familiar Souls structure.
PlayStation lists a Game of the Year Edition. Confirm the exact edition and regional availability on the official Sekiro site and the PlayStation Store listing.
Rank #4
- Showcased in 1080p for the PlayStation 4 and stunning 4K for PlayStation 4 Pro.
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4. Nioh — best alternative for players who want a different take
Nioh appears in a PS4 Soulsborne roundup as an alternative to the FromSoftware picks. It is worth considering if you want the demanding action-RPG lane without expecting a one-to-one Dark Souls substitute. The available evidence here supports its inclusion as a candidate, but does not establish current regional store availability or edition details; check your local PlayStation Store before planning a purchase.
5. The Surge 2 — best genre-adjacent option
The Surge 2 is another candidate in the PS4 roundup. Treat it as an adjacent choice rather than a guaranteed match for every Souls fan: the label signals a demanding action-RPG experience, but the material supporting this guide does not establish detailed comparisons of its combat, exploration, or build systems. Verify the PS4 listing and edition particulars in your region before buying.
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The 2014 Lords of the Fallen is included in the same PS4 roundup. It is a reasonable option for players who want to look beyond FromSoftware’s games, but the evidence available for this guide does not establish current store availability or edition-specific details. Check that a listing is specifically for the 2014 game and for your region before purchase.
Quick Recap
Choose by the experience you want
| Game | Best fit | How closely it matches the familiar Souls formula | Edition or platform note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bloodborne | Players seeking a close FromSoftware action-RPG experience with faster, aggressive combat | Close fit | PlayStation has a Complete Edition bundle page; regional contents and availability should be checked. |
| Dark Souls III | Players who want the most direct Dark Souls-style experience | Closest direct series fit | The PlayStation Store lists a Deluxe Edition with the game and Season Pass. Its listing notes some features may be absent when played on PS5. |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Players who want demanding, timing-focused combat | Related, but distinct | Officially identified for PS4; PlayStation lists a Game of the Year Edition. |
| Nioh | Players open to a third-party alternative | Alternative; detailed comparison not established here | PS4 roundup includes it; verify regional listing and edition. |
| The Surge 2 | Players looking beyond the core FromSoftware choices | Genre-adjacent; detailed comparison not established here | PS4 roundup includes it; verify regional listing and edition. |
| Lords of the Fallen (2014) | Players exploring an earlier third-party alternative | Genre-adjacent; detailed comparison not established here | PS4 roundup includes it; confirm the 2014 title and regional listing. |
What to check before buying
- Confirm the game and platform. This is a PS4 guide; do not assume a listing for a later PlayStation release is the same product.
- Read the edition contents. A Complete, Deluxe, or Game of the Year label can refer to a bundle, but the included content is edition-specific.
- Check your region’s store. The cited PlayStation pages are US-region URLs; availability and bundle contents may differ elsewhere.
- Match the combat style to your preference. Pick Bloodborne for a fast, aggressive variation, Dark Souls III for the direct series experience, and Sekiro if you are specifically drawn to a distinct timing-focused challenge.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
