If you want a familiar Soulslike challenge with a different feel, start with Lies of P for parry-focused, linear action; Elden Ring for open-world freedom; Remnant 2 for ranged combat and co-op; or Nine Sols for 2D exploration and deflections. Another Crab’s Treasure takes the formula somewhere brighter and stranger. These games do not all fit one strict genre definition, so the best pick depends on which conventions you want changed.
What makes a game a Soulslike?
There is no official definition. Commonly cited conventions include losing resources when you die, enemies returning after you rest, and demanding boss fights, but games borrow and remix these ideas in different ways. GameSpot outlines recurring genre features, while TechRadar notes that the boundaries are debatable: GameSpot’s guide to Soulslike games and TechRadar’s guide.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Lies of P - PlayStation 5 | $38.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Lies of P (PS5) | $35.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Lies of P [Korean Edition] for PS5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+-vdq74lL._SL160_.jpg)
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Lies of P [Korean Edition] for PS5 | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Maximum Entertainment 34 Sports Games - World Edition (PS5) | $26.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Art of Lies of P | $28.10 | Buy on Amazon |
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That distinction matters here. Elden Ring is a FromSoftware Soulsborne game; Nine Sols is a 2D action Metroidvania with Soulslike-adjacent combat. Both belong in a guide about fresh takes, but neither needs to be forced into a rigid taxonomy.
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Which game changes the formula in the way you want?
| Game | What feels different | Structure and play style | Best fit if you want |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lies of P | Parry-focused combat and weapons assembled from interchangeable blades and hilts | Linear progression; solo action | A focused, deliberate combat loop |
| Elden Ring | Open-world exploration and the freedom to leave a difficult encounter | Open world; solo action | More choice about where to go and when to return |
| Remnant 2 | Rifles, shotguns, and pistols shift combat toward ranged attacks | Co-op for up to three players | A shooter-oriented action challenge with friends |
| Nine Sols | Deflection- and rhythm-focused combat | 2D interconnected exploration | Metroidvania traversal and precise parries |
| Another Crab’s Treasure | Soulslike challenge in a colorful underwater setting | Action adventure | A lighter tone without dropping demanding fights |
Best picks by the kind of change you want
Lies of P: deliberate parries in a grim puppet story
Lies of P keeps a close, demanding action loop but gives it a distinctive Pinocchio-inspired identity. Its grim, Belle Époque-inspired city is a sharp contrast to the familiar medieval fantasy look. TechRadar describes it as a linear sequence of levels with parry-focused combat; weapon customization lets you combine blades and hilts rather than treating every weapon as a fixed package. Choose it if you want focused progression and careful defensive timing, not an open-world detour structure. See TechRadar’s overview and GameSpot’s guide.
#1 Best Overall
- The essence of battle: Wield and master various weapons with unique combinations of Fable Arts and Legion Arms to find out what fits your playstyle
- Variety of attraction: Enjoy the beautiful, yet dark atmosphere of the Belle Époque era and explore the once prosperous city of Krat
- Lie system: P is made of a puppet's heart, but he learns how to think and feel like a human by lying
- Legacy of the classics: The city of Krat, the characters, and even the smallest objects reflect our deepest admiration for the original tale of Pinocchio
Elden Ring: explore elsewhere when a fight stalls you
Elden Ring is a FromSoftware Soulsborne title, not an outside-studio imitation of the formula. Its defining variation is structural: the open world gives you other places to explore when a particular encounter is going badly. You can pursue another route and develop your character before coming back, rather than treating every obstacle as a mandatory immediate test. Pick it if freedom of exploration matters more than a tightly linear sequence. For its place among varied takes on the genre, see PCGamesN’s guide and TechRadar’s guide.
Remnant 2: trade close-range emphasis for guns and co-op
Remnant 2 alters the usual combat rhythm by centering ranged weapons, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols. TechRadar describes it as encouraging cooperative play for up to three players. It suits players who want demanding action-adventure encounters but would rather aim and coordinate at range than rely primarily on melee exchanges. The available descriptions establish co-op support up to three players; they do not specify further matchmaking or platform details. See TechRadar’s guide.
Rank #2
- Inspired by the familiar story of Pinocchio, Lies of P is an action souls-like set in a dark Belle Époque world.
- As the puppet P, players must wind their way through the streets of the ruined city of Krat, crafting weapons from the materials found in the world and interacting with the remaining few who manage to survive in this hellscape.
- The more lies told, the more human players become, with all the advantages and disadvantages it entails.
- Experience profound narrative choices and deeply customizable character progression as you guide P on his unrelenting journey to become human.
Nine Sols: 2D exploration built around deflections
Nine Sols is best understood as a 2D action Metroidvania with Soulslike-adjacent combat, rather than a conventional 3D Soulslike. Its interconnected exploration and broad map invite backtracking, while combat emphasizes parrying, timing, and rhythm. A sci-fi setting gives the familiar deflection challenge a different backdrop. Choose it if you like the exploratory shape of a Metroidvania and want precise defensive combat. GameSpot and PCGamesN both describe this blend: GameSpot and PCGamesN.
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Another Crab’s Treasure applies familiar challenge patterns to an underwater setting that is much more colorful than the genre’s usual grim landscapes. GameSpot points to demanding enemies, deliberate combat, and resource loss on death as recognizable Soulslike elements. It is a good option if you want those stakes and a tonal departure from gothic or bleak fantasy. See GameSpot’s guide.
Rank #3
- This is Korean Version released by SIEK. Region free title so you can play it on your system.
- Korean Edition supports Multi language Subtitles: English, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Polish, French, Korean
Other options if you want a different combat rhythm
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice centers combat on posture and deflection, making it a fit for players seeking a fast, boss-focused rhythm. PCGamesN’s guide covers its distinct system.
- Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty uses mission-based progression, offering a more segmented structure than a single sprawling world. PCGamesN’s guide highlights that approach.
- Black Myth: Wukong and Thymesia are additional varied interpretations covered by PCGamesN. The available descriptions do not establish a shared difficulty scale for comparing these games, so choose by their specific combat and structure rather than a presumed easiest-to-hardest order.
What should you play after Elden Ring?
For more focused progression and parry-heavy fights, try Lies of P. For a bigger shift into ranged combat and cooperative play, choose Remnant 2. If you want a 2D world with deflection-driven combat, Nine Sols is the more substantial structural change. These are different follow-ups, not interchangeable sequels: pick the one whose change in combat or exploration sounds appealing.
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Rank #4
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- An enhanced version of “30 Sport Games in 1”, with revamped design, new games and more customisation!
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