Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsStart with Lies of P if you want the closest non-FromSoftware match for precise combat, major boss fights, and interconnected exploration. Choose Nioh 2 for faster, stance-driven combat; Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice for a focused action-adventure challenge; Elden Ring for open-world action RPG exploration; or Hollow Knight if you’re happy to trade 3D action for a demanding 2D Metroidvania.
What makes a game feel like Dark Souls?
“Like Dark Souls” can mean several different things: careful combat where mistakes matter, dangerous exploration, interconnected spaces, challenging bosses, or character-building in an action RPG. Not every alternative offers all of them. Some preserve the combat rhythm; others share the difficulty or discovery while changing the genre and structure.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Dark Souls Trilogy (PS4) | $38.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin - PlayStation 4 | $21.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Dark Souls III: The Fire Fades Edition - Xbox One | $24.80 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Dark Souls: Remastered (Nintendo Switch) | $43.79 | Buy on Amazon |
FromSoftware describes Dark Souls as an action RPG built around tense dungeon exploration, fearsome enemies, discovery, and a strong sense of accomplishment (FromSoftware). A 2024 study by Tibor Guzsvinecz asked 100 questionnaire participants how important different features were in Souls-like games. Respondents rated combat highest, at an average of 4.70 out of 5; setting averaged 3.73, interconnected worlds 3.62, and difficult gameplay 3.57. Those are findings from that sample, not a measurement of all players.
Best games like Dark Souls, by what you want from them
| Game | Best for | How it differs |
|---|---|---|
| Lies of P | Precision combat, boss battles, and connected exploration | A close non-FromSoftware fit, with its own weapon and combat systems. |
| Nioh 2 | Fast, stance-based combat and weapon variety | Its pace and tactical choices are more mechanically varied than a methodical Souls-style exchange. |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | A focused combat challenge | It is an action-adventure game, not a character-build-driven action RPG. |
| Elden Ring | Open-world action RPG exploration | It carries FromSoftware’s action-RPG sensibility into a larger open-world format. |
| Hollow Knight | Demanding exploration and bosses in 2D | It is a Metroidvania, not a conventional 3D action RPG. |
Lies of P: the closest non-FromSoftware fit
Choose Lies of P if you want a recognizable mix of deliberate, precision-focused fighting, large boss encounters, and spaces that connect and reward exploration. PlayStation’s guide describes its combat as fast-paced and precise, and highlights colossal bosses and sprawling interconnected environments (PlayStation Canada).
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →#1 Best Overall
- DARK SOULS REMASTERED - Then, there was fire. Re-experience the genre-defining game that started it all. Return to Lordran in the beautifully remastered game in high definition, 60 fps with single-player or online multiplayer with dedicated servers. Includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC.
- DARK SOULS II: SCHOLAR OF THE FIRST SIN - Prepare to Die again. The second installment of the series includes the base Dark Souls II plus all three DLCs: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King.
- DARK SOULS III: THE FIRE FADES - Now only embers remain… Dark Souls III is the final journey in the series where players can fight through intense combat solo or team up for in co-op or PvP multiplayer. Includes the award-winning game and both DLC chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- ALL ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACKS - Visit the EP!C corner to download the music of the Dark Souls saga composed by Motoi Sakaraba and Yuka Kitamura. 110 tracks and more than 6 hours to listen and take back any Dark Souls fan to the intense boss fights and the best moments of their deadly journeys.
Its combat has its own decisions: you can combine weapon parts, use different damage types, and recover some health by attacking after taking damage. Dodging and parrying both matter, so it is a strong pick if you want familiar pressure without simply replaying Dark Souls with a new setting.
Nioh 2: faster fights and more weapon choices
Pick Nioh 2 if you want a quicker, more mechanically varied melee action RPG. Its stance-based combat and broad weapon selection let you change your approach and make tactical choices on the fly. That variety makes its rhythm different from the measured exchanges many players associate with Dark Souls.
Rank #2
- All 3 DLC Pack Contents: Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, Crown of the Ivory King
- Additional NPCs Added For Enhanced Story Experience To Assist Guiding Players Through Level
- Parameter Setting Adjustments for Improved Balance
- Augmented Item Descriptions
- Increase in Maximum Online Players
GameSpot lists Nioh 2 for PC, PS4, and PS5; check the listing for the edition and platform you intend to play (GameSpot’s recommendations).
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: a focused action-adventure test
Sekiro suits players who want demanding encounters and precise combat, but not necessarily the build experimentation of a traditional action RPG. FromSoftware categorizes it as an action adventure, while it categorizes Elden Ring as an action RPG (FromSoftware’s game catalog). Treat it as a related combat challenge rather than a promise of Dark Souls-style character builds.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- The Complete Dark Souls III Experience All on One Disc: Includes the award-winning base game, PLUS both complete DLC expansion chapters: Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City.
- Intense Combat Action: Challenging, genre-defining gameplay. Diversified combat action allows players to craft their own unique style.
- Team up for some jolly good cooperation or test your ability in PvP battle: All PvP maps unlocked and accessible. Improved online matchmaking functionality.
Elden Ring: FromSoftware’s open-world direction
Choose Elden Ring if what you want is FromSoftware’s action-RPG approach in a larger world to explore. Bandai Namco also frames it as an open-world RPG (Bandai Namco’s RPG catalog). Its broader structure makes it a different proposition from a tightly connected dungeon-focused journey, even as it remains the clearest choice here for players seeking another FromSoftware action RPG.
FromSoftware’s official page lists support for one to four players. Check the game’s platform listing for the edition and multiplayer details relevant to your system (FromSoftware).
Rank #4
- Delve into an epic dark fantasy universe stricken by decline and the Curse
- Each playthrough surprises you with new challenges and unexpected facets of the game
- Hundreds of unique combinations of weaponry, armour, magic and crafting options to create your own play style and gaming experience
- From your first steps to mastery, build your character while refining your playing skills. Learn to strategise freely and experience the rewarding taste of overcoming daunting foes
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Hollow Knight: a 2D alternative for exploration and bosses
Hollow Knight is worth considering if the parts you care about most are dangerous exploration, secrets, death consequences, and demanding boss fights—and you are open to a 2D Metroidvania. It shares some of the tension and discovery, but its perspective and genre make it an adjacent recommendation, not a 3D action RPG substitute.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Two more picks for specific combat preferences
The First Berserker: Khazan: boss fights first
Consider The First Berserker: Khazan if intense, multi-stage boss encounters are your main draw. GameSpot describes it as an outlier whose combat and bosses take priority over level difficulty; PlayStation highlights fast, aggressive combat and demanding bosses (PlayStation Canada). It is a more specific match for boss-focused challenge than for the full Dark Souls exploration loop.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty: deflection-focused fights
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty may appeal if you want deflection-focused combat in a dark fantasy version of the Three Kingdoms period. GameSpot points to its poise-based combat and deflection, while PlayStation describes it as a demanding action adventure. It is a combat-style match, not necessarily a match for Dark Souls’ world structure.
How to choose the right alternative
- For precision and connected spaces: choose Lies of P.
- For speed, stances, and weapon variety: choose Nioh 2.
- For a focused action-adventure challenge: choose Sekiro.
- For a larger FromSoftware action RPG: choose Elden Ring.
- For exploration and hard bosses in 2D: choose Hollow Knight.
- For boss encounters above all: consider The First Berserker: Khazan.
- For deflection-centered combat: consider Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.
Before buying, confirm platform support, edition, and regional availability on the relevant store page. The cited platform and catalog details may not cover every region or edition.
Quick Recap
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.
