15+ Best Games like Dark Souls You Should Try

Welcome to the world of Dark Souls, one of the most beloved games known for its incredible difficulty and engaging gameplay. The game has captivated millions with its deeply immersive environment and intense combat. But what if you're looking for something similar? Dark Souls may be great, but there are other games out there that can offer an equally enjoyable experience. 

In this blog, we will look at some of the best games, like Dark Souls, for those seeking adventure and challenge in their gaming life. From classic dungeon crawlers to modern roguelikes, we have everything you need to know about these unique titles. 

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Games like Dark Souls

We've compiled some of our most recommended titles into one comprehensive guide so that no matter what kind of player you are - beginner or veteran - you can find something perfect for your next adventure. Continue reading to explore games like Dark Souls that will keep gamers busy all night!

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1. Bloodborne

Bloodborne is a role-playing action that happens in the fictional city of Yharnam, plagued by a mysterious endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. As a hunter, the player must battle through the city's beasts and crazed citizens to stop the plague and discover its source.

Bloodborne features a unique gameplay style that combines elements of traditional role-playing games with fast-paced action combat. Players can customise their character's weapons, armour, and stats to create a unique playstyle. The game also features a unique online multiplayer system that allows players to team up with other hunters to take on mighty bosses and explore new areas.

Bloodborne has been praised for its intense and challenging combat, immersive atmosphere, and engaging story. It has won numerous awards, including multiple Game of the Year awards, and has become one of the most popular PlayStation 4 exclusives.

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2. Blasphemous 

Blasphemous is an action-platformer video game developed by The Game Kitchen and published by Team17 Digital Ltd. The game occurs in a dark and twisted world called Cvstodia, where the player takes control of the Penitent One, a lone warrior who must fight through hordes of enemies and bosses to uncover the mysteries of this cursed land.

The gameplay of Blasphemous is unique in that it combines elements of classic platformers with a combat system inspired by Dark Souls. Players must navigate treacherous environments while avoiding traps and engaging in intense combat against enemies.

The game also includes a variety of weapons and abilities that can be utilised to defeat enemies and progress through the game. The game also equips a variety of collectables and secrets, which can be found throughout the game.

These include hidden areas, items, and upgrades which can be used to customise the player's character and make them more powerful. Blasphemous is an intense and challenging action-platformer with a unique setting and gameplay. The game offers a deep and rewarding experience for those willing to take on its challenges.

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3. Death's Gambit

Death's Gambit is a role-playing action game developed by White Rabbit and published by Adult Swim Games. It was released on August 14, 2018, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Death's Gambit is set in a dark medieval world filled with bloodthirsty creatures and soul-crushing bosses.

In this game, players are chosen knights known as the "Immortal." He is tasked with stopping an evil force from enslaving the kingdom of Siradon. The gameplay of Death's Gambit combines classic 2D action-platforming with challenging RPG elements. Players must explore the world of Siradon, battle enemies and bosses, and unlock new abilities to progress through the game.

The game features a unique upgrade system and various combat mechanics, allowing players to customise their playing style. Players can collect powerful weapons and armour, discover hidden secrets, and complete optional side quests along the way.

Death's Gambit also features two different game modes. The first is the primary story mode, which follows the adventure of the Immortal as he battles his way through Siradon. The second mode is an endless challenge mode, which allows players to test their skills in various randomly generated dungeons with increasingly difficult enemies.

If you're looking for a challenging and awarding action RPG, then Death's Gambit is worth checking out. With its unique gameplay, upgrade system, and intense boss battles, this game will entertain you for hours.

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4. Titan Souls

Titan Souls is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Acid Nerve and Devolver Digital. It was released on April 14, 2015, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Linux. 

The game is set in a deadly and mystical world where players control a lone hero armed with a single arrow and a bow. The objective is to search and find the titans, each with its unique mechanic and difficulty to defeat. Players must traverse vast and dangerous environments while they attempt to take down these titans and release their souls. 

Titan Souls focuses on a minimalist approach, featuring minimalistic artwork and retro-style graphics. The game also features a minimal HUD, with the only two items being the arrow and the boss health bar. The game also has a unique one-hit mechanic - if an attack from a titan hits the player, they die and must restart the fight. 

Additionally, the game offers a variety of puzzles and platforming elements, which adds to the challenge and complexity of the game. The player can also unlock secret areas, which adds to the game's replay value. Titan Souls also features an OST composed by David Fenn, which enhances the game's atmosphere. 

Overall, Titan Souls is an action-adventure video game with a minimalist design, featuring challenging boss battles and puzzles. Its unique one-hit mechanic adds to the challenge, and its replay value is increased by its secret areas and unlockables. The game's OST also helps to enhance the atmosphere of the game.

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5. Hyper Light Drifter

Hyper Light Drifter is a role-playing action game developed by Heart Machine and published by Heart Machine and Abylight Studios. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on March 31, 2016. 

In Hyper Light Drifter, the player takes on the role of the Drifter, a mysterious figure who travels the world in search of knowledge and adventure. The game is set in a pixelated world, with a retro-style soundtrack and 8-bit graphics. Players explore the world, encountering non-player characters, fighting enemies, and solving puzzles to progress through the game. 

Combat in the game consists of hacking and slashing enemies with a sword and using ranged weapons such as guns and lasers. Players can also use special abilities such as teleportation, beams, and energy blasts to defeat enemies.

The game's story is presented without dialogue, leaving the player to interpret the narrative through visual cues. As the player moves through the game, they uncover more clues about the Drifter's past and the world in which they live. 

Hyper Light Drifter has earned critical acclaim for its unique gameplay, art style, and storytelling. The game has been praised for its challenging combat, atmospheric soundtrack, and retro-style visuals. Critics have also praised the game's emphasis on exploration, puzzle-solving, and atmosphere.

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6. Eitr

Eitr is an action role-playing hack-and-slash game developed and published by Eneme Entertainment. It was released on August 17, 2016, for Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux. The game features a unique, isometric art style focusing on the Norse mythological world of Yggdrasil.

The Shield Maiden is tasked with restoring balance to the nine worlds of Yggdrasil. The game combines savage combat and deep character customisation with procedurally generated dungeons and lore-filled quests.

Gameplay in Eitr is split into two types of levels. The first type is the procedurally generated dungeons, which are randomly generated each time the player enters them. These levels contain a variety of monsters, puzzles, and traps that the player must navigate to progress. The second type of level is the hub world. This is a non-linear level in which the player can explore, talk to characters, participate in sidequests, and upgrade their character.

Combat in Eitr is fast and strategic. Players have access to various weapons and spells, which can be used to take out enemies. Each weapon and spell has its properties and strength, which the player must use to overcome opponents. The game has a dodge-and-parry system allowing players to avoid counterattacks.

The game also features a deep and expansive character customization system. Players can customise their character's armour, weapons, abilities, and equipment. They also have access to various skills, which can be used to gain an edge in battle.

Eitr is a unique and exciting action role-playing game. It combines intense combat with a vast and fascinating world, which players can explore and customise to their liking. With its unique art style and procedurally generated levels, Eitr will surely provide hours of fun.

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7. DarkMaus

DarkMaus is a 2D action-adventure video game developed by Canadian independent game developer Michael Hicks and published by Digerati Distribution. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 22, 2017.

The game atmosphere is set in a dark fantasy world ruled by a mad king and is played from a 2D side-scrolling perspective. The player takes control of a brave mouse on a perilous journey to restore balance to the land. As the player explores the world, they must battle through hordes of enemies and bosses while collecting loot and exploring dungeons and other dangerous environments.

Gameplay features unique mechanics such as timing-based attacks and a shield that can be used to block enemy attacks. The player also has access to a variety of weapons and items which can be used to defeat their enemies. Additionally, the player has access to special abilities and skills which can be used to help them progress through the game.

DarkMaus has been praised for its unique gameplay and interesting story. It has been compared to games such as Dark Souls and Super Meat Boy and is commended for its pixel art visuals and challenging difficulty.

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8. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

It is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nicalis. It was released on November 4, 2014, for Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. 

The game follows the story of Isaac, a young boy whose mother is given a message from God to kill her son as a test of her faith. Isaac manages to escape his mother and flees into the basement. Isaac is confronted with hordes of monsters and bizarre creatures in the basement.

Players must battle through levels filled with enemies, bosses, puzzles, and secrets to gain survival power-ups. The gameplay is procedurally generated and randomised, ensuring that every playthrough is unique. Players must explore randomly generated dungeons, battle monsters and bosses, collect power-ups, and unlock secrets.

As they progress, they earn permanent upgrades to their stats and abilities. The game also features an expansion pack, Afterbirth+, which adds a whole new chapter, complete with new items, enemies, and bosses. 

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a unique and highly addictive take on the roguelike genre. Its combination of randomly generated levels, permanent upgrades, and intense difficulty ensures that no two playthroughs are the same. With its expansive content and replayability, it's no wonder why the game has such a passionate fanbase.

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9. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is an action platformer developed and published by Motion Twin. Dead Cells puts players in the role of a failed alchemic experiment trying to escape from a dungeon. Players must battle through enemies and traps while using weapons and special abilities.

The game combines elements from roguelikes, Metroidvanias, and Souls-likes, creating an addictive and rewarding gameplay loop. Players explore procedurally generated areas as they make their way to the end of each level. Along the way, they'll find weapons and items that can be used against enemies.

The levels are filled with traps and puzzles that must be solved to progress. Dead Cells also has a unique feature known as the "permadeath" system. If the player dies, they must begin the level again from the beginning. This creates a sense of urgency as the player must balance risk with reward.

The game also features an upgrade system that allows players to upgrade their abilities and weapons as they progress through the game. This encourages players to experiment with different strategies and playstyles as they make their way through the game.

Overall, Dead Cells is an exciting and rewarding action-platformer that offers an addictive and challenging experience. With its unique combination of roguelike, Metroidvania, and Souls-like elements, it's sure to provide hours of entertainment.

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10. Furi

Furi is a hack-and-slash video game developed by French studio The Game Bakers and published by the same studio. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in July 2016.

The game has action-oriented, boss rush-style gameplay. Players take on the role of a protagonist known as "the Stranger," who has been imprisoned in a mysterious prison. The Stranger must battle through a series of difficult bosses to escape.

The game features a unique combat system that blends traditional weapon-based combat with fast-paced dodging and parrying. Players dodge and parry enemy attacks, build up their special attack meter, and use their special attacks to defeat the various bosses and their minions. French cartoonists like Moebius and Jean Giraud heavily inspired the game's art style. The game has an original soundtrack composed by Canadian electronic musician Carpenter Brut.

Furi is a unique, challenging, and rewarding game experience. It's a perfect blend of fast-paced action and thoughtful, methodical combat. The game's unique combination of art, music, and gameplay makes it an experience.

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11. Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon is an action-packed roguelike game developed by Dodge Roll Games and published by Devolver Digital. It was released on April 5, 2016, and has become one of the best-selling indie games ever.

In Enter the Gungeon, players take on the role of a "Gungeoneer," an adventurer who sets out to explore the mysterious depths of the temple known as The Gungeon. The game aims to find and take advantage of powerful weapons to defeat enemies and progress through increasingly difficult levels.

In addition to finding and utilising guns, players can collect items such as health kits, keys, coins, and even secret rooms. Along with enemies that grow stronger with each floor cleared, players must overcome various traps and puzzles to proceed.

The game shows a unique visual style combining pixel art and 3D elements. It also features an original soundtrack composed by Doseone, who previously wrote music for popular video games such as Super Meat Boy and Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number.

Enter the Gungeon offers a variety of modes, including single-player, dual wield mode (two players), daily dungeon (a randomly generated dungeon that changes every day), Bullet Hell Mode (an extra challenging version), and Boss Rush Mode (which tests your skills against multiple bosses at once).

Players can choose from four unique gungeoneers, each with their abilities and starting weapons. There are over 200 different types of weapons spread throughout the dungeons, so there's always something new to discover!

Enter the Gungeon has been highly praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline. With hundreds of hours worth of content across three difficulty levels, this is one game that you will want to take advantage of!

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12. Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is a role-playing game developed and published by Red Hook Studios, released on January 19, 2016. The game focuses on dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and psychological stresses that the characters endure as they fight their way through an ever-changing labyrinth of monsters.

The player here is a hero who must traverse various dungeons filled with enemies and traps while combating stress and other psychological effects such as paranoia, depression, and fear. At the beginning of each dungeon, players select four heroes to accompany them and assign them tasks such as scouting ahead or helping in battle. 

As the team navigates its way through the dungeon's corridors, they are attacked by monsters that can be fought using a variety of weapons and abilities. Along the way, heroes may become stressed due to events such as failing to complete a task or witnessing a gruesome sight.

These adverse effects will worsen if left unchecked, eventually leading to madness or death. To survive, it is up to the player to manage their team's health by providing them with food and rest when necessary. The overall objective of Darkest Dungeon is to reclaim your lost ancestral estate from evil forces lurking beneath its depths.

To do this, you must recruit new adventurers, upgrade your equipment, and explore challenging dungeons while managing your team's health and sanity. By defeating enemies encountered, you gain experience points that allow your heroes to level up, increasing their stats and unlocking new abilities over time. 

Darkest Dungeon is an intense role-playing game that blends old-school design with modern-day visuals for an unforgettable experience unlike any other genre. With impressive art direction, engaging gameplay mechanics, and an incredibly unique visual style, this game will surely capture the attention of even experienced gamers looking for something different in their gaming library.

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13. Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen is a third-person action role-playing game developed by Deck13 Interactive and CI Games, released on October 28, 2014. It is set in a fictional world where humans have denied the existence of gods, but one God seeks revenge by sending an army of powerful minions to destroy humanity.

The player takes control of Harkyn, a convicted criminal tasked with defeating the fallen God's minions and saving humanity. Lords of the Fallen is unique in its focus on balance between challenge and reward. Players are rewarded for wise decisions in combat rather than relying on brute force or grinding their way to success.

The game also features an open-world environment allowing players to explore various locations; however, these locations must be unlocked by completing quests or collecting special items around the game world. 

The gameplay focuses heavily on melee combat, with various weapons at Harkyn's disposal, including swords, axes, maces, hammers, and magical spells. In addition to regular enemies, more brutal boss battles await the player throughout their journey, requiring specific tactics to defeat them. 

Overall, Lords of the Fallen offers an immersive experience that rewards careful strategic play while providing challenging situations requiring quick reflexes and intelligent decision-making. Its unique blend of action RPG elements and satisfyingly difficult combat system provides an enjoyable gaming experience for those looking for something different from typical dungeon crawlers.

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14. The Surge

The Surge is a role-playing action game developed by Deck13 Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive. It was released on May 16, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows platforms. 

In The Surge, players take control of Warren, a disabled ex-employee of CREO Corporation who wakes up in a devastated world inhabited by robots corrupted by malfunctioning technology. To survive the hostile environment, the player must scavenge equipment and weapons from their enemies to build armour sets and upgrade their abilities as they progress through the game.

As they explore deeper into the facility, they learn more about what happened at CREO and discover hidden secrets left behind by its occupants before it fell apart. What makes The Surge unique is its fast-paced combat system which focuses on timing strikes and blocks to increase damage output while avoiding enemy attacks.

Encouraging players to be tactical and plan how to approach each fight rather than simply trying to brute force their way through it. The limb targeting feature also allows players to target specific body parts of enemies to inflict additional damage or gain resources such as scrap metal used for crafting new items or upgrading existing ones. 

The Surge's combination of intense combat with its deep RPG elements makes it one of the most engaging games available today; fans of action RPGs should try this title if they are looking for something different from other titles.

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15. Ashen

Ashen is an open-world action role-playing game developed by A44 and published by Annapurna Interactive in December 2018. The game features a unique take on the usually well-defined genre, emphasising emergent, player-driven experiences over traditional questing and linear story arcs.

In Ashen, players take control of a wanderer who must explore an ash-covered land full of monsters and secrets to uncover the mysterious past of this world. The core gameplay loop involves fighting off or avoiding enemies while scavenging for resources, items, crafting materials, and more that can be used to develop your character's skill sets.

Combat is fast-paced but strategic; you'll need to manage enemy positions, use defensive manoeuvres, parry/counterattack at just the right moments, and incorporate magical abilities to survive against tougher opponents. Along with combat, there are also plenty of exploration opportunities where players can discover hidden areas filled with lootable containers or NPCs offering sidequests. 

Ashen also has a strong social component that encourages players' cooperation when exploring dungeons or facing off against larger foes. You can team up with other players through drop-in coop to help each other out when things get tough - making it easier for newcomers who may not be familiar with some of the deeper mechanics yet (or those looking for a slightly less stressful experience).

And since it's an open world title, there are no restrictions on tackling challenges; you're free to approach them however you see fit! Ashen provides an engaging experience that combines elements from various genres into one package - creating something fresh yet familiar all at once! If you like intense combat encounters alongside meaningful traversal & exploration opportunities, then this title surely has something special in store for you!

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16. Salt and Sanctuary

Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D action-RPG game developed by Ska Studios and published by Digital Devolver. It was released on March 15, 2016, for PS4, Microsoft Windows, OS X, and Linux. The game uniquely blends fast-paced 2D platforming with deep RPG mechanics. 

The player is an unnamed sailor shipwrecked on an island inhabited by creatures from nightmares. To survive and escape the island, the player must explore its various environments and fight against enemies in melee combat and magic spells.

As they head further through the game, they can collect items such as weapons or armour from equipping their character with different stats to increase their offensive or defensive capabilities. Players can also upgrade their equipment using Salt that they find throughout their adventure. 

The main feature of Salt and Sanctuary is its unique approach to levelling up your character, which allows you to choose between several distinct classes ranging from warriors to mages, depending on how you want them to play out in battle scenarios. You also have access to special abilities called "Sanctuaries," which give you access to powerful buffs or even summon allies into battle if needed.

Finally, players can also craft custom-made items for themselves at various workshops worldwide to enhance their experience further than what could be achieved through normal means alone. 

Salt & Sanctuary offers an engaging experience combining classic RPG elements like loot collection and fast-paced action gameplay. It is a visually stunning package that makes it stand out among other recent releases in this genre space and veteran titles alike!

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17. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is an action-adventure game developed and published by Team Cherry for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. Released on February 24, 2017, this game has gained an immense following with its unique gameplay mechanics. 

In Hollow Knight, the player takes control of a small bug-like character who must explore a hidden kingdom known as Hallownest to uncover secrets left behind by its long-forgotten inhabitants. The player progresses through the game by exploring various locations connected via pathways found in each area. Along the way, they face hostile creatures known as "The Infected," which require careful timing and quick reflexes to defeat. 

Players can customise their character's abilities and weapons using charms that provide special bonuses when equipped. Numerous upgrades are available throughout the adventure, such as new skills, spells, and additional gear, making Hollow Knight stand out from other games in its genre. 

Hollow Knight offers players a vast world filled with mysteries to discover and challenging enemies to overcome, all while providing a beautiful soundtrack composed by Christopher Larkin, creating a wonderment atmosphere throughout your journey into Hallownest's depths. This, combined with gorgeous visuals, rewarding exploration mechanics, and engaging combat, makes it one of the best Metroidvania-styled games released in recent years.

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Conclusion

Overall, Dark Souls is one of the world's most popular and beloved action-adventure games. It has captivated gamers with its intense difficulty and unique style of play. However, there are other games out there that provide similar experiences in terms of challenge and atmosphere. 

Whether you're looking for a hardcore dungeon crawler or an atmospheric horror game, there's plenty to choose from when finding something like Dark Souls. From exploring an alien planet to facing off against Lovecraftian horrors, these games will give you plenty of options if you're looking for something similar to Dark Souls without repeatedly playing the same game. So don't be afraid to try out some new titles who knows what epic adventures await?