On June 21st we can finally embark on a new chapter of Elden Ring. Then Shadow of the Erdtree appears, the first and only expansion for From Software's magnum opus, for which fans have had to wait two years. And there are now quite a few of these fans. We're probably not exaggerating when we say that Elden Ring has finally made the Soulslike genre palatable to a broad mass of people.
A genre that has been around for almost 15 years now, and which is no longer only represented by From Software's own creations, i.e. the Soulsborne series. There are now more Soulslikes, i.e. imitators inspired by From Software, than anyone could play. In our buying guide we therefore look at the ten best titles from both camps. No matter whether 2D or 3D, whether from software or not, whether samurai swords or firearms: Here you will find the best that the genre has produced so far!
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Soulslikes Buying Guide | The currently best Soulslikes 2024
Lies of P (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series)
Source: Neowiz Our first game lives up to the tough reputation of its genre like no other in recent years. Lies of P transforms the fairy tale of Pinocchio into a horrifying nightmare: In the steampunk metropolis of Krat, the robots have gone crazy and you slip into the noble robes of the lying boy to bring light into the darkness.
The setting impresses with its dense atmosphere and great character design, while the crazy enemies put your reflexes to the test with their attack patterns. Thanks to the innovative weapon construction system, you go into battle with a wide range of equipment – and you will need it too.
Lies of P is visually reminiscent of Bloodborne and relies on common role-playing game mechanics for character progression, but in battle you need perfect timing so as not to get lost in the hail of attacks. Even if the developers have defused the level of difficulty several times after the release: If you want to be challenged above all in a Soulslike, you can't ignore Lies of P. And you can take that literally!
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights (PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series)
Source: PC Games Soulslikes are often distinguished by their presentation and art design, and Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a prime example of this. In the role of a little priestess, you travel through an end-time kingdom and purify the souls of the dead. From the melancholic soundtrack to the environments to the buttery smooth animations: Ender Lilies is an audiovisual delight and simply to die for!
You will probably die a lot, because in addition to the Metroidvania-style exploration, there are many challenging fights to survive. A special feature: Because your little heroine cannot swing swords herself, she summons the souls that you have met on your journey during battle. They give you a huge range of great animated attacks. The Metroidvania part isn't as successful as a Hollow Knight, but Ender Lilies shines particularly with its battles, which feel as great as they look.
Lords of the Fallen (PC, PS5, Xbox Series)
Source: CI Games The reboot of Lords of the Fallen also offers a dark, glossy presentation. Here you explore not just one, but two abysmal fantasy worlds. As a lantern bearer, you are able to shine into the parallel dimension Umbral and even enter it. Other opponents, hidden shortcuts and additional loot await you there to further improve your character.
Thanks to the Unreal Engine 5, the nightmarish design of the world and its inhabitants comes into its own and Lords of the Fallen also has a lot to offer in terms of gameplay. Fans of Dark Souls or Elden Ring in particular will get their money's worth thanks to the free character development and numerous pieces of equipment. In the fights you get very familiar, but no less entertaining genre fare. Co-op and PvP are also on board. Despite some bosses that are a bit too simple and its occasional penchant for enemy spam, Lords of the Fallen gets a clear recommendation from us.