Summary
In addition to themost defining features of a Soulslike— such as checkpoint systems with respawning enemies and stamina-based combat — these games often present players with dark fantasy worlds characterized by oppressive atmospheres and menacing environments to explore. Since theDark Soulsseries refined the formula established byDemon’s Souls, many successors have followed suit, adopting similar settings. FromLords of the FallentoMortal Shell, there’s no shortage of Soulslikes that adhere closely to the aesthetic blueprint laid out byDark Souls. However, in recent years, this trend has started to shift, as more developers opt for vibrant, colorful worlds while preserving the essential Soulslike mechanics.
Recent games likeBlack Myth: WukongandEnotria: The Last Songbring bright and sunny environments to the forefront, while titles such asSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceoffer a harmonious blend of historical backdrops and fantasy elements. The desire for more vibrant aesthetics and wider appeal has even led to the establishment of theso-called Soulslite sub-genre, which is often considered a more approachable and less punishing experience, with games likeRise of the RoninandFlintlock: The Siege of Dawnbeing prime examples. Here’s a look at standout titles from both the Soulslike and Soulslite genres that provide a fresh take on the setting, ranking them by how immersive and vibrant their worlds are, and howsurprisingly relaxing and soothingtheir exploration can feel despite their inherent challenges.
At first glance,Flintlock: The Siege of Dawnmight seem like another dark fantasy game centered on an epic war between menacing gods and courageous mortals. However, what truly sets this Soulslite apart is its distinctive 19th-century aesthetic, blending Napoleonic-era imagery with the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife of New Zealand.
This fusion of gunpowder-era elements — featuring muskets, pistols, and cannons — creates a fresh visual identity, even as melee weapons remain the primary tools for combat. Additionally, the game’s vibrant, sunlit environments and open landscapes offer a refreshing departure from thegloomy catacombs and oppressive underground settingstypical of many Soulslikes. With its unique visual design and atmospheric approach,Flintlockcarves out a niche in a genre crowded with familiar tropes.
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room:Rise of the Roninisn’t a purebred Soulslike. While it borrows some key elements from the genre, particularly in its combat system, it’splaced in a more traditional open-world structure, making it essentially a Soulslite with a traditional action RPG narrative. Furthermore, the game is notably grounded, with little to no fantasy elements, instead leaning on its historically accurate recreation of the final years of Japan’s Edo period as one of its greatest strengths.
That said, Soulslike fans looking for a more realistic and less oppressive late-medieval setting should definitely giveRise of the Ronina shot. While it may not be as visually groundbreaking as one might expect from a modern PS5 exclusive, and its open-world design can feel somewhat dated, the game’s sprawling map and vibrant, beautiful environments evoke the spirit of Japan almost as effectively asGhost of Tsushima. Coupled with a richly layered combat system that offers a wealth of options,Rise of the Roninprovides a unique experience that genre enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
Enotria: The Last Songbringsplenty of unique twists to the Soulslike formula, most notably its Mask system, which allows players to adopt the roles of fallen foes and seamlessly switch playstyles on the fly. Dubbed a “summer souls” by fans, the game shines with its sun-drenched world inspired by Italian folklore and breathtaking natural landscapes, where the brightest sun paradoxically casts the darkest shadows. Powered by Unreal Engine 5,Enotriaoffers stunningly detailed and colorful vistas, intricate architecture, and a visual richness that’s particularly impressive given the modest size of its development team.
While the game does venture into traditional soulslike territory with darker, more ominous locations, these moments are brief and serve as a contrast to its otherwise vibrant setting. Unfortunately,Enotriafaced a rocky launch plagued by technical issues, which likely hampered its ability to capture a larger fanbase. However, with its captivating world and innovative mechanics, there’s still hope for a strong comeback once the developers address the game’s shortcomings and deliver on their promises.
Few Soulslike games are as distinctive asRemnant 2, seamlessly blending thrilling gunplay with a setting unlike any other, enhanced by procedural generation to ensure each playthrough feels fresh and unique. The game offers multiple worlds to explore, each with its own personality. While Losomn feels like a perfect homage toBloodborne, with its gothic architecture and eerie atmosphere, Yaesha stands out in striking contrast. Its lush vegetation, ancient abandoned temples, and pervasive root corruption create a vibrant yet ominous environment that players won’t soon forget. For an even better Yaesha experience, it isstrongly recommended to pick theForgotten KingdomDLC.
Exploration has always been a hallmark of theRemnantseries, andRemnant 2amplifies this with an immersive, rewarding experience. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game delivers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable vistas, capturing the essence of its universe in stunning detail. The blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements creates a truly one-of-a-kind world that feels alive with mystery and danger. With its atmospheric depth and endless surprises,Remnant 2offers a journey that Soulslike fans canlose themselves in for hundreds of hours.
From its very first trailer,Black Myth: Wukongcaptivated audiences with promises of unmatched visual fidelity and a journey brimming with diverse locations, breathtaking vistas, and intricately designed enemies and bosses. For some, it was almost too good to be true. Yet, to the skeptics' surprise, the game delivered on its lofty promises, earning its place asone of the best action games of the year.
There may still be debates among purists about whetherBlack Myth: Wukongqualifies as a true Soulslike, but let’s be honest — it’s the closest comparison available, sharing many of the genre’s defining features. What truly sets it apart, however, is itsincredibly rich and vibrant world. The game’s design echoes the best action-adventure titles, offering constantly changing scenery that never overstays its welcome.Black Myth: Wukongdoesn’t hold anything back, delivering unforgettable settings ranging from lush, varied forests and scorching rocky deserts to chilling snowy landscapes and fiery mountain ridges. This epic mythological journey is as visually stunning as it is a sheer joy to explore.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceremains a standout in FromSoftware’s portfolio, carving its own niche within the Soulslike genre for several reasons. Its streamlined, fast-paced, reaction-based combat stands apart from the deliberate, methodical pacing of its predecessors, while its setting — afictionalized Sengoku-era Japan— offers a distinct cultural and aesthetic departure. Although the game incorporates dark fantasy elements and features its share of grim bosses and harrowing sections, it is overall brighter and less oppressive than the studio’s other entries. Moments of peace and tranquility are further enhanced by its unique exploration mechanics, such as the grappling hook, which opens up verticality rarely seen in the genre.
From the vibrant, serene landscapes of the Buddhist Senpou Temple nestled in the mountains of Kongo to the ethereal beauty of the Fountainhead Palace, where the waters of life flow,Sekiromasterfully blends stunning visuals with intense, heart-pounding action. The game offers a balanced experience, where moments of awe-inspiring scenery serve as a welcome respite between battles, leaving players with an unforgettable impression of its world.
