The Souls genre has undeniably reshaped gaming landscapes, elevating standards for interconnected worlds and reviving challenging gameplay in an era often criticized for excessive hand-holding. This influence sparked a wave of Souls-likes throughout 2024, each attempting to capture FromSoftware's magic while carving unique identities. Some stumbled, others soared—yet the collective effort enriched the genre with fresh perspectives. Now, a year later, we revisit the standout titles that dared to reinterpret the formula, celebrating their triumphs and acknowledging their quirks. Here lies a journey through darkness, innovation, and unexpected charm.
10. Weko The Mask Gatherer
A curious fusion awaits in Weko The Mask Gatherer. Imagine OMNO’s vibrant art colliding with Zelda-esque puzzles and Souls-inspired precision combat—a cocktail that somehow works. Designed as a beginner-friendly Souls-lite, it replaces Elden Ring’s brutality with accessibility. The mask-swapping mechanic adds playful depth, while its open world invites relaxed exploration. It’s the perfect antidote for players who rage-quit Margit, offering colorful escapism over grim despair. Not groundbreaking, but a comforting entry point.
9. Morbid: The Lords of Ire
Morbid: The Lords of Ire traded its predecessor’s isometric view for a full Souls-like approach. The result? A gritty, grotesque world dripping with atmosphere, though it never quite matches the original’s unsettling vibe. Combat feels tight and responsive, a definite improvement. Yet it falters in originality—paint-by-numbers mechanics and persistent performance issues hold it back. Still, for those craving a dark, competent filler between major releases, it’s a worthy distraction. Just don’t expect revelations.
8. Bloodless
Bloodless turns Souls conventions upside down: violence is forbidden. Players disarm foes using dash-based combos, demanding Sekiro-level precision. No grinding exists here—only skill matters. Its retro visuals and emotional narrative backdrop intense, non-lethal encounters against swarming mobs and inventive bosses. This pacifist twist forces creativity, making every victory feel earned through finesse rather than force. A refreshing deviation for those tired of blood-soaked adventures.
7. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Flintlock defies Souls tradition with exhilarating movement. Where most entries anchor players to the ground, this game offers fluid traversal—parkour, jumps, and slides—in a Napoleonic-inspired setting. Though its world-building feels thin and the story forgettable, the trade-off is worthwhile. Combat flows smoothly, blending accessibility with challenge. Think God of War meets Dark Souls, creating a dynamic, approachable experience. Casual fans will appreciate its rhythm.
6. Rise of the Ronin
Rise of the Ronin stands in Ghost of Tsushima’s shadow but carves its own path. Sekiro-like combat shines here, yet flexibility reigns: play as an honorable samurai or a gun-wielding rogue. Moment-to-moment gameplay thrills, set in an open world ripe for exploration. Visuals aren’t groundbreaking, and quests lack depth, but the underrated narrative and combat versatility compensate. Accept it for what it is—not a masterpiece, but a solid samurai romp.
5. Void Sols
Void Sols strips Souls design to its bones. Forget sprawling lore or photorealistic worlds—this geometric shooter hybrid channels Asteroids and Minishoot Adventures into a minimalist masterpiece. Easy to learn, brutally hard to master, its laser-focused combat feels revolutionary. Surprisingly, lore lurks beneath its simple surface for dedicated explorers. A vibrant, experimental counterpoint to the genre’s usual grimness.
4. Enotria: The Last Song
Enotria: The Last Song sneaks up on you. Initially dismissed as generic, it reveals a sun-drenched world bursting with Italian folklore and theatrical flair. Masks replace classes, allowing dynamic role shifts mid-combat—an inspired twist. Visuals dazzle, from sunflower fields to ornate villages. Bosses? Sadly forgettable. But that flaw doesn’t overshadow its rich storytelling and inventive mechanics. A gorgeous, underappreciated gem.
3. Another Crab's Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasure demystifies Souls for newcomers. This "Shoals-like" blends mascot-platformer charm with punishing mechanics. Play as Kril the hermit crab, battling ocean foes using shells as armor while seeking your stolen home. It’s Pixar-meets-pain, offering a steep but fair difficulty curve. Mastering it provides foundational skills for harder titles—a joyful, colorful gateway to the genre.
2. Nine Sols
Nine Sols dominates 2024’s Metroidvania resurgence. This 2D Sekiro-like demands pixel-perfect parries and agile platforming through a Taoist-inspired dystopia. Bosses humble even veterans, embodying the genre’s "git gud" ethos. Its art style melds cyberpunk with traditional ink-wash beauty, proving 2D Souls-likes can rival 3D counterparts in depth and difficulty. Relentless, rewarding, and brutally gorgeous.
1. Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong reigns supreme, transforming Journey to the West into a Souls boss-rush masterpiece. Each encounter choreographs intricate attack patterns requiring flawless execution—pure ecstasy for masochists. Visually, it’s breathtaking: lush forests, celestial palaces, and mythical foes rendered in stunning detail. Combat fuses hack-and-slash adrenaline with methodical Souls pacing. Invisible walls and a lategame dip frustrate, but these fade against its monumental achievements. A landmark title, possibly the genre's pinnacle.
Reflecting on 2024, these games prove Souls-likes aren’t mere imitations—they’re evolving conversations with FromSoftware’s legacy. Each title, flawed or phenomenal, expands the genre’s language. What awaits in 2025? Only time will tell.