Top 10 Soulslikes That Outshone Elden Ring: Nightreign in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, the gaming community has had ample time to reflect on the legacy of Elden Ring: Nightreign. Released half a year prior, FromSoftware's venture into a roguelite, service-model structure left many veteran Soulsborne fans wanting. With a Metacritic score of 77, it was widely seen as a decent multiplayer experiment that ultimately fell short of the transcendent experiences the studio is known for. This sentiment isn't just a niche opinion; it's a consensus that has opened the door for other developers to claim the spotlight. The genre, once dominated by FromSoftware's shadow, is now flourishing with titles that have not only matched but often surpassed the quality of Nightreign. The following list compiles ten such Soulslikes, each reviewed more favorably, proving that the soul of the genre is alive and well beyond its original creator.

10. Another Crab’s Treasure

Aggregate Score: 78

Who would have thought a game about a crab wielding shells as weapons would deliver one of the most heartfelt and refined Soulslike experiences? Players approached Another Crab's Treasure expecting lighthearted fun but discovered a title with astonishing quality. Its genius lies in a perfect blend of personality and gameplay. The shell-swapping system offers fresh abilities, while a unique parry mechanic—activated on release, not trigger—adds a layer of strategic depth. The game delivers challenging, addictive bosses and incorporates comfortable platforming into its level design. While its scope may be limited, its execution is nothing short of brilliant. It's a poignant critique of environmental pollution wrapped in humor and charisma, making it a must-play for anyone seeking a FromSoftware-style adventure that feels genuinely different. 😄

9. Lies of P

Aggregate Score: 80

An average score of 80 for Lies of P feels almost criminal to many, as it stands as one of the finest Soulslikes ever crafted. NEOWIZ didn't just imitate the Soulsborne formula; they channeled its core lessons into a captivating, original universe. The city of Krat is an immersive masterpiece, filled with gripping lore, unforgettable characters, and a roster of bosses that will challenge even the most seasoned players. By brilliantly adapting the Pinocchio fable through a Bloodborne-inspired lens, the game proved a powerful point: the AA industry doesn't need to envy blockbuster budgets. It gifted players a superb, complete campaign that rivals FromSoftware's best, establishing a new high watermark for narrative-driven Soulslikes. 🎭

8. Black Myth: Wukong

Aggregate Score: 81

Embracing its rich cultural roots, Black Myth: Wukong became a phenomenon. While leaning more toward traditional ARPG tropes, the undeniable influence of Hidetaka Miyazaki's work is present in its challenging bosses, deep build variety, and fragmented lore. Its nomination for Game of the Year was no coincidence. The game delivers one of the most spectacular mythological settings ever conceived, where moments like striking a flying dragon amidst a thunderous tundra feel routine. Its deep gameplay continues to captivate players well beyond 50 hours, making it a landmark title that leverages the medium's power to communicate and connect across cultures. 🐉

7. Nine Sols

Aggregate Score: 84

Nine Sols achieved what many thought impossible: a flawless fusion of Sekiro's parry-based combat and Hollow Knight's Metroidvania exploration. This indie gem creates a polished, addictive loop. Once players master the parry and acrobatic movement, they enter a refined flow state that is both demanding and immensely satisfying. The game builds steadily from a strong start, leveraging the shared strengths of Soulslikes and Metroidvanias—superb level design, brutal difficulty, and memorable bosses. While its secret final boss might haunt players' dreams, the sensory exhilaration of executing perfect parry chains offers a compensation that few games can match. It's a testament to how well these two genres complement each other.

6. Blasphemous 2

Aggregate Score: 84

The Game Kitchen didn't just create a sequel; they crafted a masterpiece that refined every aspect of the original. Blasphemous 2 stands as one of the finest indie sequels, pushing the boundaries of its Metroidvania-Soulslike fusion. Everything is elevated:

• Boss Design: Greater variety and depth.

• Art & Sound: A stunning, cohesive direction with a haunting soundtrack.

• World Design: Intricate platforming and secrets galore.

For every hour dedicated, players feel immersed in a dark, divine punishment. Some might wish for a higher difficulty curve, with only the final boss reaching the first game's peaks, but this is a minor quibble for a game that otherwise feels like a flawless descent into a beautifully grotesque heaven.

5. Salt and Sanctuary

Aggregate Score: 84

A decade after its release, Salt and Sanctuary remains the purest 2D adaptation of the Soulsborne philosophy. It masterfully translates every quintessential feeling—anxiety, uncertainty, tension—into a side-scrolling perspective. Key moments are unforgettable: fighting the first boss, joining a covenant, discovering a secret area. The game constantly evolves in complexity, giving players endless reasons to return. While many superior Metroidvanias and Soulslikes have emerged since, few have matched the relevance and impact of Ska Studios' title. It was a gateway drug for an entire generation of players, proving that the soul of Dark Souls could thrive in two dimensions.

4. Death’s Door

Aggregate Score: 85

In a genre often defined by gloom, Death's Door dares to be colorful and vibrant. It takes the Soulslike template—challenging bosses, cryptic NPCs, interconnected levels—and filters it through a classic Legend of Zelda lens. Here, exploration and understanding the environment are just as crucial as combat mastery. The world is a beautiful, living ecosystem to inhabit and observe. The game's magic lies in its old-fashioned intentions; it's focused on the joy of discovery and adventure rather than mere results. This philosophy makes it a special, timeless work that feels like a modern classic crafted with a retro heart. 🌳

3. Tunic

Aggregate Score: 85

Tunic takes the Soulsborne doctrine of getting lost and elevates it to an art form. It is a game defined by delightful disorientation. The joy comes from piecing together the world's workings, mechanics, and secrets using only your own reasoning, with virtually no hand-holding. While its combat and bosses are excellent, they are not the primary draw. The true genius lies in the contextualization: exploring interconnected maps, deciphering item purposes, and leveraging environmental knowledge. This focus makes Tunic one of the hardest games to recommend, as it is deliberately inaccessible and demands intellectual engagement. It highlights an often-overlooked aspect of Souls games: the profound satisfaction of earned knowledge.

2. Nioh

Aggregate Score: 88

In an era when Soulslikes were still finding their footing, Nioh stood out by doing something radically different. Team Ninja extrapolated their hack-and-slash expertise into the genre, creating a combat system where weapon and stamina management were even more critical than in Dark Souls. Set in feudal Japan with Yokai mythology, its presentation is stellar. However, its true cohesion lies in its fierce, pseudo-strategic combat that forces players to think beyond simple move recognition. This added layer is precisely what differentiated it and elevated it above its peers over the last decade. While its specific rhythm didn't resonate unanimously, its quality and role in establishing the genre's credibility are undeniable. ⚔️

1. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Aggregate Score: 91

Topping the list as both a critical darling and a personal Game of the Year for many is Hollow Knight: Silksong. With a Metacritic score of 91, it is the only "Must-Play" title on this list. Team Cherry didn't just meet the impossibly high bar set by its predecessor; they surpassed it in every conceivable way. The melancholy of Hallownest gives way to the tragic grandeur of Pharloom in an unprecedented journey. It is a profound, polished, and intelligent masterpiece. The game skillfully incorporates the sacred tenets of Miyazaki's design: interconnected exploration, spectacular trial-and-error bosses, lore embedded in the environment, and audiovisual storytelling. Without these elements, Silksong wouldn't be Silksong. It represents the natural, perfected destination for a franchise that followed in Dark Souls' footsteps, offering an experience that, for many, recaptured the magic they last felt with Elden Ring. It is the definitive proof that the future of the Soulslike genre is in brilliant, capable hands far beyond its origin. 🏆