Do you like challenges? Check out the 7 best soulslike games on PS Plus

The resounding success of the soulslike genre began in 2009, when FromSoftware released the iconic Demon’s Souls for PS3. The game was the trigger for the overwhelming popularization of the niche, which to this day gives us epic adventures. Luckily, There are several options available in the PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe catalog.

Soulslike games are basically action RPGs characterized by high difficulty, intense combat, and progression systems. The genre challenges players with formidable enemies and interconnected environments, but also places a strong emphasis on making you evolve by overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Want to know the best games of the genre available on Sony’s service? Then you’ve come to the right place. Voxel separated a list of seven best soulslike games to enjoy on PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe — which you can check out below!

Mortal Shell

Developed by Cold Symmetry, Mortal Shell is a relentless action RPG that tests your sanity and resilience in a destroyed world. Being part of the soulslike genre, the game is certainly known for its difficulty, but it also brings a dark atmosphere that can please even the most demanding standards.

Here, players take on the role of an ethereal being who can possess the bodies of fallen warriors, known as Shells. Each of them offers unique abilities and combat styles, allowing players to adapt their strategies to face the relentless enemies that inhabit this universe.

Ashen

Released in 2018, Ashen is one of the titles on the list that stands out for its minimalist aesthetics and cooperative mechanics. Set in an open fantasy world, the game tells the story of a wanderer’s search for a home while facing the dangers of a sunless world. The narrative is conveyed subtly through the environment and the characters that the player meets throughout the journey.

Developed by A44, Ashen brings strategy and challenge as central points of the formula and also requires precision and patience. Of course, expect a unique cooperation system, where players can find and help other wanderers, both controlled by artificial intelligence and other real players, but without the need for verbal communication.

The Surge 2

Developed by Deck13 Interactive and released in 2019, The Surge 2 is set in the dystopian reality of Jericho, where players take on the role of a survivor of a mysterious plane crash.

The sequel’s gameplay is marked by intense and strategic combat, which emphasizes precision and timing. In addition to the robust loot and crafting system that allows for detailed customization of your character, players can also target specific parts of enemies to dismember them and collect parts to improve their own abilities and equipment. It’s worth checking out!

Nioh

Set in Sengoku period Japan, Nioh follows the story of William Adams, a Western samurai who embarks on a dangerous journey to defeat supernatural and human enemies.

Of course, like any good soulslike, the gameplay of NiOh is well known for its intense difficulty, which brings technical and challenging combat. Players can choose between different fighting styles based on a wide variety of traditional Japanese weapons, such as katanas, spears, and bows.

Another highlight of this game from Team Ninja is the levels, which feature detailed environments and the integration of elements from Japanese mythology. In addition, the narrative combines historical facts with fantasy, so it brings a very engaging plot for the player — in addition, of course, to countless challenges.

Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

Also developed by Team Ninja, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin offers a new perspective on the history of the first Final Fantasy and reimagines the entire plot of the classic with a darker and more intense approach — in addition, of course, to bringing gameplay more focused on soulslike.

If you’re not familiar, here players follow the story of Jack Garland and his group of allies, who are on a mission to defeat the evil Chaos. With a dynamic combat system, Stranger of Paradise mixes traditional elements of Final Fantasy with fast-paced, strategic action mechanics that allow players to switch between different classes and skills in real time.

Demon’s Souls

Originally released for the PS3 in 2009 and later for the PS5 in 2020, Demon’s Souls is largely to blame for the popularization of soulslike — and would certainly be on this list of the best games of the genre on PS Plus. The new-gen version was developed by Bluepoint Games and is a complete reimagining of the classic that takes full advantage of the power of the PlayStation 5.

The game maintains the essence of the original, known for its challenging difficulty and strategic combat, but with stunning graphics, fast loading times and gameplay improvements that provide an even more immersive experience. Here, players explore the dark kingdom of Boletaria and must face fearsome demons while solving complex puzzles along the way. Patience and good luck, you’ll need it!

Bloodborne

It would be a mistake to create a list of best soulslike games on PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe and not put one of the greatest classics of the genre. That’s right, Bloodborne It is simply an essential experience for those who love a good challenge — as well as a good setting and an engaging story.

Released for PS4 in 2015, the game takes us to the dark and gothic city of Yharnam, where we take on the role of a Hunter and dive into a world full of horrors and grotesque creatures as we search for a cure for a mysterious disease.

The game is widely revered for its oppressive atmosphere and intricate level design, with a fragmented narrative that encourages exploration and discovery of hidden secrets. If you’ve never played Bloodborneyou are certainly missing out on a great video game experience. Prepare to be angry, as the learning curve is slow, but extremely rewarding once mastered!

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