Best Soulslike Games to Play in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for fans of punishing but rewarding action RPGs. The soulslike genre has come a long way since its Dark Souls days, offering everything from traditional di...
February 19, 2026 · 5 min read
Mom of two, gamer for life. I find the best games you can actually finish between school runs and bedtime stories.
2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for fans of punishing but rewarding action RPGs. The soulslike genre has come a long way since its Dark Souls days, offering everything from traditional difficulty to more accessible experiences. Whether you’re chasing fresh releases, rediscovering classics, or just starting out, there’s something for every type of player. Let’s break down the must-play titles and where to begin.
The New Releases
Nioh 3 (February 2026)
If you love samurai vs. ninja combat, this one’s got you covered. Team Ninja’s latest keeps the series’ brutal mechanics but adds an open world and a dual protagonist system. Switch between a stoic swordsman and a stealthy ninja mid-mission, each with unique playstyles. The Ki pulse system still demands stamina management, but the tutorials are the best the genre has seen. Perfect for newer players who want to learn without crying too much.
Elden Ring: Nightreign (2026)
Elden Ring: Nightreign
FromSoftware · Bandai Namco Entertainment
May 30, 2025
Elden Ring: Nightreign is a standalone adventure within the ELDEN RING universe, crafted to offer players a new gaming experience by reimagining th…
FromSoftware’s co-op experiment is a love letter to Elden Ring fans. This roguelike spin-off adds procedurally generated encounters and a dynamic day/night cycle that actually affects gameplay. Three-player sessions mean you can tackle the Lands Between with friends, and the combat still feels unmistakably FromSoftware. Think of it as Elden Ring, but with more chaos and fewer solo deaths.
Black Myth: Wukong DLC (2026)
Black Myth: Wukong
Game Science
Aug 20, 2024
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. The story is based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels …
Game Science’s 2024 hit is getting a substantial expansion. If you haven’t played the base game yet, you’re missing out on some of the best boss design in years. The DLC promises new transformations and an extended endgame for fans of the Journey to the West mythos. It’s a must-play for anyone who enjoys challenging, story-rich experiences.
The Established Classics
Elden Ring (2022)
Elden Ring
FromSoftware · Bandai Namco Entertainment
Feb 25, 2022
Elden Ring is an action RPG developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, released in February 2022. Directed by Hidetaka …
Still the gold standard for open-world soulslikes. The Lands Between remains a labyrinth of secrets, and the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion added even more content. Even in 2026, the community is alive with messages, invasions, and memes. If you haven’t jumped in yet, now’s the time.
Dark Souls III (2016)
Dark Souls III
FromSoftware · Bandai Namco Entertainment
Mar 24, 2016
Dark Souls III is an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released in March 2016, it is …
The swan song of the original trilogy still holds up. Its tighter design and faster combat make it a great entry point for newcomers. The Ringed City DLC is a masterclass in boss design, and the game’s 10-year-old code still runs like a dream. Perfect if Elden Ring’s open world feels overwhelming.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware · Activision
Mar 22, 2019
Carve your own clever path to vengeance as you come face-to-face with larger than life foes in FromSoftware's dark and twisted adventure set in feu…
FromSoftware’s posture-based combat experiment remains a standout. No stamina bars, no shields - just precise deflections and relentless aggression. It’s a completely different rhythm compared to other soulslikes, and once you get the hang of it, it’s addictive. Just don’t play it when you’re tired.
The Hidden Gems
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (2023)
Team Ninja’s Three Kingdoms entry flew under the radar in 2023, but it’s a hidden gem. The deflect system is more forgiving than Sekiro, and the morale-based exploration rewards make it feel like a roguelike. Post-launch patches fixed early bugs, so 2026 is the perfect time to revisit this underdog.
Lords of the Fallen (2023)
This reboot is a surprising success. The dual-realm mechanic lets you switch between the living and dead worlds, each with unique enemies and secrets. It’s rough around the edges, but the ambition is clear. Major patches have smoothed out performance issues, making it a solid choice for fans of punishing action.
Remnant 2 (2023)
This third-person shooter-soulslike hybrid is a genre mashup that works. Procedural generation ensures no two playthroughs are alike, and the build variety is insane. Play solo or in co-op - either way, it’s a blast. Just be ready for some serious respawns.
For Newcomers
If you’ve never played a soulslike, start with one of these:
- Nioh 3: Best onboarding in the genre. Team Ninja finally got tutorials right.
- Lies of P: Forgiving parry windows and frequent checkpoints make it easier than FromSoftware’s games.
- Remnant 2: Play solo or with friends. Co-op makes everything easier.
Steer clear of Sekiro or Dark Souls III if you’re new. Both are amazing, but their learning curves are steeper than newer entries.
The Verdict
2026 is a great year for suffering. Nioh 3 brings refined action, Elden Ring: Nightreign experiments with co-op, and the back catalog is deeper than ever. Whether you want to master perfect deflections or explore dark fantasy worlds at your own pace, there’s a soulslike waiting for you. The genre has grown up and stopped gatekeeping - now it meets players where they are. Pick one, die a lot, and discover why millions keep coming back for more punishment. After all, dying gracefully is an art form now, right?