Best Soulslike Games On Xbox Game Pass (April 2024)

Demon’s Souls and Dark Souls ushered in a new subgenre of RPG/action-adventure gaming in the form of Soulslikes. While still in its infancy, the concept has produced quite a few projects over the last decade, and many tend to be ambitious projects. 2023 alone produced Lords of the Fallen, Lies of P, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, all of which were massive releases in their own right.

Xbox Game Pass‘ value comes from its variety. The subscription service tries to cover as wide of a spectrum as possible, offering something to interest most tastes. Soulslikes are no exception, even if none of FromSoftware’s genre-creating releases are part of the service. Still, some of the best Soulslike games on Xbox Game Pass serve as great alternatives to Dark Souls and Bloodborne.

Updated April 15, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Xbox Game Pass only has a small selection of Soulslike games, but they can keep fans busy for a very long time. Once they exhaust these releases, they can shift to a plethora of action RPGs capable of scratching a similar itch.

Lies Of P

Metascore: 84

Starfield was not the only big September 2023 game to launch directly on Xbox Game Pass. Lies of P is a fantastic action RPG that takes obvious inspiration from arguably FromSoftware’s best game: Bloodborne. Creatively inspired by Pinocchio, the game follows the iconic puppet as he makes his way through Krat, a city overrun with horrendous monstrosities that range from humanoid guards to massive entities. Offering more fast-paced action than the traditional Soulslike, Lies of P incorporates most of the genre’s basic ingredients, but they are combined in a way that allows the game to stand out positively.

While dodging is an option, the combat prioritizes guarding and deflections, the latter of which must be mastered to make the many challenging bosses more manageable. Even though it was not created by a well-known developer, Lies of P is polished, ambitious, and impressive, and it will likely go down as one of the best Soulslike games of all time.

Remnant 2

Metascore: 85

Both Remnant games are on Xbox Game Pass, and they scratch a unique itch within the Soulslike sphere. The vast majority of the genre’s entries focus on melee combat, with only a few leaning into ranged action. Gunfire Games’ IP is by far the best example of the latter, and these two releases are the definitive third-person Soulslike shooters since they push this type of action to the forefront rather than having it as a complementary piece to close-quarters combat. While it might be a few years old by this point, Remnant: From the Ashes is still great and should not be skipped over just because its sequel is available; in fact, an argument could be made that the first title is the better of the two packages. Still, Remnant 2 expands on most of its predecessor’s ideas, all the while providing more varied worlds to explore and better-defined classes.

Remnant 2 uses procedural generation technology to expand its replayability while still allowing room for tailor-made levels. This feature is limited to dungeons within worlds, meaning that each run should be a bit different. Consequently, players will need to play through the game multiple times to experience everything it has to offer, which is a positive creative decision considering New Game+ is a very common feature of Soulslikes. The gameplay is fantastic and intense, provided someone is a general fan of third-person shooters. Crowd control is a big part of the challenge, especially since Remnant 2 is designed with co-op in mind. While not quite as exciting as in some other Soulslikes, loot is also central to a playthrough, although players will mostly be picking up rings, amulets, and relics rather than weapons.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Metascore: 79

Team Ninja has spent the last half a decade cementing its place in the Soulslike world through the Nioh games. While those releases are not on Xbox Game Pass, the developer’s most recent project debuted directly on Microsoft’s subscription service. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty utilizes many of the same ideas introduced in Team Ninja’s previous outings, including a loot system that drowns players in weapons and armor. Similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Wo Long prioritizes deflecting attacks over guarding or dodging; just to be clear, the latter two are still important tools in the player’s arsenal, but everyone will need to somewhat master parrying if they want to last long in the campaign.

Set during China’s Three Kingdoms era, Wo Long blends reality with fiction by incorporating historical figures alongside supernatural monsters. Like any good Soulslike, Team Ninja’s game is absolutely stuffed with challenging boss fights, and players can expect to face usually a few of these sorts of enemies in most stages. Rather than a continuous world, Wo Long is divided into parts, with each one dropping players in a new Metroidvania-style area. Besides the main missions, there are side missions that can have unique bosses and drops.

Dead Cells

Metascore: 91

Dead Cells is Roguevania in design but its steep difficulty at times and its punishing bosses are enough to have Souls fans coming back for more. Players will take control of a mysterious being that’s seemingly immortal, reappearing from a slush of who-knows-what each time it’s slain in battle.

The 2D sidescrolling adventure features beautiful visuals, visceral yet challenging combat, and a massive “blueprint system” in which players can unlock weapons, outfits, and accessories to infuse into future runs. With multiple branching paths and a deep playstyle customization system, Dead Cells is a must-play Indie hit.

Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition

Metascore: 89

Though appearances may not indicate it at first blush, Hollow Knight features a whole host of Soulslike elements that are sure to please fans of the niche. This 2D Metroidvania romp ticks most of the essential boxes — punishing death mechanics that put progression at risk, the signature checkpoint system, and exhilaratingly challenging boss encounters are all sure to delight.

That said, Hollow Knight certainly carved out its own identity. The insectoid character designs and the setting are as compelling as they are charming, and it’s difficult not to fall in love with the surprising depth of the lore as players guide the Knight through the ruins of Hallownest.

Death’s Door

Metascore: 87

Death’s Door is incredibly charming, thanks to its beautifully designed worlds and characters. Players will hop in as a small yet expressive crow and set forth on an adventure to collect souls from some pretty imposing bosses. Along the way, they’ll uncover new items, abilities, and weapons. The aesthetic feels like a “happier” Dark Souls, with the crow making its way through some pretty interesting areas, including a castle-like manor.

Death’s Door is a fantastic adventure for players who are looking for something mysterious and story-driven. Combat-wise, the game is fast-paced and offers a decent amount of variety, even if it is not exactly a loot-driven experience. While sharing similarities with Soulslikes, Death’s Door also takes inspiration from The Legend of Zelda‘s isometric entries in its level layout, exploration, and puzzles.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Metascore: 81

Certain level design choices and game-saving mechanics in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order can remind one of a Dark Souls game. The parrying and dodging seen in most Soulslike combat encounters are conceptually copied with Cal Kestis and his lightsaber. However, the game is more easily accessible than a typical Dark Souls experience, proving to be less of a challenge for a true, Bonfire-forged Souls fan.

That said, Fallen Order is a more balanced Soulslike experience that all sorts of players can dive into. It makes for the perfect stepping stone into the genre, inviting newcomers to try the water before attempting to tread through deeper fare. As such, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order fulfills a valuable role in introducing beginners to Soulslikes with an amiable helping hand.

Tunic

Metascore: 85

Tunic is a lot of things, and describing it solely as Soulslike would be a disservice to the game’s creativity and ambition. Along with taking obvious inspiration from Zelda, particularly with its puzzles, this indie darling’s combat system undeniably favors games like Dark Souls. The game contains most of the core fundamentals that are synonymous with these types of releases: dodge roll, shield guarding, and telegraphed enemy moves. There are even items that work to replenish health similar to Estus Flasks.

However, Tunic is more than just a top-down take on the Souls formula. It is a charming puzzle-platformer that would have not looked out of place on Nintendo’s resume. It offers a challenging adventure with complex bosses that often require more than just quick reflexes. It manages to be accessible and mainstream while hiding depth that will surprise even the most veteran of players. Tunic is not just one of the best Soulslike on Xbox Game Pass, but it is simply one of the best games on the subscription service.

Non-Soulslike Games On Game Pass Dark Souls Fans Might Love

Soulslikes are not a dime a dozen, and only a small number of games share significant similarities with FromSoftware’s franchise. That said, fans of these types of projects should not limit themselves to just games that ape Dark Souls‘ combat or level design as they would miss out on some enjoyable titles that they are likely to enjoy. The upcoming games are worth consideration:

Diablo 4

Metascore: 91

Every year, there are a couple of high-profile AAA games that launch to almost universal praise, only for their reputation to slowly (or quickly) decline as the initial hype subsides. Diablo 4 went through this process in 2023, and Blizzard’s RPG is currently in a strange place where quite a few people seem to be waiting for its D3-style redemption arc. Seasons 2 and 3 helped somewhat, but the game is very polarizing, and that probably will not change for a long time (if ever). Still, Diablo 4‘s Xbox Game Pass arrival presents an ideal opportunity for non-fans to give this title a try without having to invest direct cash; ultimately, if the gameplay loop does not click with them, they can just move on to something else.

Now, as an isometric hack and slash action RPG, Diablo 4 plays nothing like Soulslikes. The combat system is quite straightforward and arcadey, at least compared to Dark Souls or Nioh. While very different in that area, D4 is a solid pick for people who enjoy trying out different builds, picking up loot, and exploring a dark fantasy world packed to the brim with dungeons and fun boss fights. A more casual experience than a traditional Soulslike, Blizzard’s divisive project can be fun, especially with friends.

Monster Hunter Rise

Metascore: 87

Similar to Demon’s Souls, Capcom’s Monster Hunter essentially started its own subgenre, one that has produced games like Dauntless and God Eater. Also, like FromSoftware’s releases, Capcom’s series is still the standard-bearer for these types of projects, and there are really no close competitors. Debuting on the Nintendo Switch before making its way to PC and ultimately other consoles, Monster Hunter Rise is the most accessible entry in the franchise, making it the perfect entry point for anyone who might have found previous entries like Monster Hunter Generations too intimidating.

Unlike its immediate predecessor, Monster Hunter World, Rise features smaller-scale maps, albeit ones that still provide room for a degree of exploration. For the uninitiated, Monster Hunter‘s gameplay loop involves defeating creatures to use their parts to create better armor and weapons needed to survive against deadlier threats. Rise‘s story campaign is just a glorified tutorial that can be completed within a few hours, and the real game begins once the credits roll. Players are free to pick from 14 weapon classes, all of which control and feel wildly different.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Metascore: 88

Ninja Theory specializes in AA action-adventure games, and the developer has amassed a respectable resume. While Heavenly Sword and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West definitely have their positives, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is arguably Ninja Theory’s best game, and it proved successful enough to warrant the creation of a sequel that will be launching directly on Xbox Game Pass. Now, Hellblade is really nothing like a Soulslike, and anyone yearning for an open-ended world that encourages exploration, loot, or a robust combat system should look elsewhere. The game simply focuses on other elements, and it does them generally very well.

After losing her partner, Senua heads into the underworld in order to save his soul, a journey that requires visiting Hela. Taking inspiration from Norse mythology, Hellblade is an unsettling dark fantasy that dives deep into its protagonist’s psychology, touching upon themes of mental health along the way. Leaning into horror territory at times, this short but effective game does a brilliant job of showcasing Senua’s heartbreak, trauma, and resilience, all the while delivering engaging gameplay. The latter largely comes in the form of puzzles and melee combat sections that are intense but repetitive.

Moonlighter

Metascore: 84

Moonlighter is nowhere near as difficult and dreary as Dark Souls, but it can offer a great change of pace for fans of the series. It’s beautifully crafted, with amazing 2D visuals and a top-down style akin to retro The Legend of Zelda titles. Players will take control of a shop, hoping to restore it to its former glory by crafting items and collecting rarities to sell to townsfolk and adventurers.

While it starts out relatively easygoing, players will soon find themselves delving into multiple dungeons and tangling with enemies and bosses in order to collect specific materials and goods to upgrade their shop and unlock new crafting recipes. It’s a great mixture of shop management and entertaining combat.

Prey

Metascore: 84

Mechanically, Arkane’s projects are far removed from a traditional Soulslike. For one, the developer specializes in first-person sims that incorporate stealth and RPG elements. Be it Dishonored or Deathloop, these games generally encourage players to exercise their creative freedom and decide how they would like to approach most scenarios. Although very much cut from the same cloth as Arkane’s other releases, Prey sets itself apart by adding a survival horror tinge to the formula. Set in a space station that has become infested with a strange gooey threat, the 2017 release features a splendidly designed Metroidvania-style map and arguably the developer’s best world-building to date, a statement that is not made lightly.

Gameplay-wise, Prey is a slow-paced first-person action game that blends (relatively) traditional weapons with a range of unique abilities. The campaign does not hand-hold players at all and rewards people who are willing to explore, investigate, and experiment. Prey‘s combat is likely to be the biggest sticking point with Soulslike fans since it takes a while to blossom into something memorable, but the rest of the package is fantastic right out of the gate.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Metascore: 85

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed had started to grow stale by 2017, prompting the franchise to shake things up with Origins. While not a complete departure from previous entries in the series, this game added more role-playing elements via skill trees and a wide array of loot.

Notably for Souls fans, Ubisoft used this release to introduce a new combat system that allowed battles to flow more seamlessly and gave players more precision over their actions. Although not quite as refined as something like Bloodborne or Dark Souls 3, Origins‘ melee combat is enjoyable, and it blends well with the franchise’s trademark stealth and parkour.

Dead Space (2023)

Metascore: 89

As a third-person sci-fi shooter, Dead Space is an entirely different beast to any of the Soulslikes, especially the horror-oriented first game or its 2023 remake. Both versions are on Xbox Game Pass, and while they generally cover the same story, they are different enough in key areas to warrant dual recommendations. The original has aged beautifully, with its visceral combat and claustrophobic atmosphere holding up to modern scrutiny. If someone is planning to play through the trilogy, they might want to stick to the 2008 version for consistency’s sake, at least in terms of presentation. Dead Space 2 is particularly great, and an argument could be made that it still represents the franchise’s peak. Dead Space 3 eliminates nearly all the horror elements in favor of straightforward action; while not bad, it is the weakest of the trilogy.

The 2023 remake serves as a good entry point for new players, all the while still catering to veterans who grew up with Visceral Games’ version. One of the remake’s big additions is expanding Ishimura, granting players the opportunity to freely explore the terrifying mining ship. That said, the campaign is still generally linear, which works well for this story. While it won’t scratch every Soulslike itch, Dead Space‘s incredible level design, punishing but fair combat, upgrade system, and sense of mystery and foreboding should hit home with fans of the genre.

Evil West

Metascore: 75

AA games have become uncommon in the last decade, with the indie scene largely taking up the mantle in their place. Nevertheless, mid-tier titles do come around every once in a while, and Flying Wild Hog’s Evil West fits the bill perfectly. At times, this 2022 game feels like a throwback to the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, with its very linear campaign, simple combat, and silly storyline. Boasting a spooky Wild West motif, Evil West casts players as a vampire hunter who must punch and shoot their way through arena after arena of monsters.

Connected via a fairly forgettable (if periodically charming) narrative, the action is quite repetitive, with missions largely following a similar structure and reusing the same enemies. While far from perfect, Evil West works due to its enjoyable and straightforward combat. Once players get into a rhythm, they can just shut their brains off and go along for the ride, which can be satisfying when in the right mood.

Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection

Metascore: 72

Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden trilogy is responsible for some of the action genre’s highest high points, particularly the first two 2000s games. The Master Collection contains remasters of Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2, and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge, marking the Xbox debut for the first two games.

Although an argument can be made that this trilogy does not contain the best versions of every game, the content here is still top-notch, delivering frantic and addictive combat that requires dedication to master. Ninja Gaiden plays wildly different from any of the Dark Souls games, but they both demand that players study their aggressive enemies in order to survive.

Out of the three games, Ninja Gaiden Sigma is the best overall experience, and this version is easier than the more famous Black iteration. The sequel is not a stark departure from its predecessor, and it has fun boss fights along with a solid selection of weapons. Razor’s Edge is almost the weakest game of the trilogy, but it is still a passable hack and slash game in its own right.

F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch

Metascore: 80 (PS5)

Originally a PlayStation exclusive, F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch finally made its way to Xbox in June 2023, with its launch coinciding with a Game Pass debut. In the indie scene, 2.5D Metroidvanias have become so commonplace that new releases have started to blur together. Due to the sheer volume of competition in the market, a game needs to be better than “decent” to stand out from the crowd, and F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch utterly decimates that ceiling. Set in a grimy and decrepit Steampunk city that is impressively detailed, the title knocks its urban jungle environments out of the park. F.I.S.T. brings to life a purposefully ugly and uncomfortable world that has a long and tumultuous history, one that is explored quite well throughout the lengthy campaign.

As far as the gameplay and level design are concerned, F.I.S.T. primarily sticks to the standards that have come to define Metroidvanias. Players will get to explore a relatively expansive map that is filled with secrets and new areas that can only be accessed once special items or abilities are unlocked. Compared to most of the genre’s releases, F.I.S.T.’s combat system is quite involved and complex since it focuses heavily on combos and features a wide assortment of mechanics.

Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

Metascore: 84

The Soulslike genre has roots in Metroidvanias, and that extends to the 3D outings that tend to hog the limelight. While Castlevania has been sadly relegated to a thing of the past, the franchise’s influence can be felt in modern releases, and Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night serves as the perfect spiritual successor to Symphony of the Night. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the indie game launched to a largely positive reception, and it serves not only as a great throwback to a ’90s classic but also as an accessible entry point into Metroidvanias in general.

As Miriam, players get to explore an impressive and expansive castle filled to the brim with delightful (and difficult) monsters, many of which drop powers that can be wielded by the protagonist. Bloodstained features a robust loot system that will likely hit home with Soulslike fans who love to play around with different abilities and weapons. More importantly, the game’s combat is also on-point, delivering fast-paced action that is constantly satisfying and challenging. The boss fights are also generally enjoyable, and ArtPlay put together some immaculate designs for these creatures. Even the castle’s environments are detailed and gorgeous.

Wild Hearts

Metascore: 76

At a glance, Wild Hearts‘ main influence should be painfully obvious since EA and Omega Force’s game screams “Monster Hunter.” Although Capcom’s franchise is arguably more popular than ever, the world could always use a few more projects that follow in its footsteps, especially ones that bring a few unique ingredients with them. Despite having a mixed launch, particularly on PC, Wild Hearts is an impressive first effort, one that has a lot of potential for expansion (that might never be tapped into). As a hunter, players track down Kemono, creatures that are always beautiful, frequently massive, and typically deadly.

Wild Hearts emphasizes exploration a bit more than Monster Hunter, especially since its four maps are fairly big for this type of game. However, the focus is nevertheless on the hunt, leading to grueling battles that still have fairly fast-paced minute-to-minute action. The game’s standout mechanic is Karakuri, which allows players to build structures that provide benefits both in and out of battle. This system rewards creativity and adds a fresh dynamic to combat scenarios, especially since players will eventually find themselves taking on enemies they have already defeated.