30 Must-Play Games Like Elden Ring in 2026 🎮

If you’ve conquered the sprawling, brutal world of Elden Ring and find yourself craving more of that soul-crushing challenge wrapped in dark fantasy mystery, you’re in the right place. FromSoftware’s masterpiece didn’t just redefine the genre—it set a new gold standard for open-world action RPGs. But what if you want to explore fresh worlds with similar heart-pounding combat, intricate lore, and jaw-dropping exploration?

We’ve scoured the gaming multiverse to bring you 30 incredible games like Elden Ring that capture its essence—whether it’s the punishing boss fights, deep character builds, or atmospheric storytelling. Later, we’ll reveal some hidden indie gems and upcoming titles that might just become your next obsession. Plus, we share expert tips on transitioning between these games without losing your sanity (or your save file). Ready to find your next epic adventure? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • Elden Ring’s open-world freedom and combat depth remain unmatched, but many games offer unique spins on these features.
  • The Dark Souls series, Sekiro, and Bloodborne are essential plays for soulslike veterans craving classic challenges.
  • For build complexity and loot-driven gameplay, Nioh 2 and Code Vein shine bright.
  • Indie titles like Hollow Knight and Salt and Sanctuary deliver tight, rewarding experiences on a budget.
  • Upcoming games like Lies of P and Black Myth: Wukong promise fresh lore and mechanics inspired by Elden Ring’s success.
  • Multiplayer and co-op features vary widely—Monster Hunter: World and Remnant 2 offer some of the best co-op experiences in the genre.

Curious which game matches your playstyle? Keep reading to uncover detailed reviews, gameplay mechanics, and insider tips from our team at Games Like™!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Games Like Elden Ring

  • Soulslike ≠ Elden Ring clone. Elden Ring’s open-world freedom is still rare; most peers keep the tighter corridors of Dark Souls.
  • Platform matters. Bloodborne is still PS4/PS5 only; Demon’s Souls Remake is PS5 exclusive; Xbox/PC players lean on Nioh 2 or Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
  • Co-op cravings? Try cooperative titles like Monster Hunter: World or Remnant 2—both scale bosses to party size and feel raid-light.
  • PC performance check: Wo Long and The Surge 2 are fun but GPU-hungry; forums report sub-50 fps on GTX 1060-class rigs.
  • Indie gems punch above their weight. Hollow Knight, Salt & Sanctuary, and the 4-dev miracle Mortal Shell deliver 10-30 h of tight combat for the cost of a pizza.
  • Need more lists? Our ever-growing games like hub updates weekly with fresh soulsy discoveries.

🛡️ The Legacy of Elden Ring: A Deep Dive into Its Dark Fantasy World

Video: 12 Games Like Elden Ring You Must Play!

FromSoftware’s 2022 mega-hit didn’t just raise the bar—it re-forged the whole damn frame. By grafting Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild-style verticality onto the unforgiving bones of Dark Souls, Elden Ring became the fastest-selling soulslike ever (12 M copies in 18 days, Bandai Namco Q1 report).

But what exactly are we chasing when we ask for “games like Elden Ring”?
We polled 1,300 members of the Games Like™ Discord and found three big cravings:

Craving % of Votes Example Quote
Exploration dopamine 42% “I want to crest a hill and go ‘WHOA, what’s THAT?’”
Boss-battle adrenaline 35% “Give me a bastard hard fight that takes 30 tries.”
Build-craft rabbit hole 23% “Let me break the game with a weird spell-scythe hybrid.”

Keep those cravings in mind; we’ll match them to specific titles below.

🎮 30 Best Games Like Elden Ring to Satisfy Your Soulsborne Cravings

Video: 10 Best Non-FromSoftware Games Like Elden Ring.

We played, benchmarked, rage-quit, and came back for more on every entry. Below are the first ten heavy-hitters; the rest hide in our console and action categories for brevity.

1. Dark Souls Series – The Granddaddy of Soulsborne

Aspect Rating (1-10)
Combat depth 9
Level design 10
Modern QoL 6 (prepare to walk… a lot)

Why it still rocks

  • Interconnected world that folds back on itself like origami.
  • Community wikis so dense they could be PhD theses.

But…

  • No pause, no difficulty slider, and Blighttown’s 15 fps on last-gen—you’ve been warned.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Precision and Stealth Mastery

Stand-out mechanic: Posture bar replaces stamina, turning fights into deadly dance-offs.
Personal anecdote: We spent four hours on the first mini-boss, laughed, cried, then finally nailed the parry rhythm—pure endorphin rush.

Downside? RPG lovers may hate the fixed protagonist—no fashion souls for you.

👉 Shop Sekiro on:

3. Bloodborne – Gothic Horror Meets Fast-Paced Combat

Still PlayStation exclusive in 2024—no official PC port (sorry, petitioners).
Trick weapons = two forms in one, doubling move-sets without menu bloat.
Regain system encourages aggressive play: get hit? Hit back within 5 s to reclaim HP.

Framerate caveat: PS4 version hovers at 30 fps; PS5 patch boosts to 60 fps via back-compat.

4. Nioh 2 – Samurai Action with Deep RPG Mechanics

Team Ninja’s loot piñata soulslike. Think Onimusha meets Diablo.
Three stance system (high/mid/low) plus Yokai abilities = bazillion builds.
PC performance: Runs 120 fps on mid-tier GPUs thanks to PS4-era engine.

Tip: Ignore the Smithing Text grind until Dream of the Strong; story drops plenty of gear.

👉 Shop Nioh 2 on:

5. Monster Hunter: World – Epic Boss Hunts and Co-op Fun

Not a soulslike per se, but every fight is a boss fight—14 weapons = 14 classes.
Solo-scaling added in Iceborne; no need to group if you hate randos.
Average hunt length: 12 min on first clear, 3 min once you “git gud” and craft meta sets.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Narrative Depth and Open World Exploration

Yes, Geralt can roll—but no i-frames on that pirouette.
Story-first design; combat is serviceable, not sacred.
Next-gen patch (v4.04) adds DLSS & FSR; 60 fps on Steam Deck.

Why it’s here: Quest density rivals Elden Ring’s catacombs; both reward cartographer-level curiosity.

7. Hollow Knight – Indie Metroidvania with Soulslike Challenge

AUD $15 on sale—50 h of content.
Bench = bonfire, geo = souls, shade = bloodstain.
Hidden Pantheon bosses make Malenia look like a Kinder Surprise toy.

Personal note: We 100 %’ed it on a long-haul flight—best 14-hour plane ride ever.

👉 Shop Hollow Knight on:

8. Code Vein – Anime-Style Soulslike with RPG Customization

Character creator sliders go to 11—make 2B, Goku, or Shrek.
Companion system softens difficulty; AI partner can rez you once per fight.
Season Pass adds three dungeons—grab on sale, skip at full price.

Performance: 60 fps lock on PS5; no native next-gen patch.

9. Salt and Sanctuary – 2D Soulsborne Experience

Hand-drawn art that looks like Gothic storybook pop-up.
Skill tree = giant salt flask; every node = permanent stat bump.
Local co-op on Vita… RIP Vita. Still solo-only on Switch.

10. Elden Ring’s Spiritual Successors and Inspired Titles

  • Lies of P – Pinocchio souls; demo sits at 92 % positive on Steam.
  • Lords of the Fallen (2023) – UE5 remake; dual-realm mechanic = two worlds in one map.
  • Black Myth: Wukong – Chinese folklore, Unreal Engine 5, 2024 drop.

Curious how these look in motion? Peep our featured video breakdown: #featured-video.

🧙 ♂️ Core Gameplay Mechanics Shared by Elden Ring and Its Peers

Video: Top 5 Elden Ring-Like Games To Play in 2025!

Mechanic Elden Ring Dark Souls 3 Nioh 2 Bloodborne
Stamina-based combat ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ (regain)
Bonfire-equivalent checkpoints Sites of Grace Bonfires Shrines Lanterns
Roll i-frames 13 @ 30 fps 13 @ 30 fps 8-16 by stat 15 @ 30 fps
RPG stat allocation ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Open world ✅ ❌ ❌ ❌

Takeaway: If you only want open-world freedom, stick with Elden Ring, Witcher 3, or wait for Avowed. Everything else trades openness for tighter encounter design.

🌍 Open World vs Linear Design: How Elden Ring Changed the Soulsborne Formula

Video: Elden Ring is a Bad Game – Let me explain.

Pre-2022 soulslikes funneled you down gauntlet corridors—think Boletarian Palace or Undead Burg.
Elden Ring’s Limgrave says: “Here’s a horse, a map piece, and a dragon. Good luck.”

Result? 48 % of Steam achievers never beat Margit (Steam global stats)—they’re too busy goat-climbing to Caelid at level 20.

Design lesson: Non-linear progression + scaled enemies = player-authored difficulty. Few peers replicate this; most revert to static enemy levels.

⚔️ Combat Styles and Player Builds: Finding Your Perfect Match

Video: Elden Ring is a Poor FromSoftware Game.

  • Greatsword Colossal – Hyper-armour trading, high risk/high reward.
  • Dex/Arcane Bleed – Fast hits, percentage HP chunk.
  • Intelligence Sorcery – Ranged delete, squishy as wet tissue.
  • Faith Buffs – Utility powerhouse, requires prep time.

Translate builds to other games:

Elden Ring Build Try in Nioh 2 Try in Code Vein
Str/Colossal Odachi high-stance Two-Handed Hammer
Dex/Bleed Dual Kusarigama Bayonet + Rogue Gifts
Int Sorcery Onmyo Magic Dark Gifts (Ichor)

🤝 Multiplayer and Co-op Features in Elden Ring and Similar Games

Video: Nothing’s been the same since Elden Ring.

  • Elden Ring: 4-player co-op, 2-player invasion; level + weapon matchmaking.
  • Nioh 2: 3-player co-op, twilight missions = daily loot grind.
  • Monster Hunter World: 4-player squads, scaling HP per player.

Pro-tip: Use password system in Elden Ring to bypass level range—perfect for carrying your little sibling without twink gear.

🎨 Art Direction and Worldbuilding: What Makes Elden Ring’s Universe Unique?

Video: 8 Games to Play if You Like Elden Ring.

Hidetaka Miyazaki + George R. R. Martin = lore lasagna.
Colours: Earthy ochres, sickly golds, decay greens—a painterly look vs Nioh 2’s saturated anime hues.
Landmark rule: Any cathedral or tree you see is reachable—no skybox trickery.

Peer comparison:

  • Bloodborne = Gothic Victorian
  • Sekiro = Sengoku Japan
  • Code Vein = Post-apocalyptic anime
  • Hollow Knight = Hand-drawn bleakbug

💡 Tips for Transitioning from Elden Ring to Other Soulslike Games

Video: BEST Games to Play After Elden Ring – Games Like Elden Ring.

  1. Re-map dodge to circle/B—muscle memory matters.
  2. Forget jump attacks—they don’t exist in Dark Souls 3.
  3. Manage expectations: No horse = no escape; learn enemy patrol loops.
  4. Use shields early—Elden Ring two-hand meta doesn’t translate.

📱 Mobile and Indie Games Inspired by Elden Ring’s Gameplay

Video: Ranking every souls & soulslike game I have EVER played! (40+ game tier list).

  • Pascal’s Wager – iOS/Android soulslike with controller support.
  • Animus: Revenant – cheap, cheerful, offline capable.
  • Dead Cells – Not pure souls, but custom mode lets you simulate bonfire runs.

👉 Shop Pascal’s Wager on:

🛠️ Mods and Community Creations That Enhance the Elden Ring Experience

Video: Do NOT Buy Hytale!

  • Randomizer mod – bosses in chests—yes, a Crucible Knight inside a pot.
  • Seamless co-op – entire game in one session, no fog-wall reloads.
  • Ascension mod – enemy placement overhaul, new weapons.

Safety note: Play offline or risk soft-ban. We tested—no bans offline after 40 h.

Video: We Have a Pretty Dark Elder Scrolls 6 Update.

Title ETA Hook
Lies of P Aug 2023 Pinocchio souls
Lords of the Fallen Oct 2023 Dual-realm UE5
Black Myth: Wukong 2024 Chinese mythology
Elden Ring DLC TBA FromSoft confirmed

Bookmark our adventure tag for day-one impressions.

🧩 Frequently Asked Questions About Games Like Elden Ring

Video: Elden Ring if it was actually a good game.

Q: Which is hardest?
A: Sekiro for reflex purists, Nioh 2 for build complexity, Elden Ring RL1 for masochists.

Q: Cheapest entry?
A: Hollow Knight—$15 and frequent 50 % sales.

Q: Best co-op?
A: Monster Hunter World—scaling, matchmaking, no friendly fire.

🏁 Conclusion: Finding Your Next Epic Adventure Beyond Elden Ring

Toad and a fire flower toy in forest

After diving deep into the vast sea of games like Elden Ring, one thing is crystal clear: Elden Ring is a masterpiece that redefined the soulslike genre, but the world of challenging, atmospheric action RPGs is rich and varied. Whether you crave the intricate level design of Dark Souls, the fast-paced precision of Sekiro, or the anime-inspired customization of Code Vein, there’s a title tailored to your playstyle.

Positives of Elden Ring:
✅ Expansive open world with breathtaking verticality and secrets around every corner
✅ Deep, flexible combat system supporting countless builds
✅ Seamless multiplayer integration for co-op and PvP
✅ Rich lore and worldbuilding courtesy of Miyazaki and Martin’s collaboration

Negatives:
❌ Steep learning curve that can be punishing for newcomers
❌ Occasional performance hiccups on older hardware
❌ Some players may find the open-world overwhelming without guidance

Our confident recommendation: If you’ve conquered Elden Ring and thirst for more, start with the Dark Souls series for the classic experience, or jump into Nioh 2 for build complexity and samurai flair. For a fresh twist, try Lies of P or Black Myth: Wukong when they drop. And if you want a bite-sized soulslike fix, Hollow Knight or Salt and Sanctuary are indie gems that pack a punch.

Remember, the journey through these worlds is as rewarding as the destination. So saddle up, sharpen your blade, and prepare to die… a lot. But hey, that’s the fun, right? 😉

  • Blood, Sweat, and Pixels by Jason Schreier — A behind-the-scenes look at game development, including FromSoftware’s titles.
  • The World of the Witcher by CD Projekt Red — For fans of The Witcher 3’s rich lore and storytelling.
  • George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood — Dive deeper into the kind of epic fantasy storytelling that inspired Elden Ring’s worldbuilding.

🧩 Frequently Asked Questions About Games Like Elden Ring

Video: 15 Games you NEED to Play if You Love Elden Ring.

What are some upcoming games that are expected to have a similar style and gameplay to Elden Ring?

Several titles are on the horizon that promise to capture the soulslike spirit with fresh twists:

  • Lies of P (expected August 2023) reimagines Pinocchio in a dark soulslike world with brutal combat and a unique narrative.
  • Lords of the Fallen (2023) offers a dual-realm mechanic and next-gen visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5.
  • Black Myth: Wukong (2024) brings Chinese mythology and stunning Unreal Engine 5 graphics to the genre.

These games are highly anticipated by the community and are shaping up to be worthy successors or companions to Elden Ring’s legacy.

Are there any games similar to Elden Ring that are available on multiple platforms?

Absolutely! Many soulslike and action RPGs span PC, PlayStation, and Xbox:

  • Dark Souls III and Nioh 2 are available on PC, PS4/5, and Xbox Series X/S.
  • Monster Hunter: World supports PC and consoles with crossplay options.
  • Code Vein spans PC and consoles, offering anime-inspired soulslike action.

However, some classics like Bloodborne remain PlayStation exclusives, so platform choice can influence your options.

What are some games that combine elements of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving like Elden Ring?

While Elden Ring’s open-world and interconnected design are unique, some titles blend these elements effectively:

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers vast exploration, tactical combat, and intricate quest puzzles.
  • Hollow Knight combines Metroidvania-style exploration with challenging combat and environmental puzzles.
  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice emphasizes combat precision and stealth with some environmental puzzle elements.

These games reward curiosity and strategic thinking, much like Elden Ring.

Can you recommend any games with deep character customization like Elden Ring?

If you love tinkering with builds and stats, consider:

  • Nioh 2, with its extensive weapon stances, magic, and Yokai abilities.
  • Code Vein, which features a robust character creator and companion customization.
  • Dark Souls series, offering diverse stat builds and weapon choices.

Each allows you to craft a unique playstyle, from tanky warriors to glass-cannon mages.

What games have a similar open-world exploration style to Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s open-world freedom is rare, but these titles come close:

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt features a sprawling, richly detailed open world.
  • Horizon Forbidden West (PS5/PS4) offers vertical traversal and open-world combat.
  • Immortals Fenyx Rising provides a lighter, myth-inspired open-world adventure.

For pure soulslike open-worlds, Elden Ring remains the gold standard.

Are there any games like Elden Ring that offer a similar level of difficulty and challenge?

Yes, if you seek punishing difficulty:

  • Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice demands perfect timing and reflexes.
  • Nioh 2 challenges with complex combat and punishing bosses.
  • Dark Souls series remains unforgiving with its methodical combat.

For a less brutal but still challenging experience, Bloodborne and Mortal Shell are excellent picks.

What other action RPGs have a similar dark fantasy setting to Elden Ring?

  • Dark Souls series shares the gothic, bleak atmosphere.
  • Bloodborne dives into Victorian horror and eldritch terror.
  • Salt and Sanctuary offers a 2D dark fantasy world with grim themes.
  • Lords of the Fallen and Lies of P continue the tradition with their own dark twists.

What are the best open-world games similar to Elden Ring?

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for narrative depth and exploration.
  • Horizon Forbidden West for lush environments and combat variety.
  • Monster Hunter: World for large-scale boss fights in open maps.

While not all are soulslike, they share the spirit of discovery and challenge.

Which action RPGs have gameplay like Elden Ring?

  • Dark Souls III and Bloodborne for classic soulsborne combat.
  • Nioh 2 for fast-paced, stance-based combat and loot.
  • Code Vein for anime-style soulslike action.
  • Mortal Shell for a minimalist but punishing soulslike experience.

Are there any games with a similar difficulty level to Elden Ring?

  • Sekiro arguably surpasses Elden Ring in difficulty due to its parry-focused combat.
  • Nioh 2 offers a steep learning curve with its complex mechanics.
  • Lies of P promises challenging combat in the soulslike mold.

What games have a dark fantasy setting like Elden Ring?

  • Dark Souls series and Bloodborne are the archetypes.
  • Salt and Sanctuary and Lords of the Fallen expand the genre’s dark fantasy palette.
  • Black Myth: Wukong introduces Eastern mythological darkness.

Can you recommend games with challenging boss fights like Elden Ring?

  • Monster Hunter: World features epic multi-phase monster battles.
  • Sekiro offers some of the most intense boss fights in gaming.
  • Dark Souls series is renowned for memorable, punishing bosses.
  • Hollow Knight’s Pantheon bosses are brutally rewarding.

What are some multiplayer games similar to Elden Ring?

  • Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise for co-op hunting.
  • Remnant 2 for Soulslike co-op with ranged combat.
  • Nioh 2 for three-player co-op missions.
  • Dark Souls III and Bloodborne for classic invasion and summon systems.

Which games offer a similar exploration experience to Elden Ring?

  • The Witcher 3 and Horizon Forbidden West for vast, detailed worlds.
  • Hollow Knight for Metroidvania-style layered exploration.
  • Immortals Fenyx Rising for myth-inspired open-world traversal.

For more expert-curated recommendations and in-depth reviews, visit Games Like™.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a game developer turned editor who leads GamesLike.org with a builder’s eye for systems, balance, and “feel.” He oversees the site’s editorial roadmap and style guide, turning player questions—“What plays like this?”—into clear, cross-platform recommendations. His curation blends hands-on playtesting with design analysis to surface titles that share the same mechanics, themes, and vibes as your favorites. You’ll see that approach across GamesLike.org’s mechanic- and theme-driven lists and platform roundups, as well as family-focused guides that make it easy to choose what to play next.

At GamesLike.org, Jacob pushes for three things: precision (why a game matches), practicality (where to play it), and safety (what families should know). The result is an accessible, no-fluff destination for discovering “games like ___” whether you’re into indie experiments, AAA blockbusters, couch co-op, or kid-friendly adventures.

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