We're potentially still a long way from the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, the much-anticipated expansion to Elden Ring. As is now the norm, there have been multiple games this year from other studios inspired to a certain degree by From Software's previous titles.
There are those that borrow from aesthetics, as well as action shooters and grim Metroidvanias. Whether you're looking for a new challenge or you just want to pass the time, we're taking a look at the best Souls-like games from 2023 that you should consider playing while waiting for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
Lies of P
Lies of P is perhaps the best Souls-like game to play if you're still waiting for the Elden Ring expansion. Set in the steampunk-themed city of Krat, you play as P (short for Pinocchio), a puppet who's trying to come to grips with what it means to be human. Along the way, you'll encounter other puppets that have been corrupted in an adventure that's filled with many important decisions.
In our review, we even cited that it "nails the Souls-like experience," thanks to unforgiving battles and a plethora of mechanics. These include weapon skills, a Legion Arm device, and a stun system based on charged attacks and perfectly timed blocks. Likewise, there are riddles to solve and secrets to discover.
Remnant 2
We certainly feel that Remnant 2 is in the running for best Souls-like game in 2023. While you can wield melee weapons, the emphasis is mostly on shooting guns… lots and lots of guns. The atmosphere and battles are tense, especially when you consider that procedural generation applies to your entire run. That means certain areas might be different the next time around, greatly increasing replayability.
Likewise, you can unlock various classes, such as the Engineer or the Ritualist (if you own the Awakened King DLC). There's even an archetype whose unlock method was designed solely for dataminers. From there, you can continue amassing more weapons, accessories, and mods to fine-tune your build. You can even find alternate methods of finishing bosses, such as the Awakened King, which yields different rewards.
Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 is the sequel to the hit Souls-like Metroidvania game from 2019. In our review, we praised how this sequel "improved upon its predecessor in almost all of the ways it fell short." That's certainly true since your character, the Penitent One, now has three weapons to choose from, as well as numerous upgrades and items to help you come up with a proper build.
Challenges are also a given, including some tricky traversal sections, deadly traps, and memorable boss fights. Be forewarned that it does arguably go a bit overboard with the crypticness, as certain surreal and surprising moments can still leave you perplexed.
Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen is unapologetic in wearing its influence on its sleeve. A sequel to the 2014 game (though it bears the same name), it will have you venturing forth through two seemingly overlapping realms: the Axiom and the Umbral. The former is the world you see before your eyes, while the latter is the realm of shadows and the dead.
Dangers lurk in every corner, including moth-like creatures that can eat you alive. Perfect parries are also a must, or you'll find yourself beaten to a pulp. The only downsides are that we've experienced a few issues while playing the game beforehand. Moreover, certain information remains obtuse and confusing, especially when it comes to progression.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
From one fallen to another, we move on to Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Developed by Team Ninja, one can't help but compare it to the studio's previous offering: Nioh 2. There are certain similarities, such as mission-based progression, as opposed to having one contiguous world.
Speaking of the world, the game is set in China's Three Kingdoms period. Remember the Dynasty Warriors games you played years ago? Imagine characters like Cao Cao, Sun Ce, Liu Bei, and Guan Yu in a Souls-like game. Combine this idea with mechanics where parrying is of utmost importance, as well as battles against demons, and you've got Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Oh, and watch out for Lu Bu! This fierce general was considered the strongest warrior at the time.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Yes, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is indeed an open-world Souls-like game. You have meditation spots that act as bonfires/checkpoints, along with enemies that respawn whenever your character rests. As Cal Kestis, you'll have to reunite with your companions to once again face the threat of the Empire.
What makes the sequel to Fallen Order even grander is that combat flows smoothly, thanks to well-timed deflections, devastating combos, and five lightsaber stances with their own perks (one of them even lets you use a blaster at the same time). There are also a lot of boss fights and legendary beast encounters, as well as several difficulty options for those who want to increase or decrease the challenge.
Just play Elden Ring again
While it's true that we wanted to focus solely on the best 2023 Souls-like games to play while waiting for Elden Ring's expansion, we'd be remiss if we don't even mention the base game. It remains one of the most popular titles in the genre, a testament to its engaging gameplay, a massive and beautifully constructed world, and countless secrets to discover.
Elden Ring still receives patches to tweak and balance mechanics, and there are more ways than ever to challenge yourself, such as beating the game without getting hit… while using a saxophone. You can even download fan-made creations, such as a mod that adds new starting areas based on the class you chose. These are all to keep things refreshing regardless of how often you've journeyed in The Lands Between.
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