For gamers who thrive on difficulty, exploration, and intricate combat systems, Souls-like games have become an essential genre. Inspired by the iconic Dark Souls series, these games are known for their punishing difficulty, deep lore, and strategic gameplay. Luckily, PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium offer a variety of Souls-like titles for subscribers looking to embrace the challenge. In this article, we will explore some of the best Souls-like games available on PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium, perfect for players seeking a test of skill and perseverance.
What Makes a Souls-Like Game?
Souls-like games are inspired by the Dark Souls series, characterized by challenging combat, complex world-building, and minimal handholding. Players are often thrown into massive, interconnected worlds filled with secrets, formidable enemies, and brutal bosses. The difficulty level is high, rewarding perseverance, exploration, and strategic thinking. Key features typically include:
- Punishing Difficulty: Enemies hit hard, and death is often inevitable. However, every failure serves as a learning opportunity.
- Exploration and World-Building: Non-linear worlds full of hidden areas and lore.
- Combat Depth: Focus on skillful combat, stamina management, and precise attacks.
- Minimal Storytelling: Narrative is often subtle, revealed through environmental storytelling, NPC dialogue, and item descriptions.
If you have PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, you have access to an impressive library of Souls-like games that offer plenty of challenges for the seasoned gamer.
Best Souls-Like Games on PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium
1. Demon’s Souls (Remake)
The Demon’s Souls remake for PlayStation 5 is an excellent starting point for players new to the Souls-like genre. As a remake of the classic 2009 title, it preserves the original’s punishing difficulty while enhancing the graphics, sound, and overall presentation.
- Why it’s great: The game introduces players to the core mechanics of Souls-like games, such as managing health, upgrading weapons, and facing formidable bosses. With revamped visuals, the atmospheric world is more immersive than ever.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Premium.
2. Bloodborne
Developed by FromSoftware, Bloodborne takes the familiar Souls-like formula and introduces a faster, more aggressive combat system set in a dark, Gothic world. As the Hunter, you explore the city of Yharnam, filled with nightmarish creatures and powerful bosses. The game’s emphasis on speed and dodging, rather than blocking, adds a unique twist to the traditional Souls-like formula.
- Why it’s great: Bloodborne offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in the genre, with a deep lore rooted in horror. Its fast-paced combat and sense of urgency make it a thrilling experience for action-focused players.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Premium.
3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by FromSoftware is a departure from traditional Souls-like games, featuring more focused combat, stealth mechanics, and a heavy emphasis on precision timing. Set in a Sengoku-era Japan filled with mythical creatures, the game challenges players with its parry-heavy combat system, where mastering timing and rhythm is crucial.
- Why it’s great: The game offers one of the toughest combat systems in gaming, pushing players to learn and adapt constantly. The addition of stealth elements and exploration creates a unique blend of action and strategy.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
4. Mortal Shell
Mortal Shell is a Souls-like game with a focus on precise combat and exploration, inspired by the works of FromSoftware. Set in a dark, decaying world, the game introduces a unique mechanic where players can possess the bodies of fallen warriors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
- Why it’s great: Mortal Shell offers a fresh take on the Souls-like genre with its unique “shell” mechanic, where players must adapt to different combat styles depending on the warrior they inhabit. It delivers an immersive, atmospheric experience with tough enemies and intense combat.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
5. The Surge 2
If you’re looking for a Souls-like experience with a futuristic twist, The Surge 2 is an excellent option. Set in a dystopian future, this action RPG features tactical combat where players target specific body parts of enemies. The game’s setting in a high-tech city gives it a distinctive feel compared to traditional fantasy-based Souls-like games.
- Why it’s great: The sci-fi world and unique combat mechanics, such as dismembering enemies for loot, set The Surge 2 apart from other titles. Its challenging difficulty and deep combat system make it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
6. Nioh 2
Nioh 2 is an action RPG set in the Sengoku period of Japan, where players control a half-human, half-Yokai warrior in their quest to battle supernatural forces. The game combines traditional Souls-like elements with fast-paced, samurai combat, and a rich loot system.
- Why it’s great: With its in-depth combat mechanics, including the use of different stances, and its deep customization options, Nioh 2 provides a unique experience for Souls-like fans. The game also introduces multiplayer elements for cooperative play.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Premium.
7. Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen is a Souls-like game with a strong focus on combat and exploration in a dark fantasy world. The game features a dual-world mechanic, where players must navigate between the living world and the realm of the dead to solve puzzles and defeat powerful enemies.
- Why it’s great: While not as polished as some of the top-tier Souls-like games, Lords of the Fallen offers an engaging and challenging experience. The game’s combat system is deep, and its world-building provides a solid foundation for players looking for an adventure.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Premium.
8. Dark Souls Remastered
For fans of the Dark Souls franchise, the Dark Souls Remastered version is a must-play. The game revitalizes the original 2011 classic with improved graphics and smoother gameplay while maintaining the core mechanics that made it a landmark in the genre.
- Why it’s great: Dark Souls Remastered is one of the best Souls-like games of all time. Its challenging difficulty, intricate level design, and rich lore make it a must-play for anyone interested in the genre.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
9. Salt and Sanctuary
If you prefer a 2D take on the Souls-like genre, Salt and Sanctuary is a great option. This indie title combines the brutal difficulty of traditional Souls games with hand-drawn artwork and side-scrolling gameplay. The game features a large world to explore, deep combat mechanics, and a large variety of weapons and armor.
- Why it’s great: Salt and Sanctuary offers a unique twist on the Souls-like formula with its 2D design. Its tight controls and challenging gameplay make it a standout title for fans looking for something different.
- PlayStation Plus Availability: Available on PlayStation Plus Extra.
Conclusion
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have a treasure trove of Souls-like games available at their fingertips. Whether you’re drawn to the Gothic horror of Bloodborne, the strategic combat of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, or the deep, interconnected worlds of Dark Souls, there’s a game on the service for every kind of Souls-like enthusiast. These titles offer challenging combat, intricate worlds, and plenty of opportunities for personal growth through perseverance.
If you’re ready to test your gaming skills and immerse yourself in some of the most rewarding experiences the genre has to offer, these games on PlayStation Plus Extra & Premium are sure to provide hours of intense action and adventure.
