Best Souls Like Games On Xbox Game Pass | Game Rant
Dark Souls forever changed the gaming landscape when it first released. The challenging, yet engaging mechanics that made this FromSoftware title popular became so well-loved by its fans that the series spawned a whole new genre of games known as Soulslikes. These titles copied many attributes of the Dark Souls formula, catering to players who enjoyed excruciating boss fights, unforgiving combat encounters, intriguing world progression, and incremental character development.
And now, thanks to the wide library available on Xbox Game Pass, more people than ever before can try their hand at Soulslike titles. From indie darlings to triple-A giants, these games cover the gamut of elements and mechanics that have endeared the Soulslike genre to so many. Read on to discover the best Soulslike games to play on Xbox Game Pass.
- Approximate Game Length: 35 Hours
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- X|S Enhanced: No
Code Vein is a quintessential Soulslike. From combat to character progression mechanics, it borrows and expands upon most (if not all) of the core tenets in terms of gameplay. Dark Souls fans that felt as if the design could’ve used a whole lot more anime influence (outside of Berserk, anyway) are likely to find themselves right at home here. Flipping the dark fantasy setting for a futuristic dystopian wasteland aesthetic, Code Vein sees players assume the role of a Revenant, a vampiric being that staves off a gradual descent into madness by feeding upon blood — this dynamic is likely to be more than a little familiar to Dark Souls veterans. The oppressive atmosphere and intense combat sections are more than enough to invite fans of FromSoftware’s masterpiece to try out Code Vein.
- Approximate Game Length: 35 Hours
- Genre: Action-Adventure Metroidvania
- Developer: Team Cherry
- X|S Enhanced: No
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 carves 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.
- Approximate Game Length: 50 Hours
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: Capcom
- X|S Enhanced: No
There are key differences between Dark Souls and Monster Hunter: World. However, the many similarities between the two are immediately evident to any fan of the Soulslike genre. Though the vibrant environments of Monster Hunter: World are in stark contrast to the grim fantasy setting of Dark Souls, combat feels instantly familiar across both titles. Tackling a gigantic Anjanath feels enjoyably similar to approaching an epic Dark Souls boss battle.
That said, Monster Hunter: World does not reach the same intense levels of difficulty that the Souls games are notorious for, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It makes for a more approachable experience that a Souls fan can immerse themselves in and still feel right at home with.
- Approximate Game Length: 20 Hours
- Genre: Action RPG/Third-Person Shooter
- Developer: Gunfire Games
- X|S Enhanced: No
The facets of Remnant: From the Ashes that separate it from Dark Souls are also the ones that make it a fantastic Soulslike title. This cooperative action game features aspects of a looter-shooter title, but its challenging boss fights and gritty undertones are reminiscent of FromSoftware’s classic Dark Souls. To many fans of the genre, it is essentially Dark Souls with an emphasis on gunplay versus swordplay. In addition to this, the game encourages co-op engagement to a much higher degree, which places a whole new spin on every boss encounter. As players and their friends level up their characters, new strategies can be built upon that all hinge on playing as a team. This is something that is largely missing from Dark Souls, but it makes Remnant: From the Ashes a very unique Soulslike title.
- Approximate Game Length: 17 Hours
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- X|S Enhanced: Yes
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 is 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.
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