The Soulslike genre has evolved greatly over the past decade given the success of theDark Soulsfranchise and the numerous games it has continued to influence. With the popularity of the genre showing no signs of slowing down, plenty of new Soulslike games have been announced for the next few years.
Games likeLies of PandThymesiahave generated attention due to their unique spin on the Soulslike genre. With improved combat, intricate mechanics, and punishing difficulties, new games continue to push the boundaries of the genre and offer unique experiences for different kinds of players. Here are the upcoming Soulslike games that players can look forward to within the next few years.
RELATED:Lies of P’s Dialogue System Impacts Gameplay, and That Could Be Big for a Soulslike Game
Lies of P
The premise ofLies of Pisn’t what players might expectfrom a Soulslike game. Based on the classic children’s novelPinocchio,players assume the role of the puppet mechanoid as they fight their way through a crumbling city to find Mr. Geppetto. The concept actually makes for some interesting mechanics such as customizing Pinocchio’s body for exploration or combat and a “lie” system where dialogue impacts gameplay.
Thymesia
Thymesiais a fast-paced Soulslikewith the unique mechanic of turning enemy diseases into physical weapons. Players assume the role of Corvus, a plague doctor searching to regain his memories through different choices and items collected. Though its combat system is quite similar toDark Soulswith its parries and dodges, its mechanic of harvesting diseases and the ability to swap into a raven form gives the combat an interesting depth.
Elden Ring
It might not be accurate to callElden Ringa Soulslikeconsidering it’s an actual FromSoftware game but it nonetheless expands upon theDark Soulsformula. Promising to innovate upon the mechanics found inDark Soulsgames,Elden Ringalso collaborates with author George R.R. Martinto help create the open-world setting. ThoughElden Ringhas no official release date or information beyond a reveal trailer, it nonetheless remains highly anticipated amongstDark Soulsfans.
Black Myth: Wukong
An upcoming Soulslike game from Chinese indie studio Game Science,Black Myth: Wukongis based on the classic Chinese novelJourney to the West.Players control Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, as he fights his way through hordes of enemies with numerous abilities. Much like the novel, Sun Wukong possesses supernatural abilities such as shapeshifting, cloning himself, and the ability to change the size of his staff on command.
Bleak Faith: Forsaken
Bleak Faith: Forsakenis an ambitious game that mixes together elements of survival horror with the traditional combat system of Soulslikes. Developed by two people,Bleak Faith: Forsakenfeatures a stunning worldthat looks to be a cross between steampunk and fantasy settings. Though there has been a few delays in development, the gameplay trailers have hyped up Soulslike fans with its ambitious world design.
Eldest Souls
As the name suggests,Eldest Soulstakes many of its influences from theDark Soulsfranchise as it features a challenging combat system. With its pixel graphics and emphasis on boss fights,Elden Soulsis reminiscent of other indie Soulslike gameslikeTitan Souls.Nonetheless, the environments are gorgeously crafted and with a release date expected sometime this year, fans will have plenty to look forward to.
Dolmen
The concept of a mysterious, cosmic horror has been a staple ofDark Soulsgames andDolmentakes that idea even further in a sci-fi setting. Featuring a Lovecraftian-inspired plot, players fight their way through futuristic environments as they try to survive. With a crafting system, resource management, and a mysterious plot,Dolmenis shaping up to be an exciting spin on the Soulslike genre.
