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7 hardest Souls-like games that will test you
### 7 Hardest Souls-like Games That Will Test Your Mettle In the pantheon of gaming, few genres command as much respect and trepidation as the Souls-...
7 Hardest Souls-like Games That Will Test Your Mettle
In the pantheon of gaming, few genres command as much respect and trepidation as the Souls-like. Born from the unforgiving depths of FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, this subgenre of action RPGs has become a benchmark for difficulty, intricate world design, and the sweet, unparalleled satisfaction of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. These games are not for the faint of heart; they demand patience, precision, and a willingness to learn from repeated, often brutal, failure. For many players, the immense challenge is the core of the appeal. It's a trial by fire that forges skill and resilience, and conquering one of the genre's titans is a prestigious badge of honor.
The "Souls-like" label is now attached to a host of games, each putting its own unique spin on the core formula of punishing combat, deliberate pacing, and bonfire-style checkpoints. While the family of FromSoftware's own creations remains the gold standard, many other developers have thrown their hats into the ring, crafting experiences that are just as, if not more, demanding. This list is for the thrill-seekers, the challenge-chasers, and the gluttons for punishment. These are the seven hardest Souls-like games that will push your skills to the absolute limit, testing your reflexes, your strategy, and your will to persevere against the darkness. Prepare to die, and in doing so, prepare to truly learn how to win.
7. Bloodborne
FromSoftware’s Victorian-era, Lovecraftian-inspired masterpiece, Bloodborne, is a departure from the sword-and-board combat of its Dark Souls predecessors, and for many, a significant ramp-up in difficulty. It forces a hyper-aggressive playstyle on the participant, rewarding proactive combat and punishing passivity.
The Aggressive Combat System
Unlike the more defensive options available in the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne largely does away with shields, instead providing the player with a firearm for parrying. This fundamental change encourages players to stay in the face of their grotesque foes, dodging and weaving through attacks to find openings. The game's "Rally" system is a core component of this design, allowing players to regain lost health by quickly striking back at an enemy after taking damage. This creates a constant risk-versus-reward dynamic that is both exhilarating and incredibly punishing. Hesitation is a death sentence in the cursed city of Yharnam.
Unpredictable Enemies and Terrifying Bosses
The enemies in Bloodborne are relentless and often wildly unpredictable. From the beastly mobs in the streets to the cosmic horrors lurking in the unseen corners of the world, every encounter is fraught with peril. The boss fights are a particular highlight, with many being multi-phased nightmares that demand flawless execution and a deep understanding of their attack patterns. Encounters like the Orphan of Kos from The Old Hunters DLC are legendary within the community for their sheer difficulty and the intense satisfaction that comes with finally felling the beast.
6. Nioh 2
Team Ninja’s Nioh 2 builds upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, creating a brutally fast and complex action RPG that demands mastery of its intricate systems. Set in a fantastical version of Sengoku-era Japan, the game blends historical figures with terrifying Yokai (demons), resulting in a challenging and deeply rewarding experience.
The Ki Pulse and Stance System
At the heart of Nioh 2's difficulty is its deep and demanding combat. The game features a stamina system, known as Ki, which must be carefully managed. The "Ki Pulse" mechanic is crucial; with a timely button press after a combo, players can recover a significant portion of their spent Ki, allowing for sustained offense and defense. Mastering this is not optional; it is essential for survival. Compounding this is the stance system (High, Mid, and Low), which alters your character's move set, attack power, and defensive capabilities. Constantly switching stances to adapt to different enemies and situations is a layer of complexity that sets Nioh apart.
Merciless Bosses and Yokai Abilities
The bosses in Nioh 2 are relentless, often possessing a wide array of devastating attacks and requiring players to utilize every tool at their disposal. Furthermore, the addition of Yokai abilities, which allow the player to use the powers of their demonic foes, adds another layer of strategy. Knowing which abilities to use and when can turn the tide of a difficult fight. However, the game's difficulty spikes are notorious, with some bosses feeling like insurmountable walls until their patterns are meticulously learned.
5. Lies of P
This dark and twisted take on the story of Pinocchio is far from a children's fairytale. Lies of P is a grim, atmospheric Souls-like that has been praised for its challenging combat and intricate world. It combines the methodical combat of Dark Souls with the aggressive, parry-focused gameplay of games like Sekiro.
The Perfect Guard System
A key element of the game's difficulty is its "Perfect Guard" system. While players can block attacks, simply holding up your weapon will still result in some damage. To truly negate an attack and damage an enemy's posture, you must time your block perfectly. This requires precise timing and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns. Many of the game's formidable bosses and elite enemies have long, frenetic combos that are designed to punish players who haven't mastered this mechanic.
Weapon Assembly and Legion Arms
Lies of P introduces a unique weapon assembly system, allowing players to mix and match different blades and handles to create custom weapons. While this offers a great deal of variety, it also adds a layer of complexity. Finding the right combination for your playstyle and for specific enemy encounters is crucial. Additionally, the player's mechanical "Legion Arm" provides a range of special abilities, from a grappling hook to a flamethrower. Effective use of the Legion Arm is often the key to overcoming the game's toughest challenges.
4. Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin
While the original release of Dark Souls 2 was considered by some to be one of the easier entries in the series, the Scholar of the First Sin edition changed that perception dramatically. This updated version remixed enemy placements, added new threats, and generally increased the difficulty across the board, making it an unforgiving and often grueling journey.
Gank Squads and Environmental Hazards
One of the most frequently cited reasons for Dark Souls 2's difficulty is its liberal use of "gank squads" – groups of enemies that attack the player simultaneously. This design choice shifts the focus from one-on-one duels to careful crowd control and situational awareness. Many areas are designed to overwhelm the player, forcing a more cautious and strategic approach. The world is also filled with environmental hazards, from treacherous pits to poison-filled areas, that can be just as deadly as the enemies themselves.
The Adaptability Stat and Hollowing
Dark Souls 2 introduced the Adaptability stat, which governs agility and the number of invincibility frames (i-frames) during a dodge roll. This meant that, early in the game, the player's dodge is significantly less effective than in other Souls titles, making combat feel clunky and unforgiving until the stat is leveled up. The hollowing mechanic, where the player's maximum health is reduced with each death, adds another layer of punishment for failure.
3. Hollow Knight
Don't be fooled by its charming, hand-drawn art style; Hollow Knight is a sprawling and brutally difficult Metroidvania with a strong Souls-like influence. This indie darling has gained a reputation for its challenging boss fights, intricate platforming, and vast, interconnected world.
Precision Platforming and Punishing Bosses
Hollow Knight demands a high level of precision, both in its combat and its platforming. Many areas require deft navigation through treacherous terrain, with one wrong move sending you back to your last checkpoint. The boss fights are a true test of skill, often featuring multiple phases and a wide variety of attacks that require quick reflexes and pattern recognition. The game's optional content, such as the Godhome DLC, offers some of the most difficult challenges in the entire genre.
The Soul Meter and Corpse Runs
Instead of a traditional stamina bar, Hollow Knight uses a "Soul" meter, which is filled by striking enemies. This Soul can then be used to either heal or cast powerful spells. This creates a tense dynamic where players must decide whether to go on the offensive or retreat to heal. Like the Souls games, upon death, the player leaves behind a "Shade" at the location of their demise. To recover their lost currency and restore their full Soul meter, they must return to their Shade and defeat it.
2. Blasphemous
Blasphemous is a stunningly grotesque 2D Souls-like set in the twisted, gothic world of Cvstodia. Its pixel art is both beautiful and deeply unsettling, and its gameplay is relentlessly punishing. The game combines fast-paced combat with challenging platforming and a healthy dose of cryptic lore.
Unforgiving Combat and Environmental Dangers
The combat in Blasphemous is methodical and requires careful timing. Enemies hit hard, and it's easy to get overwhelmed if you're not paying attention. The game also features a parry system that is crucial for creating openings against tougher foes. The world of Cvstodia is filled with deadly traps and environmental hazards, making exploration a tense and perilous affair. One misstep can lead to a swift and brutal death.
The Guilt System
Blasphemous has a unique punishment for death in the form of its "Guilt" system. When the player dies, a portion of their Fervour bar (used for special attacks) becomes locked, and their guilt accumulates. To remove this guilt and restore their Fervour, they must either return to the spot of their death and reclaim it or pay a hefty price at a confessor statue. This adds a tangible consequence to failure, encouraging players to tread carefully.
1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Often cited as FromSoftware's most challenging title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a departure from the RPG mechanics of the Souls series. Instead, it is a pure action game that demands near-perfect execution of its unique combat system. There is no leveling up to overcome a difficult boss; you must simply "git gud."
The Posture System and Deflection
Sekiro's combat revolves around the "Posture" system. Both the player and their enemies have a Posture bar that fills up as they take hits or have their attacks deflected. When the bar is full, they become vulnerable to a devastating "Deathblow." The key to success is to be aggressive, constantly attacking to pressure the enemy and deflecting their attacks with perfect timing to inflict massive Posture damage. This creates a fast-paced, rhythmic combat experience that is unlike any other game. Mastering the art of deflection is not just a strategy; it is the only way to play the game.
Unrelenting Bosses and Lack of Crutches
The bosses in Sekiro are notoriously difficult, each one a unique puzzle that tests the player's mastery of the game's mechanics in different ways. Unlike in the Souls games, you cannot summon other players for help, nor can you grind levels to increase your stats. Your success is determined solely by your skill and your ability to learn and adapt to each encounter. This singular focus on player skill is what makes Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice the ultimate test for any fan of the genre and arguably the hardest Souls-like game ever made.
Conclusion
The Souls-like genre, in all its punishing glory, offers some of the most memorable and rewarding experiences in modern gaming. The games on this list represent the pinnacle of that challenge, each one a towering monument to the idea that with great difficulty comes great satisfaction. They are not for everyone, but for those who are willing to face the trial, to learn from every death, and to rise again, stronger and wiser, the prestige of victory is a feeling that is hard to replicate. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer looking for the ultimate gaming challenge, these titles will undoubtedly test your limits and leave a lasting impression.