Gaming

4 Souls-Like Games Worth Your Time

Time to step up to the challenge!

September 26, 2025 / by Louigi Balao / 3 mins read

Souls-like games have a certain charm hidden beneath their challenging bosses. The unforgiving nature creates a beast within its gamers. I remember hearing the quote of Maliketh stating, “Death, become my blade once more,” which essentially means that it doesn't matter how many times you fail or how often these gods and demons defeat you. The tarnished of no renown only need one victory. With that said, let me jump into Souls-like games that you can try out today. 

Lords of the Fallen 

Lords of the Fallen breathes new life into the genre, offering players a jaw-dropping dual-realm exploration mechanic. With the Umbral Lamp, players can shift between the realms of the living and the dead, uncovering hidden paths and secrets.

The combat is weighty and deliberate, rewarding timing and patience. Despite the mixed reviews from its launch, its developers were able to refine it. If you’re looking for a game that combines traditional Souls-like elements with innovative mechanics, this title is worth your time.  

Death’s Door

This one’s got style, and I was able to play it on the Switch. Now, you play as a crow collecting souls, but the tone is surprisingly heartfelt.

It’s isometric—not third-person like most Souls-likes—but the challenge is definitely there. The combat is tight, the puzzles are smart, and the boss fights are some of the best I’ve played. What really hooked me was how the game mixed whimsical visuals with that melancholic atmosphere. If I were to describe it as a whole, it's brutally beautiful in accessible amounts for those who want a challenge. 

Lies of P

Imagine if Pinocchio were dropped into Bloodborne, and you’ve got Lies of P. The game was developed by NEOWIZ, a South Korean studio that, up until this point, was mostly known for mobile games and publishing. This was their first major swing at a full-blown Souls-like, and they really knocked it out of the park.

What really sold me was the Lying System—your dialogue and decisions shape how the story ends, which adds a fresh twist to the typical “go here, fight boss, move on” formula.

Another Crab’s Treasure

Yes, it’s about a hermit crab. No, it’s not a joke. This game blends Souls-like combat with colorful, underwater exploration. The fun twist? You collect trash as armor. It’s clever, it’s funny, and it is deep—heh, get it? Cuz it’s underwater?

It eases new players into the genre but doesn’t shy away from challenge. Plus, the soundtrack is a huge bop, which is always a huge plus for me. So if you want to enjoy it at its fullest, grab yourself some sick headphones that can immerse you without breaking the bank, like the JBL Quantum 300 available at the Next Upgrade Shop! 

 

 

 


Author

AUTHOR

Louigi Balao

Content Writer

Louigi, better known as Gi, is a content writer for Next Upgrade’s Tech and Gaming sections. In his free time, he enjoys long strolls in his house, loves fantasizing about anime ships that will never bear fruit, and constantly complains about his scuffed Korean backdashes. If you need a quick 3 AM chit-chat, he is your guy. 

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