The Building Blocks of the Soulslike Genre
Few genres have as much to offer for gaming as Soulslikes. Directly influenced by the Dark Souls universe, these titles have established a distinct set of rules: punishing boss encounters, complex attack patterns, and the consistent pressure of losing currency upon death. While we enjoy the polished experiences of 2026, it is worth looking back at the titles from the last decade and the early 2020s that actually defined how these games should feel.
The Titles That Paved the Way
Some of the most remarkable games in this category might surprise you with their historical influence. Lords of the Fallen (2014), developed by Deck13 Interactive and CI Games, is a prime example. While many agree the 2023 reboot is more polished, the original title was instrumental in shaping the road for future entries. Despite its flaws, it succeeded in pitting players against significant obstacles from the very beginning.
Other games took the formula in unique directions. Code Vein (2019), published by Bandai Namco, traded traditional fantasy for a post-apocalyptic setting. While it may not feel as threatening as other genre staples, its role in laying the foundation for modern titles is clear. Similarly, Mortal Shell (2020) delivered a traditional experience with clear checkpoints and dodging mechanics. It remains a fan favorite, so much so that a sequel is currently in development.
Innovation Through Mechanics and Setting
The genre has also seen successful crossovers and mechanical evolutions. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (2019) proved that Soulslike mechanics could thrive within a major franchise, offering a rewarding experience that emphasized exploration and secrets. Lies of P (2023), meanwhile, pushed the skill ceiling even higher by combining Dark Souls-style progression with a parrying system as challenging as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
For players who prefer 2D perspectives, Salt and Sanctuary (2016) remains a standout. Its enormous skill tree and dual-boss encounters helped inspire other 2D masterpieces like Blasphemous. In the same vein, Hollow Knight (2017) redefined expectations for the Metroidvania-Soulslike hybrid, offering unparalleled enemy variety within the sprawling Hallownest.
Mastering the Parrying System
Perhaps the most distinct evolution of the genre came from Nioh (2017) and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019). Nioh introduced fast-paced action set in 1600s Japan, kickstarting a beloved franchise that still deserves more credit for its influence on combat design.
Finally, there is Sekiro. Developed by FromSoftware, it moved away from the traditional dodge-heavy combat of the Dark Souls lineage and focused almost entirely on parrying. It remains a masterpiece of pattern recognition, proving that a Soulslike can thrive on precision and rhythm. Whether you are a veteran of the genre or a newcomer, these titles remain the most influential games of the last decade, and they continue to shape the PC gaming and console landscapes alike.