Who could have predicted that FromSoftware’sDemon’s Soulswould usher in a new subgenre of gaming? The 2009 release set the stage for its spiritual successor, 2011’sDark Souls, to take the world by storm. FromSoftware’s titles have undoubtedly influenced gaming as a whole.
Thebest Souls-like PS Plus gamesare typically difficult, prioritize boss encounters, and feature weighty combat that incorporates a degree of strategy. While games such asLords of the Fallenwear theirDark Soulsinfluence on their sleeves, othersare a bit more subtle in their comparisons. Except for a few notable exceptions, PS Plus Extra and Premiumdo not have manySoulstitles in their library; however, there are quite a fewgames likeDark Soulson PS Plus.
While quality naturally impacts the rankings, more traditional Soulslike games will be highlighted first.
Updated June 10, 2025 by Mark Sammut:Soulslike games are not added to PS Plus Extra every single month, so it is always exciting when something new lands on the service. Click below to jump directly to the February 2025 addition.
FromSoftware’sBloodborneis thebest Souls-like game on PS Plus Extra and Premium. A Gothic masterpiece set in the nightmare-inducing Yharnam, this PS4 exclusive is a masterclass in atmosphere, environmental design, music, and gameplay. Even post-Elden Ring, an argument could be made that FromSoftware peaked withBloodborne, reaching a high that precious few developers ever get to achieve.
Utilizing a far more aggressive battle system than theSoulsgames,Bloodbornedoes not allow players a single restful moment. When playing this game, every instance is spent on edge as a new terrifying beast lurks around every corner, waiting to brutally demolish the Hunter. It is glorious. Compared toDark SoulsorElden Ring,Bloodbornehas a smaller pool of weapons and armor, allowing for a more limited range of builds. Even though this decision can be disappointing, the included items are valid candidates that can carry players for most of the campaign, and the weapons have multiple forms. That said, the game still has a decent selection of options, so it is not fully a case of quantity over quality.
2009’sDemon’s Soulsstarted the Souls-like movement, and FromSoftware’s masterpiece is still worth a playthrough beyond just its historical significance. In terms of pure atmosphere,Demon’s Soulsis near-untouched, and most of the levels are incredibly well-designed (even if some are quite frustrating). Still, for all its brilliance, the original version shows its age in places.
Fortunately, 2020’s remake is readily available and does a great job of modernizing its ancestor without diminishing most of its strengths. Arguably the best-lookingSouls-like on PS Plus, Bluepoint’sDemon’s Soulsdrops players into Boletaria, granting them immediate access to five Archstones that link them to different Worlds. Each one has a unique feel, and players are encouraged to jump back and forth between them.
Compared to something likeDark Souls,Demon’s Souls' difficulty comes from the trek to the bosses rather than the fights themselves, most of which are fairly easy by the standards of the genre (a few exceptions notwithstanding). However, the stages are long, dense, challenging, and puzzling.
2009’sDemon’s Soulsis also on PS Plus Premiumand birthed the Souls genre. While dated in ways (and hamstrung by the fact that PS Plus can only stream PS3 titles), FromSoftware’s project is nevertheless a masterpiece.
As fun as Souls-likes are in general, the genre’s releases can threaten to blend together, with most games featuring fairly similar combat. As such, Gunfire’sRemnantstands out due to emphasizing ranged gunplay over melee or magic. The 2023 sequel expands well on its predecessor’s solid foundations, presenting an improved experience that shines brightly in co-op while also working well enough as a solo adventure.
SoloRemnant 2players should pick the Handler archetype.
Split into worlds/realms that all have wildly different esthetics,Remnant 2strikes a middle-ground between curated linear progression and open-ended exploration, the latter part coming courtesy of optional dungeons that use light procedural generation. The combat is pretty typical for a third-person shooter, but it is supplemented by a robust class system and modifiers like mods and mutators. The game also nails its boss fights, a few of which are massive in scope.
Team Ninja’sNiohtakes theDark Soulsformula and throws a few dozen or so mechanics on top of it. Featuring three stances, a plethora of weapon types, and an expansive world filled with secrets,Nioh’s similarities to FromSoftware’s franchise are immediately apparent, however, the game does set itself apart quite well. The Japanese setting makes for a pleasant change of pace, especially since it is inspired by the Sengoku Period.
The combat is quick and vicious, reflecting Team Ninja’s history with franchises likeNinja Gaiden.Nioh’s campaign is split into smaller maps rather than one large interconnected world, although each area does come with shortcuts and plenty of secrets. Also,Soulsplayers who love collecting loot will find thatNiohdoes not hold back in dishing out goodies. In fact, it might give away too many drops.
Both ofThe Surgegames are available on PS Plus Premium and Extra, and together they should provide more than 50 hours of Souls-like gameplay. While the first entry has its strengths, the sequel improves nearly every aspect of its predecessor. The combat is smooth and satisfying, especially since players have the option to target specific limbs of enemies.
The Surge 2shows off a lot more of this universe’s dystopian setting, fleshing out the world’s backstory through its environmental storytelling.The Surge 2is for anyone who has always wanted a sci-fi take on theDark Soulsformula, and the game does it well.
The Surgeis certainly worth a playthrough, even if it falls short in a few areas when compared to its predecessor. Still, if someone wants to complete all the Souls-like games on PS Plus Extra, they should start with the first game in Deck13’s duology.
Mortal Shellwears itsDark Soulsinfluenceson its sleeve, although the game does introduce a couple of fresh ideas. As tends to be the case with this sub-genre, the core gameplay loop revolves around exploring a dark fantasy world filled with enemies that pack a punch and respawn whenever the player dies. While a bit more linear than most FromSoftware’s projects,Mortal Shell’s level design is cut from the same cloth.
Even though the combat system is relatively typical for these sorts of games, Cold Symmetry shakes things up in two major ways. For one,Mortal Shellincorporates different shells that correspond with classes, and players can swap between them at specific locations. These shells serve as replacements for traditional loot. Another unique concept is that players can harden their shells to block incoming attacks, a mechanic they will need to master if they want to overcome the campaign’s reasonably challenging bosses.
The headline act of theFebruary 2025 PS Plus Extra lineup,Star Wars Jedi: Survivoris a huge get by most metrics, and it is not just for die-hard fans of the franchise. Now, admittedly, the factFallen Orderis not on PS Plus makes the addition of its sequel a less-than-perfect option for newcomers. While set a few years apart, the games' stories continue directly from each other, combining to chronicle Cal Kestis' journey as a Jedi Knight. While he was still coming to grips with the force inFallen Order, Cal is pretty much a Jedi Master inSurvivor, granting players a wide assortment of lightsaber stances and powers to utilize during battles.
Rather than a full open-world or the continuous semi-open structure of most Soulslike games,Jedi: Survivoris split into planets that are largely structured like 3D Metroidvanias. That means players are given the space to explore, all the while fighting off a fairly diverse roster of enemies. Like all Soulslikes, death revives fallen foes, and battles primarily come down to reading the opponent’s moveset and reacting accordingly. As fun as the combat system is,Jedi: Survivordoes feelmore like a Soulslitethan a traditional Soulslike, and it is notably easier than most other entries in the genre. Basically, this game is for people craving a sci-fi action-adventure with Souls-style combat, rather than something that is exactly likeDark Souls.
Kena: Bridge of Spiritsis an admirable indie project that could easily pass for a triple-A release. Ember Lab created a beautiful and immersive fantasy world that just demands to be explored, even if the campaign itself is fairly linear. Cast as the eponymous spirit guide, players must use their skills to put the deceased to rest and also fight back corruption as it spreads across the mountain. Along with a small pool of abilities, Kena is armed with a staff that can also be used as a bow.
Although not quite as combat-driven as some Souls-likes,Kena: Bridge of Spiritsnevertheless incorporates frequent fights, including a myriad of boss encounters that can pack a considerable wallop. Melee actions are reasonably satisfying to execute, and they are complemented well by Kena’s ranged and spiritual abilities. When not engaging in battles to the death, the game shifts its focus to puzzles, exploration, and light platforming. None of these elements are particularly original, but they are generally executed well.
Ever sinceDark Soulsexploded in popularity, the gaming industry has been steadily putting out a stream of indie projects that adapt ideas introduced by FromSoftware. While most of them are 2D Metroidvanias, there are a few releases that kind of slot into the AA field, which has largely gone extinct during the last two console generations.Thymesiaexists on the same level asMortal Shell, at least in terms of production value; however, the games play completely differently, with the former taking afew pages fromSekiro’s playbookrather than conventional Souls-likes. Yes, that means parrying is a cornerstone mechanic that players will need to master if they want to see the end credits, and the timing can take some getting used.
Featuring a plague doctor protagonist who, frankly, looks extremely cool,Thymesiais set in a kingdom that has succumbed to a disease, leaving mutated monsters in its wake. Corvus has to mostly clear out three zones, with each one containing a main boss and a couple of mini-bosses tied to secondary missions. This structure is arguablyThymesia’s most divisive aspect, and players will spend all their time accepting missions that take them to one of three areas. While the side quests introduce new parts to each area, they still look the same, which can make the short-ish campaign feel repetitive.
Still,Thymesiahas quite a few things going for it, including pretty fun combat that prioritizes speed and challenges the player’s reflexes. While weapon variety is limited, the game has a decent progression system that enhances Corvus' movesets or performance.
Team Cherry’sHollow Knightwas one of the most popular indie games of the 2010s, and time has not dulled any of the project’s shine. This 2D Metroidvania isset in Hallownest, a deceptively massive underground kingdom that is filled with beauty and nightmares. Cast as the Knight, players must traverse this strange world, battling enemies and defeating bosses along the way.
Similar toDark Souls,Hollow Knightdoes not hold the player’s hand in any significant way. Encouraging exploration and backtracking, the game fills its world with lore drops and NPCs that deliver side quests.Hollow Knightis not only one of thebest PS Plus Souls-like gamesbut also one of the greatest titles on the service.
Hollow Knightis first-and-foremost a 2D Metroidvania, and it is primarily for fans of that genre who do not mind Soulslike combat.
