Code Vein wraps Souls-like difficulty in an anime aesthetic and a genuinely useful twist: an AI companion who fights alongside you through every punishing encounter. Blood Codes let you swap entire playstyles on the fly, and the post-apocalyptic vampire setting gives the usual dark fantasy formula a distinct visual identity that has aged well since launch.
If you have drained your way through Vein and want more of that mix of anime-inspired presentation, difficult combat, and build customization, these 15 games deliver it from different angles. Some share the genre’s FromSoftware roots directly, some lean into similar anime action styles, and some trade vampires for other dark settings entirely. All are worth your time in 2026.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Picks
| # | Game | Style | Price | Platforms |
| 1 | Code Vein II | Anime Souls-like | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 2 | Dark Souls III | Souls-like RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 3 | God Eater 3 | Anime action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation |
| 4 | Scarlet Nexus | Anime action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 5 | Elden Ring | Open-world Souls-like | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
1. Code Vein II
Why it’s similar
This is the direct sequel, expanding the vampire Souls-like formula with the same character builds, companions, and action RPG combat that defined the original.
What makes it unique
It adds a time-manipulation mechanic, letting you travel between past and present versions of the world and alter events, alongside an upgraded dynamic Partner System for combat.
Key features
- Time-travel narrative mechanics
- Dynamic Partner combat system
- Deep character customization
- Blood Code build variety
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Steam.
2. Dark Souls III
Why it’s similar
Dark Souls III is the main inspiration behind Code Vein’s Souls-like design, sharing challenging bosses, exploration, and deep build variety.
What makes it unique
It represents FromSoftware’s most refined take on the classic formula, with tightly designed levels and boss encounters widely regarded as some of the genre’s best.
Key features
- Deep RPG build customization
- Punishing, memorable boss fights
- Interconnected world design
- Wide weapon and magic variety
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
3. God Eater 3
Why it’s similar
God Eater 3 shares Code Vein’s developer roots and anime-inspired style, with fast action combat, monsters, and character customization driving the experience.
What makes it unique
Its massive weapon transformations let you switch between blade and gun mid-combo, and its hunting-focused mission structure leans closer to Monster Hunter than typical Souls-likes.
Key features
- Weapon transformation combat
- Anime-inspired presentation
- Mission-based monster hunting
- Character customization
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation
Where to Buy
Available on Steam.
4. Scarlet Nexus
Why it’s similar
Scarlet Nexus shares Code Vein’s anime action RPG presentation, with character abilities, emotional story, and a futuristic setting carrying the combat forward.
What makes it unique
Its fast, psychokinetic action combat trades Souls-like stamina management for real-time combos, with a Bond system that unlocks abilities as relationships deepen.
Key features
- Real-time psychokinetic combat
- Bond-based ability unlocks
- Anime-style storytelling
- Dual protagonist perspectives
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
5. Elden Ring
Why it’s similar
Elden Ring shares Code Vein’s open-world Souls-like progression, with difficult bosses, builds, weapons, and exploration filling a massive shared-genre world.
What makes it unique
Its vast open world lets you explore and tackle bosses in whatever order you choose, trading Code Vein’s more linear mission structure for total freedom of approach.
Key features
- Vast open-world exploration
- Deep build and weapon variety
- Punishing, pattern-based bosses
- Rich, cryptic lore
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
6. Lies of P
Why it’s similar
Lies of P shares Code Vein’s dark action RPG structure with precise combat, weapon systems, and boss mastery driving a demanding campaign.
What makes it unique
Its dark Pinocchio-inspired setting and weapon assembly system let you mix and match blades and handles, giving build customization a distinct identity.
Key features
- Perfect guard timing system
- Weapon assembly customization
- Dark, gothic fairy tale setting
- Challenging boss encounters
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
7. Nioh 2
Why it’s similar
Nioh 2 shares Code Vein’s deep combat mechanics and character builds, with loot progression, bosses, and high difficulty driving long-term play.
What makes it unique
Its stance-switching system and character creator add build variety, with a heavier loot-farming loop than most Souls-likes attempt.
Key features
- Stance-switching combat system
- Deep loot and build variety
- Challenging Yokai boss battles
- Character creation and customization
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
8. Bloodborne
Why it’s similar
Bloodborne shares Code Vein’s dark atmosphere and aggressive combat, with fast movement and challenging encounters carrying a genuinely oppressive tone.
What makes it unique
Its health-regain mechanic pushes players to attack rather than retreat, with trick weapons that transform mid-combat for added versatility.
Key features
- Aggressive, health-regain combat system
- Gothic horror atmosphere
- Transforming trick weapons
- Intense, fast-paced boss fights
Price: $19.99 Platforms: PlayStation
Where to Buy
Available on the PlayStation Store.
9. The Surge 2
Why it’s similar
The Surge 2 shares Code Vein’s sci-fi Souls-like combat system, with equipment upgrades and tactical enemy targeting driving a difficult, gear-focused loop.
What makes it unique
Its limb-targeting combat system lets you directly choose which equipment to farm from enemies, adding tactical precision to the usual Souls-like grind.
Key features
- Sci-fi Souls-like combat system
- Limb-targeting loot system
- Equipment customization
- Challenging robotic enemies
Price: $29.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Steam.
10. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Why it’s similar
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth shares Code Vein’s anime-style presentation and party-focused combat, with strong characters and story carrying its action RPG systems.
What makes it unique
Its massive open-world regions and blockbuster production values give it a different scope, with minigames and side content woven deeply into the main story.
Key features
- Action-based combat with strategic elements
- Massive open-world regions
- Deep character relationships
- Blockbuster cinematic presentation
Price: $69.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation
Where to Buy
Available on Steam.
11. Tales of Arise
Why it’s similar
Tales of Arise shares Code Vein’s stylish anime RPG adventure, with party relationships, action combat, and emotional storytelling carrying the journey forward.
What makes it unique
Its dual-protagonist story about liberation and connection is told with vibrant, painterly visuals, and combat blends real-time action with a strategic ability-linking system.
Key features
- Real-time party-based action combat
- Dual-protagonist storytelling
- Vibrant, painterly art style
- Ability-linking combo system
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
12. Monster Hunter Wilds
Why it’s similar
Monster Hunter Wilds shares Code Vein’s large enemy encounters and equipment progression, rewarding weapon mastery and careful preparation over button-mashing.
What makes it unique
Its cooperative hunting structure and enormous variety of weapon types each demand a completely different playstyle, built around gear crafted from what you hunt.
Key features
- Deep, weighty monster-hunting combat
- Enormous weapon type variety
- Gear crafted from hunted monsters
- Cooperative hunts
Price: $69.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
13. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Why it’s similar
Wo Long shares Code Vein’s fast, reaction-based combat, with deflections, bosses, and RPG progression systems built around precise counters rather than pure aggression.
What makes it unique
Its Three Kingdoms setting and spirit gauge system replace traditional stamina management with a Sekiro-style deflection rhythm layered onto RPG loot.
Key features
- Deflection-based spirit gauge combat
- Chinese mythology setting
- RPG loot and leveling systems
- Fast, aggressive boss fights
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
14. Lords of the Fallen
Why it’s similar
Lords of the Fallen shares Code Vein’s dark fantasy Souls-like adventure, with builds, exploration, and challenging enemies driving a punishing campaign.
What makes it unique
Its dual-realm mechanic lets you shift between the living Axiom and the twisted Umbral realm at will, adding a unique exploration layer beyond Code Vein’s linear missions.
Key features
- Dual-realm exploration mechanic
- Deep build customization
- Punishing, memorable boss fights
- Dark, gothic atmosphere
Price: $59.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
15. Devil May Cry 5
Why it’s similar
Devil May Cry 5 shares Code Vein’s stylish action combat, with combos, flashy abilities, and fast-paced battles rewarding skillful, varied play.
What makes it unique
Its stylish scoring system rewards flashy, varied combat over simple survival, with multiple playable characters each offering a distinct fighting approach.
Key features
- Deep combo-based action combat
- Stylish scoring system
- Multiple playable characters
- Weapon mastery and switching
Price: $29.99 Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Where to Buy
Available on Green Man Gaming and Steam.
Full Comparison Table
| # | Game | Style | Price | Platforms |
| 1 | Code Vein II | Anime Souls-like | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 2 | Dark Souls III | Souls-like RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 3 | God Eater 3 | Anime action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation |
| 4 | Scarlet Nexus | Anime action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 5 | Elden Ring | Open-world Souls-like | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 6 | Lies of P | Precision Souls-like | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 7 | Nioh 2 | Samurai action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation |
| 8 | Bloodborne | Gothic action RPG | $19.99 | PlayStation |
| 9 | The Surge 2 | Sci-fi Souls-like | $29.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 10 | Final Fantasy VII Rebirth | Action RPG | $69.99 | PC, PlayStation |
| 11 | Tales of Arise | Party-based action RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 12 | Monster Hunter Wilds | Monster hunting | $69.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 13 | Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | Deflection combat RPG | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 14 | Lords of the Fallen | Dark fantasy Souls-like | $59.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
| 15 | Devil May Cry 5 | Stylish action | $29.99 | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
Conclusion
If it was the vampire Souls-like formula that hooked you, start with Code Vein II, Lords of the Fallen, and Dark Souls III. They share Code Vein’s exact blend of dark fantasy and punishing combat.
If the anime presentation mattered most, God Eater 3, Scarlet Nexus, and Tales of Arise deliver that same stylish, character-driven energy. And if you want the difficulty with a different flavor, Nioh 2 and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty bring their own takes on build-driven, punishing action. Any of these 15 will keep your Blood Code builds evolving well into 2026.
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