When Elden Ring launched, it changed expectations for open-world RPGs. It wasn’t just about exploring a massive map. It was about discovery, challenge, and freedom. Every area hid secrets, every boss demanded skill, and the world didn’t guide you—it expected you to figure things out. That mix of difficult combat, open-ended exploration, and deep lore made it one of the most important RPGs of the decade.
Since then, many players have been asking the same question: what do we play next?
This list answers that. Below are 15 games like Elden Ring that focus on challenging combat, exploration, build variety, and rewarding progression. Some lean more into traditional Souls design, some expand into open worlds, and others emphasize combat mastery—but all of them deliver that same sense of achievement.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Picks
| Game | Core Similarity | Best For |
| Dark Souls III | Classic Souls combat | Pure Souls experience |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Precision combat | Skill-focused players |
| Bloodborne | Fast-paced Souls gameplay | Aggressive combat fans |
| Lies of P | Modern Souls-like | New players |
| Nioh 2 | Deep combat systems | Build-focused players |
1. Dark Souls III
Why it’s similar
Dark Souls III delivers the core experience Elden Ring builds on. It features tight combat, challenging bosses, and a world filled with shortcuts and secrets. If you want something closest to Elden Ring’s core design, this is it.
What makes it unique
It’s more linear than Elden Ring, with carefully crafted levels instead of a fully open world, leading to tighter pacing.
Key features:
- Classic Souls combat
- Boss-focused gameplay
- Level-based progression
Price: ~$39.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Why it’s similar
Sekiro shares Elden Ring’s difficulty and boss design, requiring precision and mastery to progress.
What makes it unique
It removes RPG builds and focuses entirely on skill-based sword combat and parrying.
Key features:
- Parry-focused combat
- Single weapon system
- Stealth elements
Price: ~$59.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
3. Bloodborne
Why it’s similar
Bloodborne offers fast, aggressive combat with punishing enemies and deep lore, similar to Elden Ring’s combat intensity.
What makes it unique
It rewards offense over defense, pushing players to stay aggressive instead of playing safe.
Key features:
- Fast-paced combat
- Dark gothic setting
- Aggressive playstyle
Price: ~$19.99 | Platforms: PS4, PS5
4. Lies of P
Why it’s similar
Lies of P follows the Souls formula with stamina-based combat, difficult bosses, and progression systems.
What makes it unique
Its Pinocchio-inspired setting and mechanical weapon customization stand out.
Key features:
- Weapon customization
- Boss fights
- Story-driven world
Price: ~$59.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S
5. Nioh 2
Why it’s similar
Nioh 2 offers complex combat systems and build variety similar to Elden Ring’s depth.
What makes it unique
It features stance-based combat and faster gameplay compared to traditional Souls titles.
Key features:
- Stance combat system
- Loot-based progression
- Build customization
Price: ~$49.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
6. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Why it’s similar
Wo Long emphasizes difficult combat and progression systems tied to skill and timing.
What makes it unique
It heavily focuses on parrying mechanics and fast combat pacing.
Key features:
- Parry-based combat
- Fast gameplay
- Mythological setting
Price: ~$59.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S
7. Mortal Shell
Why it’s similar
Mortal Shell follows Souls mechanics like stamina management, exploration, and boss fights.
What makes it unique
The shell system allows players to switch between different bodies with unique abilities.
Key features:
- Shell mechanic
- Dark atmosphere
- Challenging bosses
Price: ~$29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
8. Remnant: From the Ashes
Why it’s similar
Remnant mixes Souls-like difficulty with exploration and progression systems.
What makes it unique
It adds third-person shooting and co-op gameplay into the formula.
Key features:
- Gun-based combat
- Co-op multiplayer
- Procedural elements
Price: ~$39.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
9. The Surge 2
Why it’s similar
The Surge 2 features challenging combat and progression similar to Souls games.
What makes it unique
Its sci-fi setting and limb-targeting combat system differentiate it.
Key features:
- Limb targeting
- Sci-fi world
- Gear upgrades
Price: ~$29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
10. Code Vein
Why it’s similar
Code Vein follows the Souls formula with exploration, combat, and boss fights.
What makes it unique
Anime-style visuals and companion AI make it more accessible.
Key features:
- Anime aesthetic
- Companion system
- Flexible builds
Price: ~$39.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
11. Ashen
Why it’s similar
Ashen emphasizes exploration, combat, and a shared world.
What makes it unique
Its minimalist design and cooperative elements create a different tone.
Key features:
- Co-op gameplay
- Open exploration
- Minimalist art style
Price: ~$39.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
12. Hollow Knight
Why it’s similar
Hollow Knight captures the challenge and exploration of Elden Ring in 2D form.
What makes it unique
It blends platforming with Souls-like combat and exploration.
Key features:
- 2D exploration
- Difficult bosses
- Metroidvania design
Price: ~$14.99 | Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One
13. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Why it’s similar
It offers open-world exploration and action combat similar to Elden Ring.
What makes it unique
The pawn system allows AI companions to assist and evolve.
Key features:
- Party system
- Open world
- Dynamic combat
Price: ~$29.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
14. Salt and Sanctuary
Why it’s similar
Salt and Sanctuary translates Souls gameplay into a 2D format.
What makes it unique
It focuses heavily on build customization and exploration.
Key features:
- 2D Souls gameplay
- Skill trees
- Exploration
Price: ~$17.99 | Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
15. Lords of the Fallen
Why it’s similar
Lords of the Fallen follows modern Souls design with challenging combat and world exploration.
What makes it unique
It introduces dual-world mechanics where players shift between realms.
Key features:
- Dual-world system
- Modern graphics
- Challenging combat
Price: ~$59.99 | Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Full Comparison Table
| Game | Price | Platforms | Best For |
| Dark Souls III | ~$39.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Classic Souls |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | ~$59.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Skill combat |
| Bloodborne | ~$19.99 | PS4, PS5 | Fast combat |
| Lies of P | ~$59.99 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S | Modern Souls-like |
| Nioh 2 | ~$49.99 | PC, PS4, PS5 | Build variety |
| Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | ~$59.99 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S | Parry combat |
| Mortal Shell | ~$29.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Simplified Souls |
| Remnant: From the Ashes | ~$39.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Co-op Souls |
| The Surge 2 | ~$29.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Sci-fi Souls |
| Code Vein | ~$39.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Anime Souls |
| Ashen | ~$39.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Exploration Souls |
| Hollow Knight | ~$14.99 | PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One | 2D Souls-like |
| Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen | ~$29.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Open-world combat |
| Salt and Sanctuary | ~$17.99 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | 2D Souls |
| Lords of the Fallen | ~$59.99 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S | Modern Souls |
Conclusion: What to Play First
If you loved Elden Ring, start with Dark Souls III, Sekiro, or Bloodborne. Those three best capture the challenge, combat, and design philosophy. Players who want something modern should try Lies of P, while build-focused players will enjoy Nioh 2.
No matter which you choose, every game on this list delivers challenging combat and rewarding progression. If you have a favorite that belongs here, drop it in the comments.
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