8 Best Soul Games Rankings on PS5

Ranking of the 8 Best Souls-like Games on PS5 (Excluding Backward-Compatible PS4 Titles and 2D Metroidvanias)

The term "Souls-like" has become increasingly popular—and arguably overused—in modern gaming. While many action RPGs with dodge-roll mechanics and challenging bosses are loosely associated with the genre, only a select few fully embody its defining mechanics. Gamerant’s ranking excludes backward-compatible PS4 titles (e.g., Bloodborne), 2D Metroidvania-style games, and Black Myth: Wukong (described by its developers as an action RPG rather than a Souls-like).

8. Infinite Guards

Developed by Sense Games, Infinite Guards stands out for its exceptional level design, arguably one of the genre’s finest in recent years. Though the game world feels somewhat repetitive, each area brims with exploration, offering secrets, unlockable items, and clever shortcuts .

7. Crab’s Treasure Adventure

This whimsical Souls-like is unique for featuring an "Easy" mode and centering its combat around a massive gun. The combination works surprisingly well, delivering fast-paced, entertaining, and challenging gameplay .

6. Remnant 2

While most Souls-likes emphasize melee combat, Remnant 2 by Gunfire Games fully embraces third-person shooting. This bold choice polarizes fans but retains enough Souls-like elements (e.g., punishing difficulty, interconnected worlds) to qualify as a genre outlier .

5. The First Berserker: Khazan

Neople’s Khazan ranks among the hardest games on PS5 but balances its difficulty with fluid combat. The game focuses almost entirely on linear missions culminating in intense boss battles. Customization via a skill tree (three weapon types, eight phantom abilities) exists but feels limited compared to Dark Souls .

4. Lies of P

Inspired by Bloodborne, Lies of P masterfully blends Victorian architecture with the Pinocchio fairytale. Its lavish budget elevates the art direction and world-building, while the narrative—though ambiguous by RPG standards—is more direct than most Souls-likes .

3. Demon’s Souls Remake

The 2009 classic that birthed the genre remains an atmospheric masterpiece. Bluepoint’s remake preserves the original’s strengths while enhancing visuals, quality-of-life adjustments, and combat fluidity. A must-play for genre enthusiasts .

2. Nioh 2

Team Ninja’s Nioh 2 adopts a "more is more" philosophy, overwhelming players with content yet skillfully weaving its complex mechanics into a cohesive experience. Rooted in Japanese history, it solidifies the studio’s reputation for challenging, combat-driven Souls-likes .

1. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s magnum opus redefines the genre with its vast open world. Elden Ring encourages exploration, packing every corner of its map with secrets, optional bosses, and memorable encounters. Its freedom-driven design and scale make it the pinnacle of Souls-like gaming on PS5