It’s no secret that players around the world are counting down the days until Elden Ring Nightreign drops. The next chapter in FromSoftware’s legendary series looks even darker, more unpredictable, and tougher than anything we’ve seen so far. But before we dive into those gloomy lands again and greet another immortal boss, we need something to play and pass the time.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 similar games – games like Nightreign. You’ll find here great alternatives that offer a high difficulty level, a rich, heavy atmosphere, encourage exploration, pit you against brutal bosses, and reward patience. These aren’t just Elden clones — these are games with real soul (and ones that will happily rip yours out). Let’s get into it!

GameReleaseGenreDeveloperVideo
Bloodborne 2015-03-24 Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure FromSoftware
Sekiro Shadows Die Twice GOTY Edition 2019-03-22 Adventure & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up FromSoftware, Inc.
Nioh 2 The Complete Edition 2021-02-05 Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Role-playing (RPG) Team NINJA
Lies Of P 2023-09-19 Role-playing (RPG) Round8 Studio
Remnant From The Ashes 2019-08-20 Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) Gunfire Games
Hollow Knight 2017-02-24 Adventure & Platform Team Cherry
Blasphemous 2019-09-10 Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Indie The Game Kitchen
Mortal Shell 2021-08-18 Indie & Role-playing (RPG) Cold Symmetry
Demons Souls Remake 2020-11-12 Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) Bluepoint Games
The Lords of the Fallen 2023-10-13 Adventure & Role-playing (RPG) HEXWORKS

Bloodborne

Release date:2015-03-24
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:FromSoftware

In Bloodborne, you play as a Hunter exploring the cursed gothic city of Yharnam, hunting monsters, madmen, and ancient secrets. Instead of classic fantasy, you get Lovecraftian horror, where madness lurks behind every corner.

If you love the dark vibes of Elden Ring, you’ll feel right at home here — just a bloodier one. Fast-paced combat, an incredible atmosphere, and a deep, subtle story keep players coming back even years later.

You may like it because
  • Dynamic, aggressive combat
  • Gothic horror setting
  • Deep, mysterious narrative

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Release date:2019-03-22
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer:FromSoftware, Inc.

In Sekiro, you step into the shoes of a shinobi named Wolf, on a quest to rescue his lord and seek revenge against those who betrayed him. Inspired by feudal Japan, the story is one of honour, loss, and redemption.

Sekiro earned its spot here because even though it strays from the usual Souls formula (more action, less RPG), it still demands precision, patience, and perfect timing. And the bosses? They’re a real test of character.

You may like it because
  • Deep parry system
  • Linear but intense gameplay
  • Japanese mythology and aesthetics

Nioh 2

Release date:2020-03-12
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure
Developer:Team NINJA

Set during Japan’s Sengoku period, Nioh 2 has you playing as a half-human, half-yokai warrior battling demons and samurai alike. It’s a fusion of history and mythology.

Nioh 2 is perfect for players who love tweaking builds, experimenting with weapons, and mastering different fighting styles. Tons of content, fast-paced action, and brutal difficulty will keep you busy for hundreds of hours.

You may like it because
  • Deep, flexible combat system
  • Massive weapon variety
  • Japanese folklore backdrop

Lies of P

Release date:2023-09-19
Genre:Role-playing (RPG)
Developer:Round8 Studio

Next up is Lies of P, which combines familiar Soulslike mechanics with fresh ideas. Its atmosphere feels like a mix of Bloodborne and classic fairy tales — but with a sinister twist. Even genre veterans will find the combat satisfying.

Who would’ve thought Pinocchio could star in a Soulslike? In the steampunk city of Krat, you play as a puppet-like warrior battling mechanical horrors, searching for Geppetto, and uncovering the truth behind a deadly plague.

You may like it because
  • Dark steampunk world
  • Twisted reimagining of Pinocchio
  • Unique lie-based system

Demon’s Souls (PS5 Remake)

Release date:2020-11-12
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:Bluepoint Games

This is where it all began — and it’s back, looking better than ever. In Demon’s Souls, you venture into Boletaria, a kingdom consumed by a dark fog and ancient demons.

The PS5 remake is the best way to experience the roots of the Souls genre. It’s still brutally tough, but now it’s absolutely gorgeous.

You may like it because
  • Stunning new visuals and performance
  • Classic Souls gameplay, modern polish
  • Five distinct, interconnected worlds

Remnant: From the Ashes

Release date:2019-08-20
Genre:Shooter & Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:Gunfire Games

Sure, Remnant trades swords for guns, but the Soulslike spirit is alive and well here. You’re a survivor fighting off monsters from another dimension, trying to save what’s left of the world.

It’s a unique blend: part Soulslike, part looter-shooter — perfect for players who want a grittier, more firearm-driven experience.

You may like it because
  • Procedurally generated levels
  • Online co-op
  • Soulslike atmosphere meets shooter gameplay

Hollow Knight

Release date:2017-02-24
Genre:Platform & Adventure & Indie
Developer:Team Cherry

Even though Hollow Knight is a 2D metroidvania, it absolutely deserves a spot here. It’s a proof that Soulslike magic isn’t limited to 3D. Minimalistic storytelling, demanding combat, and a heavy atmosphere bring it closer to Elden Ring than you’d expect.

You play a mysterious knight exploring the ruins of Hallownest, uncovering secrets, battling fierce bosses, and piecing together a tragic story.

You may like it because
  • Massive world to explore
  • Challenging boss battles
  • Deep emotional storytelling

Blasphemous

Release date:2019-09-10
Genre:Platform & Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure & Indie
Developer:The Game Kitchen

In Blasphemous, you play as the Penitent One, trapped in the grotesque world of Cvstodia — a place where religion, suffering, and blasphemy blend into a brutal narrative. The art, inspired by Spanish Baroque, is breathtaking.

It’s a 2D Soulslike that nails atmosphere, symbolism, and storytelling. The difficulty, unique world, and pixel-art style make it unforgettable.

You may like it because
  • Brutal religious symbolism
  • Tight, precise combat
  • Gorgeous 2D pixel art

Mortal Shell

Release date:2021-08-18
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Indie
Developer:Cold Symmetry

A dark story of a mysterious warrior who can inhabit the “shells” of fallen heroes, each with its own traits and fighting style.

Mortal Shell is shorter than most Soulslikes, but what it offers is pure quality. Its unique mechanics, thick atmosphere, and tough-as-nails combat make it the perfect warm-up before Nightreign.

You may like it because
  • Shell system as character classes
  • Dark, mysterious world
  • Slow, tactical combat

Lords of the Fallen (2023 Reboot)

Release date:2023-10-13
Genre:Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure
Developer:HEXWORKS

This reboot takes the original Lords of the Fallen and dials everything up. You’ll travel between two parallel realms — the land of the living and the realm of the dead — to fight against ancient evil.

The 2023 version does everything better: graphics, exploration, combat, and world-building. If you’re a fan of Elden Ring, this is a must-play.

You may like it because
  • Two interconnected worlds
  • Dark fantasy atmosphere
  • Gorgeous, immersive visuals

Conclusion

Waiting for Elden Ring Nightreign doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into other dark, demanding, and deeply satisfying worlds.

Whether you’re drawn to FromSoftware classics, Japanese mythology, or something entirely fresh, there’s something on this list for you. Who knows — you might even find a new favourite that will surprise you more than Nightreign itself.