What are the best soulslike games on PC in 2023? One of gaming's newer genres that got it start with the 2009 release of FromSoftware's Demon's Souls, Soulslikes are characterized by punishing stamina-based combat and a 'souls' system, wherein you lose an accrued currency gained from defeating enemies upon defeat. FromSoftware has gone on to release Game of the Year Award Winner after Game of the Year Award Winner with these mechanics, spawning more than a few copycats that take direct inspiration from their mega-hits.
Some things remain the same across all Soulslikes: patience in the face of repeated failure rewards you with progress through sprawling worlds - typically of a dark fantasy aesthetic - that are filled with 'bonfires' or other places of reprieve to rest at, not to mention an increasingly powerful character. And some things do not: many don't lean into both passive and active online play with other players. Here, we're looking at the best truly Soulslike games you can play on your PC in 2023: those that capture the spirit of FromSoftware's pioneering classics. And even if Sony and FromSoftware haven't ported Bloodborne, the best Soulslike, to PC yet, there's more than a few available to scratch that masochistic itch.
RELATED LINKS:
Dark Souls completely rebuilt as a pixel-art RPG, available now
Prepare for the Elden Ring DLC with this Dark Souls sale, but act fast
Dark Souls Pro Skater clip goes viral, and you can play now