Soulslike games in order

Release order

1. 

   2009

   Demon’s Souls / FromSoftware hub

   PlayStationPCSoulslikeFromSoftwareHub pointer

   Demon’s Souls (US 2009) is the PlayStation origin of modern Souls combat—Nexus hub, world tendency, and archdemons. This row is also your pointer into the full studio catalog on FromSoftware, including remakes, Nightreign notes, and Armored Core separation.

   Overview

   Establishes stamina combat, sparse checkpoints, and item-description lore that every later soulslike argues with. The 2020 remake is the practical way to play Boletaria in 2026.

   In-game setting

   Boletaria is a standalone cycle—not a prequel to Lordran. For remaster/remake guidance and the wider Soulsborne list, open FromSoftware rather than treating this hub as a complete From encyclopedia.

   Should you play it?

   FromSoft core Essentials opener and historical Release start. Skip the 2009 original disc hunt—use remake guidance on the From page if you only sample one early title.

   Release date

   First US mainline: October 6, 2009 (Demon’s Souls on PS3). Remake 2020 on PS5/PC—details on the FromSoftware hub.

2. 

   2011

   Dark Souls

   MultiplatformSoulslikeFromSoftwareSeries hub

   Dark Souls (2011) locks in Lordran’s interconnected map, bonfires, and the First Flame mythos that still define “Soulsborne.” Full trilogy remasters, Scholar, and lore-order debates live on Dark Souls—this hub keeps one series cluster.

   Overview

   Vertical level design and death-run learning loops became the genre’s teaching language. Remastered is the 2026 buy for most players starting the trilogy.

   In-game setting

   Lordran / Drangleic / Lothric are one trilogy conversation with internal order debates. Deep dive only on Dark Souls.

   Should you play it?

   Required FromSoft core stop after or beside the Demon's/From pointer. Many players still start Elden Ring first, then return here for classic structure.

   Release date

   First US mainline: October 4, 2011 (Dark Souls on PS3/Xbox 360; PC later). Remasters and sequels on the series page.

3. 

   2015

   Bloodborne

   PlayStationSoulslikeFromSoftwareSeries hub

   Bloodborne (2015) trades shields for aggressive rally combat in Yharnam’s gothic hunt—cosmic horror, trick weapons, and a PS4-era masterpiece. Chalice dungeons and The Old Hunters timing sit on Bloodborne.

   Overview

   Rally recovery and transform attacks reinvented From pacing into something faster and crueler. Still the peak gothic soulslike for many fans.

   In-game setting

   Yharnam / dream lore is fully standalone from Lordran and the Lands Between. Platform reality and DLC: Bloodborne.

   Should you play it?

   FromSoft core essential if you own PlayStation. Skip-safe on Accessible-first if you are PC/Xbox-only in 2026—see FAQ.

   Release date

   First US mainline: March 24, 2015 (Bloodborne on PS4). Remains PlayStation-family as of 2026—confirm on series page.

4. 

   2019

   Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

   MultiplatformActionFromSoftwareSeries hub

   Sekiro (2019) is posture-and-deflect mastery in Sengoku Japan—no character RPG builds, one shinobi, many deaths. Endings and gauntlet tips live on Sekiro.

   Overview

   Deflection timing replaces stamina-RPG builds, proving FromSoftware difficulty can mean skill ceilings instead of loot spreadsheets. Often the hardest onboarding for RPG-stat fans.

   In-game setting

   Ashina’s immortality conflict and ending branches are fully standalone from Lordran or the Lands Between. Full gauntlet and ending guidance lives on Sekiro.

   Should you play it?

   FromSoft core pick when you want pure mechanical mastery. Optional on Accessible-first until you finish Elden Ring’s softer onboarding.

   Release date

   First US mainline: March 22, 2019 (PS4, Xbox One, PC).

5. 

   2019

   Code Vein

   MultiplatformSoulslikeAnime actionSeries hub

   Code Vein (2019) is Bandai Namco’s anime-dress companion soulslike—partner AI, blood codes, and a post-apocalyptic Gaol. Use Code Vein for build tips and story order inside this non-From landmark.

   Overview

   Partner system and fashion-forward character creator made co-op-flavored soulslike accessible to anime-action fans who bounced off darker From aesthetics.

   In-game setting

   Gaol / Revenant lore is self-contained—no crossover with Lordran. Deep dive: Code Vein.

   Should you play it?

   Full-hub path include; optional elsewhere. Great palate cleanser between From titles if you want brighter presentation.

   Release date

   First US mainline: September 27, 2019 (PS4, Xbox One, PC).

6. 

   2022

   Elden Ring

   MultiplatformSoulslikeFromSoftwareSeries hub

   Elden Ring (2022) opens the Lands Between into a legacy-dungeon open world—mounted exploration, ashes, and demigod shardbearers. Shadow of the Erdtree timing and endings live on Elden Ring.

   Overview

   Open-field freedom plus From boss design became the default 2020s onboarding recommendation. Still the safest “first soulslike” for most players in 2026.

   In-game setting

   Lands Between mythology is separate from Dark Souls despite shared DNA. Full base + DLC path: Elden Ring.

   Should you play it?

   Accessible-first and FromSoft core essential. Start here unless you specifically want classic linear Lordran.

   Release date

   First US mainline: February 25, 2022 (PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, PC). DLC windows on the series page.

7. 

   2023

   Lies of P

   MultiplatformSoulslikeNon-FromSeries hub

   Lies of P (2023) reimagines Pinocchio in Belle Époque Krat—perfect guard combat, weapon assembly, and a lying mechanic that reshapes endings. Build and DLC notes on Lies of P.

   Overview

   Tight levelcraft and stylish boss telegraphs made it the breakout non-From soulslike for players who want Bloodborne vibes without a PlayStation lock.

   In-game setting

   Krat’s puppet frenzy and lying-metaphor endings are self-contained fiction. Weapon assembly and DLC timing belong on Lies of P.

   Should you play it?

   Accessible-first partner to Elden Ring. Excellent second game or From alternative when you want linear guidance inside a soulslike loop.

   Release date

   First US mainline: September 19, 2023 (PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series, PC).

8. 

   2024

   Black Myth: Wukong

   MultiplatformAction RPGSoulslike-adjacentSeries hub

   Black Myth: Wukong (2024) is Game Science’s Journey to the West action spectacle—staff combat, transformation spells, and boss-rush chapter energy. Hub guidance lives on Black Myth: Wukong.

   Overview

   Cinematic chapter structure and mythic boss variety brought soulslike-adjacent challenge to a massive new audience. Debate continues on “true soulslike” labels—this hub includes it as a landmark peer.

   In-game setting

   Journey to the West-inspired chapters are their own fiction lane. Deep dive: Black Myth: Wukong.

   Should you play it?

   Full-hub closer and optional after From/Lies paths. Play for spectacle action; do not expect Dark Souls multiplayer systems.

   Release date

   First US/worldwide launch window: August 20, 2024 (PC and consoles—confirm editions on the series page).