soulslike

Soulslike is a subgenre of action role-playing games defined by design principles inspired by FromSoftware's Souls series. The term, popularized in the 2010s, describes titles that aim for challenging, methodical combat, deliberate exploration, and a sense of reward that comes from perseverance and learning from failure.

Core mechanics typically emphasize precise, timing-based combat and resource management. Encounters reward patient observation and pattern recognition, with telegraphed enemy moves and risk-reward trade-offs. Death often carries consequences, such as loss of accumulated currency or progress, requiring players to reclaim it by reaching the place where they died.

Checkpoint design is a central feature. Players advance through fixed save points or bonfires that restore health and respawn enemies, creating tension around exploration and backtracking. Progression is non-linear, with interconnected worlds, shortcuts, and optional areas that deepen the sense of discovery.

Worldbuilding and storytelling tend to be environmental and item-based rather than explicit exposition, encouraging players to piece together lore from descriptions and context. Online components, including messages from other players, cooperative play, and PvP invasions, add social dimension to risk and reward.

Notable examples include Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Dark Souls II and III, and Bloodborne, all by FromSoftware. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is frequently discussed in the same category, though its combat emphasizes posture and timing over stamina management. Other titles such as The Surge, Nioh, and Salt and Sanctuary are often described as soulslikes or soulslike-adjacent.

Reception and influence: Soulslikes have been widely praised for their intricate world design, atmosphere, and purposeful challenge, while criticized for high difficulty and steep learning curves. The subgenre has influenced many developers to pursue challenging, systems-driven design across genres.