Games Like Elden Ring: What to Play Next

If you want games like Elden Ring, start with Dark Souls III for the closest combat and world design, Bloodborne for faster gothic action, or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice for a demanding focus on parrying. For a different spin on exploration or difficulty, Lies of P, Hollow Knight, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 are also strong options.

What makes Elden Ring distinctive?

Elden Ring combines third-person action combat, stamina management, challenging bosses, character builds, and a large world that rewards exploration. Its Lands Between are mostly open to roam: you can find caves, ruins, optional bosses, equipment, and new routes without following a single fixed sequence. When a fight proves difficult, you can often explore elsewhere, improve your character, or try a different weapon or approach.

That blend matters when choosing a substitute. Some games share the precise, punishing combat but are more linear. Others offer exploration and role-playing choices but use different combat systems. No single recommendation reproduces every part of Elden Ring, so decide which feature you most want to keep.

Closest matches from FromSoftware

• Dark Souls III: A natural next choice for deliberate stamina-based combat, intricate level design, memorable boss encounters, and a dark fantasy setting. It is more linear than Elden Ring, and its areas connect through a more directed progression rather than a huge open world.
• Bloodborne: A good fit if you want the same demanding action in a gothic horror world, but with quicker fights. Its rally system lets you recover some recently lost health by attacking soon after taking damage, encouraging an aggressive style. It is a PlayStation exclusive, and its weapon and build options differ from Elden Ring.
• Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Choose this for intense sword fights built around deflecting attacks and breaking an opponent’s posture. It has exploration and formidable bosses, but it is not a build-driven role-playing game in the same way: you play a defined character, and combat rewards learning timing rather than switching freely among many weapon builds.
• Demon’s Souls: The 2020 remake is a polished entry point to the series’ earlier approach, with demanding encounters and distinct stages. Its structure is more stage-based than Elden Ring’s open world. The remake is available on PlayStation 5.

These games are made by FromSoftware, the studio behind Elden Ring. They share some design ideas, but they are not sequels to it and do not require you to know its story.

Other action RPGs with similar combat

Lies of P is a strong option outside FromSoftware. It offers precise third-person melee combat, difficult bosses, weapon customization, and a dark setting inspired by the story of Pinocchio. Its areas are more structured and linear than the Lands Between, and its combat has its own timing and systems, so expect a related feel rather than a copy.

Nioh 2 is another demanding action role-playing game, set in a supernatural version of Japan’s Sengoku period. It offers extensive equipment, character-building options, and fast combat with a stance system. Its mission-based progression and denser loot systems make it feel different from Elden Ring; it may appeal most if you want complex combat and build experimentation.

Monster Hunter: World is worth considering if what you enjoy most is learning enemy patterns and preparing for major fights. Its hunts center on large monsters, weapon mastery, and crafting gear from materials. It does not have the same interconnected fantasy world or Souls-style progression, but it rewards patience and practice in a comparable way.

For exploration, atmosphere, or a different perspective

Hollow Knight translates exploration and challenging combat into a 2D action-adventure. Its interconnected underground world gradually opens as you gain abilities, and bosses demand practice. It is not a 3D role-playing game, but it can satisfy players who love discovering hidden routes and piecing together an evocative setting.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a large fantasy world, real-time combat, and opportunities to tackle monsters with a party of AI-controlled companions called Pawns. It is a better match if open-world travel and fighting huge creatures matter more than reproducing Elden Ring’s precise boss design. Its combat and role-playing systems work differently, so approach it as an alternative rather than a Soulslike.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is another option if discovery and freedom are your priorities. It emphasizes exploration, puzzles, and creative use of tools, not Soulslike combat or the same level of difficulty. Platform availability varies across these recommendations; check the current store listing for your console or PC before buying.

How to choose the right game

• Want the closest overall feel? Try Dark Souls III, especially if you are comfortable giving up the open world.
• Want faster, aggressive fights? Consider Bloodborne, if you have access to a supported PlayStation system.
• Want to master a specific combat skill? Pick Sekiro for deflections and posture, or Nioh 2 for stances and equipment depth.
• Want another challenging, modern action RPG? Look at Lies of P.
• Want exploration more than matching combat? Try Hollow Knight for a 2D world or Dragon’s Dogma 2 for open-world party adventure.

Difficulty is not identical across these games, and a shared label like “Soulslike” does not guarantee the same experience. Check gameplay footage for the camera, pace, and combat style; also verify platform availability and accessibility options. If you mainly want a less frustrating time, remember that Elden Ring itself allows many ways to change your approach, including exploring, summoning help, and using different equipment. A tougher game is not automatically a closer match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What game is most similar to Elden Ring?
Dark Souls III is among the closest matches for combat, bosses, and dark fantasy, though its progression is more linear and it lacks Elden Ring’s open world.

Is Dark Souls harder than Elden Ring?
Difficulty depends on the player and the encounter. Elden Ring gives you an expansive world and many optional ways to prepare or change tactics; Dark Souls III is more directed, so you may have fewer places to go when stuck.

Is Sekiro like Elden Ring?
Both are challenging action games from FromSoftware, but Sekiro centers on deflecting attacks and posture. It has less emphasis on customizable character builds and weapon variety.

Which game like Elden Ring has an open world?
Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a fantasy open-world action RPG, while The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers broad exploration with very different combat and progression.

Can I play Bloodborne on PC or Xbox?
Bloodborne is a PlayStation exclusive; it is not officially available as a native PC or Xbox release. Check current platform listings for up-to-date availability.

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