The Soulslike genre isn’t slowing down as we head into 2026. What began with Demon’s Souls (though some would argue King’s Field) and was later refined by Dark Souls has grown into a global movement. Developers continue to take the formula of deliberate combat, oppressive atmosphere, and punishing but fair challenge into new directions. Next year, several promising titles are set to carry the torch, each with their own spin on what makes these games so addictive. If you crave that mix of tension, strategy, and triumph, there’s plenty worth keeping on your radar.
That said, not everything with a dark fantasy look or flashy combat system qualifies as a Soulslike. You won’t see Crimson Desert, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, or Phantom Blade Zero here. Stylish action RPGs, sure, but they don’t share the DNA that defines the genre, despite what some lists might claim.
What follows is a lineup of games that truly embrace the spirit of the Soulslike: titles that test your patience, reward your mastery, and might just become the next classics fans talk about for years to come.
Let’s go!
Mortal Shell 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
When Mortal Shell released, it felt like a breath of fresh air for the genre. The shell-swapping mechanic offered different playstyles, keeping combat varied even while staying close to Soulslike roots. With Mortal Shell 2, Cold Symmetry is taking bigger swings. Stamina management is gone, and good riddance. Combat now leans into faster, more aggressive play, with melee at the core but supported by firearms like shotguns, revolvers, and even a machine-gun crossbow. The mix instantly gave me Remnant: From the Ashes vibes, and that’s not a bad comparison. Finishers are also nastier, delivering stylish, gory executions that feel ripped out of Mortal Kombat.
The scale is bigger too, with around 60 dungeons, meaning more environments, more variety, and hopefully a healthy dose of bosses. Combined with the expanded combat, this sequel feels set to raise the bar across the board.
I played the heck out of the first game, loved the world Cold Symmetry built, and still remember jamming on the lute for a secret ending. I’m very much looking forward to the follow-up.
Developed by Cold Symmetry, Mortal Shell 2 doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s in development for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with more info expected as 2026 approaches.
Code Vein II (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Code Vein II marks the return of Bandai Namco’s “anime Soulslike,” following the cult success of the 2019 original. The sequel keeps the mix of punishing combat and dramatic anime-inspired storytelling, where players once again embody Revenants navigating a ruined world of bloodlust and tragedy. This time, Bandai Namco is promising expanded companion systems, deeper combat variety, and richer world-building.
Developed jointly by Bandai Namco Studios and Shift Inc., Code Vein II aims to evolve past its predecessor. The original built a loyal fanbase thanks to its style and narrative, even if its execution wasn’t flawless. With modern hardware and lessons learned, expectations are higher this time around.
The game was revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025 and later confirmed at Tokyo Game Show 2025 to launch on January 30, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Nioh 3 (PS5, PC)
Nioh 3 continues Team Ninja’s acclaimed series, known for blistering difficulty, loot-driven progression, and fast-paced combat rooted in supernatural Japanese history. I honestly thought Nioh 2 might have been the finale, but I was wrong. This time, players step into the Sengoku period as Tokugawa Takechiyo, charting his rise toward becoming Shogun.
The sequel introduces two playstyles. Samurai style will feel familiar: three weapon stances, Ki management, and the return of Ki Pulse, plus a new parry system and Arts Proficiency gauge that lets you unleash devastating attacks. Ninja style, meanwhile, is all about speed and evasion, with aerial moves, ranged tools, and the Mist ability for creating clones and counterattacks. The two styles don’t share equipment, but you can freely swap between them for dynamic combat. Guardian spirits, Soul Cores, and skills also return to anchor the gameplay in that signature Nioh flavor.
I didn’t get hands-on with the Alpha Demo, but impressions from those who did were mostly positive. Team Ninja has said they’re listening closely to feedback, which is a good sign that the final product will be polished.
Developed by Team Ninja, Nioh 3 will be as punishing and rewarding as ever. It launches February 6, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC.
Duskbloods (Switch 2)
Duskbloods is a brand-new IP from FromSoftware, the studio that defined the Soulslike genre itself. Exclusive to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, it immediately stands out as one of the system’s most ambitious titles. Set in a gothic-inspired world drenched in shadow, the game promises a mix of fast-paced melee combat, nightmarish enemies, and a dark narrative about surviving a curse-ridden land. Early comparisons to Bloodborne suggest it could be a spiritual successor.
What makes Duskbloods especially interesting is its focus on players battling each other and the environment, rather than just a story-driven single-player structure. It’s a bold move the studio hasn’t really attempted before, unless you count the Old Monk fight from Demon’s Souls. Honestly, outside of it being a Switch 2 exclusive, I’m eager to see how FromSoftware handles the shift. After Elden Ring: Nightreign proved how strong their online-only approach could be, expectations for Duskbloods are high. My only concern is performance on Nintendo’s hardware.
With FromSoftware’s pedigree across Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring, anticipation is sky-high. Duskbloods doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s scheduled for 2026 exclusively on the Switch 2, making it one of the console’s most important upcoming games.
Lords of the Fallen 2 (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
If there’s one game trying to turn past stumbles into a true comeback, it’s Lords of the Fallen 2. After this year’s V2.0 overhaul showed just how much Hexworks and CI Games were willing to listen, this sequel feels like the fresh start the series needed. Set a hundred years later, the world is darker and the Umbral realm more twisted than ever.
I enjoyed the first game, even if technical issues plagued its honeymoon period that lasted close to seven months. What stuck with me was the co-op, the Umbral world’s unique spin on the formula, and some solid boss fights. Lords of the Fallen 2 looks like it’s doubling down: the Umbral Lamp returns, the shadow realm is more dangerous and unpredictable, and combat is faster, bloodier, and more punishing. Every execution hits harder, and every fight feels more decisive.
If the original flirted with potential, this sequel looks ready to stand alongside the genre’s heavy hitters. I can’t wait to dive back into the Umbral and see if Hexworks can finally deliver on that promise.
Soulframe (PC)
Soulframe, not to be confused with Soulframe Liang from S-Games (Phantom Blade Zero), is the next big project from Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe. Unlike its sci-fi predecessor, Soulframe trades space ninjas for a nature-driven medieval fantasy world. Combat is slower and more deliberate, focusing on weighty melee battles and open-world exploration.
Digital Extremes aims to blend MMO-style shared spaces with Soulslike combat, creating a hybrid of player expression, cooperation, and punishing challenges. It’s ambitious, but with their track record, it could work.
Announced in 2022, Soulframe was originally targeted for 2025, but delays make 2026 likely. It’s being developed for PC first, with console versions expected later. Details are still thin, but anticipation is high given Digital Extremes’ history with live service success.
V.E.D.A: The Awakening of Souls (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
V.E.D.A: The Awakening of Souls is one of the more intriguing projects on the horizon. Players awaken with no memories inside a simulation created by an AI called V.E.D.A and are thrown straight into brutal combat trials. A memory-wiped warrior forced to survive a deadly simulator? That concept alone is enough to grab attention. Adding roguelike elements and procedurally generated dungeons could either add variety or stir debate among purists.
Developed by South Korean studio Tripearl Games, V.E.D.A is the team’s debut project. New studios tackling ambitious Soulslikes might make some hesitant, but history shows fresh blood can deliver surprises. That alone makes this worth watching.
First revealed in 2024, footage so far looks a little rough, possibly by design. Until we see more, it’s hard to say where Tripearl is steering it. There’s no release date yet, but it’s confirmed for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam).
Valor Mortis (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Valor Mortis might be one of the boldest Soulslikes coming in 2026. From One More Level, the team behind Ghostrunner, it drops players into a plague-ridden, war-torn 19th-century Europe during the Napoleonic wars. You don’t watch events unfold, you live them in first person.
I had the chance to play it at PAX West 2025, and while it took some getting used to, the first-person perspective eventually clicked. Parries and finishers feel brutal, boss fights hit harder when you’re right in the thick of them, and the horror-tinged atmosphere is effective. One More Level has said it isn’t aiming to please everyone, and I respect that. The blend of horror, Metroidvania-style exploration, and punishing combat feels unique.
A demo is on the way soon, so you’ll get a chance to try it yourself. It may not win over every fan, but Valor Mortis has the potential to stand out as one of the boldest Soulslikes of 2026.
If you’re looking forward to Soulslikes in 2026, I’ve named more than a few worth your attention. While there may be others on the horizon, these are the ones that stood out to me. And if you think there’s a game I missed, let me know — I’m always on the hunt for the next great challenge.
