The Verdict: For the closest thing to FromSoftware itself, play Lies of P. For the deepest combat, Nioh 2. And if you can run them, Bloodborne and Dark Souls III are still essential. The rest of this list covers every other itch Elden Ring left behind.
Few games leave a hole quite like Elden Ring. Once the credits roll on the Lands Between, its blend of open-world freedom, white-knuckle bosses and almost bottomless build crafting is genuinely hard to find anywhere else. The good news: while you wait to see what FromSoftware does next, there has never been a better time to be a fan of demanding, atmospheric action RPGs. We have gone deep on eight games that come closest to filling the gap. With notes on exactly what each one nails and where it falls short.
What makes a great Elden Ring alternative?
No game copies Elden Ring exactly, so the trick is to match the part you loved most. Was it the methodical, high-stakes combat where every swing matters? The intoxicating freedom to wander off and discover something terrifying? Or the slow-burn satisfaction of mastering a system that refuses to hold your hand? Each pick below leans toward one of those pillars, so read the caveats. The right choice depends entirely on what you are actually missing.
The 8 best games like Elden Ring
1. Lies of P
If you want the closest thing to a FromSoftware game made by someone else, start here. This 2023 soulslike reimagines Pinocchio in a plague-ravaged, Belle Époque city and it nails the fundamentals: deliberate combat, punishing-but-fair bosses and a weapon-assembly system that lets you bolt any blade onto any handle to build a playstyle that is genuinely your own. Perfect parries reward aggressive, precise play, while the Legion arm gadgets give you room to experiment. It is gorgeous and quietly unsettling throughout. The one caveat: it is linear rather than open-world, so it scratches the combat itch far more than the exploration one.
2. Lords of the Fallen (2023)
The 2023 reboot is the pick for players who specifically miss Elden Ring’s sense of place. Its hook is two interlocking worlds. One of the living, one of the dead. That you swap between on the fly to solve traversal puzzles and uncover hidden paths. The map is sprawling and interconnected in a way that rewards curiosity, and the build variety is excellent. It launched rough but has been heavily patched since. Go in expecting a slightly messier, more ambitious cousin to Elden Ring rather than a tighter one.
3. Nioh 2
For players who loved Elden Ring’s combat above everything else, Nioh 2 offers some of the deepest action in the entire genre. It is faster and far more technical than a FromSoftware game, built around weapon stances, ki (stamina) management, Burst Counters that punish enemy attacks and a yokai-shift that lets you flip a losing fight. On top sits an avalanche of loot that rewards constant tinkering, plus optional co-op for the rough patches. Be warned: it is mission-based rather than open-world, the systems are dense and the difficulty is relentless. It rewards mastery, not a gentle introduction.
4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware’s own 2019 masterpiece trades RPG stats for pure skill. There are no builds and no summons here: just you, a katana and a posture system that turns every duel into a lethal rhythm game of deflections. When it clicks, nothing else feels like it. The flip side is that there is no “level up and try again” safety net, so if Elden Ring’s flexibility was what kept you going, Sekiro’s single, demanding path may frustrate. For everyone else, it is one of the best action games ever made.
5. Bloodborne
FromSoftware’s 2015 gothic nightmare is still one of the best places to go after Elden Ring. Bloodborne ditches patient shield play for fast, aggressive combat and a “rally” system that lets you win health back by striking immediately after taking a hit, constantly pushing you onto the offensive. Yharnam is one of the most atmospheric settings ever built, and the Lovecraftian turn the story takes is unforgettable. The only catch is access: it is a PlayStation exclusive locked at 30 frames per second, which can feel dated straight after Elden Ring.
6. Dark Souls III
This is the game whose DNA you feel most directly in Elden Ring. Dark Souls III shares near-identical combat timing, stamina management and that incomparable rhythm of learning a boss one death at a time. It is tighter and more curated. Level-based rather than open-world, which many players actually prefer once the novelty of a giant map fades, and its interconnected areas are masterfully designed. Going back does sting in two ways: it looks dated next to Elden Ring, and with no jump button the movement feels stiff for the first hour. Build variety runs from heavy strength weapons to sorcery and miracles, and the two DLC chapters close out the entire Souls saga. If you came to Elden Ring late, this is the essential one to go back for.
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Not a soulslike at all, but if what you miss is getting lost in an enormous world stuffed with stories, few games deliver like Geralt’s swan song. The combat is lighter and more forgiving, the focus is on quests with real moral weight and characters you genuinely care about, and the sheer volume of hand-crafted content is staggering. It is also frequently on sale for under $10, making it one of the best-value RPGs you can buy. Come for a break from bosses, stay for one of the finest stories in games.
8. Dragon’s Dogma 2
If open-world freedom and emergent, physics-driven combat were Elden Ring’s draw, Dragon’s Dogma 2 scratches that itch beautifully. You climb onto giant monsters, fling spells that reshape the battlefield and roam a world that genuinely does not care whether you are ready. Your AI “Pawns” fill out the party and can be shared with other players. It is divisive. The deliberate pacing and lack of fast travel frustrate some, but for players who want a world that surprises them, it is unmatched right now.
Frequently asked questions
Is there anything exactly like Elden Ring?
No. Its specific mix of FromSoftware combat and a huge open world is one of a kind. Lies of P comes closest on feel and combat, while Dragon’s Dogma 2 comes closest on open-world freedom.
I’m new to soulslikes. Where should I start?
Lies of P is the most approachable polished soulslike, with fair bosses and clear systems. If you want the atmosphere without the brutal difficulty, The Witcher 3 lets you dial combat down and focus on the story.
Do I need to play the older Dark Souls games first?
Not at all. Each is a standalone story. Dark Souls III is a fantastic entry point if you want to experience the series Elden Ring grew out of.
The bottom line
Want the most Elden Ring-like experience overall? Lies of P. Crave deeper, faster combat? Nioh 2 or Sekiro. After more FromSoftware itself? Bloodborne and Dark Souls III are essential, platform permitting. And if you simply miss losing yourself in a giant world, The Witcher 3 and Dragon’s Dogma 2 have you covered. Looking for something to play with friends instead? Check out our guide to the best co-op games to play right now, or browse more hidden-gem recommendations. Which one is filling your Elden Ring-shaped hole, and did we leave anything off? Tell us in the comments.