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All FromSoftware Souls games ranked

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - October 5th 2024, 13:00 GMT+2

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we decided to focus on the *Souls-like* games from the company, so you won’t see titles like *Armored Core VI*. Also, while some games may be better than others, we believe this depends on the type of player, so we focused on a general and majority view to rank the games.

And remember, this is a subjective list! If you think the ranking order should be different, why not leave us a comment? | © FromSoftware

Cropped Dark Souls 2 — 7. Dark Souls II (2014)

Often considered the black sheep of the series, *Dark Souls II* is a polarizing entry. While it introduces some interesting mechanics—like dual-wielding and more flexible stat allocation—it lacks the tight world design that made the first *Dark Souls* so iconic.

The areas feel disconnected, and the bosses, while numerous, don’t quite reach the memorable heights of the other games. That said, *Dark Souls II* is still a solid game in its own right, with challenging gameplay and a deep sense of discovery. It just doesn’t quite live up to the legacy of its predecessor. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Demons Souls — 6. Demon's Souls (2009)

The game that started it all, *Demon’s Souls* laid the groundwork for everything FromSoftware would build on in the years to come. Its tight combat, eerie atmosphere, and unique world tendency mechanic were ahead of their time. The recent 2020 remake brought the game’s stunning visuals up to modern standards, making it a jaw-dropping experience for new and old players alike.

However, the original game’s somewhat clunky mechanics are still present, making certain sections feel dated in comparison to later entries. Despite this, *Demon’s Souls* remains a foundational title that introduced players to the joys (and frustrations) of *Souls* games. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Dark Souls 1 — 5. Dark Souls (2011)

The game that solidified *Souls-like* as a genre, *Dark Souls* is an iconic experience known for its intricately designed world, where every location feels connected and purposeful. The sense of achievement from overcoming its brutal difficulty and uncovering its cryptic lore is unparalleled. Its slow, methodical combat allows for a deeply strategic approach, but its punishing nature can make it hard for newcomers to grasp.

And while it’s a classic, some areas—like the notoriously clunky Blighttown—suffer from technical hiccups. Despite these small flaws, *Dark Souls* remains a landmark title that set the standard for difficult, rewarding gameplay. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Dark Souls 3 — 4. Dark Souls III (2016)

As the culmination of the *Dark Souls* trilogy, *Dark Souls III* expertly refines what worked in its predecessors, offering some of the most visually stunning and thematically rich environments in the series. The combat is faster and more fluid, clearly taking cues from *Bloodborne*, yet it retains the weighty strategy that *Souls* fans love.

While *Dark Souls III* is polished and offers some of the best boss fights in the series, it doesn’t quite have the groundbreaking impact of the original. Additionally, certain areas—like the dreaded Irithyll Dungeon—can feel punishing without adding much to the overall experience. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Sekiro — 3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

While technically not a *Souls* game, *Sekiro* carries the DNA of FromSoftware’s previous titles, with its brutal difficulty and atmospheric world design. The major difference lies in its combat, which is far more focused on precision and timing than the stat-based RPG mechanics of *Dark Souls*.

Sekiro’s emphasis on parrying and countering adds a new layer of intensity, but it can feel unforgiving for those accustomed to the flexibility of *Souls* builds. The story is more direct than other FromSoftware games, making it more accessible, but the lack of customization in playstyle may turn off some fans. Despite that, *Sekiro* stands tall as an exhilarating test of skill. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Bloodborne — 2. Bloodborne (2015)

*Bloodborne* flips the typical *Souls* formula on its head with faster, more aggressive combat, pushing players to stay on the offensive rather than relying on shields or heavy defense. Its gothic horror setting, dripping with Lovecraftian dread, is both haunting and beautiful, making the game a visual and narrative standout.

The fast-paced combat might alienate fans of the slower, more deliberate battles found in *Dark Souls*, but it is a welcoming change for sure. The game’s lore is as elusive as ever, but for those willing to dive into the madness, it’s deeply satisfying. While some technical issues, like frame pacing, exist, the adrenaline-fueled gameplay makes *Bloodborne* an unforgettable ride. | © FromSoftware

Cropped Elden Ring — 1. Elden Ring (2022)

FromSoftware’s most ambitious title yet, *Elden Ring* takes the *Souls* formula to an expansive open world, offering an unprecedented level of freedom and exploration. Its sprawling landscapes are filled with hidden dungeons, intricate lore (thanks in part to George R.R. Martin), and unforgettable boss fights that challenge even the most seasoned players.

However, the sheer size of the world can be overwhelming, and the difficulty spikes can catch you off guard as you wander into areas far beyond your level. Still, it’s a masterpiece that rewards curiosity and persistence in ways that redefine the genre. | © FromSoftware

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FromSoftware’s Souls games have redefined the action-RPG genre, offering players brutal difficulty, deep lore, and unforgettable worlds. With each release, the studio has refined and expanded on its signature formula, creating some of the most beloved and challenging games in modern gaming.

In this article, we’ll rank all the Souls games, from Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring, based on their impact, innovation, and fan appeal. Prepare to enter the fog—let’s see which one stands as the ultimate test of skill!

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FromSoftware’s Souls games have redefined the action-RPG genre, offering players brutal difficulty, deep lore, and unforgettable worlds. With each release, the studio has refined and expanded on its signature formula, creating some of the most beloved and challenging games in modern gaming.

In this article, we’ll rank all the Souls games, from Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring, based on their impact, innovation, and fan appeal. Prepare to enter the fog—let’s see which one stands as the ultimate test of skill!