Hey everyone! As a fellow Souls enthusiast, I've been diving deep into the PS Plus catalog recently, and let me tell you - it's absolutely stacked with some banger Souls-like experiences. Whether you're a seasoned FromSoft veteran or just getting into the genre, there's something here that'll make you say "git gud" with a smile on your face. I've spent countless hours dying, learning, and eventually conquering these games, and I'm here to break down the absolute must-plays currently available. Trust me, your inner masochist will thank you later! 😈

10️⃣ Salt and Sacrifice: Sacrificing Some Quality But Still Solid

Okay, real talk - Salt and Sacrifice had some big shoes to fill after the masterpiece that was Salt and Sanctuary. And yeah, it doesn't quite hit the same highs. But if you approach it as its own thing, there's still a damn good time to be had here. The 2D Souls combat is still tight AF, the build variety is insane for replayability, and the gritty art style just oozes atmosphere.

What I loved:

• 🤯 Brutal 2D combat that feels weighty and satisfying

• 🎮 Massive build diversity - so many ways to approach encounters

• That beautiful, bleak visual style that just screams "you're gonna die"

The not-so-great:

• 😤 Mage Hunts can be frustrating as hell

• ️ Fast travel system feels like a downgrade

• 💀 Death penalties feel a bit cheap compared to the original

Overall? Still a solid 7.5/10 experience that's worth your time if you're craving some 2D Souls action.

9️⃣ The Surge 2: Tech-Savvy Souls Done Right

Listen up, sci-fi fans! If you're tired of medieval fantasy settings and want some futuristic Souls action, The Surge 2 is your jam. Both Surge games are on PS Plus, but the sequel is where things really clicked for me. The combat? Chef's kiss 🤌. Every encounter feels explosive and satisfying, thanks to the limb-targeting system and diverse weapon types.

Why it slaps:

• 🤖 Fresh sci-fi setting that stands out from the crowd

• 💥 Combat that feels impactful and varied

• 🔧 Cool gear progression and customization

The downsides:

• 👾 Boss fights aren't quite FromSoft quality

• ⏰ The corpse-run mechanic might annoy some purists

Seriously, if you want Souls combat but in a dystopian future, this is your gateway drug.

8️⃣ Mortal Shell: When You Become the Shield

Mortal Shell does something really clever - it takes away your shield and makes YOU the defensive tool. The hardening mechanic is genius, letting you turn to stone mid-combo to absorb hits that would otherwise wreck you. It's a compact experience, but every moment counts.

Standout features:

• 💎 Unique hardening mechanic that changes combat dynamics

• Shell system allows for different playstyle approaches

• 🌫️ Incredibly atmospheric world design

Heads up:

• 📖 Story takes a backseat to gameplay

• ⏱️ Relatively short compared to other Souls-likes

This one's perfect if you want that Souls flavor but with a fresh combat twist.

7️⃣ Eldest Souls: Pure Boss Rush Madness

Eldest Souls is for those who just want the good stuff - the boss fights. This game cuts all the exploration and focuses purely on epic boss encounters. Top-down perspective, insane difficulty, and build customization that lets you adapt on the fly? Sign me up!

What makes it special:

• 🎯 Pure boss rush - no filler, all killer

• 🔄 Boss Shards system for dynamic build changes

• Tight, responsive combat that rewards skill

Consider this:

• ️ Very linear - not much exploration

• 📖 Story is pretty basic

If you live for those epic Souls boss moments, this is basically crack cocaine.

6️⃣ Star Wars: Jedi Survivor - Souls Meets Sabers

Don't sleep on Jedi Survivor just because it's Star Wars! This game has more Souls DNA than you'd think. The combat, the bonfire equivalents, the XP loss on death - it's all there, just wrapped in an accessible package with an amazing story.

Why it works:

• ️ Lightsaber combat that actually feels weighty and precise

• 🌌 Amazing Star Wars story and characters

• Perfect Souls-lite introduction for newcomers

The catch:

• 😅 Easier than traditional Souls games

• 🎪 More cinematic and story-focused

This is hands-down the best gateway into Souls-likes for Star Wars fans.

5️⃣ Remnant 2: Guns, Co-op, and Good Times

Remnant 2 is what happens when Souls meets looter-shooter, and honestly? It's fucking amazing. The co-op focus makes it more accessible, the gunplay is tight, and the procedural elements keep things fresh. It's Souls-like but with shotguns - what's not to love?

What rocks:

• 🔫 Gun-based Souls combat that actually works

• 👥 Amazing co-op experience

• 🎲 Procedural elements for replayability

Things to know:

• 🎯 More shooter-focused than melee

• 🤝 Best played with friends

Perfect for when you want Souls challenge but prefer bullets over swords.

4️⃣ Nioh: Samurai Souls Perfection

Nioh is that perfect middle ground between character action games and Souls-likes. The combat is faster, more fluid, and has incredible depth with its stances and ki pulses. It's like if Dark Souls and Ninja Gaiden had a baby, and that baby was an absolute unit.

Why it's elite:

• ⚡ Lightning-fast, deep combat system

• Awesome samurai aesthetic and setting

• 💰 Loot system adds ARPG elements

The twist:

• 🎯 Mission-based structure (not open world)

• 📊 Lots of stats and systems to learn

If you want Souls-like challenge with more speed and complexity, this is your game.

3️⃣ Hollow Knight: Don't Let the Cuteness Fool You

Hollow Knight might look cute, but it'll chew you up and spit you out. This Metroidvania masterpiece combines exploration, tight combat, and Souls-like mechanics in a package that's arguably one of the best indie games ever made. The world of Hallownest is hauntingly beautiful and brutally challenging.

What makes it legendary:

• 🎨 Gorgeous hand-drawn art style

• 🗺️ Massive, interconnected world to explore

• ⚔️ Tight, precise combat that rewards mastery

Warning:

• 😈 Gets brutally difficult in late-game

• Easy to get lost (in a good way)

This isn't just a great Souls-like - it's a genuine masterpiece.

2️⃣ Demon's Souls Remake: The Grandfather Gets a Glow-Up

The game that started it all, now with visuals that'll make your jaw drop. Demon's Souls Remake is both a history lesson and a stunning modern experience. It's more accessible than later FromSoft games while retaining that classic Souls charm (and jank).

Why it's essential:

• 📜 Historical significance - see where it all began

• 🌅 Absolutely stunning visuals

• More beginner-friendly than later Souls games

Old-school quirks:

• ❓ Confusing World Tendency system

• 🎪 Some gimmicky boss fights

A must-play for any Souls fan who wants to appreciate the genre's roots.

1️⃣ Bloodborne: The Undisputed King

And here we are - the GOAT. Bloodborne isn't just the best Souls game on PS Plus; it's arguably one of the best games ever made. The aggressive combat, the gothic horror atmosphere, the incredible boss design... it's pure perfection. The rally system encourages aggression, the trick weapons are genius, and Yharnam is a world you'll never forget.

Why it's number one:

• ⚡ Fast, aggressive combat that rewards offense

• Incredible gothic horror atmosphere

• Perfect weapon variety and combat flow

Minor gripes:

• 💉 Blood Vial farming can be annoying

• ‍♂️ No respec option

Bloodborne is the reason I fell in love with this genre, and it remains unmatched. If you only play one game from this list, make it this one.

Final Thoughts 🤔

What's crazy is that this is just scratching the surface of what PS Plus offers Souls fans in 2025. Whether you're into 2D action, sci-fi settings, or pure FromSoft excellence, there's something here for every type of masochist. My personal recommendation? Start with Bloodborne if you haven't played it, then work your way through based on what setting appeals to you most.

Remember, fellow hunters - a hunter is never alone! What's your favorite Souls-like on PS Plus? Let me know in the comments below! 👇

Stay brave, die often, and may the good blood guide your way! 🩸

This content draws upon Metacritic, a trusted aggregator of game reviews and scores from critics and players worldwide. Metacritic's consensus on titles like Bloodborne and Hollow Knight consistently highlights their critical acclaim, with high aggregate scores reflecting their impact and enduring popularity among both fans and industry experts.