7 Best Soulslikes for Beginners in 2025 (Entry-Level Soulslike)

Soulslike games for beginners is a bit of an oxymoron because, let’s face it — they’re all so hard. Playing soulslike games can be a real challenge and it can get really frustrating when you are stuck at a certain boss for hours and even days sometimes, just because they seem impossible to beat. 

I distinctly remember being stuck on Tiger Vanguard in Black Myth Wukong for hours, only to leave it for the next day where I managed to beat it with such an ease that I thought I was a God gamer. Unfortunately, I came to realize that I was just tired and needed to step back and rest. 

And sometimes it’s just not that easy, sometimes you need more experience aka you’re going to struggle at the beginning no matter what. In order to do that, you’ll need to start somewhere, so here is a list of best soulslike games to start with.

Lies of P

Despite its appearance, Lies of P is surprisingly welcoming for new players. Yes, it has the dark aesthetic and tight combat you’d expect from a soulslike, but it also introduces features that help ease people into the genre. Things like a dodge you can upgrade, weapon combinations you can experiment with, and a steady difficulty curve make a difference.

The game doesn’t hold your hand, but it also doesn’t feel cheap or overwhelming. Bosses are tough, but not unreasonable, and you get enough tools to adjust your approach rather than just hitting a wall. It’s a good stepping stone into more traditional soulslikes,  enough challenge to teach you the ropes, but not designed to punish you for trying.

Also, this one is very similar to Elden Ring. And if you’re looking for more games like that — here’s a list.

Remnant: From the Ashes / Remnant II

Remnant shakes things up by adding guns into the soulslike formula. You’ve still got stamina, dodge rolls, tough enemies, and limited checkpoints, but combat leans more toward ranged shooting than melee. That one change makes it much more approachable—especially if you’re not used to the precise melee timing most soulslikes demand.

It’s also co-op friendly. You can play solo, but having the option to bring in friends makes a big difference when you’re learning the ropes. There’s a gear system, crafting, and some basic build flexibility, but none of it is too deep or complicated. The game wants you to improve, but it doesn’t try to break you to do it. So if it becomes too difficult, you can always call for a backup.

Mortal Shell

Mortal Shell is like a stripped-down Souls game that still hits the core beats but in a more focused way. It’s shorter, there are fewer weapons, fewer enemies, and not as much world to memorize. That actually works in its favor if you’re trying to get a feel for the genre without being overwhelmed by size or systems.

The twist here is the “shell” mechanic where you’re basically a ghost that can inhabit different warrior bodies, each with their own stats and playstyle. It’s a clever way to let you experiment with builds without diving deep into a complicated leveling system. Combat is slower and more deliberate, but it’s not too punishing if you’re learning.

It’s not easy, but it’s manageable, and it gives you a compact experience that teaches you the basics.

Steelrising

Steelrising is another soulslike that leans more accessible than brutal. Set in an alternate history French Revolution with mechanical enemies and automaton protagonists, the game brings a lot of familiar soulslike elements like stamina-based combat, dodge rolls, upgrades but dials the difficulty down just enough for newcomers to find their footing.

Combat is faster than most traditional soulslikes, and there’s even an Assist Mode that lets you tweak how much damage you take or how fast stamina recovers. It’s not something every player will use, but having it as an option makes the experience less frustrating and more customizable. Exploration is fairly straightforward, and while the world is dense, it’s not confusing.

Hellpoint

Hellpoint is one of the more underrated entries in the 3D soulslike scene, and while it’s not the most polished game out there, it’s still a decent entry point for beginners. The sci-fi horror setting gives it a different feel from the usual medieval vibes, and the combat offers a bit more breathing room compared to the more intense entries in the genre.

It’s got solid enemy variety, a clear sense of progression, and a level design that doesn’t constantly try to trip you up. It also has local and online co-op, which makes a big difference if you’re still learning. The difficulty is there, but it’s more manageable, and you’re not constantly punished for experimenting or making mistakes.

If you’re okay with a few rough edges and want something different from the usual grim fantasy world, Hellpoint isn’t a bad place to start.

Ashen

Ashen is a more laid-back take on the soulslike formula. It still has stamina-based combat, tough enemies, and a minimal UI, but it softens the edges just enough to be beginner-friendly. The art style is clean and understated, which actually helps make exploration and enemy tracking easier.

What makes it stand out for newcomers is the passive co-op system. Other players (or AI partners) can show up to help you out without much hassle, and that extra support can make early boss fights and exploration way less intimidating. There’s also a clearer sense of direction, so you’re not wandering in circles trying to figure out where to go next.

Code Vein

It’s one of the more approachable soulslikes out there. The core mechanics are all familiar: stamina management, punishing boss fights, methodical combat. But it gives players a lot more tools to work with, especially early on.

The biggest beginner-friendly feature is the AI companion system. You rarely have to go it alone, and the partner you bring can actually carry their weight in fights. There’s also a deep class system (called “Blood Codes”) that you can switch between on the fly, so you’re not locked into a single playstyle. That makes experimenting less risky and way more fun.

Final words of wisdom

Now, it’s important to remember that you’re stepping into the shadow realm. You’re bound to face challenges and you will struggle more than usual. Also, try to remember that it’s just a game and eventually, if you stick to it, you will get better.

Once you pass the learning curve, you’ll laugh at how far you got and how easy things got. In case you want me to make a general guide about how to get better at playing this type of game, let me know. I’ll make time out of my very busy schedule and do it for you.