Beyond the Elden Ring: Top Souls-Like Games for Your TV That Aren't FromSoftware

The Souls-like genre has forged its own legend, carving out a niche for players who crave punishing difficulty and unparalleled satisfaction. While FromSoftware remains the undisputed king, a new wave of challengers offers incredible, unique experiences perfect for your next gaming marathon on the big screen. Forget just Dark Souls; it’s time to explore the wider world of high-stakes action RPGs.

We’re diving deep into the titles that capture that familiar, exhilarating Souls-like vibe while daring to innovate. These are the games that demand your focus, reward your perseverance, and look absolutely stunning on your high-definition TV. Prepare your ultimate gaming setup for some serious controller-testing action.

Here are some of the best non-FromSoftware Souls-like games to add to your TV gaming queue:

Lies of P: This acclaimed title masterfully blends precise combat and intricate level design with a dark, reimagined Pinocchio narrative. Many critics hail it as a genuine peer to the genre’s titans, delivering a truly cinematic and challenging experience for your home entertainment system.
Nioh 3: Team Ninja takes the Souls-like blueprint and amps it up with deep loot systems and complex combat stances. Its lightning-fast action and vast build variety make it a mechanically rich adventure, perfect for dedicated players looking for a deep dive on their console or PC setup.
The Surge 2: Craving sci-fi instead of medieval fantasy? The Surge 2 delivers brutal Souls-like combat in a dystopian future. Its signature targeted limb attacks allow for tactical dismemberment and equipment harvesting, a fresh twist for your next immersive sci-fi gaming session.
Salt and Sanctuary: Often hailed as a 2D Dark Souls, this gem flawlessly translates the formula into a side-scrolling action RPG. Expect challenging bosses, diverse character builds, and extensive exploration, proving that epic Souls-like experiences aren’t limited to 3D.
Remnant II: This title boldly merges Souls-like difficulty with third-person shooting mechanics. With procedurally generated elements, robust co-op support, and highly varied worlds, it offers a unique blend of gunplay and grit that stands out on any gaming display.
Mortal Shell: Though smaller in scope, Mortal Shell introduces the brilliant “harden” mechanic, letting players temporarily turn to stone mid-combat. This clever twist creates a distinctive tactical rhythm, offering a fresh take on the classic Souls-like struggle.
Code Vein 2: Affectionately dubbed “anime Dark Souls,” Code Vein 2 combines demanding combat with a post-apocalyptic aesthetic and extensive customization. Its unique companion system makes the journey a bit more approachable for those new to the genre’s intensity.
Blasphemous 2: Dive into a world steeped in gothic horror and Spanish religious imagery with this Metroidvania-Souls-like hybrid. Its haunting art style and punishing encounters create an unforgettable, visually striking experience for your gaming setup.
Another Crab’s Treasure: Don’t let the vibrant, cartoonish underwater setting fool you; this game offers surprisingly tough Souls-like combat. Its ingenious use of discarded ocean trash as customizable equipment gives it a truly memorable identity and a quirky charm on screen.
Lords of the Fallen (2023): The reboot dramatically elevated the series with an innovative dual-world mechanic. Players seamlessly shift between the living realm and the land of the dead, adding layers of strategy to both exploration and combat, offering stunning visuals on modern TVs.
Ashen: Featuring a minimalist, almost cel-shaded visual style, Ashen distinguishes itself while retaining challenging combat and exploration. Its focus on cooperative play and distinct art direction make it a standout for those looking for a different aesthetic.
Death’s Gambit: Afterlife: Following a significant overhaul, Death’s Gambit: Afterlife emerged as a top-tier 2D Souls-like. It combines demanding boss fights with deep RPG progression and a vast, interconnected world, delivering a satisfying challenge on any TV.
Hollow Knight: While a Metroidvania at its heart, Hollow Knight borrows heavily from the Souls formula, offering challenging combat, environmental storytelling, and familiar death mechanics. Its sprawling world and iconic bosses make it a beloved classic.
No Rest for the Wicked: From the creators of Ori, this upcoming title blends Souls-like combat with action RPG depth and stunning world-building. Expect deliberate pacing and a strong emphasis on skill-based encounters, promising an intense visual feast for your screen.
Asterigos: Curse of the Stars: Offering a more accessible entry point to the Souls-like formula, Asterigos still delivers challenging combat and exploration. Its unique Greek and Roman mythology-inspired setting provides a refreshing visual departure from typical dark fantasy.

The Nerd Bureau Take:
The Souls-like landscape has never been richer. These titles prove that FromSoftware’s formula is a launchpad, not a limitation. From sci-fi limb harvesting to anime aesthetics and even underwater crab adventures, the innovation is astounding. So, fire up your TV, dim the lights, and prepare for some truly epic, controller-testing experiences that go way beyond the Lands Between. The challenge awaits, and it’s looking spectacular in 4K.