The Soulslike Boom: Why Gamers Love the Pain
The Soulslike genre has carved out a brutal yet beloved niche in gaming. Defined by punishing difficulty, intricate level design, and deep, rewarding combat, these games challenge players in ways few others dare. FromSoftware’s Dark Souls series didn’t just redefine action RPGs—it birthed an entire subgenre that has influenced countless titles. But what is it about these unforgiving experiences that keep gamers coming back for more?
The Birth of the Soulslike Genre
Before Dark Souls (2011), FromSoftware had already experimented with the core mechanics of the genre in Demon’s Souls (2009). But it was Dark Souls that truly ignited the movement, with its interconnected world, cryptic storytelling, and relentless difficulty. Bloodborne (2015) introduced a faster, more aggressive combat style, while Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) pushed players toward mastering precise parries and counterattacks. The release of Elden Ring (2022) took the formula to new heights, blending open-world exploration with the classic Soulslike challenge.
Outside of FromSoftware, the genre has inspired numerous developers to craft their own punishing experiences. Games like Nioh, Lies of P, Hollow Knight, and Mortal Shell have taken the Soulslike blueprint and put their own unique spin on it, proving that the appetite for brutal but fair gameplay remains strong.
Why Do Gamers Love the Pain?
1. The Thrill of Overcoming Adversity
Soulslike games are designed to test players, but they never feel unfair. Every death is a lesson, encouraging mastery rather than frustration. The feeling of finally defeating a seemingly impossible boss after dozens of attempts creates a rush that few other genres can match.
2. Deep and Rewarding Combat
Combat in Soulslike games is deliberate and strategic. Every swing, dodge and parry matters. Unlike hack-and-slash titles, where button-mashing can carry players through, Soulslike games demand patience and precision, making every victory feel earned.
3. Immersive and Mysterious Worlds
FromSoftware is known for its deep, atmospheric world-building. Rather than spoon-feeding lore, these games encourage players to piece together the story through item descriptions, cryptic NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling. This sense of discovery adds to the immersion, making the worlds feel rich, alive and incredibly immersive.
4. A Sense of Community
Because of their difficulty, Soulslike games have fostered passionate online communities where players share strategies, theories, deep dives and triumphs. The built-in multiplayer mechanics, such as summoning allies for co-op or invading others for PvP, create a unique social experience that blends competition and camaraderie. I mean what brings people together more than a shared trauma and challenge?
5. The Evolution of Challenge in Gaming
Many modern games have become more accessible, with difficulty settings and generous checkpoints that helps hold the player's hand through those more difficult stages. Soulslikes offer a stark contrast, appealing to those who miss the days when games were designed to challenge you, and put a focus on developing your skills. This return to old-school difficulty resonates with gamers who seek a true test of skill and enjoys a game style that punishes rather than holds your hand.
The Future of the Soulslike Genre
With Elden Ring’s massive success and games like Lies of P proving that the formula can be adapted in fresh ways, the Soulslike genre is far from fading. Developers continue to experiment with difficulty, storytelling, and combat mechanics, ensuring that this punishing but rewarding style of gaming remains a staple in the industry.
Ultimately, gamers love Soulslikes because they remind us why we play games in the first place—not just to be entertained, but to be challenged, to grow, and to experience the unmatched satisfaction of victory against overwhelming odds.