Hollow Knight captured the hearts of fans all over the world when it released in 2017, and the fact that the buzz surrounding this title is still strong to this day is a testament to just how brilliant the Metroidvania really is. In fact, one of the major reasons why Hollow Knight has garnered so much attention is that it's also a Soulslike.
Hollow Knight's gameplay is just as gripping as anything in Dark Souls– if not more so– but there are plenty of Soulslikes that outdo the 2017 indie. So, when one talks about the best Soulslikes to have ever released, Hollow Knight is definitely a part of this conversation... along with five other titles that may just be better than this amazing game.
10 BEST SOULSLIKE: Infectious Charm
The first thing that most people will notice about Hollow Knight is its deceptively charming art style. The insects in the world of Hollow Knight are anything but scary, and almost make players feel warm and cozy... until they've been beaten within an inch of their life, that is.
9 BETTER TITLE: Blasphemous
A Metroidvania Soulslike that has perhaps one of the most intriguing settings on this list, Blasphemous is easily one of the more enjoyable games for anyone who's interested in the Souls games.
One of the biggest selling points of Blasphemous is its setting, which is as interesting as can be, lifting heavily from Spanish folklore. The religious motifs and allegories present make for a truly entertaining experience indeed.
8 BEST SOULSLIKE: Combat Never Gets Old
Hollow Knight has some truly engaging combat that makes players feel a well-deserved sense of accomplishment whenever they manage to deal with a seemingly impossible threat. The combat system is incredibly tight, and players who fall in battle do so truly out of their own mistakes, and not because of any dirty tricks the game might be pulling on them.
7 BETTER TITLE: Salt & Sanctuary
When it comes to a Metroidvania title that truly feels like a Soulslike, nothing comes close to the gameplay of Salt & Sanctuary. It's a brilliant title that truly channels everything that made Dark Souls such a massive hit, converting these mechanics to work in a 2D format that feels as natural — and challenging — as it can be.
6 BEST SOULSLIKE: Characters Are The Heart Of The Game
The charm of Hollow Knight is something that has already been discussed in detail, and this charm is what makes most of the characters in Hollow Knight feel as fleshed out and endearing as can be. Interacting with any of the numerous NPCs present all across the world of Hollow Knight is always a highlight of the game, and adds moments of levity to an experience that is generally quite nerve-wracking.
5 BETTER TITLE: Dead Cells
Dead Cells has never gotten the credit it deserves, but's an incredibly fast paced game with some of the best combat in the genre. On its own merit, Dead Cells is a roguelike unlike any other and a must-play for anyone even remotely interested in 2D Soulslikes.
4 BEST SOULSLIKE: Expansive Exploration
Most good Metroidvanias thrive on satisfying players out of the mere act of exploration itself, and Hollow Knight is no exception to this golden rule. Exploring every nook and cranny of this intriguing world is a marvelous experience and something that no self-respecting fan of good Metroidvanias should miss out on.
3 BETTER TITLE: Mortal Shell
One of the more recent Soulslikes to have come out is also considered by many to be one of the greatest Soulslikes as well, which is a testament to the sheer quality present in Mortal Shell.
Players who wish to enjoy a game that elicits the same feelings one experienced while playing Dark Souls will find it in their best interests to give this game a shot. After all, the exploration, combat, and lore of Mortal Shell hit the same notes as From Software's masterpiece.
2 BEST SOULSLIKE: A One-Of-A-Kind Experience
From the world design to the boss fight and atmosphere, there's no game quite like Hollow Knight. The Metroidvania has left an impact on the gaming industry in a mere short years, influencing indies everywhere to step up their game while also masterfully blending Soulslike mechanics into a dense Metroidvania setting. Hollow Knight appeals to fans of RPGs, action games, and large scale adventures alike. It's a game unlike any other.
1 BETTER TITLE: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
There's no denying that Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the definitive game to play for anyone who wants to scratch their Soulsborne itch. The deflection mechanic, stealth, ninja tools, and a host of other combat moves have contributed to Sekiro being perhaps the most dynamic From Software game around, with entire combat scenarios completely altered at the drop of a hat with the player's actions.