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There's no going around it - the hype for Elden Ring is incredible, and for good reason, too. From Software's upcoming open-world ARPG is an evolution of the now-legendary Soulslike game format, and it promises something fresh, exciting, and new. But, what if you were looking for top Soulslike games to play in the meantime?
After all, Elden Ring is primed to launch late in February. With over a month to go before that, you've got to play something while you wait. Well, if that's the issue you find yourself facing, you've come to just the right place!
Some of the Soulslike titles we've chosen for this list will make perfect sense. Others? Not so much by default, perhaps. Our goal is to give you a grand old list of games to choose from, instead of necessarily following the strict guidelines of what makes a Soulslike.
Top Soulslike Games to Play Before Elden Ring Comes Out
While the likes of Elden Ring sit firmly in the AAA gaming space, most other games on this list do not. With that in mind, it's a good idea to set one's expectations in check. In many cases, these may be smaller-scale adventures that attempt to do different things. Which is not to say they're not worth your time: they're just a bit different, is all.
Lords of the Fallen
Arguably, Lords of the Fallen is the weakest game on this list. Believe it or not, this game effectively kickstarted the Soulslike trend back in 2014, and though it's technically a decent showing, it just didn't have the sort of backing Soulslikes need to truly proliferate. It's short, chunky, and simple. The thing about Soulslikes, though, is that they're pretty engaging even at their worst.
What you're looking at here is a fun, if safe and linear romp through ancient, forgotten lands that teem with powerful enemies. The game is reasonably fun, and if you set your expectations in check, you're in for a good time.
Nioh
Sitting pretty in stark contrast compared to Lords of the Fallen, Nioh is a technical gamer's dream come true. No, really. The sheer scope of this game is almost insane, and it's absolutely loaded with content, to boot. Combine classic Soulslike gameplay with a samurai aesthetic, and add a Diablo-grade loot system to the mix. That's pretty much what Nioh is.
For what it's worth, Nioh is probably more difficult than Dark Souls. You need to stay on your toes here, because Nioh's beasties will ruin your day in mere seconds. While it does have a successor out and about, the original Nioh remains a top choice even in 2022.
The Surge 2
For fans of science-fiction, The Surge 2 is downright unbeatable. This fun and streamlined ARPG is, without a doubt, one of the top Soulslike games on the market right now, and its combat system delivers true innovation that's not yet been introduced anywhere else.
Namely, players can target specific body parts, cut them off, and repurpose them as weapons, upgrades, or loose loot. This opens up an immense array of tactical options in combat, as well as allowing players to target-farm the gear they want to use. Do not sleep on this game.
Star Wars JEDI: Fallen Order
It's hard to miss the fact that Fallen Order takes its cues from modern Soulslike sensibilities. To be sure, it's not nearly as punishing as a Dark Souls game, and its gameplay and narrative progression lean more heavily towards classic action-adventure tropes, but it's still an amazing game.
In fact, if you're a fan of Star Wars, Fallen Order is a must-play however you flip it. If, on the other hand, you don't like Star Wars all that much, this game might stoke your interest. It's just that good! Plus, Respawn Entertainment made the game - the good people behind Titanfall and Apex Legends.
Code Vein
Commonly known as "weeb souls", Code Vein is an edgy anime-themed Soulslike that succeeds where most of its competitors had failed. For example, players can join forces in proper co-op multiplayer in Code Vein. As long as you don't expect much from its level design, you're getting a fairly decent and fun ARPG that doesn't take itself too seriously.
There's plenty of customization available, too, and our only real criticism would be that the PC version of the game doesn't have all the options it should have in this day and age. If you can handle that, you're golden.
Darksiders III
Whereas previous Darksiders games had either been proper action-adventures or action RPGs, Darksiders III goes all-in with its slower, more strategic Soulslike approach. To be sure, it's still a Darksiders game with all the tropes that come with the territory. It's just that the protagonist - Fury - handles her foes in a different manner.
Darksiders III probably won't have you repeating its bosses dozens of times on end. It won't cause you to throw your gamepad against the wall, either. It will, however, keep you engaged and interested, and that's what matters the most.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
The thing about Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is that, if you squint really hard, you see the similarities both with Dark Souls, and with Elden Ring - no joke. Even if you don't compare it to anything else, it's an incredibly fun and well-realized open-world ARPG. But, add slow and tactical combat to the mix with arcane spellcasting, immense monstrosities, and a need to carefully engage bosses and figure out their patterns, and the comparison makes itself.
Of course, Dragon's Dogma isn't nearly as punishing as a Dark Souls game. Nor does it have such stellar lore. What it does have, though, is character. And heaps upon heaps of must-play content. It's gonna keep you busy for a while, that's for sure.
Don't forget about other From Software Games!
Now, it should be pretty darn obvious that playing other From Software games is a top-grade idea if you haven't done so yet. While the hype for Elden Ring certainly outreaches even the considerable Dark Souls playerbase, we'd still recommend everyone and their mum to spend some time playing Dark Souls before splurging on Elden Ring.
For one, Elden Ring seems to play pretty similarly to good old Dark Souls, and that's reason enough to see what it's all about. Make no mistake, these are not games for everyone, no matter the critical acclaim. You can grab From Software's previous work right here via 2Game, so don't dawdle.
Dark Souls: Remastered
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
Dark Souls III (Deluxe Edition)
February 25th is coming!
That list ought to cover just about everyone's preferences, we think! Of course, there's no point in pretending that any of the games featured above tackle exactly the same niche as the upcoming Elden Ring, but it's really as close as we can get during the pre-release hype.
The simple truth is that all top Soulslike games have something going for them. Some might lean more heavily on the arcade side of things, while others might go all-in on granular combat and pinpoint-precise progression. It's important to enjoy them for what they are, really.
If you can do that, and if you're in the market for something fresh and snazzy that still tickles that Soulslike yearning you've got growing, then you won't be disappointed.
If, however, you'd prefer to go all-in on the hype, we've got something for you, too. A comprehensive summary of Elden Ring's recent(ish) gameplay stream, for example. How about the final impressions of the game's impeccable network test? Have fun!
Get in the Game ! 
