Soulslikes With More Fluid Combat Than Elden Ring

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Players have been eagerly awaiting a new open-world game that captures the magic of Elden Ring for the past four years. Elden Ring, the latest masterpiece from Hidetaka Miyazaki, sets a very high bar for others in the genre with its massive scope, incredible variety of weapons, and huge number of bosses. However, creating something so expansive also means some trade-offs were made, leading to combat that feels a bit slower compared to some of the most fast-paced and fluid action-RPG games.

This leads us to games that don’t have as many weapons and items as Elden Ring, but instead offer a tighter, more focused combat experience. While they might have fewer weapon choices, they make up for it with better action, focusing on things like complex combos or different fighting styles within a single weapon, and rewarding skillful play more than simply leveling up. Some players might even question if these games should be considered ‘soulslikes’ at all. Regardless, here are some soulslike action games that offer smoother, more accurate, and more rewarding combat than Elden Ring.

Nioh 3

Pure Action Mimicking a Soulslike

Don’t let the Souls-like comparisons mislead you: Nioh 3 is a relentlessly fast-paced action game, staying true to Team Ninja’s signature style. It’s so packed with options and depth that it might even make Elden Ring feel limited in comparison. Building on the complex combat systems of its predecessors, Nioh 3 introduces two unique fighting styles – Ninja and Samurai – that you can switch between instantly. Plus, each weapon type has a deep combo system, and you can even use multiple weapons simultaneously, swapping them out mid-battle.

Nioh 3 can be difficult for beginners due to its complex combat and character progression. There’s a lot to learn – different weapon skills, passive abilities, a detailed gear system similar to Diablo, and managing a special meter for powerful attacks. However, once you master these systems, Nioh 3 offers incredibly smooth and intense combat that stands out even among other challenging action games, and it’s truly impressive to watch a skilled player in action.

The First Berserker: Khazan

Very True to Its Name

Since its release, The First Berserker: Khazan has consistently received high praise for its excellent combat system. The game features only three weapon types – greatswords, spears, and dual-wielded sword and axe – but each one is incredibly versatile. There’s no single “best” weapon; players can become proficient with any choice thanks to dedicated skill trees and a wide range of powerful abilities and moves. Khazan’s combat is fast-paced and focuses on relentless offense, but it differs from games like Elden Ring by offering players more than just dodging as a defensive option.

To succeed in The First Berserker: Khazan, you need to be consistently on the attack while also learning a few key defensive moves like blocking, parrying, or deflecting. The bosses relentlessly attack, so interrupting them and staying ahead is crucial. What makes Khazan special is how smoothly you can switch between attacking and defending, creating intense and fluid boss fights unlike anything else in the genre.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

An Exact Opposite of Elden Ring’s Combat

Of all the games FromSoftware has created, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out as particularly unique. It’s more of a classic action game than their other, famously difficult “soulslike” titles. Sekiro focuses heavily on player skill because you only use one sword, with limited special attacks, prosthetic upgrades, and tools. Unlike other FromSoftware games, you can’t simply grind to become stronger and overcome bosses. Instead, you must directly confront challenges, react quickly under pressure, stay on the offensive, and avoid making mistakes – even a single one can be fatal.

The sword fighting in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is in a class of its own. The way the blade feels, the sound of blocking attacks, the smooth movements, and the rewarding feeling of defeating a worn-down enemy are all exceptional. While Elden Ring offers a huge range of options and experiences, it doesn’t quite match Sekiro’s refined and precise combat. For a long time, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has been considered one of the best action games ever made.

Black Myth: Wukong

The Feel of Being All-Powered

There’s still discussion about whether Black Myth: Wukong truly fits into the ‘soulslike’ genre. While it shares some elements with those games – like tough bosses and combat that requires managing stamina – it feels more like a fast-paced series of boss battles. Regardless of genre, Wukong’s combat is noticeably quicker, smoother, and more visually impressive than Elden Ring. Even though it doesn’t have a huge range of weapons, the battles themselves are deep and thrilling.

I’m really excited about the combat in Black Myth: Wukong! It’s similar to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor in that you don’t get a ton of different weapons. Instead, you really focus on mastering the staff, learning different fighting styles for different situations. As you get better, unlocking new combos, spells, and even transformations, it feels amazing – you start to feel incredibly powerful and almost like you can’t be touched! The dodging is super fast, the counters are satisfying, and you can just unleash a constant stream of magic. Now, it might sound like it’s too easy, but don’t worry – the bosses later in the game are seriously tough and will really put all your skills to the test. It’s going to be a great challenge!

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Embrace the Ways of the Force, Fiercely

Being a Jedi in video games is still uncommon, even with high demand. The Star Wars Jedi series, particularly Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, is a highlight of recent years. It offers challenging, action-packed gameplay inspired by the ‘soulslike’ genre, making lightsaber battles and using the Force incredibly rewarding, but mistakes can be costly. Survivor builds on the success of Fallen Order, providing quick and accurate lightsaber combat with different fighting styles and impressive moves. Combined with Cal Kestis’ agility, Force powers, and even a blaster, players can tackle enemies in a unique and personalized way.

As a fan, I’ve noticed that Star Wars Jedi: Survivor doesn’t have nearly as many weapons as Elden Ring, but that actually works to its advantage! Because of this, each lightsaber style – whether you’re using one, two, or a double-bladed saber – feels really refined, with a lot of unique moves and combos. It lets you play the game as a fast-paced, non-stop action experience, all about attacking, blocking, dodging, and striking back. Plus, they ditched the stamina bar, which is awesome! It means you’re never completely helpless and can really focus on where you are and when you attack.

Remnant 2

One of the Best Soulslikes for Shooter Lovers

Unlike many games in the ‘soulslike’ genre, including Elden Ring, Remnant 2 focuses more on ranged combat and different character classes. While you can play up close, it’s often not the best strategy because many enemies attack from a distance, and some can’t even be attacked while on the ground. Luckily, the shooting in Remnant 2 is excellent, and the game features a wide variety of unique weapons beyond typical guns like pistols and rifles – you’ll find everything from energy beams to magical bows, so there’s something for every player.

Once you get the hang of combat in Remnant 2, skillfully switching between shooting and melee, knowing when to back off, and using special abilities, the game truly shines. You can aggressively engage enemies at any range, aiming for precise shots, dodging attacks, and then finishing them off with powerful melee weapons. Compared to Elden Ring, Remnant 2‘s combat feels more fast-paced and fluid, especially with its strong emphasis on cooperative play. Teaming up with others allows you to combine weapons and strategies for impressive results when taking on challenging bosses.

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2026-02-15 04:35