The best Soulslikes set in vibrant fantasy worlds, ranked

summary

• Many recent Soulslike and Soulslite games have moved away from the traditional dark fantasy aesthetic to embrace vibrant, colorful worlds.
• Enotria: The Last Song
  and
  Black Myth: Wukong
  Unique, sunny, and visually stunning environments brought to life with Unreal Engine 5.
• Rise of the Ronin
  While presenting a grounded, historical perspective with its vibrant Japanese landscape
  Sekiro: Shadows die twice
  Blends fantasy elements with the rich backdrop of Sengoku-era Japan.

In addition to Soulslike's most defining features – such as the checkpoint system with respawning enemies and stamina-based combat – these games often present players with dark fantasy worlds featuring oppressive environments and dangerous environments to explore. since Dark spirits Refine the formula established by the series Demon spiritsSeveral successors have followed suit by adopting similar settings. from Lords of the Fallen who mortal shellThere is no shortage of Soulslikes that adhere closely to the aesthetic blueprint Dark spirits. However, in recent years, this trend has begun to change, as more developers opt for vibrant, colorful worlds while preserving essential Soulslike mechanics.

Like the current games Black Myth: Wukong and Enotria: The Last Song Bring forth a bright and sunny atmosphere, while titles such as Sekiro: Shadows die twice Provides a harmonious blend of historical background and fantasy elements. The desire for a more vibrant aesthetic and broader appeal has also led to the establishment of the so-called Soulslight sub-genre, which is often considered a more accessible and less punishing experience, such as games. Rise of the Ronin and Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a prime example. Here's a look at standout titles from the Soulslike and Soulslite genres that offer fresh takes on the setting, ranking how immersive and vibrant their worlds are and how surprisingly relaxing and peaceful their exploration can feel despite their inherent challenges.

6 Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

Even with the god-and-mortal war raging, this isn't your typical mortal world

At first glance, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn It might seem like another dark fantasy game focused on an epic battle between dangerous gods and brave mortals. However, what really sets this Soulslight apart is its distinctive 19th-century aesthetic, combining Napoleonic-era imagery with stunning landscapes and New Zealand's unique wildlife.

This fusion of gunpowder-era elements—muskets, pistols, and cannons—created a fresh visual identity, even though melee weapons were the primary tools for combat. Additionally, the game's vibrant, sunlit environments and open landscapes provide a refreshing departure from the typical gloomy catacombs and oppressive underground settings of many Soulslikes. With its unique visual design and atmospheric approach, Flintlock Carves out a niche in a genre full of familiar tropes.

5 Rise of the Ronin

A grounded and relaxed rendition of Yokohama, Edo and Kyoto in the mid-19th century

Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room: Rise of the Ronin Not like a purebred spirit. While it borrows some key elements from the genre, particularly in its combat system, it is kept in a more traditional open-world structure, making it essentially a Soulslight with a traditional action RPG story. Moreover, the game is exclusively grounded, with little or no fantasy elements, instead leaning on a historically accurate recreation of the final years of Japan's Edo period as its greatest strength.

That said, fans of Souls looking for a more realistic and less oppressive late-medieval setting should definitely give it a go. Rise of the Ronin one shot While it may not be as visually groundbreaking as one might expect from a modern PS5 exclusive, and its open-world design may feel somewhat dated, the game's sprawling map and vibrant, beautiful environments evoke the spirit of Japan almost as effectively. Ghost of Tsushima. Coupled with a richly layered combat system that offers a wealth of options, Rise of the Ronin Offers a unique experience that genre enthusiasts won't want to miss.

4 Enotria: The Last Song

Probably the sunniest and most colorful Soulslike game to date

Enotria: The Last Song Soulslike brings several unique twists to the formula, most notably its mask system, which allows players to adopt the roles of fallen enemies and seamlessly switch playstyles on the fly. Dubbed “Summer Souls” by fans, the game shines with a sun-drenched world inspired by Italian folklore and breathtaking natural landscapes, where the brightest sun casts paradoxically dark shadows. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Enotria offers stunningly detailed and colorful vistas, intricate architecture, and a visual richness that is particularly impressive due to the modest size of its development team.

While the game ventures into traditional Ghosts-like territory with darker, more ominous locations, these moments are brief and serve as a contrast to its otherwise vibrant setting. unfortunately, Enotria It faced a rocky launch plagued by technical issues, which likely hindered its ability to capture a large fanbase. However, with its fascinating world and innovative mechanics, the developers are hoping for a strong comeback once they address the game's weaknesses and deliver on their promises.

3 Remainder 2

In the world of all games, Yasha stands out with her lively and adventurous spirit

Few are as specific as the Soulslike games Remainder 2Seamlessly blending thrilling gunplay with any setting enhanced by procedural generation to ensure every playthrough feels fresh and unique. The game offers several worlds to explore, each with its own personality. While Losomn feels like a perfect tribute blood borneWith its Gothic architecture and quaint atmosphere, Yaesha stands in striking contrast. Its lush vegetation, ancient abandoned temples, and widespread root corruption create a vibrant yet ominous environment that players won't soon forget. For a better Yaesha experience, this is strongly recommended The Forgotten Kingdom DLC.

Exploration has always been a feature of residue series, and Remainder 2 Enhance it with an immersive, rewarding experience. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game offers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable visuals, capturing the essence of its universe in stunning detail. The mix of sci-fi and fantasy elements creates a truly one-of-a-kind world that feels alive with mystery and danger. With its atmospheric depth and endless wonder, Remainder 2 Soulslike offers a journey where fans can lose themselves for hundreds of hours.

2 Black Myth: Wukong

An epic journey through mythology, featuring amazing terrain and diverse locations

From its first trailer Black Myth: Wukong Enthralled audiences with unparalleled visual fidelity and promises of a journey filled with diverse locations, breathtaking scenery, and intricately designed enemies and bosses. For some, it was almost too good to be true. However, to the surprise of skeptics, the game lived up to its lofty promises, earning its place as one of the best action games of the year.

There may still be debate among purists about what to say Black Myth: Wukong Qualifies as a true Soulslike, but let's be honest – it's the closest comparison available, sharing many of the genre's defining features. What really sets it apart, however, is its incredibly rich and vibrant world. The game's design echoes the best action-adventure titles, offering ever-changing scenery that never outstays its welcome. Black Myth: Wukong Offering unforgettable settings ranging from lush, diverse forests and cold rocky deserts to frosty snow-covered landscapes and fiery mountain cliffs, nothing holds back. This epic mythological journey is as visually stunning as it is an absolute joy to explore.

1 Sekiro: Shadows die twice

Like an unconventional gentle spirits with a light setting with historical elements

Sekiro: Shadows die twice remains a standout in FromSoftware's portfolio, carving its own niche within the Soulslike genre for several reasons. Its streamlined, fast-paced, reaction-based combat departs from the deliberate, methodical pacing of its predecessors, while its setting – a fictional Sengoku-era Japan – offers a distinct cultural and aesthetic departure. Although the game incorporates dark fantasy elements and contains its share of scary bosses and annoying sections, it's overall brighter and less oppressive than the studio's other entries. Moments of peace and tranquility are enhanced by its unique exploration mechanics, such as the grappling hook, which unlocks a verticality rarely seen in the genre.

From the vibrant, tranquil landscape of the Buddhist Senpau Temple perched on the hills of the Congo to the ethereal beauty of the Fountainhead Palace, where the water of life flows, Sekiro Skillfully blends stunning visuals with intense, heart-pounding action. The game offers a balanced experience, where moments of awe-inspiring scenery serve as welcome relief between battles, leaving players with an unforgettable impression of its world.