Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin (2026)
Every game below overlaps with DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: DARK SOULS: REMASTERED, which made by the same studio, QLOC.
- DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin is tagged Souls-like, Dark Fantasy, RPG, Difficult, Action, Third Person, Atmospheric, Action RPG by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 3 are from the same studio: DARK SOULS: REMASTERED, DARK SOULS: Prepare To Die Edition, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED
Why it matched: made by the same studio, QLOC; both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 11 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and RPG; released around the same time (2018).
Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED at a glance Released 2018 Studio QLOC Player sentiment 92% positive of 154,698 Price $39.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyRPGDifficultDarkFantasyAction RPGLore-Rich
- 2
Dark Souls III
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and Difficult; published by the same company; released around the same time (2016).
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness!
Dark Souls III at a glance Released 2016 Studio FromSoftware Player sentiment 94% positive of 439,389 Price $59.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyDifficultRPGLore-RichThird PersonStory RichAction RPG
- 3
Dark Souls
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 11 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and RPG; released around the same time (2011).
Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps.
Dark Souls at a glance Released 2011 Studio FromSoftware Player sentiment 92% positive of 154,662 Price $39.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyRPGDifficultDarkFantasyAction RPGLore-Rich
- 4
DARK SOULS: Prepare To Die Edition
Why it matched: made by the same studio, FromSoftware, Inc.; both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Dark Fantasy; released around the same time (2012).
Dark Souls will be the most deeply challenging game you play this year. Can you live through a million deaths and earn your legacy?
DARK SOULS: Prepare To Die Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio FromSoftware, Inc. Player sentiment 92% positive of 78,539 Price Not listed Souls-likeRPGDark FantasyDifficultLore-RichFantasyThird PersonAction RPG
- 5
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Why it matched: made by the same studio, FromSoftware, Inc.; both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Souls-like, Difficult and Third Person; released around the same time (2019).
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition at a glance Released 2019 Studio FromSoftware, Inc. Player sentiment 95% positive of 354,898 Price $59.99 Souls-likeDifficultThird PersonStory RichDark FantasyRPGDark
- 6
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including RPG, Souls-like and Character Customization.
Battle hordes of yokai in this masocore Action RPG. Create your protagonist and embark on an adventure through a myriad of locales across Japan during the Sengoku period. Utilize the new Yokai Shift ability to defeat even the most ferocious yokai and be prepared to brave through Dark Realms created by your enemies.
Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition at a glance Released 2021 Studio KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Player sentiment 87% positive of 50,508 Price $49.99 RPGSouls-likeCharacter CustomizationDifficultDark FantasyFantasyStory RichDark
- 7
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Story Rich; released around the same time (2012).
A time of untold chaos has come. Mighty forces clash behind the scenes in a struggle for power and influence. The Northern Kingdoms mobilize for war. But armies on the march are not enough to stop a bloody conspiracy...
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition at a glance Released 2012 Studio CD PROJEKT RED Player sentiment 90% positive of 90,315 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyStory RichThird PersonDark FantasyDifficultMedievalDark
- 8
Dark Souls II
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Dark Fantasy; published by the same company; released around the same time (2014).
Developed by FROM SOFTWARE, DARK SOULS™ II is the highly anticipated sequel to the gruelling 2011 breakout hit Dark Souls. The unique old-school action RPG experience captivated imaginations of gamers worldwide with incredible challenge and intense emotional reward.
Dark Souls II at a glance Released 2014 Studio FromSoftware Player sentiment 88% positive of 46,773 Price $39.99 Souls-likeRPGDark FantasyDifficultAction RPGFantasyPvPThird Person
- 9
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Character Customization and Fantasy; released around the same time (2016).
Set in a huge open world, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen presents a rewarding action combat experience.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen at a glance Released 2016 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 88% positive of 49,002 Price $29.99 RPGCharacter CustomizationFantasyAction RPGDark FantasyThird PersonStory RichDifficult
- 10
Risen
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person.
Delve into a gritty, raw and atmospheric fantasy world in which every action has a consequence. In the epic world of Risen, filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters and unimaginable treasures, forge your path with the sword, learn the art of staff fighting or become a powerful mage.
Risen at a glance Released 2009 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 89% positive of 10,815 Price $14.99 RPGFantasyThird PersonDark FantasyAction RPGStory RichMedievalDifficult
- 11
Darksiders III
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Third Person; released around the same time (2018).
Return to an apocalyptic Earth in Darksiders III, a hack-n-slash Action Adventure where players assume the role of FURY in her quest to hunt down and dispose of the Seven Deadly Sins. The most enigmatic of the Four Horsemen, FURY must bring balance to the forces that now ravage Earth.
Darksiders III at a glance Released 2018 Studio Gunfire Games Player sentiment 76% positive of 17,431 Price $39.99 Souls-likeRPGThird PersonStory RichDark FantasyFantasyDifficultDark
- 12
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Story Rich; released around the same time (2011).
A time of untold chaos has come. Mighty forces clash behind the scenes in a struggle for power and influence. The Northern Kingdoms mobilize for war. But armies on the march are not enough to stop a bloody conspiracy...
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings at a glance Released 2011 Studio CD Projekt RED Player sentiment 90% positive of 90,312 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyStory RichThird PersonDark FantasyDifficultMedievalDark
- 13
Black Myth: Wukong
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Action RPG, Souls-like and RPG.
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.
Black Myth: Wukong at a glance Released 2024 Studio Game Science Player sentiment 96% positive of 1,209,348 Price $59.99 Action RPGSouls-likeRPGStory RichDark FantasyFantasyDifficultThird Person
- 14
Gothic 1
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person.
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Gothic 1 at a glance Released 2001 Studio Piranha Bytes Player sentiment 93% positive of 18,311 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyThird PersonMedievalDark FantasyStory RichAction RPGDifficult
- 15
Lies of P
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and Action RPG.
Lies of P is a thrilling soulslike that takes the story of Pinocchio, turns it on its head, and sets it against the darkly elegant backdrop of the Belle Epoque era.
Lies of P at a glance Released 2023 Studio NEOWIZ Player sentiment 92% positive of 81,935 Price $59.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyAction RPGThird PersonStory RichDarkRPGDifficult
- 16
Salt and Sanctuary
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and Difficult; released around the same time (2016).
Explore a haunting, punishing island in this stylized 2D action RPG. Salt and Sanctuary combines fast and brutal 2D combat with richly developed RPG mechanics in a cursed realm of forgotten cities, blood-soaked dungeons, and desecrated monuments.
Salt and Sanctuary at a glance Released 2016 Studio Ska Studios Player sentiment 89% positive of 21,874 Price $17.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyDifficultRPGDarkAction RPGStory Rich
- 17
Vampyr
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Story Rich and Third Person; released around the same time (2018).
London, 1918. You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal.
Vampyr at a glance Released 2018 Studio DONTNOD Entertainment Player sentiment 77% positive of 25,168 Price $39.99 RPGStory RichThird PersonDark FantasyDarkAction RPGSouls-like
- 18
Lords of the Fallen
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and RPG.
A vast world awaits in the medieval, dark fantasy action-RPG, Lords of the Fallen. As a fabled Dark Crusader, embark on an epic quest to overthrow Adyr, the demon God. The final major update Version 2.5 is out now: features deadlier boss battles and all-new Veteran Mode.
Lords of the Fallen at a glance Released 2023 Studio CI Games Player sentiment 68% positive of 55,818 Price $29.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyRPGStory RichAction RPGMedievalLore-RichCharacter Customization
- 19
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Souls-like, Difficult and Third Person; released around the same time (2019).
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at a glance Released 2019 Studio FromSoftware Player sentiment 95% positive of 354,843 Price $59.99 Souls-likeDifficultThird PersonStory RichDark FantasyRPGDark
- 20
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Medieval; released around the same time (2011).
EPIC FANTASY REBORN The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim at a glance Released 2011 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 317,769 Price $19.99 RPGFantasyMedievalStory RichLore-RichCharacter CustomizationAction RPGThird Person
- 21
Fable - The Lost Chapters
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person; released around the same time (2011).
Each person you aid, each flower you crush, and each creature you slay will change this world forever. Fable: Who will you be?
Fable - The Lost Chapters at a glance Released 2011 Studio Lionhead Studios Player sentiment 92% positive of 8,277 Price $9.99 RPGFantasyThird PersonStory RichAction RPGCharacter CustomizationMedievalDark Fantasy
- 22
Darksiders Warmastered Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Third Person, RPG and Dark Fantasy; released around the same time (2016).
Deceived by the forces of evil into prematurely bringing about the end of the world, War – the first Horseman of the Apocalypse – stands accused of breaking the sacred law by inciting a war between Heaven and Hell.
Darksiders Warmastered Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio KAIKO Player sentiment 88% positive of 18,857 Price $19.99 Third PersonRPGDark FantasyFantasyStory RichRemakeDifficultAction RPG
- 23
Fable Anniversary
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Remake; released around the same time (2014).
FOR EVERY CHOICE, A CONSEQUENCE.Fully re-mastered with HD visuals and audio, Fable Anniversary is a stunning rendition of the original game that will delight faithful fans and new players alike! The all new Heroic difficulty setting will test the mettle of even the most hardcore Fable fan.
Fable Anniversary at a glance Released 2014 Studio Lionhead Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 16,542 Price $10.49 RPGFantasyRemakeAction RPGThird PersonStory RichCharacter CustomizationMedieval
- 24
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT
Why it matched: both fantasy, story-rich, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Story Rich and Action RPG.
The Dragon Ball RPG of your dreams! For the first time, you can play the rest of the story. Step into the universe of Dragon Ball Z in all its iconic glory and become the hero you were always meant to be!
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT at a glance Released 2020 Studio CyberConnect2 Co. Ltd. Player sentiment 93% positive of 58,245 Price $19.99 RPGStory RichAction RPGFantasyThird PersonCharacter CustomizationDifficult
Common questions
What game is most like DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin?
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, QLOC. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin do?
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED, DARK SOULS: Prepare To Die Edition, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition are also from FromSoftware, Inc., and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.