Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Dark Souls II (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Dark Souls II 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: Prepare To Die Edition, which both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult.
- Dark Souls II is tagged Souls-like, RPG, Dark Fantasy, Difficult, Action RPG, Action, Unforgiving, Adventure 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 III, Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
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: Prepare To Die Edition
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 12 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Dark Fantasy; published by the same company; 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 FantasyDifficultExplorationFantasyUnforgivingImmersive
- 2
Dark Souls III
Why it matched: made by the same studio, FromSoftware; both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and Difficult; 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 FantasyDifficultRPGThird PersonExplorationAction RPGPvP
- 3
Dark Souls
Why it matched: made by the same studio, FromSoftware; both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 10 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 RPGExploration
- 4
DARK SOULS: REMASTERED
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and RPG; published by the same company; 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 RPGExploration
- 5
DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Souls-like, Dark Fantasy and RPG; published by the same company; released around the same time (2015).
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge.
DARK SOULS II: Scholar of the First Sin at a glance Released 2015 Studio FromSoftware, Inc. Player sentiment 84% positive of 131,673 Price $39.99 Souls-likeDark FantasyRPGDifficultThird PersonAction RPGFantasyDark
- 6
Monster Hunter: World
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Third Person and Fantasy; released around the same time (2018).
Welcome to a new world! In Monster Hunter: World, the latest installment in the series, you can enjoy the ultimate hunting experience, using everything at your disposal to hunt monsters in a new world teeming with surprises and excitement.
Monster Hunter: World at a glance Released 2018 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 89% positive of 516,159 Price $29.99 RPGThird PersonFantasyAction RPGDifficultExplorationReplay ValueSouls-like
- 7
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Why it matched: made by the same studio, FromSoftware; both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Difficult and Third Person.
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 PersonDark FantasyRPGDark
- 8
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Action RPG; 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 RPGFantasyAction RPGDark FantasyThird PersonExplorationDifficult
- 9
Lies of P
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 9 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 PersonExplorationDarkRPGDifficult
- 10
Risen
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 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 PersonExplorationDark FantasyAction RPGDifficult
- 11
Darksiders III
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 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 PersonDark FantasyFantasyDifficultDark
- 12
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person; 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 RPGFantasyThird PersonDark FantasyDifficultDark
- 13
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person; 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 RPGFantasyThird PersonDark FantasyDifficultDark
- 14
Vampyr
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Third Person and Dark Fantasy; 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 RPGThird PersonDark FantasyDarkAction RPGSouls-like
- 15
Thymesia
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Souls-like, Difficult and Dark Fantasy.
Thymesia is a gruelling action-RPG with fast-paced combat and an intricate plague weapon system. In a kingdom where death spreads, play as a mysterious character known by the code name "Corvus". Prey upon your enemies, wield the power of disease and find the truth in your own memories.
Thymesia at a glance Released 2022 Studio OverBorder Studio Player sentiment 82% positive of 10,077 Price $7.99 Souls-likeDifficultDark FantasyAction RPGThird PersonRPGDarkFantasy
- 16
Biomutant
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Third Person and Fantasy.
BIOMUTANT® is an open-world, post-apocalyptic Kung-Fu fable RPG, with a unique martial arts styled combat system allowing you to mix melee, shooting and mutant ability action.
Biomutant at a glance Released 2021 Studio Experiment 101 Player sentiment 66% positive of 20,181 Price $39.99 RPGThird PersonFantasyExplorationAction RPGSouls-like
- 17
Fable - The Lost Chapters
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy and atmospheric; shares 7 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 PersonAction RPGExplorationDark FantasyReplay Value
- 18
LIZARDS MUST DIE
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Third Person and Difficult.
The great exploits of the Ancient Rus in the war with the lizards. Immerse yourself in the world of Hyperborea and defeat hordes of Lizards and other unholy who encroached on holy places Ancestors. Choose a blessed hero and go save the world from the green plague.
LIZARDS MUST DIE at a glance Released 2023 Studio Smola Game Studio Player sentiment 96% positive of 26,441 Price $3.99 Souls-likeThird PersonDifficultAction RPGFantasyRPG
- 19
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Souls-like, Difficult and Third Person.
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 PersonDark FantasyRPGDark
- 20
Gothic 1
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 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 PersonDark FantasyAction RPGDifficult
- 21
Nioh: Complete Edition
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Souls-like, RPG and Difficult; released around the same time (2017).
Ready to die? Experience the newest brutal action game from Team NINJA and Koei Tecmo Games. In the age of samurai, a lone traveler lands on the shores of Japan. He must fight his way through the vicious warriors and supernatural Yokai that infest the land in order to find that which he seeks.
Nioh: Complete Edition at a glance Released 2017 Studio KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Player sentiment 79% positive of 38,915 Price $49.99 Souls-likeRPGDifficultDark FantasyAction RPGThird PersonFantasy
- 22
Outward Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Souls-like and Fantasy.
No remarkable journey is achieved without great effort. In Outward, the cold of the night or an infected wound can be as dangerous as a predator lurking in the dark. Explore the vast world of Aurai solo or in Co-op. The Definitive Edition features both DLCs and quality of life improvements.
Outward Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2022 Studio Nine Dots Studio Player sentiment 73% positive of 31,347 Price $39.99 RPGSouls-likeFantasyExplorationThird PersonDifficult
- 23
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Why it matched: both open world, fantasy and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Fantasy and Third Person; released around the same time (2015).
You are Geralt of Rivia, mercenary monster slayer. Before you stands a war-torn, monster-infested continent you can explore at will. Your current contract? Tracking down Ciri — the Child of Prophecy, a living weapon that can alter the shape of the world.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt at a glance Released 2015 Studio CD Projekt RED Player sentiment 97% positive of 885,535 Price $49.99 RPGFantasyThird PersonAction RPGDark FantasyDark
- 24
Black Myth: Wukong
Why it matched: both fantasy, atmospheric and difficult; shares 7 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-likeRPGDark FantasyFantasyDifficultThird Person
Common questions
What game is most like Dark Souls II?
DARK SOULS: Prepare To Die Edition, on the evidence we have. It both open world, fantasy, atmospheric and difficult. 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" 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. 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 do?
Dark Souls III, Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are also from FromSoftware, 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.