PS5 has one of the strongest Soulslike libraries because it combines native PlayStation 5 releases, cross-generation action RPGs, and backward-compatible PS4 classics. It is especially active in 2026: Nioh 3 launched in February, Mortal Shell II arrived in August, and Valor Mortis is currently listed by PlayStation for October 13.
The best choice depends on whether you want open-world freedom, parry-heavy combat, mechanical depth, co-op, or access to PlayStation's older FromSoftware history.
Quick PS5 Soulslike picks
- Elden Ring — broad recommendation for open-world exploration and build flexibility.
- Nioh 3 — major 2026 pick for fast, systems-heavy combat.
- Lies of P — focused modern Soulslike with defensive timing and weapon assembly.
- Mortal Shell II — recent sequel with a compact interconnected open world and Shell-based identity.
- Lords of the Fallen — useful option if co-op is a major requirement.
- Bloodborne — still a PS4 title, but playable on PS5 through backward compatibility.
- Valor Mortis — upcoming first-person action game with a confirmed October 13, 2026 PlayStation date.
Elden Ring remains the broadest recommendation
Elden Ring is available on PS5 and remains the easiest general recommendation because its open world creates multiple responses to difficulty. A player can leave a boss, explore another area, upgrade equipment, change a build, use Spirit Ashes, summon help, or simply return later.
That flexibility is valuable on any platform, but it matters especially for a new Soulslike player who does not yet know which combat style suits them. Our Elden Ring profile keeps the broader feature details separate from this PS5-focused page.
Nioh 3 is one of PS5's defining 2026 releases
KOEI TECMO lists Nioh 3 for PS5 and PC with a February 6, 2026 release date. The game uses open-field exploration and lets players switch instantly between Samurai and Ninja styles.
That makes it a strong choice for players who want more active combat systems than classic Dark Souls. Rather than centering almost everything on a compact set of attacks, blocks, dodges, and spells, Nioh 3 rewards learning a larger toolkit and choosing the right style for the encounter.
It can be overwhelming as a first Soulslike, but experienced action players may prefer its density. See Nioh 3 for current release information.
Mortal Shell II is a current PS5 release
Playstack lists Mortal Shell II with an August 20, 2026 release date and availability on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The publisher describes a compact interconnected open world, eight playable Shells, more than sixty dungeons, deeper weapon upgrades, sidearms, and combat unrestricted by stamina.
That last change matters because it shows how flexible the genre can be. A game can remove one familiar Soulslike constraint while keeping high-stakes encounters, exploration, posture pressure, and a death-learning loop.
Lies of P is a focused modern alternative
The official Lies of P support page lists PlayStation 5 among its current platforms. Its combat centers on weapon combinations, Legion Arms, guarding, precise defensive timing, and a relatively authored route through Krat.
That is the opposite of Elden Ring's geographic flexibility. When Lies of P presents a wall, you generally need to solve a more focused combat problem. Some players find that harder; others find it clearer. Continue to Lies of P and games like Lies of P if that style appeals to you.
Bloodborne on PS5: understand the platform label
Bloodborne is central to the wider Souls family, but PlayStation's own store still labels it as a PS4 game. The official product page says it is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility and warns that some PS4 features may be absent.
That means a PS5 Soulslike page should not imply that a native PS5 Bloodborne remaster exists when the current store is actually serving the PS4 release.
The game remains worth playing because its aggressive combat, transformable weapons, gothic setting, and rally-style pressure make it distinct from shield-oriented Souls combat. See Bloodborne and games like Bloodborne for more context.
Valor Mortis is the next confirmed PS5 date to watch
PlayStation currently lists Valor Mortis for October 13, 2026 on PS5. The official page describes a resurrected soldier of Napoleon's Grande Armée fighting through a plague-ridden alternate Europe.
Its combat uses parries, dashes, finishers, weapons, and supernatural abilities, but the unusual feature is perspective: it is first-person. That changes how players read space and enemy animations compared with traditional third-person Soulslikes.
Because the game is not yet released, we treat platform and date information as verified while avoiding claims about final quality. It belongs in upcoming Soulslike games until launch verification.
What if co-op matters most?
Do not choose a Soulslike based only on the fact that multiplayer appears on a store page. Different games implement multiplayer very differently. Temporary summons, invasions, password systems, shared progression, and persistent co-op are not interchangeable.
If your main goal is to play through difficult content with another person, start with co-op Soulslike games.
Which PS5 Soulslike should you buy first?
Choose Elden Ring for exploration and build variety. Choose Nioh 3 for mechanical depth and a major current release. Choose Lies of P for a tighter campaign and precise defense. Choose Mortal Shell II for a current dark-fantasy sequel with a compact open world. Play Bloodborne for an influential PlayStation classic while remembering it remains a backward-compatible PS4 title. Watch Valor Mortis if first-person Soulslike combat is the feature you want next.
For recommendations that ignore platform boundaries, use best Soulslike games. For players starting the genre from zero, Soulslike games for beginners is the better decision page.
