You’ve heard the whispers, seen the clips, and maybe even watched a friend wrestle with a notoriously difficult boss for hours. The world of Soulslike games is incredibly alluring, with its deep lore, satisfying combat, and unparalleled sense of accomplishment. But that reputation for being brutally hard can be a massive barrier to entry. It can feel like a club you’re not tough enough to join.
The good news is that the genre has evolved. Many modern games take the core ingredients that make Soulslikes so special—methodical combat, strategic stamina management, and interconnected worlds—and present them in a more approachable way. You don’t need to be a gaming masochist to appreciate these incredible experiences. The journey might still be challenging, but it’s a challenge you can overcome and truly enjoy.
What Makes a Soulslike “Beginner-Friendly”?
When we talk about an “easy” Soulslike, it’s rarely about the game being simple. Instead, it’s about accessibility and design choices that respect your time and effort. Look for features like adjustable difficulty settings, clear and forgiving checkpoints, or combat systems that offer more defensive options like a robust block or parry. A slower, more telegraphed enemy attack pattern can make a world of difference when you’re learning the rhythm of these games. The goal is to find a title that teaches you the language of the genre without constantly punishing you for every small mistake.
Your Gateway into the Genre
If you’re looking for the perfect starting point, these games are celebrated for their welcoming design while still delivering that classic Soulslike feel.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Jedi: Survivor
This duo is arguably the best entry point for anyone. It wraps Soulslike mechanics in a familiar and beloved universe. The combat is strategic and based on dodges and parries, but the presence of a difficulty slider is a game-changer. You can start on “Story Mode” to focus on the fantastic narrative and acclimate to the combat, then ramp it up on a subsequent playthrough. The platforming and exploration also add a nice change of pace from pure combat.
Lies of P
Don’t let its dark Pinocchio theme fool you; Lies of P is one of the most polished and accessible “hardcore” Soulslikes available. Why is it good for beginners? Its combat system is incredibly tight and predictable. Enemy wind-ups are clear, and the game heavily rewards a defensive playstyle with its perfect guard mechanic. The inclusion of a powerful specter (an AI helper) for most boss fights gives you a much-needed assist without completely trivializing the challenge.
Darksiders III
This action-adventure game seamlessly blends its hack-and-slash roots with Soulslike inspiration. You’ll manage a stamina bar for dodging and attacking, lose your currency (souls) on death, and reclaim it. However, the overall pace is faster, and the checkpoints are generous. It serves as a fantastic bridge between more traditional action games and the methodical world of Soulslikes.
Soulslikes with a Gentler Learning Curve
Some games use unique mechanics or settings to lower the barrier to entry, making the learning process feel more natural and less punishing.
Steelrising
This game comes with a literal “assist mode.” You can adjust settings like enemy damage and stamina consumption to your liking. Beyond that, playing as an agile automaton means you can dodge and dash with a fluidity that feels very forgiving. If you ever get stuck, the ability to tune the difficulty on the fly prevents frustration from halting your progress.
Mortal Shell
Mortal Shell is a shorter, more condensed Soulslike that introduces a brilliant mechanic: the “harden” ability. With a button press, your character turns to stone, allowing you to freeze in place to block an incoming attack. This gives you a moment to breathe, reassess the situation, and counter-attack. It’s a safety net that teaches you enemy patterns without the immediate death sentence.
Tunic
While its cute, isometric view might suggest otherwise, Tunic is a Soulslike at heart. Its genius for beginners lies in its manual-based discovery. You literally piece together the game’s instructions and mechanics page by page. This turns the process of learning the game’s rules into a central, rewarding puzzle, making the difficulty feel like part of the adventure rather than a wall to climb.
Games That Paved the Way for Accessibility
The genre’s shift towards approachability didn’t happen in a vacuum. These titles were pivotal in showing that deep, rewarding combat could coexist with flexible difficulty.
Code Vein
Often called “Anime Souls,” Code Vein is distinguished by one major feature: a permanent AI companion. You are almost never alone. This partner can draw enemy aggro, heal you, and even revive you in a pinch. This completely changes the dynamic, making areas and bosses feel much more manageable as you learn the ropes.
Hollow Knight
As a 2D Metroidvania with Soulslike elements, Hollow Knight offers a different kind of challenge. Death is still punishing, but the 2D plane makes spatial awareness and reading enemy attacks more straightforward for some players. Its beautiful world and tight controls make the challenge feel fair and the exploration immensely rewarding.
Elden Ring
Yes, the game famous for its difficult bosses belongs on this list. Elden Ring‘s open world is its greatest gift to beginners. If you hit a wall, you can simply turn around, go somewhere else, and get stronger. The ability to use spirit ashes to summon help for bosses, along with a vast arsenal of powerful spells and weapons, gives you the tools to tailor the challenge to your skill level.
Remnant: From the Ashes & Remnant II
These games take the Soulslike formula and mix it with third-person shooting. For many, keeping a distance and aiming down sights is a more intuitive way to engage with tough enemies than melee combat. The co-op focus also means you can easily bring friends along for the ride, sharing the burden and the fun.
Taking Your First Steps with Confidence
No matter which game you choose from this list, remember a few key tips. There is no shame in using a guide or wiki if you’re feeling lost; these worlds are meant to be mysterious. Practice patience—observe enemy moves before you swing your weapon. And most importantly, try not to get discouraged by death. It’s not a failure; it’s the primary way these games teach you. Each run back to a boss is a chance to learn a little more.
The world of Soulslike games is rich with incredible stories, unforgettable worlds, and a unique type of satisfaction. By starting with one of these more accessible titles, you’re not taking a shortcut. You’re simply choosing a gentler path up the same magnificent mountain. Your journey into this rewarding genre awaits.