The First Berserker: Khazan – Unleash Your Inner Warrior
Based on the popular Dungeon Fighter Online MMO, The First Berserker: Khazan is shaping up to be a high-octane entry in the soulslike genre. With its release slated for 2025, this game has been in the oven for quite some time, and fans are eager to see how it turns out.
Prepare for intense, adrenaline-pumping combat with a variety of weapons and skills at your disposal. The game’s art style and animations are particularly noteworthy, offering unique and flashy visuals for every attack. While the world and characters might not seem groundbreaking at first glance, the dark and bleak atmosphere could provide the perfect backdrop for a classic soulslike experience.
As I had and still have high expectations for this game, I created an enthusiastic preview article titled “Prepare for Khazan: The First Berserker is Coming!“. Additionally, as I participated in the closed technical beta, I’ve written about my experience in “I played The First Berserker: Khazan โ My First Impressions“. You might want to take a look at both articles.
Soulframe: A New Frontier in Fantasy Action
Digital Extremes, the masterminds behind Warframe, are poised to make a splash in the soulslike scene with Soulframe. Set for a mid to late 2025 release, this game promises to blend the studio’s expertise in creating rich, evolving worlds with the punishing combat we’ve come to love from soulslikes.
Expect a unique fusion of fantasy and action RPG elements, with a focus on melee combat and nature-based abilities. The developers have hinted at a “mirror universe” mechanic that could add an intriguing layer of complexity to exploration and combat. If Warframe’s success is any indication, Soulframe might just be the fresh take on soulslikes we didn’t know we needed.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – Eastern Mystique Meets Soulslike Challenge
Set to grace our screens in 2025, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is an action RPG that draws inspiration from beloved titles like Bloodborne and Nioh. What sets this game apart is its setting in imperial China, offering a fresh cultural backdrop for soulslike enthusiasts.
Early previews have shown significant improvements since its initial reveal, hinting at a polished and engaging experience. With its day one release on Game Pass, this title could be the perfect opportunity for curious players to dip their toes into the soulslike waters without breaking the bank.
Phantom Blade Zero – Vengeance in a Stylish Package
While its release date is still tentative, Phantom Blade Zero is generating buzz for its unique setting and stylish combat. Players will step into the shoes of Soul, an elite assassin on a quest for vengeance that promises to uncover dark secrets.
The game emphasizes fast-paced, intense combat that will test your reflexes. With a variety of weapons, armor, and skills to customize your character, Phantom Blade Zero could offer the depth and replayability that soulslike fans crave.
A new gameplay trailer was released on :
IGN India released exclusive gameplay footage on :
AI Limit – A Post-Apocalyptic Anime Adventure
For those who enjoy their soulslikes with a side of sci-fi, AI Limit is one to watch. This cel-shaded action game set in a post-apocalyptic world has drawn comparisons to Code Vein, which could be a good sign for fans of anime-inspired soulslikes.
Players will take on the role of Arrisa, a Blader with extraordinary regenerative abilities, as she unravels the mysteries of the apocalypse. With its unique setting and visual style, AI Limit could offer a refreshing change of pace from the typically medieval-fantasy soulslike fare.
As there was a limited-time demo accessible in October, I have shared more insights about AI Limit in our post “AI Limit Demo: A Stylish Soulslike Steps into the Spotlight“.
A launch trailer was released on :
Generate Your Next Elden Ring Challenge Run
The Weapon Mastery Challenge Generator creates randomized challenge runs for Elden Ring, helping you discover new ways to experience the game. It generates objectives that focus on specific weapons, regions and bosses while tracking your progress. Check it out now – it’s totally free!
Update, November 12, 2024
The Relic: First Guardian
Set to launch in 2025, The Relic: First Guardian is an action RPG that embraces the soulslike genre, drawing inspiration from titles like Elden Ring and Dark Souls. What makes it stand out is its unique progression system, which replaces traditional leveling with runes and crafting, offering a fresh take on character development.
Set in the apocalyptic fantasy world of Arsiltus, the game features a semi-open world filled with diverse environments and dynamic scenarios. With five distinct weapon types, each equipped with unique skills, players can expect a rich variety of combat styles.
While it’s early days, The Relic’s ambitious features and engaging mechanics suggest it could become a noteworthy addition to the soulslike landscape. Keep an eye out for this promising title as it approaches its 2025 release for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC!
Update, March 23, 2025
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is an upcoming 2.5D side-scrolling action-RPG set to release on April 17, 2025, for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. The game blends Metroidvania and Soulslike elements, featuring challenging combat, a dark fantasy world, and a branching narrative written by Brian Mitsoda, known for his work on Vampire: The Masquerade โ Bloodlines.
Despite mixed reactions, there is anticipation for the game’s release, with hopes that it will deliver on its promised 40+ hours of gameplay and intricate storytelling. The success of Mandragora may depend on reviews and word-of-mouth following its launch. It surely aims to offer a fresh take on the Soulslike formula while appealing to fans of multiple genres.
Update, April 11, 2025
Where Winds Meet
While not 100% a soulslike game, Where Winds Meet is an open-world action RPG set in ancient China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era, a time of political turmoil, territorial disputes, and cultural richness. Players assume the role of a young martial artist, exploring a vast 20-square-kilometer map filled with diverse landscapes such as bustling cities, serene countryside, and treacherous canyons.
The game incorporates some elements reminiscent of Soulslike games, such as parry-centric combat, stamina management, and challenging one-on-one encounters, but is described as more forgiving than traditional Souls games, with less punishing mechanics and a broader focus on open-world exploration.
Expect a richly detailed world reflecting the chaos and cultural prosperity of 10th-century China, fluid combat mechanics blending martial arts choreography with strategic ambushes and mystical abilities, player freedom, as well as visual and technical excellence powered by the Messiah Engine. The game has already gained significant traction in China and is anticipated to deliver a captivating experience globally.
IGN released 10 minutes of exclusive gameplay on :
The release date trailer was published on :
Burning Sword: Death Sun
Developed by Thailand-based Nomadic Games, Burning Sword: Death Sun is a Wuxia hack-and-slash game that follows Zhฤng Yรฌ Xiร n, a master swordsman seeking revenge for his family’s murder at the hands of the powerful Gฤo Tiฤn Qรญ. Set in ancient China during an era of chaos where martial sects battle for dominance, the game immerses players in a world filled with the classic artistry of Chinese wuxia cinema.
The developers explicitly describe it as offering “a seamless blend of challenging soul-like gameplay and fluid hack-and-slash action”, and the Steam page lists “Souls-like” as one of its official tags. The game is generating interest as a potential standout in the hack-and-slash/soulslike space. However, expectations are tempered by concerns about narrative depth and the fact that it’s still in Early Access from a relatively new developer. In short: promising but unproven, with solid fundamentals that could lead to success if executed well.
Burning Sword: Death Sun is expected to launch in Q3 2025 and is powered by Unreal Engine 5.
As we eagerly await these titles, it’s clear that 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for soulslike enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to eastern mystique, sci-fi landscapes, or classic dark fantasy, there’s something on the horizon for every fan of the genre. Just remember to keep your shield up and your dodge roll ready โ these games are sure to put your skills to the test!
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