The soulslike genre continues to evolve and expand, captivating players with its challenging combat, intricate world design, and rewarding progression systems. Following the monumental success of Elden Ring and its Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, developers across the industry have embraced the formula while adding their own unique twists.
As we look ahead to 2026, several promising titles have already been announced that have soulslike fans (myself included) eagerly anticipating what’s to come.
From established studios to exciting newcomers, here’s a rundown of the most anticipated soulslike experiences slated for 2026:
The Duskbloods
Developed by FromSoftware, this game is set to be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Announced during a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, The Duskbloods features a gothic setting with vampiric elements and supports online multiplayer for up to eight players. If you like, you can check out our article “The Duskbloods: FromSoftware’s Switch 2 Exclusive Explained” for further details.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Capcom has announced the return of the Onimusha series with this new title, scheduled for release in 2026 on current-generation consoles. The game is set in a dark, fantastical version of Edo-period Kyoto, overrun by demonic forces known as the Genma. Players take on the role of the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who wields the mystical Oni Gauntlet-a powerful artifact granting supernatural abilities and the power to absorb souls from defeated enemies. The narrative focuses on Musashi’s journey through blood-soaked battlefields and haunted historical locations, searching for his purpose while fighting to restore balance.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is positioned as both a return to form and a modern evolution for the franchise, blending classic survival horror-inspired action with contemporary soulslike influences.
Saros
Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Saros is an upcoming action game set to be released in 2026 for the PlayStation 5. The game follows Soltari Enforcer Arjun Devraj as he investigates a lost off-world colony on the planet Carcosa. It features persistent resource and progression systems, allowing players to permanently upgrade Devraj’s loadout with new weapons and suit enhancements for subsequent playthroughs after each character’s death.
While I’m not entirely sure whether this game truly fits the soulslike genre or leans more toward a rogue-lite experience, I’ve decided to include it anyway — time will tell.
Lords of the Fallen II
The upcoming sequel to Lords of the Fallen is currently in full development by Hexworks, with a targeted release in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. It follows a major update (version 2.0) to the original game released in April 2025, which marked the end of major support for the first title as the studio shifts focus to the new installment.
The developers aim to enhance the game’s appeal and accessibility to both existing fans and a broader audience. Planned improvements include refined gameplay mechanics, additional game modes, a more commercially appealing art style and narrative, and elevated production values.
A notable feature of the sequel is the introduction of full shared-progression cooperative multiplayer, complementing the core single-player campaign. This addition allows players to experience the game collaboratively while maintaining individual progression.
Daba: Land of Water Scar
Daba: Land of Water Scar is an upcoming soulslike action RPG developed by Dark Star, the studio behind SINNER: Sacrifice for Redemption. First revealed in mid-2023 as part of PlayStation’s China Hero Project, the game has intrigued fans with its haunting atmosphere and intricate world design. Players control a humanoid clay puppet on a mysterious quest to gather scattered fragments of water across a vast, collapsing world filled with ancient ruins, gloomy prisons, snowy wastelands, and floating cities.
The game features non-linear, maze-like levels encouraging exploration, and combat that blends the challenging, methodical style of Dark Souls with fast-paced elements reminiscent of Nioh. Players can choose between two characters-one wielding heavy weapons and magic, the other favoring agility and ranged attacks-adding variety to the gameplay.
While detailed gameplay footage and information have been available since 2023, the official release date is still unconfirmed. However, Daba: Land of Water Scar is expected to launch around 2026.
Nioh 3
Team Ninja surprised everyone at PlayStation’s State of Play by announcing Nioh 3 for PlayStation 5 and PC, targeting an early 2026 release. The game features a young Tokugawa Ieyasu (then known as Takechiyo) on his path to becoming shogun, battling yokai while pursuing the ultimate goal of unifying war-torn Japan.
What sets Nioh 3 apart is the introduction of dual combat styles you can switch between at any time. The familiar Samurai style returns with enhanced abilities and a new “Deflect” mechanic, while the brand-new Ninja style focuses on quick movements, aerial attacks, and ninjutsu techniques like “Mist” and “Evade”. The game also moves to an open field design, replacing the contained zones of previous entries with freely explorable battlefields and villages.
If you own a PS5, there’s an alpha demo available right now until June 18, 2025—and with over 540 user ratings averaging 4.89, it’s definitely worth your time.
The Age of Bhaarat
Developed by Indian studio Tara Gaming and co-founded by veteran game developer Nouredine Abboud (Ghost Recon Wildlands), actor Amitabh Bachchan, and author Amish Tripathi, The Age of Bhaarat aims to be India’s first AAA soulslike game. Targeting a late 2026 release, this dark fantasy action RPG brings ancient Indian mythology to life.
Players take on the role of a Forest Warden defending their homeland against an invasion of Rakshasa demons, mastering traditional Indian weapons, spiritual powers, and a unique grappling hook system that adds vertical traversal to combat. The game features stunning landscapes inspired by Indian epics like the Ramayana, from devastated forests to mystical mountain peaks and lakes.
With both single-player and multiplayer modes available, The Age of Bhaarat represents an ambitious effort to bring Indian storytelling and mythology to the global gaming stage
Mortal Shell II
Developed by Cold Symmetry and published by Playstack, Mortal Shell II is a standalone sequel to the 2020 soulslike action-RPG coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2026. Players return as “the Harbinger,” a wraithlike being who inhabits the bodies or “Shells” of fallen warriors, each offering unique combat styles and abilities.
The sequel significantly expands on the original with “unrestricted, adrenaline-charged combat, deeper weapon design with extensive upgrade options, and an emphasis on free exploration”. The game promises over 60 dungeons to explore in an interconnected open world that’s both expansive and deliberately compact, designed to respect the player’s time while unveiling twisted landscapes and hidden structures.
The reveal trailer showcases a gothic horror setting with grotesque enemies and brutal combat, featuring everything from giant armored snails to characters literally using other warriors as weapons. Beta signups are currently available on the official website for those eager to get an early taste of the challenging gameplay ahead.
Code Vein II
Bandai Namco’s sequel to the 2019 anime-styled soulslike action-RPG returns players to a post-apocalyptic world where the fate of Revenants and humanity hangs by a thread, coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026. Following the emergence of a new threat called the Luna Rapacis, many Revenants have succumbed to madness and transformed into terrifying creatures known as Horrors.
Players take on the role of a Revenant Hunter guided by Lou, a mysterious girl who possesses the power to travel into the past and rewrite key events. The game spans across two different time periods, where players can intervene in crucial moments of history to alter Revenants’ destinies, reveal hidden truths, and attempt to save the future.
Combat retains the series’ distinctive blood-draining mechanics, allowing players to unlock powerful skills from defeated enemies while using Blood Codes for strategic advantages and special weapons called Jails to overcome challenging foes and epic bosses. Partner allies with unique skills and deep narrative connections will fight alongside players, each offering distinct abilities that enhance the journey.
Valor Mortis
Created by One More Level (Ghostrunner devs) and published by Lyrical Games, Valor Mortis is a first-person perspective soulslike. Set in an alternate, plague-ridden 19th-century Europe during Napoleon’s conquest, you play as William—a resurrected French soldier using supernatural powers from a corrupting, mysterious substance. The game features methodical, brutal combat with dual-wielding, ranged weapons, “Transmutations” (special abilities), and a focus on parrying and gunplay instead of traditional dodging.
The atmosphere promises haunting landscapes, challenging boss encounters, and metroidvania-inspired level design. It is due for release in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Swords of Legends
Developed by Aragon Shanghai, Swords of Legends is set in the medieval China-inspired Gujian universe. You play as an underworld enforcer, a soulless husk hunting spirits that refuse passage to the other side. Combat is action-based, drawing inspiration from soulslike mechanics, especially parrying, but it’s confirmed to be less punishing than traditional soulslikes. You gain mystical techniques by collecting souls, allowing for unique abilities—such as using an umbrella that launches seeking skulls or conjuring swords from the ground.
The game aims to make the series accessible to Western audiences, with “wide linear” level design and a standalone story. While no release date is confirmed, 2026 appears to be a likely timeframe..
Beast of Reincarnation
Beast of Reincarnation is an action RPG developed by Game Freak, known for Pokémon, set in a post-apocalyptic Japan in the year 4026. Players control Emma, an outcast called the “Blighted One,” and her dog companion Koo as they fight mutated creatures and corrupted forces to save humanity. The game features technical, soulslike-inspired combat with precise swordplay, parrying, and environmental traversal using plant-based powers.
Its story and art style draw comparisons to Studio Ghibli’s works like Princess Mononoke. Beast of Reincarnation is set to release in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass. The game stands out as Game Freak’s first AAA project outside Pokémon.
Conclusion
The future looks bright for soulslike enthusiasts, with these promising titles already announced for 2026. As we move through 2025, we’ll undoubtedly see more developers throw their hats into the ring, expanding the soulslike landscape even further.
Stay tuned to this space—we’ll be updating this article regularly as new soulslike games for 2026 are announced. The genre that once seemed niche has now become a mainstay of the gaming industry, and we can’t wait to see what challenges await us in these forthcoming titles.
Want to know what soulslike games are dropping in 2025? We’ve got you covered with our article “A Quick Look at the Most Anticipated Soulslike Games of 2025“.
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