Since the 2009 arrival of Demon's Souls, the 'Soulslike' genre has become synonymous with ball-breaking difficulty. It’s a notoriously steep climb, sure, but that rush of adrenaline when you finally dismantle a boss after dozens of failures? Nothing else quite hits the spot. It’s no surprise it has cultivated such a dedicated, if slightly masochistic, fanbase. In this edition of [Game Recs], we’ve handpicked the standout Soulslike titles released from last year to this year that have secured a 'Very Positive' rating or higher on Steam.

Launched last March,'AI Limit'is an action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world drowning in monsters birthed from a mysterious substance called 'Origin'. It has snagged a 'Very Positive' rating (92% positive from 35,376 reviews) with its striking anime-inspired aesthetic, which contrasts sharply with its bleak setting. While it retains that signature Soulslike sting, the absence of a stamina bar makes it surprisingly approachable for newcomers.

You step into the boots of Arrisa, a 'Blade' android tasked with reclaiming a shattered city. The combat revolves around mixing and matching weapons and magical arts, giving you significant freedom to juggle parries and dodges in real-time. While some players find the field mobs a bit more punishing than the bosses, the weapon-specific skills and the tactile feedback of the parry system make it a solid choice.

'Grime 2'is a Metroidvania action game released this past April, following in the footsteps of its predecessor and its beautifully grotesque artwork. This sequel expands the map significantly and throws a more diverse roster of bosses your way. It currently holds a 'Very Positive' rating (86% positive from 1,518 reviews).

You play as a formless entity, absorbing enemies to adapt and explore a mysterious land. The star of the show is the 'Mold' system, which allows you to turn defeated foes into weapons, projectiles, or summons. The parry-heavy combat remains as satisfying as ever, and with over 50 weapons and armor sets plus 40+ unique abilities, the build-crafting depth is genuinely impressive.

Released in March 2026,'Homura Hime'is an action RPG detailing the adventures of a young exorcist and her assistant in a world where humans and yokai coexist. It has received a 'Very Positive' rating (90% positive from 2,064 reviews) for its sharp anime visuals and compelling character-driven narrative.

What really sets it apart is the fusion of high-difficulty Soulslike combat with the rapid-fire intensity of hack-and-slash and bullet-hell shooters. The boss fights are spectacles of 3D bullet patterns that might leave you reeling at first, but the parry windows are mercifully generous. Once you find the rhythm, it’s a masterclass in stylish, high-tempo action.

Released in April of this year,'Crimson Covenant'is a dark fantasy action RPG following a savior’s journey through a continent torn apart by warring factions. While it’s a bit rough around the edges—expect some dodgy translations and stiff animations—the core combat is robust enough to have earned a 'Very Positive' rating (84% positive from 597 reviews).

The highlight here is the parry-centric combat that feels heavily inspired by Sekiro. It’s a tense psychological dance of reading enemy patterns and perfectly timing your dodges and counters. With a price tag of 16,000 KRW, the sheer volume of content on offer is a steal.

Launched in April last year,'Dolls Nest'is a mechanical action RPG where you play as an android girl uncovering the secrets of a massive industrial world. It blends a heavy, Armored Core-style combat feel with anime aesthetics, landing a 'Very Positive' rating (88% positive from 2,306 reviews). Like 'Crimson Covenant', it’s a budget-friendly title that packs a surprising amount of depth into its open world.

You’ll spend your time scavenging parts to build your custom mech, ranging from heavy-duty tanks to agile, long-range strikers. The loop of conquering massive bosses to open up new territories is addictive, and the random events encountered during exploration keep the experience feeling fresh.