The soulslike genre is known for its emphasis on combat, but that doesn't mean these games usually offer fast-paced, extremely dynamic encounters. In fact, many games in the genre offer quite the opposite. From Dark Souls and Elden Ring to Lords of the Fallen and Lies of P, combat in such games is equally responsive and strategic. Players can choose their own pace, deciding whether to play offensively or defensively.

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Best Soulslike Games For Exploration, Ranked

Players love soulslikes not just for their combat. These examples have the most rewarding and exciting exploration the genre has to offer.

However, for players who crave more blood-pumping, edge-of-your-seat action, plenty of soulslikes also strive to offer just that. Some games emphasize player aggressiveness, taking away shields and leaving players with no other defense options than quick evading or parrying before delivering a devastating blow. Below fans will find some of the best third-person soulslike action games with combat notably faster and more aggressive than one's average expectations of the genre.

1 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Parrying Is A New Battle Symphony

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands as FromSoftware's soulslike game with by far the most fast-paced and dynamic combat system. In fact, it is said that players who have never played the studio's previous soulslikes will have an easier time adapting to this new combat system built exclusively on rhythm and parrying.

Without any weapons aside from the sword and a very limited character progression system, Sekiro forces players to face stronger foes head-on, without the option to retreat, gain XP, and return later. Instead, players must master the combat and learn how and when to parry. When done correctly, duels in Sekiro turn into lightning-fast, spectacular dances that end with just a few successful blows.

2 Remnant 2

Combining Soulsborne With A Shooter

Remnant 2 is a rare breed of third-person soulslike shooter, inherently faster-paced than any Dark Souls game. While players can opt for full melee builds, the core experience revolves around finding the gun that best matches one's playstyle. From traditional firearms to exotic pulse rifles, energy beam weapons, and even bows and crossbows, Remnant 2 offers something for everyone — although finding the perfect match might be harder than it sounds.

Each weapon in the game feels genuinely unique, and once players master their chosen weapons, they can focus on firing while evading attacks from all directions. Given that Remnant 2 is also built around co-op, some of the game's dynamic standoffs against bosses, who can even teleport players all around the arena, are truly hard to forget.

3 Nioh 2

The Next Destination For Every Souls Enthusiast

The Nioh series is probably among the first recommendations for anyone new to the soulslike genre, and for good reasons. Team Ninja's games earn their place among fan favorites of the genre for their frantic combat system, featuring switchable stances, various weapon and skill types, spirits, a randomized loot system, and deep customization options for one's build.

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Nioh 2 is also one of the faster-paced soulslikes out there, with dynamic clashes that keep fans constantly engaged, and weapon types that feel distinct. Additionally, the mission structure ensures players never get bored wandering a huge open world trying to figure out their next step or reach the next hidden boss.

4 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Taking Lightsaber Combat In Gaming To New Heights

The Star Wars Jedi series offers a great mix between action-platformers and soulslikes, and the sequel achieves just the perfect blend of the two. With various lightsaber stances, flexible customization, and more combinations than ever, Jedi: Survivor is a Star Wars game with some of the best lightsaber combat fans can find on the market today.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor's combat is fast, precise, and spectacular. Once players master their two favorite lightsaber stances to switch between on the go, every boss fight turns into a great show full of last-second evades, sparkling parries and multi-hit combos confidently delivered by Cal Kestis. Be careful, though: many bosses are known for their nasty one-shot attacks, so it might take a while to learn all their combat patterns.

5 Bloodborne

Aggressiveness Over Everything Else

Bloodborne is another of FromSoftware's soulslikes that notably deviates from the usual combat seen in the Dark Souls series. In the grim world of Bloodborne, being aggressive is the key to survival, as players can regain a portion of their lost health if they quickly retaliate. There are also no shields in the game. Instead, Hunters of Yharnam rely on quick side arms that allow them to parry their prey, stun it, and then finish it off.

Even the huge weapons in Bloodborne feel faster to wield than in previous FromSoftware games. They offer transformations mid-combo and an additional switchable mode to deal with faster enemies. Speaking of which, enemies in the game are as aggressive as the faster-paced combat suggests, so there's usually no time to take a break, especially when facing terrifying bosses.

6 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Nioh's Younger Twin Is Almost As Engaging

Like every soulslike made by Team Ninja, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty's combat is notably faster than an average soulslike. From animations to combo attack speed, parrying, and finishers, this is probably as fast as action games in the genre can go. Be warned, though, as bosses are as fast and aggressive as the player character, leaving no room for hesitation during key fights.

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Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty features an abundance of different mechanics and stats that some players might find difficult to fully grasp. On the other hand, such depth and flexibility offer great replayability and build-tweaking opportunities that fans may spend hours perfecting.

7 Thymesia

Has Fast-Paced Combat & Plenty Of Style

Thymesia is a compact indie soulslike game fans can beat in just about ten hours, boasting heavy Bloodborne vibes with its plague-ridden world. Despite its short length, this game shouldn't be overlooked, as it is almost as exciting to play as any other major soulslikes and quite stylish as well.

In Thymesia, players can expect a fast-paced approach to combat, evident in the protagonist's every move. Quick evades, blazing-fast deflects, and deadly executions are essential for survival. Additionally, constant attacking is crucial in Thymesia because if enemies are given room to breathe, they will start healing themselves. Don't let them.

8 Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin

Enriching The Iconic Series With Action-Centered Journey

One of the most unusual entries in the iconic RPG series, Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin is an action-soulslike through and through, throwing players into challenging combat encounters right from the start. The key feature of the game is that players won't be alone in their journey but are accompanied by three other characters who can make each fight more manageable.

However, over-relying on one's companions isn't the right way to play Stranger of Paradise. The game's combat will be familiar to any fan of Team Ninja, retaining all the hallmarks of the furious approach seen in other games like Nioh or Wo Long. Mastering and switching between two assigned jobs and using both physical and magical attacks in rotation are key to survival, as well as having sharp reflexes — most enemies will defeat players in just a couple of successful hits.

9 Darksiders 3

A Mix Between Soulsborne And Traditional Action

Like Jedi: Survivor, Darksiders 3 stands between traditional action games, like the series' first two entries, and the soulslike genre, borrowing features such as rest points and respawning enemies. This combination makes Darksiders 3's combat much faster than something akin to Dark Souls, especially given how Fury is much more agile than the majority of lead characters from other games here.

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Featuring quick evades, counter-attacks, and various combos with her signature whip, Darksiders 3 is a streamlined action game and a perfect choice for beginners of the genre. Its combat system leaves little room for improvising or build-tweaking given its pre-designed melee and ranged weapons. Still, the options the developers provide could be just enough for taking down the Seven Deadly Sins during the game's story.

10 Code Vein

Distinct Visuals & Familiar Combat

Distinct and flashy anime-infused visual style and godlike character customization are not Code Vein's only advantages. The game's robust combat system offers a nice blend between Dark Souls and Bloodborne, leaning closer to the latter in terms of enemy aggression and how fast and fluid wielding melee weapons feel — unless players opt for the biggest sword they can find.

Fighting enemies in Code Vein is rapid and visceral, with a helping hand from a companion that makes it easier on some occasions by taking the heat from the game's numerous bosses when needed (although players can go fully solo). Additionally, Code Vein introduces special abilities that bring variety to how fans approach challenges on their journey.

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