The Best Dark Souls Games Ranked

FromSoftware has built a legacy of brutally challenging yet incredibly rewarding games, shaping an entire subgenre of action RPGs. Whether you’re rolling through enemy attacks in Dark Souls, executing flawless parries in Sekiro, or exploring the vast open world of Elden Ring, every game has its own unique appeal. But which Soulsborne game is truly the best? Let’s break down the six best Dark Souls games, ranked not just by difficulty, but by their world-building, combat, and sheer unforgettable moments.

1. Elden Ring

When Elden Ring dropped in 2022, it took the Souls formula and amplified everything. This wasn’t just another Dark Souls game—it was a fully realized open-world experience that gave players freedom unlike anything before. The Lands Between felt like a living, breathing world, full of hidden caves, monstrous bosses, and secrets tucked away in every corner.

The combat? As fluid and punishing as ever. Whether you wanted to dual-wield colossal greatswords, snipe enemies with sorcery, or ride into battle on horseback, Elden Ring let you play your way. The variety in builds was staggering, and the game actively encouraged experimentation.

Boss fights were nothing short of legendary. Radagon, Malenia, Rykard, and Starscourge Radahn—every one of them brought their own brand of pain and spectacle. And let’s not forget the world’s lore, co-written by George R.R. Martin, which added layers of myth and tragedy to every NPC and region.

With a massive world, deeply rewarding combat, and an unmatched sense of adventure, Elden Ring is arguably the pinnacle of FromSoftware’s game design.

2. Dark Souls 2

Dark Souls 2 often gets flak for not being as tightly designed as its predecessor, but let’s be honest—it still delivers an incredible Souls experience. The combat feels weightier, the enemy variety is top-tier, and the sheer amount of content is staggering.

Unlike other Souls games, Dark Souls 2 takes a more experimental approach. It introduced power stancing, letting players dual-wield weapons in a way that made melee combat more fluid and aggressive. The bonfire system was changed, making healing items feel more precious, and the world felt more fragmented, with areas connected in a less natural way—but that added to its unique charm.

The boss fights were a mixed bag, with some incredible standouts like Fume Knight, Sir Alonne, and the Looking Glass Knight. The DLC expansions—Crown of the Sunken King, Crown of the Old Iron King, and Crown of the Ivory King—added some of the best level designs in Souls history.

Is it perfect? No. But Dark Souls 2 tried new things, and for that, it deserves more recognition than it gets.

3. Dark Souls

Before Dark Souls, few games dared to be this challenging. Released in 2011, it set the gold standard for punishing but fair combat, intricate level design, and mystery-filled storytelling. The world of Lordran is unforgettable, filled with towering castles, crumbling ruins, and secrets lurking behind every hidden wall.

What really made Dark Souls shine was its interconnected world. You could start in Firelink Shrine and naturally find yourself weaving through Undead Burg, descending into Blighttown, or making your way toward Anor Londo’s gleaming spires. Every area felt deliberately crafted, full of dangers and discoveries.

The bosses? Iconic. Ornstein and Smough, Artorias the Abysswalker, and Gwyn, Lord of Cinder—each fight tested your skills and patience. And let’s not forget the cryptic NPCs, each with their own tragic backstories and unpredictable questlines.

This is the game that spawned the Souls genre. Even over a decade later, Dark Souls still holds up as one of the most satisfying gaming experiences ever.

4. Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3 took everything FromSoftware had learned from its previous games and refined it into one of the best combat systems ever made. The game felt faster and more responsive, clearly influenced by Bloodborne, while still keeping the methodical, deliberate combat that made Dark Souls famous.

The visuals were breathtaking, with locations like Lothric Castle, the Profaned Capital, and the Ringed City dripping with atmosphere. Every boss fight felt like an event, from Pontiff Sulyvahn’s aggressive dual-sword attacks to the tragic final duel with Gael.

Multiplayer was at its best, with dynamic invasions, intense duels, and co-op battles against massive foes. And the lore tied together the entire Souls saga, making it feel like a fitting conclusion to the trilogy.

If you love fast-paced, refined combat with an incredible atmosphere, Dark Souls 3 is a must-play.

5. Bloodborne

Bloodborne isn’t just a Souls game—it’s a nightmare brought to life. Set in the Lovecraftian-inspired world of Yharnam, this game ditched shields in favor of pure aggression, making combat fast, brutal, and incredibly satisfying.

The Gothic horror aesthetic was unlike anything in FromSoftware’s history. The city of Yharnam, with its towering cathedrals, grotesque enemies, and chilling atmosphere, made exploration terrifying yet thrilling. And the enemy designs? Pure nightmare fuel.

Instead of a traditional Souls arsenal, Bloodborne introduced trick weapons, transforming blades into whips or saws into hammers mid-combat. The rally system encouraged players to fight aggressively, rewarding them for attacking rather than retreating.

The Old Hunters DLC made the game even better, adding some of the hardest, most haunting bosses in the series. If you crave horror with your Souls experience, Bloodborne is essential gaming.

6. Sekiro – Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the hardest game FromSoftware has ever made—and also one of the most rewarding. Unlike traditional Souls games, there are no RPG stats or builds here. It’s all about pure skill-based swordplay.

The combat is razor-sharp, built around parrying, dodging, and countering attacks perfectly. Every enemy—especially bosses like Genichiro Ashina, the Guardian Ape, and Isshin, the Sword Saint—demands complete mastery of the mechanics.

The story is more direct than Dark Souls, focusing on the lone shinobi Wolf and his quest to protect his master. And the world, inspired by Sengoku-era Japan, is breathtaking.

If you love precision-based combat and brutal difficulty, Sekiro is the ultimate challenge.