An Unofficial Pantheon: Ranking Every Souls Game from FromSoftware

There are few studios in the history of gaming that have a reputation as legendary and as influential as FromSoftware. The Japanese developer, under the creative vision of Hidetaka Miyazaki, has not only created a new subgenre of action RPGs but has also released a series of games that are consistently ranked among the greatest of all time. With a shared DNA of punishing difficulty, intricate world design, minimalist storytelling, and a deep emphasis on combat, each “Soulsborne” title is a masterpiece in its own right. However, for every player, there is a personal hierarchy, a preference for one game over another. With the recent release of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and the continued discussion in the community, now is the perfect time to look back at FromSoftware’s incredible body of work and rank every one of its iconic titles. This is not a definitive list, but a reflection of the general consensus and the key design elements that make each game so memorable.

1. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is not just a game; it’s a monumental achievement in video game design. As the culmination of everything FromSoftware has learned over the years, it takes the studio’s signature formula and places it in a massive, seamless open world. The sheer scale of the Lands Between, the freedom of exploration, and the staggering amount of content make this an easy number one. It is, by far, the most accessible Souls game, giving players the ability to choose their own path and to come back to a boss they find too difficult later. The combat is a refined version of Dark Souls 3, with the added flexibility of “Ashes of War” and a staggering variety of weapons, spells, and builds. The collaborative effort with George R.R. Martin on the lore also adds a new layer of depth to the world. It’s a game that is not just great; it’s a masterclass in how to evolve a genre while staying true to its core identity. Its recent DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, only further solidifies its position as the pinnacle of the studio’s work.

2. Bloodborne

A true fan-favorite, Bloodborne is a game that stands out from the rest. Its unique gothic, cosmic horror setting is a breath of fresh air compared to the traditional high fantasy of the Dark Souls series. The combat, which is centered around aggression and a “rally” system that encourages players to regain health by attacking after being hit, is a fast, fluid, and exhilarating experience. The game’s world, the city of Yharnam, is a labyrinthian masterpiece of interconnected levels that are a joy to explore. The story, a terrifying tale of madness and eldritch secrets, is a brilliant departure from the classic narrative of rekindling the flame. While it is a PlayStation exclusive and is often criticized for its 30 FPS cap, the game’s unparalleled atmosphere, incredible boss design, and a unique combat loop make it an unforgettable experience that many fans still consider the studio’s magnum opus.

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

As the most significant departure from the traditional Souls formula, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a bold and brilliant game that emphasizes a different kind of challenge. By removing the traditional RPG elements of stats and builds, Sekiro forces players to master a single, highly-refined combat system. The parry and posture mechanics create a rhythmic, tense, and incredibly rewarding combat loop that is unlike anything else in the genre. The game’s narrative, a more focused story about a shinobi protecting his lord, is also a welcome change. While some fans were disappointed by the lack of build variety, Sekiro’s commitment to its unique design and its challenging but fair combat make it a masterpiece of action game design. It is a game that demands mastery and rewards it with a feeling of accomplishment that is second to none.

4. Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3 is the grand finale of the trilogy, and it is a worthy send-off. The game’s combat is a fast-paced, refined version of the classic Dark Souls formula, with a new focus on aggressive combat that feels influenced by Bloodborne. The game’s bosses are some of the best in the series, with many of them being epic, multi-phased battles that are a joy to learn and master. The world of Lothric is a beautiful, melancholic landscape that is filled with a sense of finality. While it is often criticized for its more linear level design and its tendency to lean too heavily on fan service, the game’s incredible visuals, memorable bosses, and polished combat make it a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. The DLC, Ashes of Ariandel and The Ringed City, are also some of the best expansions the studio has ever made, further cementing the game’s place as a classic.

5. Dark Souls

The game that started it all. Dark Souls is a seminal title that is responsible for many of the key elements that would go on to become staples of the genre. Its intricate, interconnected world design, which allows players to traverse the kingdom of Lordran without a single loading screen, is a work of art. The game’s slow, deliberate combat and its minimalist storytelling, which encourages players to piece together the lore on their own, were revolutionary for their time. While the game’s second half and its PC port were famously flawed, the first half of the game, with its incredible level design and iconic bosses, is a masterclass in game development. Its legacy is immense, and its influence can still be seen in games released today. It is a true landmark title that every fan of the genre should experience.

6. Demon’s Souls

Demon’s Souls is the game that laid the groundwork for everything that came after it. Originally released on the PlayStation 3, this game introduced the world to the core tenets of the Souls formula: brutal difficulty, a unique hub world, and a system of “World Tendency” that would change the game’s difficulty and events based on the player’s actions. While the game’s level design is more linear and its mechanics are a bit more archaic than its successors, its atmosphere is unparalleled. The chilling, oppressive sense of dread that permeates the world of Boletaria is something that has never been fully replicated. The recent PlayStation 5 remake from Bluepoint Games, while beautiful, is a faithful recreation of the original, allowing a new generation of players to experience the game that started it all.

7. Dark Souls 2

Often considered the black sheep of the series, Dark Souls 2 is a game that has a dedicated but divisive fanbase. The game’s slower, more deliberate combat, its massive world, and its new mechanics, like the “Adaptability” stat, were all a major departure from the first game. The game’s level design, which felt less interconnected and more disjointed than its predecessor, was a major point of criticism. However, for those who embraced its changes, Dark Souls 2 is a massive and rewarding experience with some of the best DLC in the series, with the “Crown of the Sunken King” and “Crown of the Old Iron King” being particular highlights. While it may not be a fan-favorite, its unique ideas and its commitment to a different kind of Souls experience make it a game that is still worth revisiting.