Dark Souls III sent FromSoftware's beloved franchise out with a bang, offering an intricate world to explore, deadly bosses to slay, and a mysterious narrative to unravel. Its gameplay might be a bit faster than its predecessors, but Dark Souls III offers heaps of what made the first two games so special — while adding a few modern conveniences to spice up the action.

Released in 2016, Dark Souls III garnered generally favorable reviews and wound up with an impressive 89 Metascore. Critics were blown away by its overall game design, which offered difficult (but fair) combat, Weapon Arts to customize your playstyle, and a heavy atmosphere that weighs down on everything it touches. Despite its intimidating gameplay, Dark Souls III was a commercial success for Bandai Namco, selling more than 10 million copies.

FromSoftware isn't one to ham-fist its lore onto players, but there's a surprisingly deep story hiding just below the surface of Dark Souls III. Instead of offering a straightforward tale, however, you'll be left to piece together the narrative by chatting with NPCs, tackling side quests, and paying close attention to your surroundings as you work your way through its terrifying locales. It takes some effort to uncover, but longtime fans will find it more than worth the hassle.

While Dark Souls III put a bow on the Dark Souls franchise, the game's "Soulsborne" identity lives on. FromSoftware itself has taken the tried-and-true formula and pasted it into the open world of Elden Ring, and a variety of other developers have co-opted ideas for their own creations. If you're a fan of the series, there are dozens of great titles to keep you entertained once you wrap up all of Lothric's mysteries.

Here are 10 games like Dark Souls III to play next, ranked by Metascore.

Elden Ring (PS5)

Metascore: 96
Best for: Fans of open-world Dark Souls
Where to buy: 

Also available on: PC, PS4, XB1, XBX

As latest masterpiece created by FromSoftware, Elden Ring simply takes the "Soulsborne" formula and throws it on top of an open world environment. And while it sounds like a perfect fit on paper, the dev team went to painstaking lengths to make sure the two concepts blended perfectly. You'll seamlessly move between sprawling locales such as swamps and mountaintops before diving into traditional Souls-like dungeons — testing your mettle regardless of locale. The combat is very similar to other FromSoftware titles, but the ability to venture off in any direction (and liberal use of fast travel) make it one of the most approachable titles in its catalog.

"Elden Ring is a superlative title, one of those works capable of becoming an event and becoming engraved in the collective imagination." — IGN Spain

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (XB360)

Metascore: 96
Best for: Fans of open-ended RPGs
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, PS3

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim continues to stand as one of the best RPGs around, despite having launched over a decade ago. It places you in control of the Dragonborn, a character prophesied to save the world from a deadly dragon known as Alduin the World-Eater. Whether or not you actually follow the main quest, however, is up to you. Skyrim gives you nearly limitless freedom to explore its world as you see fit and craft a character that caters to your playstyle. It's not nearly as challenging as Dark Souls III, but anyone looking for a deep RPG experience will find it here in droves.

"This is a title that deserves a spot in your gaming library. The environments are stunning, the level of control you have over your own experience is amazing and, simply put, Skyrim is an epic experience." — Totally360

Bloodborne (PS4)

Metascore: 92
Best for: Dark Souls fans that want faster combat
Where to buy:

Also available on: N/A

Bloodborne was the first spin-off game that borrowed tropes from the Dark Souls franchise. Released in between Dark Souls II and Dark Souls III, the PlayStation exclusive took FromSoftware's meticulous combat engine and made one big change: Instead of sitting back and playing defender, it forces you to be the aggressor. Combined with its haunting world of Yharnam (and a twisting narrative that sees you chasing down a cure for a mysterious plague), Bloodborne became an instant classic. It's also available for $20 or less, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.

"A dark and engaging adventure, with an excellent combat system, an ideal dose of innovation and fascinating exploration." — Eurogamer Poland

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4)

Metascore: 92
Best for: Fans of mature RPGs
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, Switch, XB1

Based on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher 3 follows Geralt as he struggles through political maneuvering, supernatural encounters, and the relentless pursuit of the Wild Hunt. Depending on your actions, you'll achieve one of three unique endings, making it an easy title to replay once the credits roll. Aside from its complex narrative, The Witcher 3 boasts a dynamic combat system that lets you use a variety of melee and ranged weapons, alongside a suite of magical skills (known as Signs). Once you've seen everything The Continent has to offer, you can hunker down with two seasons (so far) of The Witcher series on Netflix.

"Its shockingly cohesive world is as beautiful as it is demanding, and it's packed full of mature content that throws you from one emotional response to the next." — Push Square

Hollow Knight (Switch)

Metascore: 90
Best for: Fans of metroidvanias
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC, PS4, XB1

Hollow Knight is a 2D action game that follows the iconic metroidvania format. You'll journey across the haunting world of Hollownest, unlocking new gear and abilities as you take down its most dangerous inhabitants. Once you've picked up a new skill, you'll be able to navigate previously locked sections of the map, giving you a good reason to retread your steps. Its slick graphics are the initial attraction, although after a few hours you'll have a versatile arsenal that makes combat the star of the show. And don't let its cartoonish good looks fool you, as Hollow Knight is difficult enough for even the most hardened Dark Souls players.

"Dark and beautiful, you'll come for Hollow Knight's visual appeal, but you'll stay for the challenge and responsive combat." — VideoGamer

Dead Cells (Switch)

Metascore: 89
Best for: Fans of roguelikes
Where to buy:

Also available on: iOS, PC, PS4, XB1

Dead Cells is another metroidvania, although it also takes heavy inspiration from roguelites. That is, your character loses items and forms of currency upon dying. However, not all is lost — you can unlock "cells" that offer you permanent upgrades that carry over with each new life. You'll need them, too, as Dead Cells' combat isn't easy. While you work through the game's minimalist story, a variety of monsters will seek to stop your progress. The only way to survive the onslaught is by collecting cells, honing your skills, and slowly learning the weakness of everyone that stands in your way.

"Dead Cells is a masterpiece. It is the marriage and apotheosis of decades of Metroidvania design and the surging popularity of difficult Roguelike games." — GamesBeat

Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)

Metascore: 88
Best for: Fans of parkour and mechanical dinosaurs
Where to buy:

Also available on: PS4

Stunning graphics, a cohesive story, and mechanical dinosaurs — Horizon Forbidden West has a winning formula. As the follow-up to 2017's Horizon Zero Dawn, Forbidden West once again follows Aloy as she tries to save a troubled Earth. Fans of the original will instantly be at home with its platforming and stealthy gameplay, although plenty of new weapons and mechanics give the game a fresh feel. Gamers on PS5 are in for a special treat, as Forbidden West makes great use of the DualSense controller and looks gorgeous running on the new-gen console.

"Horizon Forbidden West's captivating story, gorgeous open world, and thrilling combat make for one of the most uniquely memorable games I've played in recent memory." — GamingBolt

Monster Hunter Rise (Switch)

Metascore: 88
Best for: Fans of cooperative monster slaying
Where to buy:

Also available on: PC

Monster Hunter Rise is essentially a string of one incredible boss fight after another. You're tasked with saving a small village from a group of rampaging monsters, and most missions see you tracking and slaying these behemoths. If successful, you'll harvest their resources and craft stronger gear — before heading back into the field and repeating the process. It's a core gameplay loop that's been successful for the Monster Hunter franchise, and Rise only makes it better with the inclusion of a loyal mount and acrobatic maneuvers with your newfound Wirebug gadget.

"Monster Hunter Rise is a success built on years of gradual improvements, but it also takes some giant Wirebug leaps forward to deliver an unforgettable and endlessly thrilling adventure." — Switch Player

Tunic (PC)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of isometric adventures
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: XB1, XBX

Tunic has quietly established itself as one of the best and beloved games of 2022 with a high Metascore, and adorable, isometric graphics, which will immediately catch your eye. (Although its stamina-based combat system will be the reason you keep playing long into the night.) You'll be given a few brief directions, thanks to an adorable in-game instruction manual, but then it's up to you to find your way in its unforgiving world. It plays out a bit like classic Zelda games, as you'll need to battle bosses, unlock new gear, and discover secrets on your own terms. Picture Dark Souls in isometric form, and you're not far from the mark.

"Tunic's world is as mysterious as it is beautiful. The world is a treasure trove of puzzles to solve coupled with a myriad of bosses determined to test your fortitude." — Windows Central

Mortal Shell (PC)

Metascore: 76
Best for: Fans of action-RPGs
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: PS4, PS5, XB1, XBX

Taking inspiration from Dark Souls, Mortal Shell is one of the many games building off FromSoftware's iconic formula. But of all the spin-off games, Mortal Shell does the most to stand on its own two legs, thanks to a unique system that essentially allows you to become temporarily invincible during combat. Its also a surprisingly good-looking game, having been developed by a core team of only 15 people. It looks even better on PS5 and Xbox Series X, as an enhanced version was launched in 2021 that brings 4K visuals and shorter load times.

"Despite its shortcomings, Mortal Shell brings enough new ideas to the table, and with less pressure and investment required, there's plenty of freedom to experiment with them." — Easy Allies