The best dark fantasy games on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch
Grim worlds full of magic, monsters and moral grey areas: fantasy without the sugar coating.
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How to find games that really suit you:
Select up to 5 games you have played and enjoyed. Playalike compares 36 traits such as combat, story and atmosphere and suggests games that hit exactly the same spot, even across genres.
A merciless action RPG whose interconnected world of Lordran rewards careful exploration with clever shortcuts, deliberate combat and cryptic, melancholic lore. Every death teaches something, and every victory feels truly earned.
The genre-defining hack-and-slash: you descend floor by floor through randomized catacombs beneath Tristram all the way into Hell, chasing ever-better loot. Its oppressive gothic atmosphere and iconic soundtrack remain legendary.
A merciless action RPG whose interconnected world of Lordran rewards careful exploration with clever shortcuts, deliberate combat and cryptic, melancholic lore. Every death teaches something, and every victory feels truly earned.
A merciless action RPG whose interconnected world of Lordran rewards careful exploration with clever shortcuts, deliberate combat and cryptic, melancholic lore. Every death teaches something, and every victory feels truly earned.
The genre-defining hack-and-slash: you descend floor by floor through randomized catacombs beneath Tristram all the way into Hell, chasing ever-better loot. Its oppressive gothic atmosphere and iconic soundtrack remain legendary.
The genre-defining hack-and-slash: you descend floor by floor through randomized catacombs beneath Tristram all the way into Hell, chasing ever-better loot. Its oppressive gothic atmosphere and iconic soundtrack remain legendary.
The original Soulslike: you fight through the fog-cursed kingdom of Boletaria across brutal, interconnected stages full of traps and demons, where every death costs your souls and every victory feels earned. Asynchronous online touches like messages, bloodstains and invasions give the lonely journey a unique edge.
The original Soulslike: you fight through the fog-cursed kingdom of Boletaria across brutal, interconnected stages full of traps and demons, where every death costs your souls and every victory feels earned. Asynchronous online touches like messages, bloodstains and invasions give the lonely journey a unique edge.
A grim, gothic loot-driven action RPG where you carve through demon hordes across a shared open world, endlessly tuning your build with skills, aspects and legendary gear. A brooding story about Lilith's return sets the stage, while the endgame keeps you chasing better loot in dungeons and seasons.
A grim, gothic loot-driven action RPG where you carve through demon hordes across a shared open world, endlessly tuning your build with skills, aspects and legendary gear. A brooding story about Lilith's return sets the stage, while the endgame keeps you chasing better loot in dungeons and seasons.
A fast, aggressive Soulslike set in a gothic nightmare city, where you win by staying on the offensive instead of hiding behind a shield, and the story slowly turns into cosmic horror. Interlocking levels, brutal bosses and cryptic lore make it a genre landmark.
A fast, aggressive Soulslike set in a gothic nightmare city, where you win by staying on the offensive instead of hiding behind a shield, and the story slowly turns into cosmic horror. Interlocking levels, brutal bosses and cryptic lore make it a genre landmark.
This remake of the genre-founding classic sends you through fog-shrouded, bleak fantasy realms full of merciless enemies and punishing bosses. Modern visuals and fluid combat make the birth of the Soulslike feel fresh again.
This remake of the genre-founding classic sends you through fog-shrouded, bleak fantasy realms full of merciless enemies and punishing bosses. Modern visuals and fluid combat make the birth of the Soulslike feel fresh again.
The second Souls entry sends you as a cursed undead through the decaying kingdom of Drangleic, offering punishing bosses, huge weapon and build variety, and a sprawling, branching world packed with secrets.
2014PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified39.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 33,496 reviews on Steam
Challenging difficulty
Action-packed real-time combat
Strong character progression
The second Souls entry sends you as a cursed undead through the decaying kingdom of Drangleic, offering punishing bosses, huge weapon and build variety, and a sprawling, branching world packed with secrets.
A co-op roguelike spin-off of Elden Ring where a trio races across a shrinking map over three days, powering up before facing a towering Nightlord boss. Fast, intense runs with distinct hero classes replace the sprawling solo journey.
2025PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable39.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 130,469 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Runs that play out differently every time
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A co-op roguelike spin-off of Elden Ring where a trio races across a shrinking map over three days, powering up before facing a towering Nightlord boss. Fast, intense runs with distinct hero classes replace the sprawling solo journey.
A grim fantasy RPG where you lead a band of memorable companions as a Grey Warden against the Blight. Tactical pausable combat, distinct origin stories and weighty moral choices shape the fate of Ferelden.
2009PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable29.99 €91 % positive
Very positive, 10,538 reviews on Steam
Choices with consequences
Tactical depth
A party of several characters
A grim fantasy RPG where you lead a band of memorable companions as a Grey Warden against the Blight. Tactical pausable combat, distinct origin stories and weighty moral choices shape the fate of Ferelden.
A grim hack-and-slash ARPG with a sprawling passive tree, flexible skill gems and far more deliberate, dodge-heavy boss fights than its predecessor. A haven for theorycrafters who love tinkering with builds and chasing endgame loot.
A grim hack-and-slash ARPG with a sprawling passive tree, flexible skill gems and far more deliberate, dodge-heavy boss fights than its predecessor. A haven for theorycrafters who love tinkering with builds and chasing endgame loot.
As the undead ranger Talion, you carve through Mordor with fluid counter-based combat and stealth. The Nemesis System generates orc captains who remember you, rise through the ranks and become personal rivals.
2014PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified19.99 €92 % positive
Very positive, 64,266 reviews on Steam
Open world
Action-packed real-time combat
Melee combat with weapons or fists
As the undead ranger Talion, you carve through Mordor with fluid counter-based combat and stealth. The Nemesis System generates orc captains who remember you, rise through the ranks and become personal rivals.
A grim Soulslike where a magic lantern lets you shift between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead. Weighty combat, interconnected level design and the Umbral mechanic make exploration tense and demanding.
A grim Soulslike where a magic lantern lets you shift between the realm of the living and the realm of the dead. Weighty combat, interconnected level design and the Umbral mechanic make exploration tense and demanding.
A 2.5D soulslike metroidvania set in a grim, hand-painted fantasy world being consumed by Entropy. It stands out with deep class and skill trees, crafting through recruited merchants, and punishing boss fights.
A 2.5D soulslike metroidvania set in a grim, hand-painted fantasy world being consumed by Entropy. It stands out with deep class and skill trees, crafting through recruited merchants, and punishing boss fights.
Fast-paced hack-and-slash where you carve through demon hordes with one of several classes while chasing ever-better loot. Its real draw is the endgame loop of Greater Rifts, seasons and co-op play.
Fast-paced hack-and-slash where you carve through demon hordes with one of several classes while chasing ever-better loot. Its real draw is the endgame loop of Greater Rifts, seasons and co-op play.
A grim pixel-art Metroidvania where the Penitent One wields three distinct weapons through a world steeped in religious horror. Precise duels, tough bosses and plenty of secrets make exploring rewarding.
2023PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified−66 %44.99 € 15.29 € 13 days left91 % positive
Very positive, 17,463 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots to discover
Action-packed real-time combat
A grim pixel-art Metroidvania where the Penitent One wields three distinct weapons through a world steeped in religious horror. Precise duels, tough bosses and plenty of secrets make exploring rewarding.
Lords of the Fallen pits you against brutal melee combat in a grim fantasy world split between the living and the dead. A lantern that moves you between both realms gives exploration and the consequences of your choices a distinctive twist.
Lords of the Fallen pits you against brutal melee combat in a grim fantasy world split between the living and the dead. A lantern that moves you between both realms gives exploration and the consequences of your choices a distinctive twist.
As Talion you roam Mordor, dominating orc captains to build your own army and storm fortresses. The Nemesis System makes enemies remember you, rise in rank, and grow into personal rivals with their own stories.
2017PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified39.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 88,402 reviews on Steam
Open world
Action-packed real-time combat
Strong character progression
As Talion you roam Mordor, dominating orc captains to build your own army and storm fortresses. The Nemesis System makes enemies remember you, rise in rank, and grow into personal rivals with their own stories.
A grim free-to-play loot-driven ARPG with an enormous passive skill tree and socketed gem system that enable near-limitless build crafting. Its deep endgame mapping and seasonal leagues keep theorycrafters hooked for years.
2013PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playablefree89 % positive
Very positive, 250,343 reviews on Steam
Strong character progression
Deep systems to master
Challenging difficulty
A grim free-to-play loot-driven ARPG with an enormous passive skill tree and socketed gem system that enable near-limitless build crafting. Its deep endgame mapping and seasonal leagues keep theorycrafters hooked for years.
As the freshly resurrected vampire Kain, you slash through the gloomy top-down land of Nosgoth, collecting spells, weapons and shapeshifting forms. Famed for its gothic atmosphere, richly voiced dramatic storytelling and morally grey tale of vengeance.
As the freshly resurrected vampire Kain, you slash through the gloomy top-down land of Nosgoth, collecting spells, weapons and shapeshifting forms. Famed for its gothic atmosphere, richly voiced dramatic storytelling and morally grey tale of vengeance.
A grim hack-and-slash RPG where the embittered prince Caim forms a pact with a dragon. Ground battles against massive armies alternate with aerial dragon combat, and its disturbing multi-ending story made it a cult classic.
A grim hack-and-slash RPG where the embittered prince Caim forms a pact with a dragon. Ground battles against massive armies alternate with aerial dragon combat, and its disturbing multi-ending story made it a cult classic.
A grim soulslike where you possess the bodies of fallen warriors and use them in fast, punishing fights against false gods. The sequel offers a more open, ruined world with horror undertones.
2026PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable−25 %49.99 € 37.49 € 6 days left80 % positive
Very positive, 20,783 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
A grim soulslike where you possess the bodies of fallen warriors and use them in fast, punishing fights against false gods. The sequel offers a more open, ruined world with horror undertones.
A dark, gothic pixel-art Metroidvania that blends Soulslike combat with sprawling interconnected exploration and plenty of weapon and build options. You fight through a decaying world ravaged by plague and a corrupt religion as Eric.
2023PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck playable26.99 €83 % positive
Very positive, 4,755 reviews on Steam
Lots to discover
Action-packed real-time combat
Distinctive, stylised art style
A dark, gothic pixel-art Metroidvania that blends Soulslike combat with sprawling interconnected exploration and plenty of weapon and build options. You fight through a decaying world ravaged by plague and a corrupt religion as Eric.
A brutal Metroidvania in gorgeous pixel art that twists Spanish Catholic iconography into a nightmarish world of guilt and penance. Tight parries, gory executions and plenty of hidden secrets define the Penitent One's journey.
2019PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified24.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 55,677 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots to discover
Jumping and platforming
A brutal Metroidvania in gorgeous pixel art that twists Spanish Catholic iconography into a nightmarish world of guilt and penance. Tight parries, gory executions and plenty of hidden secrets define the Penitent One's journey.
You switch between the vampire Kain and the betrayed Raziel as their fates converge across the grim world of Nosgoth. Gothic atmosphere, shifting between two realms and puzzle-laced exploration define the experience. This rating relies mainly on the provided metadata since I do not know this remastered release well.
You switch between the vampire Kain and the betrayed Raziel as their fates converge across the grim world of Nosgoth. Gothic atmosphere, shifting between two realms and puzzle-laced exploration define the experience. This rating relies mainly on the provided metadata since I do not know this remastered release well.
A grim first-person open-world RPG in the Skyrim mold that reimagines Arthurian legend as a decaying Avalon ravaged by plague and madness. Free exploration, flexible builds and quests with meaningful choices drive the experience.
2025PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified43.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 34,461 reviews on Steam
Open world
Lots to discover
Strong character progression
A grim first-person open-world RPG in the Skyrim mold that reimagines Arthurian legend as a decaying Avalon ravaged by plague and madness. Free exploration, flexible builds and quests with meaningful choices drive the experience.
A bleak Viking saga with gorgeous hand-drawn art, where you lead a caravan through a dying world. Turn-based tactical battles alternate with tough decisions that can cost supplies, morale and even the lives of your companions.
2014PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified24.99 €88 % positive
Very positive, 13,496 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Distinctive, stylised art style
Choices with consequences
A bleak Viking saga with gorgeous hand-drawn art, where you lead a caravan through a dying world. Turn-based tactical battles alternate with tough decisions that can cost supplies, morale and even the lives of your companions.
A brutal hack-and-slash descent through the nine circles of Hell inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, wielding Death's scythe and a holy cross against grotesque demons. Punishing or absolving damned souls shapes your unholy or holy upgrade path.
A brutal hack-and-slash descent through the nine circles of Hell inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, wielding Death's scythe and a holy cross against grotesque demons. Punishing or absolving damned souls shapes your unholy or holy upgrade path.
A lone rider roams a desolate, haunting land to climb and topple sixteen towering colossi, each fight a living puzzle to scale. Minimalist storytelling, vast silence and a bittersweet ending make it a landmark of games as art.
A lone rider roams a desolate, haunting land to climb and topple sixteen towering colossi, each fight a living puzzle to scale. Minimalist storytelling, vast silence and a bittersweet ending make it a landmark of games as art.
A grim open-world action RPG set in medieval Europe, where Coen is a human by day and a vampire by night. That shift shapes how you fight and explore, and your choices steer the fight to save his family.
2026PCPlayStationXbox69.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 21,389 reviews on Steam
Strong, story-driven narrative
Choices with consequences
Open world
A grim open-world action RPG set in medieval Europe, where Coen is a human by day and a vampire by night. That shift shapes how you fight and explore, and your choices steer the fight to save his family.
As the vengeful vampire-wraith Raziel, you shift between the material and spectral realms across the ruined land of Nosgoth. Its gothic storytelling, world-shifting puzzles and gruesome combat, impaling or burning foes, make it stand out.
1999PCPlayStation73 % positive
Mostly positive, 1,917 reviews on Steam
Post-apocalyptic setting
Strong, story-driven narrative
Distinctive, stylised art style
As the vengeful vampire-wraith Raziel, you shift between the material and spectral realms across the ruined land of Nosgoth. Its gothic storytelling, world-shifting puzzles and gruesome combat, impaling or burning foes, make it stand out.
Kratos carves a brutal, spectacularly staged path of vengeance through Greek mythology, from the Underworld to Mount Olympus. Fast chain-blade combat, colossal bosses and occasional puzzles make for a cinematic action showpiece.
Kratos carves a brutal, spectacularly staged path of vengeance through Greek mythology, from the Underworld to Mount Olympus. Fast chain-blade combat, colossal bosses and occasional puzzles make for a cinematic action showpiece.
A co-op first-person slaughterfest set in the Warhammer world, where four heroes with distinct careers carve through hordes of Skaven and Chaos warriors with weighty melee combat. Loot progression and brutal higher difficulties give it lasting replay value.
2018PCPlayStationXbox27.99 €84 % positive
Very positive, 91,218 reviews on Steam
Co-op or multiplayer
Playing together in co-op
Action-packed real-time combat
A co-op first-person slaughterfest set in the Warhammer world, where four heroes with distinct careers carve through hordes of Skaven and Chaos warriors with weighty melee combat. Loot progression and brutal higher difficulties give it lasting replay value.
A twisted, nightmarish Wonderland where a traumatized Alice fights through with a vorpal knife and strange weapons, mixing action, platforming and puzzles. Its gothic, surreal art direction makes it unforgettable.
A twisted, nightmarish Wonderland where a traumatized Alice fights through with a vorpal knife and strange weapons, mixing action, platforming and puzzles. Its gothic, surreal art direction makes it unforgettable.
Kratos wages a vengeful war against Olympus, allied with the Titans, in a brutal combo-driven hack-and-slash. Its colossal boss fights, like the Colossus of Rhodes, and its inventive environmental puzzles pushed the PS2 to its limits.
Kratos wages a vengeful war against Olympus, allied with the Titans, in a brutal combo-driven hack-and-slash. Its colossal boss fights, like the Colossus of Rhodes, and its inventive environmental puzzles pushed the PS2 to its limits.
A visually stunning action RPG based on Journey to the West, pitting you as a staff-wielding monkey warrior against a parade of spectacular bosses. Transformations, spells and precise dodging define its demanding combat.
2024PCPlayStationXbox59.99 €96 % positive
Overwhelmingly positive, 883,642 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
A visually stunning action RPG based on Journey to the West, pitting you as a staff-wielding monkey warrior against a parade of spectacular bosses. Transformations, spells and precise dodging define its demanding combat.
A 2D Soulslike wrapped in Metroidvania design: stamina-driven combat, punishing bosses and a huge skill tree in a grim, interconnected world. Its hand-drawn look and rewarding exploration set it apart.
2016PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified17.99 €89 % positive
Very positive, 20,179 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Strong character progression
Distinctive, stylised art style
A 2D Soulslike wrapped in Metroidvania design: stamina-driven combat, punishing bosses and a huge skill tree in a grim, interconnected world. Its hand-drawn look and rewarding exploration set it apart.
A gloomy, gothic action RPG about violent angels and dead gods. Little is known about this unreleased game, so the rating relies mainly on the metadata.
A gloomy, gothic action RPG about violent angels and dead gods. Little is known about this unreleased game, so the rating relies mainly on the metadata.
Raziel chases Kain through time while uncovering the dark secrets of Nosgoth. A dense gothic tale mixing environmental puzzles, spectral realm shifting and melee combat with the Soul Reaver blade.
2001PCPlayStation6.99 €66 % positive
Mixed, 907 reviews on Steam
Strong, story-driven narrative
Distinctive, stylised art style
Melee combat with weapons or fists
Raziel chases Kain through time while uncovering the dark secrets of Nosgoth. A dense gothic tale mixing environmental puzzles, spectral realm shifting and melee combat with the Soul Reaver blade.
Follow Hawke's rise over a decade in the city of Kirkwall as tensions between mages and templars boil over. Faster, more action-oriented combat with tactical pause and memorable companions who become friends or rivals define this compact, character-driven sequel.
2011PCPlayStationXbox29.99 €81 % positive
Very positive, 7,064 reviews on Steam
A party of several characters
Strong, story-driven narrative
Choices with consequences
Follow Hawke's rise over a decade in the city of Kirkwall as tensions between mages and templars boil over. Faster, more action-oriented combat with tactical pause and memorable companions who become friends or rivals define this compact, character-driven sequel.
An older Kratos travels through Norse mythology with his son Atreus. Weighty axe combat, an emotional father-son story and a seamless single-shot camera make it stand out.
An older Kratos travels through Norse mythology with his son Atreus. Weighty axe combat, an emotional father-son story and a seamless single-shot camera make it stand out.
A turn-based tactical RPG set in the grim fantasy world of Nevendaar, where you lead a mercenary heroine, build an army, and shape the story through morally tough decisions.
2021PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified−70 %49.99 € 14.99 € 2 days left73 % positive
Mostly positive, 2,720 reviews on Steam
Turn-based combat
Choices with consequences
Tactical depth
A turn-based tactical RPG set in the grim fantasy world of Nevendaar, where you lead a mercenary heroine, build an army, and shape the story through morally tough decisions.
A melancholic 2D Metroidvania where a young priestess frees fallen knights and uses their spirits as allies in combat. A hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and strong soundtrack carry the exploration of a ruined kingdom.
2021PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck verified−60 %24.99 € 9.99 € 12 days left93 % positive
Very positive, 43,554 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Lots to discover
Jumping and platforming
A melancholic 2D Metroidvania where a young priestess frees fallen knights and uses their spirits as allies in combat. A hauntingly beautiful atmosphere and strong soundtrack carry the exploration of a ruined kingdom.
A stunning, film-like journey through mythic Viking Iceland that renders Senua's psychosis through remarkable binaural audio. Light on gameplay depth, but heavy on atmosphere, weighty one-on-one duels and perception puzzles.
2024PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified49.99 €86 % positive
Very positive, 9,625 reviews on Steam
Lavish presentation
Strong, story-driven narrative
Melee combat with weapons or fists
A stunning, film-like journey through mythic Viking Iceland that renders Senua's psychosis through remarkable binaural audio. Light on gameplay depth, but heavy on atmosphere, weighty one-on-one duels and perception puzzles.
A punishing turn-based roguelike where you drive a fragile band of heroes across a cursed land by stagecoach. Stress, afflictions and party relationships are as dangerous as the monsters.
A punishing turn-based roguelike where you drive a fragile band of heroes across a cursed land by stagecoach. Stress, afflictions and party relationships are as dangerous as the monsters.
A first-person soulslike from the Ghostrunner team that casts you as a resurrected soldier of Napoleon's army. You fight horrifying monsters with blades, firearms and supernatural powers, in tense parry-driven combat set in a grim, twisted version of the Napoleonic era.
2026PCPlayStationXbox39.99 €80 % positive
Very positive, 2,733 reviews on Steam
Action-packed real-time combat
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Dread and tension
A first-person soulslike from the Ghostrunner team that casts you as a resurrected soldier of Napoleon's army. You fight horrifying monsters with blades, firearms and supernatural powers, in tense parry-driven combat set in a grim, twisted version of the Napoleonic era.
A demanding soulslike set in a grim take on the late Ming Dynasty, where a mysterious plague twists people into monsters. Flexible weapon builds, precise parrying and a madness mechanic that trades risk for power define its combat.
A demanding soulslike set in a grim take on the late Ming Dynasty, where a mysterious plague twists people into monsters. Flexible weapon builds, precise parrying and a madness mechanic that trades risk for power define its combat.
You once again play Kratos, seeking revenge against the gods of Greek myth. Brutal, weighty combat with blades and spectacular set pieces define this action adventure.
You once again play Kratos, seeking revenge against the gods of Greek myth. Brutal, weighty combat with blades and spectacular set pieces define this action adventure.
A new Castlevania Metroidvania set in a burning Paris in 1499, where Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose wield the Vampire Killer whip against monstrous hordes. It promises gothic horror atmosphere, interconnected exploration and demanding action combat.
A new Castlevania Metroidvania set in a burning Paris in 1499, where Trevor Belmont and his daughter Rose wield the Vampire Killer whip against monstrous hordes. It promises gothic horror atmosphere, interconnected exploration and demanding action combat.
A hack-and-slash action game about the bloodthirsty Intoner Zero and her dragon as they hunt down her sisters. It blends a bitter, darkly comic tone with eccentric characters and multiple endings, though it is technically modest.
A hack-and-slash action game about the bloodthirsty Intoner Zero and her dragon as they hunt down her sisters. It blends a bitter, darkly comic tone with eccentric characters and multiple endings, though it is technically modest.
A grim hack-and-slash platformer that turns Wonderland into a twisted reflection of Alice's shattered mind. Its grotesquely beautiful art direction and haunting story about her family's death make every realm memorable.
2011PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck playable9.99 €90 % positive
Very positive, 28,305 reviews on Steam
Distinctive, stylised art style
Jumping and platforming
Dread and tension
A grim hack-and-slash platformer that turns Wonderland into a twisted reflection of Alice's shattered mind. Its grotesquely beautiful art direction and haunting story about her family's death make every realm memorable.
Kratos' first handheld outing on the PSP packs the series' brutal blade-chain combat, QTE finishers and towering bosses into a compact, console-quality adventure. This prequel is set ten years before the original game, while Kratos is still serving the gods.
Kratos' first handheld outing on the PSP packs the series' brutal blade-chain combat, QTE finishers and towering bosses into a compact, console-quality adventure. This prequel is set ten years before the original game, while Kratos is still serving the gods.
A love letter to Infinity Engine classics, offering tactical real-time-with-pause party combat, a richly written world built around souls and reincarnation, and a mature, melancholic story. Companions, a stronghold to manage, and meaningful choices make it a deep treat for CRPG fans.
2015PCPlayStationXboxNintendo SwitchSteam Deck playable29.99 €87 % positive
Very positive, 17,054 reviews on Steam
Tactical depth
A party of several characters
Strong, story-driven narrative
A love letter to Infinity Engine classics, offering tactical real-time-with-pause party combat, a richly written world built around souls and reincarnation, and a mature, melancholic story. Companions, a stronghold to manage, and meaningful choices make it a deep treat for CRPG fans.
A punishing soulslike set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, where the betrayed general Khazan seeks revenge through weighty, precise melee combat and brutal boss duels. Its striking cel-shaded look and aggressive parry-and-stamina system set it apart.
2025PCPlayStationXboxSteam Deck verified59.99 €85 % positive
Very positive, 21,441 reviews on Steam
Timing and reflexes matter (parrying, dodging)
Challenging difficulty
Action-packed real-time combat
A punishing soulslike set in the Dungeon & Fighter universe, where the betrayed general Khazan seeks revenge through weighty, precise melee combat and brutal boss duels. Its striking cel-shaded look and aggressive parry-and-stamina system set it apart.
Dark fantasy strips the comfort out of swords and sorcery. Kingdoms are already rotting, heroes are cursed or compromised, and the monsters are often less unsettling than the people. What keeps players coming back is that sense of earning every step forward, whether through hard-won boss victories, grim moral choices or slowly piecing together what went wrong with the world.
When choosing, decide first how much challenge you want. The Soulslikes here are demanding and built around learning from death, while the story-driven RPGs put more weight on dialogue and consequences. Pace matters too: some games reward patient, deliberate play, others push you to stay aggressive. Also check whether you want to play alone or with friends, since only some of these lean into co-op.
If you are new to FromSoftware's style, Elden Ring is a good entry point because its open world lets you leave a tough boss and explore elsewhere. Bloodborne suits players who prefer speed, since it rewards staying on the offensive instead of hiding behind a shield. Diablo II is the pick for loot hunters and anyone who wants to carve through four grim acts with friends online. For story and choices, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings splits its entire second act based on one early decision, and Dragon Age: Origins offers tactical pausable combat with memorable companions.
Frequently asked questions
Which dark fantasy game should I play if I don't like extreme difficulty?
Dragon Age: Origins and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings focus more on story, companions and choices than on punishing combat. Diablo II is also more approachable, centering on loot and skill builds rather than precise boss fights.
Should I play Dark Souls or Dark Souls: Remastered?
Dark Souls: Remastered is the easier recommendation, since it adds sharper visuals, smoother framerates and includes the Artorias DLC. The core world of Lordran and its combat are the same as in the original Dark Souls.
Are there dark fantasy games I can play in co-op?
Diablo II is the clearest co-op pick on this list, letting you play online with friends while hunting runewords and uniques. Among the others, Diablo is a great choice if you want the original atmospheric dungeon crawl, though it is best known as a solo descent into Hell.
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