Souls-like games have steadily grown in popularity on PC and consoles over the past decade, though the definition of the genre remains debated. Based on VG Insights data starting from January 2015, the genre experienced rapid growth between 2015 and 2018, peaked around 2019, and then saw a decline during 2020–2021. Since 2022, it has stabilized as a mainstream category, with a consistent release schedule and strong engagement from both developers and players.
On Steam, the number of games tagged as Souls-like reached 371 in 2024, marking a 41% increase compared to 2023. Over the first ten months of 2025, 207 titles were released, which aligns with the levels seen in 2022 and 2023. While AAA publishers have remained involved in the genre, much of the recent growth comes from indie developers, who have contributed a significant number of new projects and innovative interpretations of Souls-like mechanics.
Top-Selling Titles and Platform Distribution
Some of the best-selling games classified under the Souls-like tag include Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring, and Monster Hunter: World, with Steam sales of 20.3 million, 15.6 million, and 13 million copies respectively. Despite debates about whether certain titles, like Monster Hunter: World, fit the genre, these projects have achieved notable commercial success.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order leads in overall sales, reaching an estimated 41.3 million copies, including distribution via subscription services. Elden Ring follows closely with 40.6 million copies, and Monster Hunter: World ranks third with 35 million. For Elden Ring, 39% of sales were on Steam, 40% on PlayStation, and 21% on Xbox. China represented the largest regional market at 25% of purchases, followed by the United States with 23% and Germany with 5%. The game’s average playtime per user is exceptionally high at 121.8 hours, and positive reviews stand at 92.9%.
Black Myth: Wukong shows a different regional and platform distribution, with 46% of sales on Steam, 40% on Xbox (likely through Game Pass), and 14% on PlayStation. China accounts for 72% of the audience. Although launch reviews were mixed, with 49.5% positive ratings, the game maintains an average playtime of 28.8 hours. Hollow Knight: Silksong is primarily distributed through Steam (72%), followed by Xbox (19%) and PlayStation (9%). The game has reached 7.8 million downloads, with average playtime of 25.5 hours and 81.4% positive reviews.
Regional Focus and Developer Insights
The APAC region is the dominant force in Souls-like development. In 2025, developers from this region released 80% of all new projects and accounted for 97% of total revenue. US developers experienced a brief period of strong performance in 2022–2023, but Asian studios quickly regained their leading position. Japanese companies, particularly Bandai Namco and Capcom, remain the most successful in the genre.
Console performance varies by platform. On PlayStation, titles like God of War (2018) and Ghost of Tsushima occasionally appear in discussions of the genre but are generally not considered Souls-like. Xbox offers a broader variety of projects, driven in part by the accessibility of Game Pass, which allows players to try multiple titles without upfront purchases. Across top Steam releases, Chinese players form the largest audience, making up 47% of users, followed by the United States at 23%, and Germany and Russia at 5% each.
Pricing and Market Patterns
Most AAA Souls-like releases launch on Steam with prices ranging from $39.99 to $69.99. Revenue distribution is not consistent year-to-year, as successful releases from AA and indie developers can significantly shift market shares. Despite this variability, the genre has maintained a stable position within the broader gaming landscape, representing approximately 4–5% of all Steam releases.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What defines a Souls-like game?
A Souls-like game typically features challenging combat, exploration-focused level design, strategic resource management, and high difficulty. The term is used for games inspired by the mechanics of the Dark Souls series, though interpretations vary.
Are Souls-like games only for PC?
No. While many Souls-like games are available on PC, the genre is also strong on consoles such as PlayStation and Xbox. Platforms like Xbox Game Pass have made it easier for players to try multiple titles.
Which games are considered top-selling Souls-like titles?
According to VG Insights, the best-selling games include Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Elden Ring, Monster Hunter: World, Black Myth: Wukong, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Which regions have the largest audiences for Souls-like games?
China is the largest market, followed by the United States. APAC developers also lead in production, accounting for the majority of new releases and total revenue.
How much do Souls-like games typically cost?
AAA Souls-like games generally launch on Steam with prices between $39.99 and $69.99, while indie titles often vary depending on scale and content.
Is there interest in Souls-like games from major publishers?
Yes. Interest from AA and AAA publishers has remained relatively stable over the past five years, with most growth driven by indie development.
