Exploring why the core appeal of souls-like games lies in their challenging nature and unique gameplay.
Introduction to Souls-Like Games
The haunting phrase "YOU DIED" flashing on the screen has become the hallmark of an entire genre. Souls-like games, pioneered by FromSoftware with Demon’s Souls, are renowned for their punishing difficulty and signature mechanics: stamina-based combat, bonfire checkpoints, losing accumulated experience upon death, and exploring intricate interconnected worlds.
From the grim halls of Boletaria in Demon’s Souls and the twisted streets of Yharnam in Bloodborne to the harsh feudal lands of Japan in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and the vast open realms of the Lands Between in Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s worlds consistently captivate their audience. Their influence extends beyond them to imitators and spiritual successors, such as the samurai-themed Nioh duology, the dark fairy tale Lies of P, Lords of the Fallen, and even 2D titles like Salt and Sanctuary and Blasphemous.
Millions of gamers consciously purchase these games, fully aware that their journey will be paved with pain and countless deaths. But what fuels this popularity? Why does the "suffering for money" model resonate so strongly?
The Reward for Pain
One key appeal of these games is the powerful satisfaction derived from overcoming tough challenges. The gameplay is like a "carrot and stick" system: repeated failures, deaths by minor enemies, and crushing defeats by bosses act as the "stick," while the hard-earned victory is the well-deserved "carrot."
Every triumph is the fruit of intense effort. Players analyze enemy behavior, hone their reactions, and master tactical planning. Victory demands total concentration, immersing gamers in a "flow state" where time seems to pause.
Mistakes aren’t failures—they're learning opportunities that deepen engagement. When a tough foe—whether Malenia from Elden Ring, Isshin from Sekiro, or the Obsessed Knight from Hollow Knight—finally falls, the player experiences a surge of adrenaline and pride in their persistence and skill.
Secrets of Game Worlds
Souls-like games depart from traditional storytelling, which is usually fed directly through cutscenes and dialogues. Instead, the lore, mythology, and tragedies of these worlds unfold gradually through item descriptions, cryptic comments from scarce NPCs, and most importantly, environmental storytelling.
Ruins of lost civilizations, scars of ancient cataclysms, architecture, and even the placement of enemies all weave a narrative players must piece together themselves. This deliberate ambiguity encourages community discussion, spawning countless theories and lore interpretations.
The lack of explicit directions and detailed maps makes exploration an essential gameplay element. Every corner might hide precious resources, secret paths, or lethal threats. This approach sparks curiosity and sharpens attention, turning the worlds into mysteries to be carefully unraveled.
The Philosophy of “Git Gud”
The phrase “Git Gud,” a distorted form of “get good,” has become an unofficial motto and cultural meme among souls-like fans. It embodies the core idea: the player bears responsibility for their progress. Struggling? Then improve your skills, learn the mechanics, and develop smarter tactics instead of blaming the game.
This contrasts starkly with titles that heavily assist players or offer numerous difficulty options. Despite its bluntness, this philosophy shows respect for player ability. Souls-inspired games demand focus, analysis, and adaptability. Each failure provides valuable feedback to refine one’s strategy.
Experimenting with various weapons, abilities, and playstyles—as seen in Nioh with its stances and magic, or Code Vein with its flexible "blood code" system—lets players find their unique way to conquer challenges. When a once-impossible boss like Father Gascoigne from Bloodborne finally falls, it’s a tangible sign of growth and brings deep satisfaction.
A Conscious Choice of Suffering
The high difficulty of souls-like games is a foundational, deliberate design choice, not a mistake. Buyers generally know the game’s reputation and accept the terms of this unspoken "contract." They willingly embrace the hardships, which in turn become part of the genre’s allure. Easy victories wouldn’t deliver the emotional depth that hard-won success does.
While many modern games aim to lower entry barriers and provide extensive assistance, souls-like titles remain loyal to their philosophy. They feature complex yet fair rules, trusting players to master them.
Echoes of mechanics like bonfires or experience loss appear in other genres, too—like the Star Wars Jedi series or aspects of Remnant: From the Ashes.
The Power of Community
A vibrant, close-knit community is crucial to the souls-like phenomenon. Although mostly designed for solo play, these games create a strong sense of collective experience. Fans share tips for tough sections and bosses, discuss hidden lore, and create guides and fan art.
In co-op mode, players join forces to conquer challenges, while PvP offers thrilling duels. This camaraderie, the knowledge that thousands face the same trials, and the chance to share unique journeys greatly enrich the experience.
A Critical Perspective
Despite widespread acclaim, the souls-like genre faces criticism. Not everyone is ready to accept steep learning curves and particular design choices. Common complaints include sudden ambushes, one-hit kills, awkward camera angles, and the punishing mechanic of losing all experience upon death, which can be frustrating.
Another concern is the significant time commitment. Mastering these games demands thorough study of enemies and environments. Additionally, the genre’s elitist reputation and community’s use of the "Git Gud" phrase to dismiss newcomers can be alienating.
The subtle storytelling through item descriptions and hints isn’t for everyone—many prefer straightforward narratives without needing external sources. For some, the constant tension outweighs the joy of rare victories, turning play into a source of stress rather than fun.
Is There Meaning in the Suffering?
Ultimately, the allure of quality souls-like games lies in the delicate balance between punishing difficulty and the euphoria of overcoming it. Even the genre’s kings, FromSoftware, occasionally miss the mark—Shadow of the Erdtree, an expansion for Elden Ring, frustrated many fans with its excessive challenge.
But the genre evolves. From the dark corridors of Demon’s Souls to Sekiro’s experimental combat, Elden Ring’s sprawling open world, and even branching into related formats like the isometric ARPG No Rest for the Wicked.
Other inspired titles include The Surge, featuring a limb-targeting system, and Mortal Shell, with its unique "shell" mechanic. For some players, “suffering” is a path to triumph, personal growth, and immersion in richly crafted, albeit grim, worlds. For others, it’s an insurmountable barrier that breeds frustration.
Souls-like games test your mettle and challenge you to improve. As long as there are those willing to accept the challenge, the genre will live on, sparking passionate debates and remaining one of the gaming industry’s most distinctive and stirring phenomena.
After all, it’s the intense emotions these games evoke that make them unforgettable.
How do you feel about souls-like games? What emotions do they stir in you, and would you pay for this kind of challenge?
- What defines a souls-like game? A souls-like game is characterized by high difficulty, stamina-based combat, bonfire-style checkpoints, loss of experience on death, and complex interconnected worlds.
- Why do players enjoy the tough challenge? The satisfaction from overcoming difficult trials, mastering mechanics, and experiencing a flow state creates a rewarding gameplay loop.
- Is the storytelling different in these games? Yes, storytelling is subtle, often told through environmental cues, item descriptions, and cryptic NPC dialogue instead of direct narrative.
- What does "Git Gud" mean? "Git Gud" is a community phrase meaning "get good," encouraging players to improve skills rather than blame the game’s difficulty.
- Are souls-like games only for hardcore players? While challenging, the community and diverse gameplay styles allow many players to find their own approach, though it may not suit everyone.
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