Summary
TheSoulslikegenre’s popularity has grown exponentially over the last few years. The worldwide success of FromSoftware’sElden Ringhelped to elevate the genre to new heights, and as a result, gamers are presented with an increasing number of new soulslike titles to play. The broad range available inevitably means that not all of them can live up to the high standards set by titles such asBloodborneandDark Souls 3, but without a doubt, soulslike developers are slowly but surely learning the differences between success and failure.2023 saw titles such asLies of Pprove to be critical and commercial successes, and 2024 could well have some similar success stories come the end of the year.
Soulslikes are known for their often punishing difficulty, extravagant boss battles, and elaborate checkpoint systems. They come in all shapes and sizes, fromvast, interconnected worlds likeLords of the Fallen’s Mournstead, to smaller, mission-based adventures like those used in theNiohseries. 2024 will introduce several new soulslike IPs to the mix, and each will be looking to bring something a little different to the table in an effort to stand out from the competition.
Rise of the Ronin
TBD 2024
Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
For hardcore fans of the genre,Black Myth: Wukongseems to be the pick of the bunch, at least in terms of the games that are certain for a 2024 release. Since developer Game Science first showcased the project way back in 2020, it has garnered more hype with each new trailer. Based on the 16th-century Chinese novelJourney to the West, the game will see its Monkey King protagonist embark on a quest filled with danger, transforming into various creatures and using a powerful staff to take on a host of creative and versatile monsters.Rise of the Roninsees genre veteran Team Ninja embark on its first open-world project. Moving to this format, and incorporating a decision-based narrative, is a departure from the Japanese developer’s previous focus on more traditional soulslike elements. Still, fans should nevertheless expect a familiarly punishing and rewarding experience.
Another Crab’s Treasurelooks to blend traditional soulslike gameplay with a cartoon art stylereminiscent ofSpongebob Squarepants, in what could prove to be a stroke of genius from developer Aggro Crab.Flintlock: The Siege of Dawnhas a tentative Q3 2024 window, and will see players take on actual Gods as well as the army of the dead, using axes, guns, and magic to defeat their foes.Enotria: The Last Songis also confirmed for 2024, and has looked impressive from footage shown so far, combining soulslike mechanics with an Italian folklore setting. Of course, there is one other huge title in development that doesn’t yet have a release window, but many fans will be desperately hoping to see it arrive sometime this year:Elden Ring’s highly anticipated DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree.
Will Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree Arrive in 2024?
Given thatElden Ringwas released in February 2022, fans would be forgiven for having expected any potential DLC to have already been released by now.FromSoftware is no stranger to DLC, but usually, it doesn’t leave such a gap between the base game launching and any expansions being released. Traditionally, a period of 12 months is usually the most the developer tends to wait. Like with most other things though,Elden Ring’s size and scale make it something of an exception to the rule.
Since Shadow of the Erdtree was announced in February 2023, only a solitary image has been shown, and aside from insiders claiming the project is moving along as planned, no further updates have been released. The project’s potential story and how it ties to the lore is a mystery at this point. WithElden Ringcelebrating its second birthday on 25 Feb 2024, many have attached some significance to this date, particularly given the fact that the DLC was announced almost exactly a year later.Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree is said to be twice as large as any expansionFromSoftware has released prior, but assuming development started shortly after the game was released, a 2024 release seems extremely realistic.
Soulslike Games: News, Rumors, and Developments in 2024
There are several other titles in active development that, while not having a concrete release window, could still be released in 2024. Of these, the most notable ones areDaba: Land of Water Scar, which is described as acombination ofNiohandDark Soulsand is being built using Unreal Engine 5,The First Beserker: Khazan, which has a distinct, almost cel-shaded art style and is described as a fast-paced hardcore action-role playing game, andWuchang: Fallen Feathers, an interesting project set in imperial China which has gone somewhat silent since its 2021 announcement.
Off the back of its success last year,Lie’s of P’s director, Ji Won Choi, was quick to announce that DLC for the title is also in active development. No other information has been released yet though, and Ji Won Choi confirmed in an interview with Game Rant that this is a deliberate choice for now, further shrouding the project in mystery. After years of FromSoftware dominating the genre it created, it’s great to see other developers such as Round8 Studio stepping up and pushing the bar, with some even beginning to leave their own indelible mark on the genre.
Projects such asLords of the Fallen, with its Dual Worlds mechanic, and the upcomingAnother Crab’s Treasure, which takes itself far less seriously than most of the others in the genre, are showing just how soulslikes are innovating. Despite still being in its infancy compared to some of the more established genre’s, the future is looking extremely bright for thesoulslike, and 2024 should lend further credence to this.
MORE:Imagining What Bloodborne 2, Dark Souls 4, and Other Unlikely FromSoftware Sequels Could Look Like
