Best Upcoming Soulslike Games That Could Be Next Bloodborne (March 2026)
What are the upcoming Soulslike games that could be the next Bloodborne? After spending countless hours exploring Victorian streets and hunting beasts in Yharnam, I’ve been searching for games that capture that same gothic atmosphere and fast-paced combat that made Bloodborne legendary.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve discovered about the most promising Bloodborne spiritual successors coming in 2026 and beyond, including The Duskbloods from FromSoftware themselves, exciting indie projects, and major releases that capture different aspects of what made Bloodborne special.
| Game Category | Key Bloodborne Elements | Release Window |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Spiritual Successors | Gothic horror, beast transformation | 2026-2026 |
| Combat-Focused Alternatives | Fast-paced aggressive gameplay | Available Now – 2026 |
| Atmospheric Soulslikes | Dark Victorian/Gothic settings | 2026 Q4 – 2026 |
The Bloodborne Legacy: Why We’re Still Searching?
Before diving into the upcoming titles, I need to address the elephant in the room – Bloodborne remains locked on PlayStation, with no PC port or 60fps patch in sight. This frustrating situation has led me and millions of other fans to seek alternatives that capture what made Bloodborne special: the aggressive combat that rewards offense over defense, the gothic horror atmosphere, and the intricate cosmic horror narrative.
My journey through dozens of Soulslikes since Bloodborne’s 2015 release has taught me that while no game perfectly replicates its magic, several upcoming titles are incorporating its best elements in exciting new ways. The community’s demand for a true successor has never been higher, with Reddit’s r/bloodborne maintaining over 400,000 active members still discussing the game daily in March 2026.
The Duskbloods: FromSoftware’s Surprising Bloodborne Successor
When FromSoftware revealed The Duskbloods during January’s Nintendo Direct, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This Switch 2 exclusive looks more like Bloodborne than anything else the studio has created since. The Victorian-era setting, beast transformations, and emphasis on speed over shields had me immediately hooked.
What makes The Duskbloods particularly intriguing is its platform exclusivity. Nintendo securing what appears to be a spiritual Bloodborne sequel before PC players even got the original is both ironic and frustrating. However, based on the footage I’ve analyzed, this could be the closest we’ll get to Bloodborne 2. The protagonist’s ability to transform mid-combat into beast forms directly mirrors Bloodborne’s beast claw mechanics, while the gothic architecture and fog-shrouded streets could have been lifted straight from Yharnam.
FromSoftware’s decision to develop this for Nintendo suggests they’re exploring new directions for the Soulslike formula. The art style appears slightly more stylized than their typical releases, potentially taking advantage of the Switch 2’s unique capabilities. While we don’t have a firm release date yet, industry insiders suggest a late 2026 window is likely.
Already Released Games Getting Major Bloodborne-Style Content
Lies of P: The Current Champion
I’ve put over 100 hours into Lies of P, and it remains the best Bloodborne alternative currently available. The game’s Belle Époque setting, aggressive combat system, and transforming weapons directly channel Bloodborne’s spirit. What excites me most is the upcoming “Overture” DLC scheduled for summer 2026, which promises to expand on the base game’s already impressive foundation.
The community consensus on Steam (with over 50,000 positive reviews) confirms what I’ve experienced – Lies of P understands what made Bloodborne special better than any other released Soulslike. The perfect guard system encourages aggressive play similar to Bloodborne’s rally mechanic, while the P-Organ upgrade system adds meaningful customization that affects playstyle dramatically.
Round8 Studio has also confirmed they’re working on a full sequel, though that’s likely still 2-3 years away. For now, the DLC will have to satisfy our hunger for more puppet-based horror action. Based on early previews, it appears to add a new district to explore, multiple bosses, and expanded weapon transformation options.
The First Berserker: Khazan – Mixed Reception But Solid Foundation
Having played The First Berserker: Khazan since its March 2026 launch, I can report it’s a solid if uneven entry in the Soulslike genre. The cel-shaded art style sets it apart visually, while the combat system emphasizes aggression and combo chains reminiscent of Bloodborne’s hunter battles. Where it falls short is in mission variety and some repetitive level design that doesn’t match FromSoftware’s intricate world-building.
The game currently sits at 82% positive on Steam, with the community praising its challenging boss fights and unique visual style. Neople and Nexon have been responsive to feedback, releasing several patches addressing performance issues that plagued the launch. If you’re looking for action RPGs with extensive weapon variety, Khazan delivers with its extensive arsenal of brutal weapons.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – Rough Launch, Great Potential
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers launched in July 2026 to mixed reviews (68% positive on Steam), primarily due to optimization issues on PC. However, beneath the technical problems lies a fascinating Soulslike that brings Chinese mythology to the genre in ways I haven’t seen before. The game’s stance-switching combat system offers depth comparable to Bloodborne’s trick weapons, while the Ming Dynasty setting provides a refreshing change from European gothic horror.
I’ve been following the developer Leenzee Games’ patch roadmap, and they’re committed to fixing the performance issues. The core gameplay loop of collecting souls (called “Qi” here) and the elaborate boss designs show real promise. Once optimized, this could become a sleeper hit in the Soulslike genre alongside other upcoming action RPGs with similar potential.
Upcoming Heavy Hitters in 2026 and Beyond
Where Winds Meet – The November Blockbuster
Mark your calendars for November 14, 2026 – Where Winds Meet represents one of the most ambitious Soulslikes I’ve seen in development. The game combines traditional Chinese martial arts with Soulslike mechanics in an open-world setting. What sets it apart from Bloodborne thematically is its focus on wuxia fantasy rather than gothic horror, but the combat speed and aggression levels match what Bloodborne players crave.
From the beta footage I’ve analyzed, the game’s “Meridian” system functions similarly to Bloodborne’s blood gem fortification, allowing deep customization of combat styles. The developers at Everstone Studio have been transparent about their influences, citing both Bloodborne and Sekiro as inspirations for the combat pacing. This transparency gives me confidence they understand what makes these games special.
Phantom Blade Zero – The Kung Fu Bloodborne
S-GAME’s Phantom Blade Zero has been on my radar since its initial reveal, and every new gameplay demonstration increases my excitement. The game’s “Phantom Edge” combat system emphasizes speed and precision over defensive play, much like Bloodborne’s hunter combat. The steampunk Chinese setting offers a unique aesthetic that blends traditional architecture with dark fantasy elements.
What particularly impresses me about Phantom Blade Zero is its commitment to 60fps gameplay across all platforms, addressing one of Bloodborne’s most persistent criticisms. The developers have also confirmed no stamina system, instead focusing on combo chains and perfect dodges – a design choice that should resonate with Bloodborne fans who prefer aggressive playstyles.
Valor Mortis – First-Person Bloodborne Meets BioShock
The Ghostrunner developers’ shift to creating Valor Mortis represents one of the most intriguing genre experiments I’ve encountered. This first-person Soulslike set during the Napoleonic Wars combines BioShock’s atmospheric storytelling with Bloodborne’s punishing combat. Having covered FPS games with player freedom extensively, I’m fascinated by how they’re adapting Soulslike mechanics to first-person perspective.
The Gamescom 2026 demo showcased gunplay that feels weighty and deliberate, with reload animations serving as the equivalent of Soulslike stamina management. The alternate history setting featuring supernatural elements and plague-ridden enemies directly channels Bloodborne’s diseased Victorian atmosphere. If executed well, this could pioneer an entirely new subgenre of first-person Soulslikes.
Dark Horse Candidates and Indie Surprises
Kristala – The Anthropomorphic Soulslike
Don’t let the anthropomorphic characters fool you – Kristala is shaping up to be a serious Soulslike contender. I’ve been following Astral Clocktower Studios’ development updates, and their commitment to creating a dark fantasy world with challenging combat is evident. The game’s magic system and curse mechanics remind me of Bloodborne’s insight system, where knowledge itself becomes a gameplay element.
The early access version on Steam has received positive feedback for its atmospheric world design and challenging boss encounters. What sets Kristala apart is its narrative focus on uncovering ancient mysteries, similar to Bloodborne’s cosmic horror revelations. The full release is planned for late 2026, giving the developers time to polish based on community feedback.
Enotria: The Last Song – Italian Folklore Soulslike
Having played the September 2024 release extensively, I can confirm Enotria: The Last Song deserves more attention from Bloodborne fans. Set in a world inspired by Italian folklore, it replaces gothic horror with sun-drenched supernatural terror. The mask system, which allows you to adopt defeated enemies’ abilities, provides variety similar to Bloodborne’s different weapon movesets.
The game struggled with visibility at launch, overshadowed by bigger releases, but the developers at Jyamma Games continue supporting it with patches and content updates. The upcoming “Carnival of Shadows” DLC promises to add a new region with Venetian mask-themed enemies and bosses, expanding on the game’s unique cultural identity. For players seeking challenging open-world games with unique settings, Enotria offers a refreshing alternative.
The Mobile and Handheld Revolution
Pascal’s Wager – Premium Mobile Soulslike
I was skeptical when I first heard about Pascal’s Wager being a mobile Soulslike, but after playing through it on both iOS and Steam Deck, I’m convinced it’s one of the best portable Bloodborne alternatives available. The game doesn’t compromise on difficulty or complexity despite its mobile origins, offering a full 20+ hour campaign with multiple characters and extensive post-game content.
The Definitive Edition released in 2026 includes all DLC and runs beautifully on modern phones and tablets. The touch controls are surprisingly responsive, though I prefer using a controller. For Steam Deck owners looking for challenging handheld experiences, Pascal’s Wager proves that portable Soulslikes can maintain the genre’s demanding standards.
What Makes a True Bloodborne Successor?
Through my extensive experience with these games, I’ve identified the key elements that separate true Bloodborne successors from generic Soulslikes:
Aggressive Combat Rewards: Bloodborne’s rally system encouraged players to attack after taking damage to recover health. The best successors implement similar risk-reward mechanics that promote offensive play over turtle strategies.
Atmospheric Horror: Whether gothic, cosmic, or cultural, the best Bloodborne-likes create oppressive atmospheres that make exploration tense and rewarding. The horror doesn’t need to be Victorian, but it must be palpable.
Weapon Transformation or Variety: Bloodborne’s trick weapons remain unmatched in creativity. Successors need either transforming weapons or extensive variety to compete. Static movesets feel limiting after experiencing Bloodborne’s dynamic combat.
Fast, Fluid Movement: The hunter’s dash and quickstep made Bloodborne’s combat feel like a deadly dance. Slow, methodical Dark Souls-style movement doesn’t capture the same thrill.
Mystery and Lore Depth: Bloodborne’s cosmic horror narrative revealed through item descriptions and environmental storytelling set a high bar. The best successors weave equally intricate mysteries for players to uncover.
Platform Considerations for 2026
The Soulslike landscape in 2026 varies significantly by platform, which I’ve learned affects which games to prioritize:
PC (Steam): Offers the widest selection with optimal performance. Most games target 60fps minimum, with many supporting 120fps or unlimited framerates. Steam Deck compatibility has become a priority for developers, making portable play viable.
PlayStation 5: Still the only platform for playing Bloodborne, albeit locked at 30fps. Most new Soulslikes release here with good optimization. PlayStation Plus games occasionally include Soulslikes, making it cost-effective for trying multiple titles.
Xbox Series X/S: Growing Soulslike library with Game Pass often including day-one releases. Performance typically matches PlayStation, though some Japanese titles skip Xbox initially.
Nintendo Switch 2: The Duskbloods exclusivity suggests Nintendo is serious about courting Soulslike fans. Portability could make it the preferred platform for less demanding titles.
Community and Multiplayer Considerations
One aspect often overlooked when discussing Bloodborne successors is multiplayer implementation. Bloodborne’s unique bell system for summoning and invasions created memorable cooperative and competitive experiences. Here’s how upcoming games are handling multiplayer:
Where Winds Meet promises extensive multiplayer features including faction-based PvP and cooperative boss battles. The developers claim their server infrastructure will support seamless drop-in/drop-out cooperation.
Phantom Blade Zero is focusing on single-player excellence first, with multiplayer potentially added post-launch based on community demand. This approach mirrors Lies of P’s successful strategy.
The Duskbloods will likely include Nintendo’s online infrastructure, though details remain scarce. FromSoftware’s multiplayer expertise suggests innovative features utilizing Switch 2’s capabilities.
Looking Forward: The Future of Bloodborne Successors
As I look toward late 2026 and into 2026, the Soulslike genre appears healthier than ever. The variety of settings, from Chinese mythology to Italian folklore to Napoleonic warfare, shows developers aren’t simply copying Bloodborne but building upon its foundation in creative ways.
The technical improvements are equally encouraging. Native 60fps support is becoming standard, addressing Bloodborne’s most glaring technical limitation. Advanced haptic feedback on PS5 and adaptive triggers add tactile dimensions to combat that Bloodborne couldn’t achieve on PS4 hardware.
Most importantly, developers are learning from both successes and failures. The mixed reception of games like Wuchang: Fallen Feathers due to technical issues has emphasized the importance of optimization at launch. Meanwhile, Lies of P’s critical and commercial success has proven there’s massive demand for well-executed Bloodborne-inspired games.
Gaming Hardware Considerations for Soulslike Enthusiasts
After testing these games across multiple platforms, I’ve learned that hardware choice significantly impacts the Soulslike experience. For those serious about experiencing these Bloodborne successors at their best, consider upgrading your gaming setup. RPG shooter games and demanding Soulslikes benefit tremendously from higher framerates and responsive controls.
The upcoming releases like The Duskbloods and Where Winds Meet will likely push current-generation consoles to their limits. Having the right hardware ensures you won’t miss subtle visual cues that could mean the difference between victory and defeat in these challenging games.
The Cultural Impact of Bloodborne’s Legacy
What’s fascinating about the current wave of Bloodborne-inspired games is how they’re interpreting the formula through different cultural lenses. Where Bloodborne drew from Victorian Gothic horror and cosmic dread, games like Where Winds Meet and Phantom Blade Zero are exploring Chinese mythology and martial arts philosophy.
This cultural diversity enriches the genre, offering players familiar mechanics wrapped in fresh narratives and aesthetic choices. It’s reminiscent of how fighting games evolved from Street Fighter’s foundation, with each region adding its own cultural flavor to the core combat formula.
For players interested in exploring these cultural variations, I recommend researching the mythological backgrounds of games like Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Enotria: The Last Song. Understanding the cultural context enhances appreciation for the developers’ creative choices and adds depth to the gameplay experience.
My Personal Recommendations for March 2026
Based on everything I’ve covered, here are my recommendations for different types of players:
For Bloodborne Veterans: Start with Lies of P if you haven’t already, then prepare for Where Winds Meet in November. The Duskbloods should be your most anticipated title for 2026.
For Newcomers to Soulslikes: Pascal’s Wager offers an accessible entry point with mobile convenience. Enotria: The Last Song provides a slightly more forgiving experience while maintaining genre authenticity.
For Innovation Seekers: Valor Mortis represents the boldest reimagining of the formula. The first-person perspective could revolutionize how we think about Soulslikes.
For Co-op Enthusiasts: Wait for Where Winds Meet’s November release. The promised multiplayer features could deliver the best cooperative Soulslike experience since Bloodborne itself.
For Handheld Gaming: Pascal’s Wager on Steam Deck or mobile devices offers the most polished portable Soulslike experience currently available, while The Duskbloods on Switch 2 promises to be the definitive handheld Bloodborne successor.
Conclusion: The Hunt Continues
While we may never get a true Bloodborne sequel or even a PC port, the spiritual successors I’ve covered prove the game’s influence continues growing. Each new release learns from Bloodborne while adding unique elements that push the genre forward. The combination of established studios like FromSoftware creating The Duskbloods and indie developers crafting passionate homages ensures Bloodborne’s legacy lives on.
The real winner in this situation is us, the players. Instead of one Bloodborne sequel, we’re getting dozens of games inspired by its best elements, each offering different interpretations of what made the original special. Whether you’re drawn to the Chinese mythology of Where Winds Meet, the first-person innovation of Valor Mortis, or the pure Bloodborne homage of Lies of P’s DLC, 2026 and beyond offer something for every hunter missing the streets of Yharnam.
Keep your weapons sharp and your insight high – the next great Bloodborne successor might be just around the corner. Until then, I’ll continue exploring every Soulslike that captures even a fraction of Bloodborne’s magic, sharing my findings with fellow hunters who refuse to let the dream end.