Bloodborne is more than 10 years old. FromSoftware's Soulslike masterpiece is rightfully hailed as one of the best games on the PS4, and the PS5's backward compatibility means the 2015 title runs on Sony's latest console. However, Bloodborne has remained a one-and-done deal (not counting The Old Hunters expansion), with FromSoftware and Sony providing little indication that a return to Yharnam could be on the cards. Since the arrival of the PS5, Soulslike fans have wanted to see this Lovecraftian epic receive a remaster or, at the very least, a 60 FPS patch. At least, Switch 2 fans can look forward to The Duskbloods.

Due to its popularity, one has to assume that Bloodborne will eventually make its official comeback in some form or another, but it is anybody's guess when this moment will arrive. In the meantime, there is always the option to scour the PlayStation Store in search of PS5 games like Bloodborne. Despite Soulslikes being pretty easy to come by, very few titles scratch a similar itch to FromSoftware's magnum opus.

Criteria and notes:

  • FromSoftware's projects will not be included since Elden Ring does not need to be sold to Bloodborne fans.
  • Only games native to the PS5 will be considered, so no PS4 titles.
  • While Soulslikes will be highlighted, other genres will be considered if they share other things in common with Bloodborne.

7 Remnant 2

Losomn Seems Ripped Right Out Of Bloodborne

Remnant 2 Tag Page Cover Art
Remnant 2
7/10
Released
July 25, 2023

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

Developer(s)
Gunfire Games
Genre(s)
Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter

Known as the third-person shooter Soulslike, Remnant 2 mostly succeeds in improving upon its predecessor's ideas, delivering an experience that shines in co-op but is also viable in single-player. Through limited implementation of procedural generation, playthrough should vary enough to warrant more than one run, especially for players who want to make sure they see everything the game has to offer.

Now, Remnant 2 plays quite differently from most other Soulslikes, including Bloodborne. Naturally, the game focuses on ranged attacks, with melee being a secondary option or prioritized by a specific archetype. In some ways, this design choice is the inverse of Bloodborne, which emphasizes melee while employing guns as a secondary option.

During the campaign, players will eventually visit Losomn, an atmospheric Victorian hellscape that could have easily been part of Yharnam.

6 Nioh 2 & 3 (And Other Soulslikes With Aggressive Combat)

In A Post-Bloodborne World, Many Soulslikes Demand Proactive Play

OK, here is a bit of a tough one. The PS5 has plenty of Soulslikes that emphasize aggressive action that is somewhat comparable to Bloodborne, and they could fill the void left by FromSoftware's masterpiece for anyone looking for a new, challenging action RPG. However, Bloodborne is so much more than its gameplay, and a big part of its appeal is the blend of Lovecraftian cosmic horror and Victorian architecture. Without that aspect, or something that is at least equivalent, a game cannot fully be recommended as an alternative.

Still, that does not mean fans shouldn't check out these types of RPGs if they want fast-paced (for Soulslikes) action that emphasizes dodges and parries over cowering behind a shield. Team Ninja has become the master of these types of releases, with Nioh 2 and 3 being among the best Soulslikes on the PS5. While they don't quite have Bloodborne's atmosphere, they arguably surpass it in a couple of ways, particularly their build variety and sheer volume of combat mechanics at the player's disposal. They have well-defined identities that set them apart from the crowd, and they are defined by their rewarding gameplay, Diablo-style loot, and fantastical reimagining of Japanese history. While not Victorian, Nioh's setting is nevertheless fascinating, and the third game's narrative is a bit easier to follow than the traditional Soulslike.

Here are a few more Soulslikes with aggressive action that I would recommend; they are not modern versions of Bloodborne, but they can get the job done.

  • AI Limit – An underappreciated anime-style Soulslike that has great level design and decent, if unspectacular, combat. The latter emphasizes blocks and parries.
  • The First Berserker: Khazan – One of the most punishing and fast-paced action RPGs of recent years.
  • Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty – Good combat, fun worldbuilding, and an interconnected map.

5 Darkest Dungeon 2

Rich In Atmosphere And Grotesque Eldritch Monstrosities

Darkest Dungeon II Tag Page Cover Art
Darkest Dungeon II
Released
May 8, 2023

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL

Developer(s)
Red Hook Studios
Genre(s)
Tactical, Strategy, Roguelite, Dungeon Crawler

Red Hook Studios' Darkest Dungeon is a must-play for Bloodborne fans craving a tough-as-nails title that has a similar vibe and setting, as long as they also enjoy turn-based combat. The original title does not have a native PS5 version, but its sequel was released directly on Sony's most recent console.

Complete newcomers should start with Darkest Dungeon, as it is generally regarded as the superior game, with its successor being more divisive. That said, they are surprisingly different.

Darkest Dungeon 2 challenges players to lead a stagecoach with four heroes through a vile and hostile world, taking on a wide assortment of creative enemies as they try to make it to the top of The Mountain. If their party is wiped out, they must start from scratch, although some unlockables persist from run to run. The roguelike elements can be reminiscent of Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons, albeit executed to a better degree.

While the combat system is complex, challenging, and nuanced, this recommendation is primarily driven by DD2's presentation, atmosphere, and lore. Red Hook's art style screams Victorian horror, and a few of the boss enemies could take starring roles in Lovecraftian nightmares. The storytelling also shares similarities with Soulslikes, drip-feeding elements through character insights and environmental details rather than utilizing conventional means.

4 Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

More Than Just Fast-Paced Combat

Wuchang Fallen Feathers Tag Page Cover Art
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
8/10
Released
July 24, 2025

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL

Developer(s)
Leenzee
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Soulslike, Hack and Slash

Initially, I was going to include Wuchang in the "aggressive combat" section, but it is slightly closer to Bloodborne than the rest; consequently, it warrants a unique entry.

First things first, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers will not scratch a Gothic/Lovecraftian itch, so do not pick it up if that is what you are craving. Inspired by Chinese folklore, the game blends history and fantasy, and uses a contagious corruption as the instigator that twists the world and its inhabitants. Although not as impactful as Bloodborne, Wuchang incorporates elements of body horror, with plenty of villagers and bosses being deformed monstrosities. Even if it isn't quite as far gone as Yharnam, this world is in the process of decay, leaving behind remnants of civilization. Heck, the protagonist is not only carrying the feathering disease, but is also at the risk of going mad (Madness is a mechanic).

Wuchang's combat is cut from the same cloth as many modern Soulslikes, meaning it demands aggression, fast reactions, close-range pressure, and tempo management. The game doesn't have a rally system like Bloodborne, but Madness is an interesting concept that is executed well. If your Madness meter reaches 90%, you begin to deliver AND take more damage, creating a high-risk/reward scenario.

3 Thymesia

Bloodborne Vibe, Sekiro Combat

Thymesia Tag Page Cover Art
Thymesia
7/10
Released
August 15, 2022

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

Developer(s)
OverBorder Studio
Genre(s)
Action RPG
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium

Thymesia is divisive, as most non-FromSoftware Soulslikes tend to be. That said, for what is a relatively small-scale release, the game has quite a few positives in its favor. Bloodborne fans will primarily want to consider Thymesia due to its immersive Victorian-esque setting, with the story taking place in a ruined kingdom that has fallen due to the abuse of magic, leading to a plague. Players control Corvus, a plague doctor who is pretty good with a sword.

Now, Thymesia's parry-driven combat shares way more similarities with Sekiro than Bloodborne, so interested parties should ideally be big fans of the former as well. The gameplay moves at a relentless pace, especially since Corvus is not restricted by a stamina bar and can technically attack indefinitely (although he will be stopped by enemies).

2 The Last Faith

A Decent 2D Metroidvania With A Bloodborne-Style Aesthetic

The Last Faith Tag Page Cover Art
The Last Faith
7/10
Released
November 15, 2023

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

Developer(s)
Playstack
Genre(s)
Metroidvania

The Last Faith is arguably the closest a PS5 game comes to being a 2D Bloodborne. The game's Victorian setting, small but versatile weapon selection, and cryptic storytelling are taken directly from the Souls playbook, and they are executed to a respectable degree.

"Respectable" is the best word to describe The Last Faith, as it does most things well without necessarily excelling or innovating. It is simply a well-done indie Metroidvania that takes inspiration from Soulslikes in its combat and storytelling. The world and visual style are similar to Bloodborne, and the same can be said for the combat, which is built around a small pool of melee weapons alongside ranged attacks like guns and magic.

1 Lies Of P

More Than Just Bloodborne Starring Pinocchio

Lies of P Tag Page Cover Art
Lies of P
8/10
Released
September 19, 2023

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL

Developer(s)
Round8 Studio, Neowiz
Genre(s)
Soulslike
Lies of P Calendar DLC

Ending with the most obvious pick, Lies of P screamed "Bloodborne" from its reveal, and the game somehow managed to live up to those high expectations. More impressively and importantly, Neowiz and Round8 took inspiration from FromSoftware but still succeeded in sharpening a one-of-a-kind voice that will hopefully be expanded over the coming years, starting with an upcoming prequel expansion.

Rather than a Victorian aesthetic, Lies of P blends fairy tales (Pinocchio) with France's La Belle Époque era, creating a beautiful world that is periodically haunting. While not extremely similar to Bloodborne, the game still has a rich atmosphere that is supported by detailed environments, consistent enemy designs, and relevant NPCs. The combat system is cut from the same cloth as Bloodborne, which means aggressive melee action supported by a responsive dodge and sporadic parrying. Along with having a fairly big base armory, including boss weapons, Lies of P permits players to customize loadouts by combining blades and handles, allowing for a wide range of options.