Summary
WhenFromSoftwarecreated the first Demon’s Souls, the studio probably wasn’t expecting to kick off a series of events that would raise them to stardom and give birth to the now popularSoulslikegenre. Soulslike games are famous for having epic boss fights, complex game mechanics, formidable challenges, and, of course, a NG+ mode that ups the ante.
Whilethe NG+ mechanicsvary from one game to another, in almost every case, they involve increased difficulty, stronger bosses, and overall more damage dealt to the player. In some instances, players might also have to collect special weapons and powers again, which are often upgraded to suit the new challenge. Here are thebest Soulslike games for NG+.
Offering a unique mix of platforming and challenging combat,Salt and Sanctuarywill have players navigating a dark world filled with gothic elements. There are several enemies that often tower above the main character and pose considerable danger.Salt and Sanctuaryfocuses on precise combat, resource management, and a wide range of weapons and spells that players can take advantage of.
Since this isa Soulslike title, patience, pattern memorization, and a ton of skill and quick reflexes are required to succeed. The game also features a very complex skill tree that gives players a ton of freedom when it comes to customizing their characters. When entering NG+, players will immediately notice a considerable increase in difficulty in the shape of stronger, more aggressive enemies, and even new attack patterns that they’ll have to master. All in all,Salt and Sanctuaryundoubtedly provides one of the best NG+ experiences out there.
Set in a dark world that appears to have been trapped in shadows for centuries,Mortal Shellrevolves around mastery of combatand strategic gameplay. The game allows players to explore the world and find different shells, which contain the essence of fallen warriors. Once players stumble upon each one, they will be able to inhabit said shells, taking on each warrior’s special abilities and skills. The shell concept is not only very interesting, but it also lets players experiment with different builds and combat approaches throughout the game.
NG+ inMortal Shellnot only introduces stronger enemies and greater rewards, but it also uncovers new lore pieces that any players who are interested in learning more about this title and its dark world will greatly appreciate.
The concept of mixing a Soulslike game with elements from the Spanish Inquisition is unique and also quite interesting. While other developers might have had a hard time pulling it off with grace, The Game Kitchen did so masterfully withBlasphemous, presenting players with the story of the Penitent One and the dark, religion-packed world he inhabits. This game features an extremely appealing art style that feels like old classics, such asMetal Slug,while incorporating modern game mechanics that rely heavily on fast-paced combat and dodging skill mastery. All of which arebuilt upon in the sequel.
Blasphemoushas great boss designs that will challenge players time and time again until they memorize their patterns and hone their skills. This title’s NG+ mode, also referred to as True Torment, ups the ante with tougher enemies and bosses that are not only more resistant but also deal more damage to the Penitent One. Players can choose to take on different Penitences, which remove certain items from the game or limit them considerably, making the challenge even greater. Overall, True Torment presents a fun way to take onBlasphemousall over again while feeling like it’s the first time players travel through Cvstodia.
While FromSoftware is Japanese, most of the games the studio creates are centered around European medieval times. This is evident in the different armor, weapons, and enemies spread across the games the developers have created. This trend was finally broken bySekiro: Shadows Die Twice,which explored feudal Japan and incorporated tons of Japanese lore, architecture, and other elements that work incredibly well.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicenot only features what is arguably the hardest combat game mechanics in any FromSoftware game, but also a challenging NG+. Similar to other Soulslike games, this title makes its bosses stronger in NG+, increasing their health and the damage they can deal considerably.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis worth playing several times, as there are many new things to discover in each playthrough, and the challenges posed are always entertaining.
To finish the list with a bang, there’sElden Ring. This title needs no introduction, as it has taken the world by storm since it was first released in 2022. Featuring a vast open world, dozens of different bosses, and interesting locations that are always challenging, yet extremely entertaining to explore from top to bottom, there’s always something to do. LikeSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, this game was also developed by FromSoftwarein collaboration with famedGame of Thronesauthor, George R.R. Martin. Returning to the medieval European influence most Soulslikes are known for,Elden Ringoffers a world of possibilities in NG+ for players who can’t get enough.
NG+ makes enemies more difficult to defeat and allows players to try new strategies and builds to face them, helping them to determine which builds they’re more comfortable with. Players will also get the chance to explore the world again to collect any items they might have missed, which presents them with the opportunity to get completion achievements on the platform of their choice.
