Soulslike games have steadily carved out their niche, and 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for this gripping genre. With a slew of expected releases both from established franchises and promising newcomers, the year is buzzing with anticipation. If even a portion of these games live up to their hype, enthusiasts of the Soulslike style will be in for a treat.
Many of these anticipated titles are breaking new ground, steering clear of existing series, which only heightens the excitement. Whispers of Lies of P 2 have been floating around for some time now, but its arrival this year remains a hopeful wish rather than a confirmed reality. Meanwhile, the buzz surrounding Elden Ring Nightreign has completely shifted expectations for 2025’s Soulslike landscape.
The announcement of Elden Ring Nightreign at The Game Awards 2024 caught everyone off guard and set sights firmly on 2025 for its release. One can expect the official release date soon, along with other engaging updates. This game is captivating for several reasons, chiefly because FromSoftware is known for exploring new terrains rather than revisiting old ones. While Shadow of the Erdtree was expansive for a DLC, Nightreign promises a full-fledged sequel to the much-celebrated Elden Ring.
Interestingly, developers are presenting Elden Ring Nightreign as a standalone game, which adds an intriguing twist to the concept of a sequel. The game appears to embrace experimentation, and whether these creative gambles will pay off remains uncertain, but they are sure to spark considerable attention.
If all goes smoothly without delays, Elden Ring Nightreign might just be the crowning Soulslike release of the year. As a teaser, fans will have a chance to experience the game early through a beta version—a much-anticipated event that could significantly influence opinions on the final product.
On the other hand, Lies of P 2 remains shrouded in a veil of mystery. With scant rumors to rely on, the mere mention of its possible development is enough to stir excitement, given its predecessor’s impact in 2023. As the crowd awaits new details, the timing for any updates or release announcements is yet undetermined. Considering the first game’s three-year development cycle, a 2025 release might be overly optimistic; nonetheless, fans are hopeful for some insights, be it storyline hints or timelines.
In 2025, the Soulslike arena is densely packed with competition from up-and-coming games, not all of which hail from renowned studios. With titles like The Relic: First Guardian and The First Berserker: Khazan in the mix, a smattering of newcomers is trying to capture the imagination of the community. Nevertheless, Soulframe and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers stand out as potential front-runners. Digital Extremes, famous for Warframe, is developing Soulframe, which has already garnered plenty of buzz. Meanwhile, Wuchang faced initial scrutiny but recent previews have reversed sentiment, pushing it into the limelight.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a colossal one for Soulslike aficionados. Elden Ring: Nightreign stands tall with its storied legacy, while the possibility of Lies of P 2 looms large over eager audiences. Beyond these heavyweights, a wealth of diverse titles promises fresh experiences for those seeking to dive deeper into this enthralling genre.