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FromSoftware’s debut with Dark Souls marked the beginning of a genre that forever changed video games. With the release of the Dark Souls series and later Bloodborne, the “soulslike” game genre gained popularity beyond a single studio. These games are known for their dark fantasy settings, deep lore, and tough gameplay that tests players’ skills.
For fans who enjoy these immersive worlds but find the high difficulty intimidating, there are several anime series that capture a similar dark and intense atmosphere without requiring mastery of complex mechanics. These shows feature gripping stories, complex characters, fierce action, and personal struggles, mirroring the storytelling depth found in many Souls games.
Akame ga Kill! delves into the difficulty of obtaining peace. It reveals that peace isn’t easily achieved through friendship alone; sacrifices and sometimes bloodshed are necessary to fight cruelty. The story follows Tatsumi, a young warrior heading to the capital to improve his village’s future. Instead, he uncovers a corrupt government’s dark secrets. To fight back, Tatsumi joins Night Raid, a group of assassins aiming to overthrow the oppressive regime. Their journey is tough, filled with sacrifices that can bring tears.
Goblin Slayer is a dark fantasy anime about a lone adventurer dedicated to eradicating goblins—dangerous creatures that terrorize the land. Unlike the typical harmless, shrieking goblins, this series shows them as deadly and more cunning. Goblin Slayer’s only goal is revenge for his family and to protect others. He teams up with fighters to tackle increasingly dangerous goblin threats. The series is intense, with violent scenes and dark themes, and it realistically shows the psychological and physical toll of violence.
Tokyo Ghoul tells the story of Ken Kaneki, a shy student living in a world filled with ghouls—beings that look like humans but eat them for food. Accidentally encountering a female ghoul named Rize, who injures him, Kaneki is transformed into a half-ghoul. Now, he struggles with his new identity, balancing human emotions with violent instincts. The show explores the horror of living with a dual nature and the danger of hiding in plain sight.
Fate/Zero offers some of the best fantasy storytelling in anime. It’s a prequel to Fate/Stay Night, set ten years earlier, following Kiritsugu Emiya, a conflicted assassin yearning for peace. He enters the Fourth Holy Grail War, a secret magic contest where the strongest warriors from history battle for a wish-granting artifact. The series is rich with strategy, tragedy, and moral ambiguity, showcasing heroes with complex motives.
Castlevania is a dark medieval fantasy series that gained fame through Netflix. Based on the popular game, it offers gothic horror with vampires, corrupt rulers, and holy wars. It follows Trevor Belmont, the last of a fallen clan of monster hunters, who tries to stop the vampire Dracula from destroying humanity after his wife is unjustly killed. The series features intense action and a bleak, atmospheric tone.
Claymore is set in a medieval world overrun by Yoma—monstrous creatures preying on humans. Half-human, half-Yoma warriors called Claymores are created to fight these threats. The story centers on Clare, a determined Claymore seeking vengeance against the Yoma that destroyed her life. As she battles to stay human, she also faces questions about her identity and morality. The series is known for character growth, moral ambiguity, and strong pacing.
Berserk is often considered the most soulslike anime. It follows Guts, a man with a tragic past and a massive sword, who keeps fighting despite relentless tragedies. The series offers dark storytelling, complex characters, and detailed world-building. Its themes of despair and resilience reflect the harsh, gritty tone of Souls games, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of melancholy.
Attack on Titan is one of the most intense and intricately planned anime. Humanity lives behind enormous walls to escape the Titans—gigantic, man-eating monsters. Young Eren Yeager longs to see the outside world, but as he seeks freedom, he uncovers shocking truths about the Titans and his society’s history. With its massive scope and interconnected storylines, it’s a series that deeply resonates with fans of dark fantasy and challenging storytelling.
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