Games Like Elden Ring: 17 Similar Action RPG Alternatives

Elden Ring is an exciting 2022 action RPG with stunning graphics and a focus on exploring and battle. The choices players make begin right at the start, when picking a playable character determines what class you will fall into. This open-world game also features crafting, spells, and friendly NPCs.

Although you can play Elden Ring in singleplayer mode, its multiplayer mode has challenging PvP features — which will encourage players to keep coming back.

Whether you tried and loved Elden Ring and you just want to keep exploring similar games, or Elden Ring isn’t available for your platform of choice, these games like Elden Ring will keep you busy, too.

Elden Ring Game Features

Release Date:	February 25, 2022
Developer:	FromSoftware
Publisher:	Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms:	PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Windows Xbox One Xbox Series X/S
Genre:	Action role-playing
Setting:	Fantasy World
‍ Game Modes:	Single-player, multiplayer

1. Dark Souls

Dark Souls is an entire series of action RPGs similar to Elden Ring. The first of these games came out all the way back in 2011, but gamers who are looking for more recent titles should probably stick to the latest release. Dark Souls: Remastered was released in 2018.

No matter which of the games from the series you start off with, Dark Souls is set in a medieval fantasy world populated by mysterious creatures that include dragons, demons, and phantoms. You’ll be playing from a third-person PoV, and exploration and combat are the biggest parts of your gameplay experience.

Dark Souls features well-written NPCs and challenging bosses — and the fact that this series has more than a little in common with Elden Ring is no accident, because Dark Souls was created by the same developer. That means that Elden Ring players can slide right into this universe.

Because Dark Souls multiplayer mode has been discontinued, the series is perfect for those days where you just want to explore and play without bringing your friends into it.

• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: September 2011 to May 2018 (latest release)
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

It’s hard to believe that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released as far back as 2015  — because this beautiful action RPG based on the Witcher books and show is still amazingly popular, for good reason. If you dive into this universe, you will (obviously) take on the role of none other than the Witcher, Geralt of Rivia.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt boasts a dark medieval setting with a Slavic twist. Your agile character can run, scale buildings, climb, swim, dodge, and roll as he battles the great monsters of Slavic mythology with an amazing variety of unique weapons that include swords, bows, and bombs. Of course, there’s a fair share of magic, too.

The game’s responsive AI, which means that your play style will affect the environment you interact with, is one of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s strongest points — you won’t get bored in this universe, and may have to pry yourself away to, you know, get some sleep or grab a bite to eat.

Elden Ring fans who are used to playing multiplayer mode may be a little disappointed that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt only offers singleplayer, but the game is so well-designed that that won’t bother you for long.

• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Publisher: CD Projekt
• Release Date: May 2015
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch

3. Bloodborne

Bloodborne is another thrilling action RPG developed by FromSoftware. Players start off by creating their own customizable character, a Hunter, who will roam the Gothic city of Yharnam. Your city’s been afflicted by a dreadful plague, and you’re on a quest to get to the bottom of it, battling a slew of enemies (including powerful bosses), talking to NPCs, and gathering important resources that will help you advance through the game.

The combat is brutal in this third-person game, but when you need a break, you can always head for the safe zone. When you’re ready to fight again, you might enjoy Bloodborne’s multiplayer option — you can try to defeat bosses with your friends, or battle other players.

• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
• Release Date: March 2015
• Platform: PlayStation 4

4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a great choice for players who prefer action adventure RPGs. This game is set in a medieval fantasy version of Japan, and you’ll be playing as Wolf, a mercenary on a quest to take revenge on the clan that kidnapped his lord.

Players can explore the beautiful but brutal world, and use the game’s stealth ability to stay out of sight, or fight enemies that include challenging bosses. Given the setting, it’s no surprising that Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice heavily focuses on Katana battles.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a good alternative to Elden Ring if you enjoy some grinding and are less fussed about the role-playing elements of the game. The game’s skill tree is intricate and you’ll always have something new to work toward. That’s good, because Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice doesn’t have a multiplayer mode.

• Developer: FromSoftware
• Publisher: Activision
• Release Date: March 2019
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Stadia

5. Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 might be the perfect choice for Elden Ring players who want to expand their horizons — and definitely for gamers who really wanted to love Elden Ring, but who simply can’t connect with the game’s medieval fantasy setting.

Cyberpunk 2077 is an action adventure RPG set in a world that couldn’t be more different — a futuristic corporate megacity with a dark sci-fi feel. You’ll be taking on the role of V, a mercenary who starts a new life in Night City. Your character’s look and skills depend on your play style, because V is full customizable.

As you explore the city and go to war with your enemies in this first-person game, you can run, jump, take cover, and even slide your way through the city, using a combination of ranged and melee attacks, as well as EMPs and chemical weapons.

As you keep exploring, you’ll be offered an impressive variety of interesting NPC quests, and you’ll also have AI companions to help you out.

• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Publisher: CD Projeckt
• Release Date: December 2020
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Stadia

6. Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Middle-earth: Shadow of War is an medieval fantasy action RPG set in the world of Tolkien. The story takes place somewhere between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and players take on the role of Talion, who shares a body with elf spirit Celebrimbor.

This exciting mission-driven game allows you to choose plenty of side quests that boost your character’s abilities, as well as working on the main campaign to advance the compelling narrative. Middle-earth: Shadow of War has an optional multiplayer world, and if you go this route, you can also expect lots of inter-player competition as you’ll be able to conquer each other’s fortresses.

• Developer: Monolith Productions
• Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: October 2017
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

7. Nioh 2

Nioh 2 is a stunning action RPG that unfolds in medieval Japan. Players step right into the role of Hide,  whose “Shiftling” abilities explain why the character is so customizable. As you meet a merchant and a demon hunter, you’ll make your way through a world with a powerful enemy, using traditional Japanese weapons to fight.

You’ll unlock brand new skills and abilities are you advance through the plot, and defeating supernatural enemies also allows you to gather Soul Cores.

Nioh 2 is a great game to explore if you want to play with your friends, as Nioh 2 features a cooperative multiplayer world you can take on with three friends as other multiplayer mechanics that you can use to go to battle together.

• Developer: Team Ninja
• Publisher: Koei Tecmo, Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: March 2020
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

8. The Elder Scrolls Online

Released in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online may already be considered a classic game, but this massively multiplayer online role-playing game is still very much worth your time if other players are an integral part of your fun.

The Elder Scrolls Online is set in Tamriel, and features a massive persistent world to explore and make your own. That begins with choosing your character — your customization options include 10 different and unique races, like elves, orcs, various beasts, and different types of humans. From there, you can roam free, craft new items, steal equipment, or go to war with other players.

If you’re not sure what to do next, you can just take on a quest or adapt to one of the world’s random events, or become part of a powerful faction.

• Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Release Date: April 2014
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Stadia

9. God of War (2018)

The eighth and latest installment in the famous God of War series, the 2018 version of God of War is an exciting action adventure game with an entirely different twist. God of War is set in Midgard, a world inspired by Norse mythology. You’ll take on the role of Kratos, who takes his young son along for the ride, and have the task of surviving in the vast Norse wilderness — populated by new and terrifying beasts.

Your main weapon is a battle axe, and God of War heavily relies on boats as you explore the terrain from a third-person PoV. Elden Ring players who are ready to settle in for another grand singleplayer adventure won’t be disappointed by all the challenges that God of War has to offer.

• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: April 2018
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4

10. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Elden Ring players who enjoy open-ended, non-linear gameplay and enjoy exploring brand new worlds can’t go wrong with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In the role of Link, you’ll be doing… whatever you want to in the kingdom of Hyrule, because the game doesn’t offer you any instructions.

Your abilities include running, swimming, climbing, and using a paraglider. It’s important to keep an eye on your stamina as you gather new resources that enable you to advance in the game, and be aware that your tools and weapons don’t last forever, too.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is perfect for any player who likes to roam freely while completing optional quests and solving puzzles, so if you’re ready for another singleplayer adventure, don’t hesitate to get stuck into this game.

• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Release Date: March 2017
• Platform: Nintendo Switch, Wii U

11. Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise, the sixth installment in the series, is bound to appeal to Elden Ring players who crave action and aren’t willing to settle for dated graphics. This RPG takes players on a journey through a fantasy world in the role of a hunter. Your main task? Killing or capturing the world’s brutal monsters to complete quests that enable you to upgrade your gear and weapons.

You won’t be alone even if you don’t go the multiplayer route, because Monster Hunter Rise features a dog-like companion called a Palamute, which you can also make use of if you’re out of stamina and need to get somewhere fast.

If you’d like to play with your friends, the multiplayer mode supports up to four gamers, who play cooperatively as they hunt down the monsters.

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: March 2021
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch

12. Code Vein

Code Vein is an immersive open-world action RPG set in a dystopian world, and directly inspired by Dark Souls — which, of course, also inspired Elden Ring in many ways. The straightforward story line will be familiar to everyone. The game’s dark world been ravaged by the Great Collapse, left in ruins and taken over by dreadful monsters.

You, the player, are one of the few remaining humans — or, should we say, humans that are still alive and sentient? How long can you survive, and what does it take to stay human? Code Vein is a notoriously challenging game. Just like Elden Ring, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Not everyone will enjoy the art style, which was clearly influenced by anime, but even if that’s you, the gameplay likely more than makes up for that. As an added bonus, Code Vein features a singleplayer experience that definitely adds to the fun.

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: September 2019
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

13. Path of Exile

Path of Exile, a well-designed action RPG that unfolds in a dark fantasy world, is well worth checking out if you enjoy open-world exploration and a story driven by NPC quests, and enjoy class-based combat systems. As an added bonus, Path of Exile is completely free to play, so gamers who really want to try out Elden Ring but don’t have any cash to spare right now can definitely make do with this game.

You’ll be playing as a customizable protagonist who’s out for revenge, in a world where you’re not welcome — a world dominated by criminals. What could possibly go wrong?

Path of Exile offers multiple game modes, including a hardcore mode with permadeath, and gamers who want to test their skills against others can enjoy multiplayer, too.

• Developer: Grinding Gear Games
• Publisher: Grinding Gear Games
• Release Date: October 2013
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

14. Ghost of Tsushima

Elden Ring fans who feel more at home in the Samurai genre don’t have to look any further than Ghost of Tsushima, an action adventure game that places gamers into the role of Jin Sakai. Your job? To protect Tsushima Island, which has just been invaded by the Mongols.

How you go about that is up to you, because the protagonist can choose between staying true to his warrior code — which may come at a cost — or abandoning his morals and doing whatever it takes to survive and protect.

Combat, which heavily features katana swords, is challenging and rewarding. You’ll have access to mounts to explore the vast open world more quickly, and can also make use of stealth to stay ahead of your foes.

Ghost of Tsushima has a multiplayer mode, Legends, where you can play as various characters based on Japanese mythology as you go to war.

• Developer: Sucker Punch Studios
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Release Date: July 2020
• Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

15. The Surge 2

The Surge 2 is an action RPG set in a dystopian future where — you know the drill — resources have become scarce, the world has turned against its inhabitants as a result of intense climate change, and powerful corporations are in charge.

Players take on the role of the Warrior, who’s desperately looking for a powerful CEO’s granddaughter. You’ll be able to customize your avatar, and after that, you’re left to explore the brutal open world armed with a selection of melee weapons as well as drones.

You’ll come face to face with a variety of compelling NPCs, and while The Surge 2 allows you to decide how to interact with them, the choices you make alter the game’s storyline permanently. Don’t want to face this terrifying dystopia alone? Don’t worry — The Surge 2 has a fun multiplayer mode where you’ll be able to communicate with your fellow players using graffiti messages.

• Developer: Deck13 Interactive
• Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
• Release Date: September 2019
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

16. Divinity: Original Sin II

First released in 2017, Divinity: Original Sin II is a great action RPG that, like Elden Ring, heavily focuses on combat and exploration. Players can select several ready-made characters, or make their own custom hero to make their way through the fantasy world of Rivellon, where all creatures have Source energy.

You, the player, are a Sourceror, a being that can use Source energy to cast spells and become more powerful. You’ll interact with NPCs and take on quests, but you’ll also have companions whose skills you can use to advance in the game.

The fact that Divinity: Original Sin II offers cooperative as well as competitive multiplayer modes is one of the game’s major strengths — no matter your preferred play style, you’ll love exploring the world of Rivellon with your friends.

• Developer: Larian Studios
• Publisher: Larian Studios, Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Release Date: September 2017
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iPad

17. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a great action adventure game that takes place in the Star Wars universe. You’ll play as Padawan Cal Kestis, who’s hunted down by the Sith and has to defeat powerful enemies to stay alive and become a Jedi.

It’ll surprise nobody that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which is played from a third-person PoV and features striking graphics, calls on players to engage in lightsaber-based combat as they attack and defend themselves.

The game also has challenging puzzle elements, and to get past these, you’ll have to rely on Force-based powers.

Let’s be clear — Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order probably isn’t for you if you really hate Star Wars, but the setting is more of a backdrop, and this adventure definitely isn’t just made for die-hard Star Wars fans.

In fact, we’d warmly recommend Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order if you enjoyed Elden Ring but found the gameplay a little too challenging to stick it out. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is challenging, but the enemies you face are slightly easier to beat than the ones you encounter in Elden Ring.

• Developer: Respawn Entertainment
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Release Date: November 2015
• Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S, Stadia

Games Like Elden Ring: The Verdict

Gamers who loved Elden Ring, but would like to try a brand new challenge, are in luck — the action RPGs on this list are some of the best, but they don’t even begin to scratch the surface of games like Elden Ring.

Definitely check out the Dark Souls series, also developed by FromSoftware, if you want more games like Elden Ring. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Cyberpunk 2077 are excellent choices if you crave similar mechanics, but would like to explore novel settings. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is, meanwhile, your go-to option if you’re looking for a game like Elden Ring, but slightly easier.