FromSoftware, the original creator of the Soulslike genre, is shifting gears with their upcoming titles The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign. While the traditional Souls games have always incorporated some multiplayer elements, these new offerings place a much stronger emphasis on cooperative gameplay. For fans eagerly anticipating these releases scheduled for 2026, there's no shortage of existing co-op Soulslikes to satisfy that challenging, collaborative itch in the meantime.

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10. The Last Hero of Nostalgaia: A Pixelated Parody

The Last Hero of Nostalgaia embraces nostalgia with open, pixelated arms. This tongue-in-cheek adventure doesn't sacrifice gameplay while poking fun at gaming tropes. The premise? The world of video games is devolving back into pixels, and you—a literal stick figure—must save it! Up to two players can traverse this PS1-styled world together, discovering Easter eggs and enjoying silly gamer humor along the way.

Despite your character's minimalist appearance, you can customize with unique armor and weapons that significantly alter gameplay. The combat system is somewhat simpler than typical Soulslikes but remains satisfyingly challenging. For those needing a break from the doom and gloom that typically enshrouds the genre, this charming title offers a refreshing alternative without losing the core appeal of a Soulslike experience.

9. Outward: Survival Meets Souls

If you've ever thought, "Gee, Dark Souls just isn't difficult enough," then Outward might be your personal nightmare—in the best possible way. This cooperative open-world RPG mercilessly combines Soulslike combat with brutal survival elements. Players must not only defeat enemies but also satisfy basic needs, tend to wounds, and find shelter from the elements. Death lurks around every corner, and sometimes it's not even wearing armor.

The game even incorporates city-building mechanics into its already robust experience! This ambitious mashup of genres creates a uniquely challenging experience that makes surviving feel like a genuine accomplishment. With a sequel planned for 2026, masochistic gamers can look forward to dying in exciting new ways very soon. 😵

8. Lords of the Fallen: Two Worlds, Double the Death

Lords of the Fallen delivers a classic medieval fantasy take on the Soulslike formula, with one brilliant twist—it takes place across two parallel worlds: the realm of the living and the domain of the dead. Players can partner with a friend online as they journey through both dimensions to defeat the demon God Adyr.

Each world presents unique challenges and opportunities, giving players plenty of chances to experiment with hundreds of distinct weapons. The game thoughtfully allows players to adjust difficulty settings, creating an experience tailored to their skill level. A sequel is currently in development, but the 2023 title remains readily available—and Xbox Game Pass subscribers can dive in at no additional cost!

7. Salt and Sacrifice: 2D Souls with Style

Who says Soulslikes need to be 3D? Salt and Sacrifice (and its predecessor Salt and Sanctuary) prove that the formula works beautifully in two dimensions. These games combine gorgeous side-scrolling visuals with challenging gameplay and deep lore—the hallmarks of any good Soulslike experience.

Both titles cast players as Marked Inquisitors tasked with hunting down corrupted Mages. The hand-drawn art style creates a hauntingly beautiful world that players can explore either solo or with a friend via online or local co-op. The atmospheric environments, challenging boss fights, and intricate level design make these 2D adventures worthy additions to any Soulslike fan's library.

6. Windblown: High-Speed Soulslike Action

The definition of "Soulslike" continues to evolve, allowing games like the vibrant and fast-paced Windblown to find a home within the genre. Up to three players can team up to race through procedurally generated sky islands, facing hordes of enemies along the way.

From the creators of Dead Cells, this isometric 3D title might initially look more like a colorful version of Hades than a traditional Soulslike. However, it cleverly combines the randomized elements of roguelikes with the unforgiving challenge that defines Soulslike games. Though still in Early Access, Windblown has already garnered significant attention from players who appreciate its fresh approach to the formula.

5. Hellpoint: Souls in Space

Hellpoint begins like many Souls games—with your character awakening from eternal slumber. The twist? Instead of a fantasy realm filled with swamps and castles, you find yourself on an abandoned space colony. Players control "the Spawn," created by the mysterious Authority to investigate what catastrophe wiped out the colony's inhabitants, leaving only strange and hostile creatures in their wake.

The game features both online and local co-op, allowing friends to explore the interconnected metal structures of the Irid Novo space station together. While Hellpoint has received criticism for bugs and for hewing too closely to the Soulslike formula without innovation, it still provides an enjoyable co-op experience. For those seeking extra challenge, the game's unique Black Hole events temporarily increase difficulty and spawn new boss monsters.

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4. Code Vein: Anime Souls with Vampires

With its flashy visuals, stylized characters, and anime cutscenes, Code Vein might initially appear to be just another JRPG. Look deeper, however, and you'll find a challenging experience inspired by Demon Souls. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampiric beings called Revenants must consume human blood or degenerate into mindless monsters, the game creates a compelling dark fantasy setting with Japanese flair.

Co-op is central to the experience—if no human friend is available, the game provides an AI companion. Together, players navigate through 12 challenging dungeons known as The Depths, returning to a central hub area reminiscent of The Nexus from Demon Souls. While Code Vein's mechanics aren't as complex as those in FromSoftware's titles, it offers a unique aesthetic and cooperative experience that stands on its own merits.

3. Ashen: Building Communities Together

Ashen remains one of the most divisive entries in the Soulslike genre. Currently sitting at a "mixed" rating on Steam, the game has as many passionate defenders as detractors. Players cite certain design choices and combat mechanics as either brilliant innovations or frustrating flaws, depending on their perspective.

What makes Ashen unique is its focus on rebuilding a community within its world. Players literally befriend and invite both NPCs and other players into their settlement, creating a sense of progress beyond just defeating bosses. The multiplayer component is fundamental to the experience, with companions joining you on quests and working together to overcome challenges. Though its painting-like visuals differ dramatically from the Souls series, the demanding combat and intriguing world-building will feel familiar to genre fans.

2. Nioh 2: Feudal Japanese Souls

Team Ninja's Nioh 2 stands as one of the most respected Soulslikes not developed by FromSoftware. The game transports players to Japan's tumultuous Sengoku period, where they must battle both human warriors and yokai monsters. The entire campaign supports up to three players through a password-based multiplayer system that allows friends to seamlessly drop into each other's games.

What truly distinguishes Nioh 2 is its complex combat system. Players must master various stances, weapon abilities, the unique ki pulse mechanic, and special yokai powers acquired throughout their journey. While this might sound overwhelming, the system is remarkably cohesive in practice, offering a deep and satisfying experience that rewards skill and patience. The historical setting, supernatural elements, and polished gameplay make Nioh 2 a standout in the genre.

1. Remnant 2: Guns, Gods, and Glory

Remnant 2 doesn't pull its punches, offering an intensely challenging experience for up to three cooperative players. While it builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, newcomers can jump straight into this sequel without feeling lost. The game places players in a dying world where they must confront godlike boss monsters whose appearances are determined by the storyline path you're currently exploring.

The title incorporates classic Soulslike elements, including environmental storytelling and a dark aesthetic, while introducing gun-centric combat reminiscent of Bloodborne. As you and your companions unravel the lore of this deteriorating world, you'll discover branching paths that encourage multiple playthroughs. With its polished gameplay, compelling setting, and strong co-op focus, Remnant 2 represents perhaps the perfect game to enjoy while waiting for The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign.

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The Future of Cooperative Soulslikes

As we eagerly await FromSoftware's upcoming cooperative titles, it's clear that the Soulslike genre has evolved far beyond its single-player origins. From anime vampires to pixelated stick figures, from feudal Japan to abandoned space stations, developers have found countless ways to implement the challenging combat, atmospheric storytelling, and cooperative elements that define modern Soulslikes.

Whether you prefer your punishment with a side of humor, survival elements, or sci-fi horror, there's a co-op Soulslike out there for you. And when The Duskbloods and Elden Ring Nightreign finally arrive in 2026, players will be well-prepared for whatever cooperative challenges FromSoftware has in store. 🎮

Game Setting Max Players Key Feature
The Last Hero of Nostalgaia Pixelated Nostalgia 2 Humorous take on gaming tropes
Outward Fantasy Wilderness 2 Survival mechanics
Lords of the Fallen Medieval Fantasy 2 Dual-world gameplay
Salt and Sacrifice 2D Dark Fantasy 2 Hand-drawn art style
Windblown Floating Sky Islands 3 Roguelike elements
Hellpoint Space Station 2 Dynamic difficulty events
Code Vein Post-Apocalyptic 2 Anime-inspired aesthetics
Ashen Atmospheric Fantasy 2 Community building
Nioh 2 Feudal Japan 3 Complex stance-based combat
Remnant 2 Post-Apocalyptic 3 Branching storylines