FromSoftware is known for creating some of the most iconic and influential action RPGs ever created. A studio's reputation largely revolves around Dark souls, Bloody, An axeand Elden Ring – a collection of games known for creating and defining the Soulslike genre. Each game had a significant influence on action RPGs and action-adventure; yet, long before the developer became synonymous with challenging combat and interconnected worlds, the developer spent years experimenting with unusual mechanics, atmospheric design philosophies, and genre hybrids. Even after the Soulslike boom, plenty of gems still slip through the cracks of attention.
17 Hardest Games From Software, Ranked
FromSoftware likes to provide players with intense, exciting and challenging experiences, and these games are among the hardest to date.
For gamers looking to delve deeper into the studio's history and discover lesser-known corners of its catalog, the following games stand out as the most fascinating and underappreciated.
FromSoftware's dullest experiment in mechanical action
Metal Wolf Chaos it's worth playing for its sheer absurdity alone. To take back the USA from the rebellious Vice President, the President of the United States boards a heavily armed battle mech. The whole experience feels like an action movie parody wrapped in mecha armor.
Humor isn't all the game has to offer, though, as the gameplay is great fun thanks to responsive mechanics, varied missions, and satisfying destruction physics for the time. The game never takes itself seriously, giving it a charm unmatched by other titles in the studio's catalog.
Metal Wolf ChaosThe obscurity is largely due to the fact that it was exclusively Japanese when released on the original Xbox. However, the remastered version of the game, Metal Wolf Chaos XDwas released worldwide in 2019 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
The forgotten peak of FromSoftware's Pure Action era
Otogi 2: Immortal Warriors
- Released
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December 25, 2003
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Fantasy Violence
Otogi 2 offers one of the purest action experiences from FromSoftware. Released for the original Xbox, the game features fast-paced combat, fluid movement, and a mythical aesthetic inspired by Japanese folklore. Players control supernaturally enhanced warriors who cut through demons, ghosts and legendary beasts. Combat is tough but graceful, making every encounter feel like a choreographed battle.
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Despite its quality, Otogi 2 never achieved mainstream recognition. The original Xbox had a limited audience in Japan, and the game was overshadowed by larger franchises in the West.
Echo Night: Beyond
An atmospheric ghost story with no combat
Echo Night: Beyond takes FromSoftware's love of atmospheric storytelling in a completely different direction, notably by offering a non-combat experience. Instead of focusing on action, it's a slow-paced ghost story set on a lunar space station that favors eerie atmosphere over scares.
While the game was a niche title upon release, it has since gained a cult following for its unique tone and thoughtful storytelling. Among FromSoftware's many experiments is this Echo Night: Beyond remains one of the bravest and most memorable. The fact that the game has a metascore of 60 but a user score (at the time of writing) of 8.2 is an example of the game's place as an underrated gem.
Armored Core: For Answers
Speed, scale and customization
Even with revival Armored Core franchise thanks to recognized Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconmany players still overlooked the brilliance of the earlier games in the series.
Best FromSoftware games, rated
FromSoftware's long list of games is full of excellence. From Dark Souls to Armored Core 6 and Nightreign, here's how the best titles rank.
Armored Core: For Answers is a special highlight in a long-running franchise. The game allows players to tweak every aspect of their robot, from its mobility to its weapons, and throws players into missions that offer great variety and engaging battles that require equal amounts of sharpshooting and tactical planning. Armored Core: For Answers was the thirteenth entry in the mecha franchise and a direct sequel Armored Core 4.
King's Field: The Ancient City (King's Field 4)
The pinnacle of the underrated King's Field series
Among FromSoftware's pre-Souls output, King's Field: The Ancient City is often cited as the strongest early RPG studio. And yet the game is so often overlooked today because of how the Souls games overshadowed everything the studio did before them. King's Field: The Ancient City takes players to a decaying kingdom plagued by a cursed idol and offers the mysterious lore, oppressive atmosphere and rewarding exploration the studio has become known for.
coincidentally King's Field: The Ancient City share identical metascores of 60 s Echo Night: Beyondbut much like the survival horror game, it boasts a much higher user score, currently sitting at an impressive 8.5.
Best games to play if you like Elden Ring
Those looking for something as engaging and fun as Elden Ring can turn to some of these games for a solution.
