Stellar Blade isn't quite a Soulslike game, but it's close
Here's the answer on whether Stellar Blade is a Soulslike, so you can know if to rank it amongst games like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Sekiro, and Bloodbourne.
Although Stellar Blade shares some similarities with Soulslike games like Elden Ring or Darksouls, it takes more than that to be considered part of the genre.
So here's a rundown of just why Shift Up's action-adventure title misses the criteria for being a Soulslike.
Why it isn't a Soulslike game
Stellar Blade isn't a Soulslike because whilst the game embodies some familiar mechanics; combat focus on parries & dodges, recovery camps, respawning enemies, limited potions, and intimidating bosses; the game doesn't feature the slow-paced, minimally brutal difficulty expected of the genre.
Not only does Stellar Blade come with an Easy Mode as its default difficulty settings, a Hard Mode isn't even unlocked until you beat the campaign. What's more, even its Normal Mode is relatively easy enough that you could defeat almost any boss with a couple of attempts.
That's especially true thanks to its much faster combat than typical Souslikes - being more akin to hack-and-slashers like Devil May Cry 5, Final Fantasy 16, God of War, Bayonetta, and Nier: Automata.
Thirdly, Souslikes are known for both more of a dark fantasy setting with only a very subtle method of storytelling. Although, there's arguable wiggle room on the former with its darker grotesque elements brought by the Naytiba in the sci-fi world.
On the latter, however, Stellar Blade's narrative is front and centre compared to Souslikes. Sure, the cinematic story may not be the most popular part of the game compared to the combat, but it's just as on the surface.
Be that as it may, you can still tweak your settings in Stellar Blade to make a more Souslike playthrough if you wish.
By equipping the Skin Suit to remove your Shields and beating the campaign to unlock the Hard Mode, developer Shift Up's made it so keen Soulslike fans can make the game a way bigger challenge if it pleases them.
For more from the game, check out all of Stellar Blade's Nano Suit outfits, how to farm SP early, how to get more Vitcoins, and how to unlock the Double Jump Skill.
Alternatively, jump into our Stellar Blade guides & news homepage for even more essentials right here at GGRecon.
About The Author
Ben Williams
Ben is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. Alongside his BA (Hons) in Business Management is a wealth of gaming and entertainment writing experience, having previously occupied roles as a Copywriter in e-commerce at Overclockers and Guides & SEO Writer at GameByte and FragHero. When not whipping up guides and reviews, Ben’ll be off playing the latest Pokemon games, Overwatch 2, Spider-Man, The Witcher, and Final Fantasy - all before reading manga and listening to Ice Nine Kills.
