The Souls-like genre has built a reputation for being some of the most punishing games out there. From Dark Souls to Sekiro and Elden Ring, these games demand patience, strategy, and a whole lot of trial and error. But is the difficulty truly unfair, or is it just a skill issue? Let’s break it down.

The Brutal Beauty of Souls Games

One of the biggest appeals of Souls games is their ability to make you feel like an absolute legend when you finally overcome a challenge. Whether it’s taking down a colossal boss in Elden Ring or surviving a brutal gauntlet of enemies in Dark Souls, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched.

Unlike traditional action RPGs that hold your hand, Souls games throw you into the deep end and expect you to swim. There are no quest markers pointing you in the right direction, no easy difficulty setting, and definitely no “press X to win” mechanics. It’s all about learning from failure and adapting your strategy.

“Git Gud” or Game Design?

The phrase “git gud” has become synonymous with the Souls community, often thrown around when someone struggles with a tough fight. But is it really just about getting better, or do these games have an inherent difficulty designed to frustrate players?

In reality, Souls games aren’t unfair – they’re just different. Instead of relying on reaction-based combat like hack-and-slash games, these titles demand precision, patience, and pattern recognition. Every enemy has a weakness, every boss has a tell, and every area has a shortcut. If you take the time to learn, victory feels earned, not given.

Elden Ring: The Most Accessible Yet Still Brutal

Elden Ring took the Souls formula and expanded it into a massive open world, giving players more freedom than ever. Unlike previous titles, you’re not forced to bang your head against a single impossible boss – you can explore, level up, and come back stronger. 

While massive Elden Ring Steam key sales prove that it’s the most accessible to new players, does that make Elden Ring easier? Not really. Margit the Fell Omen still humbles new players, Malenia reminds veterans not to get cocky, and the Lands Between is filled with horrors waiting to one-shot you. The challenge is still there; you just have more tools to tackle it.

And for those who claim it’s all about skill, let’s not forget the infamous Radagon RNG moments, input-reading enemies, and unexpected ambushes that make even the best players scream in frustration.

Are Souls Games for Everyone?

The truth is, Souls games aren’t for everyone – and that’s okay. Some players thrive on the challenge, while others prefer more relaxed gaming. But calling them unfair misses the point. These games reward persistence, adaptability, and learning from mistakes.

If you’ve never tried one before, there’s no better time to dive in. Digital marketplaces like Eneba offer some of the best deals on games, so whether you’re looking for a Souls-like challenge or something a little more forgiving, you can always find your next game at a great price. 

So why not step into the Lands Between, and see if you have what it takes to overcome its trials? And if you do rage-quit, well, that’s just part of the experience. Now, are you ready to git gud?