Summary
With a few exceptions, likeSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, most soulslike RPGs are known for their freedom in combat and rich itemization, particularly in terms of weapons and armor that players can collect, craft, and upgrade. Not only are many weapons well-hidden and hard to obtain, but they’re also often unique. Beyond visual design, each weapon tends to offer powerful skills that can help players overcome even the toughest boss fights.
Below are some of the most notable and rewarding games in the genre, where nearly every new weapon players find can be a game-changer, offering a fresh combat experience. Note that these aren’t necessarily thesoulslike games with the most total weapons, but rather the ones that give players the most reasons to collect and experiment with every new piece of gear they acquire.
It’s no surprise thatElden Ring, along with its recent expansionShadow of the Erdtree, sits at the top of the genre, unmatched in many aspects — including itemization. The game boasts thelargest number of unique weaponsplayers can obtain during their playthrough, and it’s not even close. To collect every weapon, players will likely need to complete the game at least twice, and fully mastering each in combat could take even longer. A true paradise for weapon collectors,Elden Ring’s arsenal is not only visually stunning but also highly versatile, offering unparalleled freedom in how players approach combat.
Of course,Elden Ringisn’t the only game in FromSoftware’s rich soulslike catalog that excels at weapon collecting. Almost every earlier title (except forSekiro) offers a similarly engaging experience. Whether it’s the expansive arsenal of theDark Soulsseries orBloodborne’s limited but uniquely transforming combat tools, players are sure to find excitement no matter what they choose.
When it comes to weapon uniqueness,Remnant 2stands out as one of the best, witheach craftable melee or ranged weaponcapable of drastically altering how players approach combat. Not only does each weapon feature bold design choices and striking aesthetics, but the gameplay possibilities thatRemnant 2’s guns offer are unmatched. Some weapons may have short range but can chain targets with elemental fire, while others excel at long range, piercing multiple enemies with deadly energy beams. And that’s without even mentioning the unique weapon perks, such as black hole explosions, which — when mastered — can carry players through even the toughest boss fights.
Moreover, obtaining new weapons inRemnant 2is a real challenge. The game is packed with secrets, special conditions, and random generation, making the hunt for new guns and melee weapons both unpredictable and exciting. Depending on how players defeat certain bosses, they can earn different rewards, making it impossible to collect everything in a single playthrough.
Lies of Pmay not boast the largest arsenal among soulslike games, but it offers aunique approach to weapon customization. Aside from a few special armaments, each regular weapon in the game consists of two parts: the blade and the handle. Players can mix and match these parts as they see fit, discovering new possibilities and unexpectedly fun combinations. This system keeps weapon collecting exciting right up until the end, as players can always find a better handle for their favorite blade — or vice versa.
Additionally, while players can upgrade the blades, the handles offer special combat skills, adding further depth to the system. The rare and unique boss weapons inLies of Pare also highly rewarding, offering either powerful abilities or switchable mechanics reminiscent ofBloodborne’s transforming weapons. On top of all that, the equipment inLies of Plooks spectacular, making it even more enjoyable to experiment with different combinations.
Due to its loot system,Wo Long: Fallen Dynastystands out as a unique soulslike, drawing inspiration fromDiablo-like games by offering an abundance of gear in various rarities. Players can regularly acquire new weapons and armor from enemy drops or hidden locations during missions. However, to obtain the rarest five-star equipment, players must beat the game at least once, and even then, such drops remain rare, demanding a significant time investment.
What makesWo Longespecially appealing to weapon collectors and completionists is its reputation-based companion system. Players can bring various NPCs into battle, strengthening their bonds with these characters. In return, the NPCs reward players with unique armor and weapons, each offering special skills and perks. Collecting every set from these NPCs requires effort but provides an additional layer of motivation for completionists.
It’s also worth noting thatWo Long: Fallen Dynastyshares many similarities with the acclaimedNiohseries, which serves as its spiritual precursor. BothNiohgames offer an even larger variety of weapons to collect across different rarity levels, making them equally great choices for soulslike fans who enjoy gathering rare equipment.
Lords of the Fallenboasts an impressive collection ofstylish weapons across various categories. While weapons within the same class may share similar combat behaviors and lack unique movesets, the game’s dark and gorgeous visual designs make collecting every weapon a rewarding pursuit for some players.
The high-detail models of polearms, axes, daggers, flails, and hammers are all equally stunning.Combined with the game’s strong exploration elements, discovering well-hidden weapons across its two worlds is a fun and engaging experience. Some of the most notable weapons can be purchased from a special merchant, Molhu, after defeating powerful bosses. However, players must also gather Umbral Scourings, a rare currency, which adds a layer of challenge and scarcity, as collecting everything from Molhu in a single playthrough can be difficult.
