FromSoftware didn't invent the action RPG, but they defined an entire subgenre with their souls series. From the original Dark Souls to the open-world phenomenon Elden Ring, each game pushed the formula further. Here's every FromSoftware souls game ranked from worst to best — and more importantly, where to buy each one at the lowest price. All prices are the lowest USD CD key tracked across 20+ stores on DealNest as of July 2026.
All FromSoftware Souls Games Ranked (With Cheapest Prices)
| Rank | Game | Lowest Price | Stores | Deal Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #5 | Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin | $10.02 | 21 | Buy Dark Souls II SotFS CD Key |
| #4 | Dark Souls (Remastered) | $17.57 | 21 | Compare Dark Souls prices |
| #3 | Dark Souls III | $17.60 | 20 | Buy Dark Souls III CD Key |
| #2 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | $12.13 | 9 | Compare Sekiro prices |
| #1 | Elden Ring | $26.71 | 20 | Buy Elden Ring CD Key |
#5: Dark Souls II — The Divisive One
Dark Souls II is the black sheep of the family, and fans debate its merits to this day. The world design is less interconnected than the original, the combat feels slightly different, and the story takes a more abstract turn. But Scholar of the First Sin — the definitive edition — patches in enemy placement changes, new NPCs, and all DLC. At $10.02 from 21 stores, it's the cheapest entry point and still offers 50+ hours of punishing content.
Verdict: Not the best souls game, but absolutely worth playing at this price.
#4: Dark Souls — The One That Started It All
The original Dark Souls defined the genre. Lordran's interconnected world design remains unmatched — you can open a door in one area and realize it loops back to a bonfire you passed hours ago. The remastered version improves frame rate and resolution without changing the core experience. At $17.57 from 21 stores, it's a piece of gaming history.
Verdict: Essential. If you've never played a souls game, start here.
#3: Dark Souls III — The Refined Formula
Dark Souls III took everything the series learned and polished it to a mirror shine. Faster combat, gorgeous environments, and the best boss roster in the trilogy. Irithyll of the Boreal Valley remains one of the most stunning areas in any RPG. At $17.60 from 20 stores, it's neck-and-neck with the original on price.
Verdict: The most accessible souls game. If the original feels too clunky, start here instead.
#2: Sekiro — The Combat Masterpiece
Sekiro drops the RPG stats and builds of Dark Souls in favor of pure, razor-sharp combat. The posture system rewards aggression and timing over dodging. It's the hardest FromSoftware game to master, but also the most satisfying when it clicks. At $12.13 from 9 stores, it's the second-cheapest on this list.
Verdict: Not a traditional souls game, but the best pure combat experience FromSoftware has made.
#1: Elden Ring — The Open-World Apex
Elden Ring took the souls formula and dropped it into a sprawling open world with no hand-holding. The Lands Between reward exploration like no other game — every direction hides a dungeon, a boss, or a secret. The collaboration with George R.R. Martin gave the lore a mythic weight. At $26.71 from 20 stores, it's the most expensive entry here, but it's also the most content-dense — easily 100+ hours.
Verdict: The best FromSoftware game, and one of the best RPGs ever made.
How to Get the Best Price on Souls Games
Steam sale prices for these titles hover 30-50% off, but third-party keyshops consistently beat that by another 20-40%. Dark Souls II at $10.02 is 75% off its retail price. Sekiro at $12.13 is 60% off. Open any game above on DealNest to see a live comparison and set a price alert.
FAQ
Which FromSoftware game should I play first?
Dark Souls III is the most accessible entry point — refined combat, clear progression, and a forgiving early game. If you want open-world freedom, start with Elden Ring. Avoid Dark Souls II as your first; its mechanics differ enough to build bad habits.
Is Sekiro a souls game?
Sekiro shares DNA with the souls series — challenging bosses, checkpoint bonfires, environmental storytelling — but it drops RPG stats and builds in favor of a fixed protagonist with a posture-based combat system. It's a souls-adjacent game, not a traditional soulsborne entry.
What's the cheapest FromSoftware souls game?
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin at $10.02 is the cheapest, followed by Sekiro at $12.13. Both offer dozens of hours of content at a fraction of their retail prices.
