7 Soulslike Games With The Best Class Systems, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Code Vein uses Blood Codes for a unique class system experience.
• Lords of the Fallen offers a grim universe with 13 diverse classes.
• Mortal Shell uses Shells as a creative approach to class systems.

Soulslike games are known for their high difficulty level, dark fantasy settings, wide choice of weapon variety, and, of course, intimidating and challenging bosses. While the genre has been around for more than a decade at this point, not all games that fit in it follow the same principles or rules, with some developers taking their liberties.

Leveling up and using different classes while playing through a Soulsborne game is a key part of the experience, as different classes allow for various possibilities that give players much more freedom when it comes to their playstyle. Similar to many of the greatest Soulsborne games, Soulslikes take advantage of their most famous elements to deliver an outstanding experience to anyone interested in picking them up. Here are some of the best Soulslikes with the best class systems.

7 Code Vein

Blood Codes Are An Interesting Approach To The Class System

• Players must face off against Revenants as they try to survive
• Blood Codes can be used to customize the player experience

Set in a post-apocalyptic future filled with undead humans with vampire-like powers, Code Vein offers players an action-packed experience where the stakes are high, and they get even higher as the story progresses.

The Class system isn’t what players would traditionally expect to find in a Soulsborne, as they work by placing points into the different Blood Codes available. Some of these Blood Codes are: Ranger, Fighter, Caster, Berserker, Prometheus, and Hunter. Each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and allows players to customize their playstyles and create overpowered builds.

6 Lords Of The Fallen

A Dark World Full Of Fearsome Foes

• Grim universe, reminiscent of the Dark Souls franchise
• 13 different Classes

While many people have criticized Lords of the Fallen for having a design rather similar to that of Dark Souls, it has its unique take on a grim universe populated by formidable enemies that will put players to the test. Set in a cold, unforgiving world, players will take control of Harkyn, a convicted criminal who will have to take on an evil force threatening everything he’s ever known.

Lords of the Fallen has a very complete Class system comprised of 13 different classes that can cover different playstyles. As it happens in many other Soulslikes, choosing the right class is key to defeating the challenging bosses that players will encounter along the way.

5 Mortal Shell

Shells Act As The Class System

• Combat mechanics improve as the game progresses
• There are only four Shells, but they’re very fun to use

Set in the medieval-styled, ever-decaying region of Fallgrim, Mortal Shell presents players with a very interesting universe with a good deal of complex lore and exciting combat mechanics. When players first start out, they might feel a bit powerless and movement might be a bit clunky, but as they progress through their story, they’ll unlock many abilities that will change the game.

There’s no actual Class system in Mortal Shell—at least not how players would expect to find it. Instead of picking a class from the beginning, players will have to collect Shells, which are the remains of defeated warriors that grant special abilities to whoever finds them. Shells can considerably change the game and make combat feel different every time one is unlocked. Players should note, though, that there are only four Shells in the game, so the experience might not be as varied as what they can find in other titles.

4 Lies Of P

A Risky, Yet Fascinating Take On Pinocchio In A Soulslike

• Interesting concept where players get to experience the game as a puppet
• Three different classes players can choose from

Lies of P has a rather interesting concept, as it will have players control a puppet known as “P” as it explores the city of Krat. Throughout the story, players will encounter various hostile puppets, enemy factions, and various citizens afflicted by a dangerous disease. While this title does not feature as many possible classes as other Soulslikes, those available are almost always very complete and serve their purpose.

Depending on players’ playstyle, they might prefer to choose one over the other to face the many difficult bosses in the game and emerge victorious from the adrenaline-rushing encounters.

3 Salt And Sanctuary

A Game With An Incredibly Large Skill Tree

• This title combines the Soulslike and Metroidvania genres
• Enormous skill tree

While many of the games on this list stick to the Soulslike genre and nothing else, Salt and Sanctuary also opts to delve into the world of Metroidvanias. Featuring 2D hand-drawn visuals and game mechanics similar to those in Dark Souls, this title leaves almost nothing to be desired in terms of its design.

Unlike other titles on this list, Salt and Sanctuary does offer players a wide range of different classes for a total of eight. These are: Knight, Magic, Paladin, Thief, Chef, Cleric, Pauper, and Hunter. Each class has different advantages and disadvantages, adding a layer of complexity and variety to the mix. Salt and Sanctuary also features one of the biggest skill trees out there.

2 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

An Amazing Sequel To An Already Impressive Title

• A great sequel to Jedi: Fallen Order
• Different stances allow Cal to change his fighting style significantly

Cal Kestis’ story has captivated players since the release of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which not only introduced the character and many of his likable companions, but also presented players with some of the best lightsaber combat mechanics to date. The sequel, Star Wars Jedi: Survivorbuilds on what its predecessor did well and makes up for what it did wrong, delivering an amazing experience.

While this title does not feature a Class system per se, there are different stances that Cal can use to fight. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, and can change the combat mechanics significantly. This allows players to choose between less damaging, more agile combat styles, or slower, yet devastating approaches.

1 Elden Ring

The Class System Shines As Much As Everything Else In The Game

• Outstanding and varied Class system
• Great starting weapons and items that can be built upon to create overpowered builds

Few games have achieved what Elden Ring has. Not only did the game deliver an outstanding experience to longtime fans of the Dark Souls universe, but it also managed to expand the fanbase by drawing in newcomers who are now hardcore Soulslike lovers. Everything in Elden Ring feels very complete, from the large variety of armor, weapons, spells and items, to the well-crafted Class system it presents.

This title features 10 different classes, each with their own weapons, attribute allocation specs, armor, and starting items. What makes the Class system great is that it feels balanced and allows players to set out on a path to build their preferred playstyle from the moment they enter The Lands Between.