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The short version
- "Soulslike" means hard, methodical action games modeled on FromSoftware's Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Fans usually own the big ones already.
- If they own base Elden Ring but not the expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree is a $39.99 add-on on PlayStation and is the single best upgrade gift.
- Elden Ring Nightreign is a cheaper co-op spinoff, $39.99 standard or $54.99 with its DLC on PlayStation.
- New 2026 options include Nioh 3 (PS5 and PC) and Phantom Blade Zero (PS5, out October 29).
- Every game here is rated M, so check before buying for a teenager.
The best gift for a soulslike fan is usually the piece of the genre they haven't played yet: the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion if they only own base Elden Ring, the co-op spinoff Elden Ring Nightreign if they've finished everything solo, or one of 2026's new releases like Nioh 3. Buying base Elden Ring is a safe idea only if you're sure they don't own it.
You don't need to understand the games to get this right. You need to know their platform, what they already own, and whether they like playing alone or with friends.
What "soulslike" means, in one minute
A soulslike is an action game built on the formula FromSoftware made famous with Dark Souls: tough enemies, big boss fights, and a death system that makes you retrace your steps. The appeal is the feeling of finally beating something that crushed you twenty times.
That matters for gifting because fans often have strong opinions. Someone who loves Elden Ring may not want a faster, flashier game, and vice versa. If you can, listen for which games they rave about. Our games like Elden Ring guide sorts the genre by what each game feels like.
Check these before you buy
- Find their platform. PS5, Xbox, PC, or Switch 2. Several picks below are PlayStation or PC only. Our console detective guide helps if you're unsure.
- Check what Elden Ring they own. Ask casually whether they've "done the DLC" or "played Shadow of the Erdtree." A yes means skip every Elden Ring edition and go straight to a new game.
- Solo or co-op? Most soulslikes are single-player first. Nightreign is built around three-player co-op, so it suits someone with gaming friends.
- Check the age rating. Everything in this guide is rated M for Mature. That's fine for adults, but worth knowing for a teen.
Elden Ring: which edition to buy
Elden Ring has more editions than most games, and the names are confusing. Here's what the PlayStation Store listing shows in the US.
| What you buy | What's included | PlayStation price | Buy it if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | Base game only | $59.99 | They've never played it |
| Shadow of the Erdtree Edition | Base game + expansion | $79.99 | They've never played it and you want the complete game |
| Shadow of the Erdtree (add-on) | Expansion only; needs the base game | $39.99 | They own the base game but not the expansion |
| Shadow of the Erdtree Deluxe Edition | Base game, expansion, digital artbook and soundtrack | $99.99 | They're new to it and love extras |
| Tarnished Pack (add-on) | Two starting classes, armor, horse customization | $4.99 | Stocking stuffer for a current player |
Prices on Xbox and PC are often similar, but check the store for their platform. Retail stores and Amazon may sell physical versions for less during sales.
Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Edition
This is the complete game: the base adventure and the expansion that Bandai Namco calls FromSoftware's largest to date. Buying the bundle costs $20 less than buying both parts separately on PlayStation.
- The whole game in one purchase
- Available on PS5, Xbox, and PC
- Wasted money if they already own the base game
Switch 2 owners: the Tarnished Edition
On Switch 2, the game comes as the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition. According to Bandai Namco's Elden Ring page, it's Switch 2 only and includes the base game, the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, new armor, and horse customization. Bandai Namco announced it on August 28, 2026. Check Nintendo's product page for current availability and price before you buy.
If they already played Elden Ring on another console, read our take on whether the Switch 2 version is worth a double dip before buying it again.
Elden Ring Nightreign: the co-op spinoff
Nightreign takes the world and combat of Elden Ring and turns it into shorter co-op sessions for up to three players. It launched May 30, 2025, and its expansion, The Forsaken Hollows, followed on December 4, 2025, per Bandai Namco Europe.
On the PlayStation Store, the Standard Edition is $39.99 and the Deluxe Edition, which includes the DLC, is $54.99. Online play on PlayStation needs a PS Plus membership. It's sold on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
Elden Ring Nightreign Deluxe Edition
A good pick for the fan who's beaten Elden Ring and plays online with a group. The Deluxe Edition costs $15 more than Standard and includes the expansion, which is also $15 on its own, so either route works.
- Cheaper than most new releases
- Built for playing with friends
- Less appealing for strictly solo players
New and recent soulslikes worth gifting
If they've done everything Elden Ring, look to the newer games. These are the strongest options with verified details.
Nioh 3 (PS5, PC)
Released February 6, 2026. The PlayStation listing puts the Standard Edition at $69.99 and the Digital Deluxe Edition, which adds the Season Pass and bonus items, at $109.99. Nioh is faster and more combo-heavy than Elden Ring, so it suits someone who likes flashy combat. We break it down in Should I buy Nioh 3?
Nioh 3
The biggest new entry in the genre this year for PlayStation owners. Stick with the Standard Edition unless you know they want the Season Pass.
- A full new game, not a remaster
- Free demo, and progress carries over
- Not on Xbox or Switch 2
Phantom Blade Zero (PS5)
Out October 29, 2026. PlayStation lists the Standard Edition at $59.99 and the Digital Deluxe at $69.99. It's brand new, so reviews and patches are still settling. Our Phantom Blade Zero verdict tracks how it's landing.
Lies of P (PS4, PS5; check other platforms)
A dark, Pinocchio-inspired soulslike with tight, parry-focused combat. Its list price on PlayStation is $59.99, or $89.99 bundled with the Overture expansion, though the store had both on sale when we checked. If they own it already, the Overture add-on is a smaller gift. See our Sekiro vs. Lies of P comparison for how it plays.
Nintendo lists The Duskbloods, a FromSoftware game for Switch 2 with online play for up to eight, for 2027. If you see a pre-order, it won't arrive by Christmas.
Which game runs on which console
Platform is where soulslike gifts go wrong most often, so here it is in one place, based on each publisher's store listing.
| Game | PS5 | Xbox Series X|S | PC | Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring (with Shadow of the Erdtree) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (Tarnished Edition) |
| Elden Ring Nightreign | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Nioh 3 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Phantom Blade Zero | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Lies of P | Yes | Check store | Check store | No |
If their platform isn't covered by the game you want, a store gift card for their console is a better gift than a game they can't play. You can tuck a note inside naming the game you had in mind.
Extras that actually help
Soulslike fans spend a lot of hours with a controller in their hands. A better controller is the one accessory most of them would appreciate.
DualSense Edge Wireless Controller
Sony's pro controller adds back buttons, swappable stick caps, and adjustable trigger and stick settings, per PlayStation's product page. Back buttons let players dodge and heal without taking a thumb off the camera stick, which is a real advantage in these games.
- Comes with a carrying case and extra stick caps
- Also works on PC
- Expensive compared to the standard controller
For Xbox and PC players, the standard Xbox Wireless Controller is a solid spare that works on both. Our PC controller guide covers pro-style alternatives.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying base Elden Ring for someone who already has it. It's the most-owned game in the genre.
- Buying a bundle that includes content they own. If they have the base game, buy the expansion on its own.
- Buying a PS5-only game for an Xbox player. Nioh 3 and Phantom Blade Zero are PlayStation games on console.
- Pre-ordering something that ships in 2027. Give a gift card with a note instead.
- Buying "easy mode" help for a fan who'd be insulted. Guides and cheat accessories are hit-or-miss with this crowd.
Quick decision guide
- Never played Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition (or the Tarnished Edition on Switch 2).
- Owns base Elden Ring only: the Shadow of the Erdtree add-on.
- Finished Elden Ring and plays with friends: Nightreign Deluxe Edition.
- Finished Elden Ring, plays solo on PS5: Nioh 3.
- Owns everything: a DualSense Edge, or a gift card for their platform's store.
Still not sure? The gamer who has everything guide has more ideas for collectors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elden Ring too hard for a casual player?
It's demanding, but more forgiving than older FromSoftware games because you can explore elsewhere when a boss is too tough and summon help. If the person mostly plays relaxed games, a soulslike may frustrate them. Our difficulty check guide can help you decide.
Do I need to buy Shadow of the Erdtree separately?
Only if they already own the base game. If they don't, the Shadow of the Erdtree Edition includes both and costs less than buying the two parts separately on PlayStation.
Can you play Elden Ring Nightreign alone?
Yes. The PlayStation listing shows it as a one-player game with optional online play for up to three. It's designed around co-op, though, so solo-only players may get more out of a traditional soulslike.
Is Elden Ring on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, as the Elden Ring Tarnished Edition, which Bandai Namco lists as Switch 2 only and which includes the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Check Nintendo's store for current availability and pricing.
Are these games okay for a 14-year-old?
All of the games in this guide carry an M (Mature 17+) rating, mostly for blood and violence. Many parents are comfortable with that level, but it's your call. Look up the ESRB content descriptors on the store page before deciding.
Sources
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