FromSoftware's Souls games and Soulslikes stand out for their iterative nature, offering unique experiences despite sharing similarities. While the Soulslike subgenre has gained immense popularity, FromSoftware continues to innovate and break away from established conventions.

Titles like Demon’s Souls, the Dark Souls trilogy, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the upcoming Elden Ring showcase the studio's ability to both build upon past successes and introduce fresh ideas. Sekiro, in particular, diverged significantly from traditional FromSoftware titles by emphasizing stealth, traversal, and skill progression.

The Limitations of Stealth in Soulslike Games

Incorporating stealth mechanics into Soulslike games presents challenges, especially when considering boss encounters. While games like Sekiro allow players to approach certain mini-bosses stealthily, these strategies are often considered unconventional and not intended by the developers.

Attempting to defeat bosses solely through stealth requires intricate and sometimes counterintuitive methods. For instance, defeating the Illusory Corrupted Monk in Sekiro involves using specific items and executing precise maneuvers, deviating from the game's core combat mechanics.

Balancing Pacing and Reward in Stealth Gameplay

Stealth gameplay can significantly slow down the fast-paced nature of Soulslike games, which typically reward aggression and swift combat. While stealth can be effective in clearing mob encounters, it often proves less efficient than direct engagement.

Players familiar with Dark Souls are accustomed to strategic approaches that prioritize speed and efficiency. Incorporating stealth elements in future Soulslike titles would require careful balancing to ensure both stealth enthusiasts and fans of traditional combat find value in these mechanics.

While stealth options in Soulslike games offer intriguing possibilities, their practicality and efficiency remain questionable. As FromSoftware continues to refine its gameplay mechanics, the integration of stealth features presents an opportunity to cater to diverse playstyles without compromising the core experience.