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Are mission based soulslikes losing their appeal?

Gaming Fatigue? Players Weigh In on Mission-Based Soulslikes

By

Rachel Kim

Mar 11, 2026, 03:29 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

2 minutes of duration

A group of gamers discussing mission-based soulslike games, expressing mixed feelings about the genre's direction.
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A Growing Concern in the Gaming Community

A notable thread on forums reveals a rising fatigue among gamers regarding mission-based "soulslikes". Titles like Nioh and Wo Long have drawn attention for their repetitive mission structures and perceived inferior loot systems.

Frustrations with the Loot System

Players expressed dissatisfaction with how loot is handled in these games. One commenter mentioned, "The loot system is EXHAUSTING," indicating that swapping out armor feels like a chore when finding the same items with different stats becomes commonplace. This sentiment resonates across the board, with several players criticizing the lack of meaningful upgrades.

Why Some Prefer a Different Approach

Many gamers are nostalgic for the interconnected worlds seen in FromSoftware titles. One player remarked, "I much prefer the FromSoft formula where the loot is usually worth something." This perspective highlights a distinction between the more rewarding experience of exploring vast, interconnected environments versus completing linear missions.

Diverse Opinions Among Players

Interestingly, not everyone is on the same page. "I donโ€™t discriminate. I like having a mix," one user noted, suggesting a balance is achievable between various styles of play. Nonetheless, a sentiment of fatigue persists, especially as players rotate through similar titles.

"The mission structure isnโ€™t great anymore, but I prefer it over what they did with Nioh 3," one player remarked, hinting at the broader debate over game design innovation.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿš€ Many gamers express fatigue over mission-focused structure in current "soulslikes".

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Complaints center on repetitive loot systems diminishing excitement.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ A preference for interconnected worlds, reminiscent of Dark Souls or future releases like Wuchang, is emerging.

As these trends continue, the gaming community is left wondering: can developers find a way to revitalize this genre to meet the evolving preferences of players?

What's Next for Mission-Based Soulslikes?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will pivot toward more innovative designs in response to player feedback. With the gaming landscape becoming increasingly competitive, estimates suggest about 70% of studios will explore ways to incorporate interconnected elements into mission-based titles. By doing so, they could create richer gameplay experiences that hold players' interest. As gaming communities call for change, itโ€™s likely that smaller, indie developers may lead the charge, offering fresh perspectives that larger studios will eventually adopt. Promising prototypes and concepts from these smaller teams can already be seen in early game reveals, suggesting a gradual shift could be underway.

In a way, this scenario mirrors the evolution of the film industry in the late 1990s, when audiences grew weary of formulaic blockbusters. Filmmakers began experimenting with narrative structures, paving the way for iconic franchises that revitalized cinema. Just as independent films broke through the mainstream and reshaped expectations on storytelling, the gaming sector may find that smaller studios can redefine player engagement by daring to challenge the status quo. Crafting unforgettable worlds and mechanics, they may lead the mission-based genre into an exciting new chapter.