Summary
FromSoftwareis one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, having been an active developer since 1994, and the only developer to have two Game of the Year awards from The Game Awards to date. Many gamers will know FromSoftware specifically for the games that won GotY,Elden Ring,andSekiro: Shadows Die Twice.However, they have many franchises outside of these that are just as good (if not better).
This list looks at the best franchises from FromSoftware, from the very earliest of their games to their most recent releases. A few games and franchises missed out on a spot on this list, either due to the lack of games in their respective franchises, or the lack of accessibility to modern gamers. WhileEcho NightandEvergraceare notable franchises by the developer, they don’t have any games available on modern systems and therefore are relatively inaccessible, and won’t be seen here.
When gamers think “FromSoftware” and “Mecha Combat”, most people will instantly go toArmored Core, for very valid reasons. Despite being overshadowed,Metal Wolf Chaosis a super fun experience that offers several concepts not seen inArmored Coregames. WhileMetal Wolf Chaosas a franchise only consists of the original 2004 release and the 2019 remaster, both games are unique experiences well worth playing for any fans ofArmored Core.
The games themselves arethird-person shootersin which the player controls Micheal Wilson, the President of the United States, as he pilots a mech to defeat a military coup led by the vice president. It’s an insane, over-the-top narrative, with gameplay to match, and is all-around fun, even if the games aren’t perfect.
Going back in time to 1994,King’s Fieldwas the first game developed by FromSoftware and began its reputation as a developer interested in challenging its players. TheKing’s Fieldfranchise consists of 6 games, two of which are exclusive to the PSP, as well as a creation tool allowing players to make their own freestandingKing’s Fieldgames. The games are first-person action RPGs that revolve around the player exploring dungeons, fighting enemies, solving puzzles, and collecting items.
Any modern fan of FromSoftware can see the influence this franchise had on their later games, with difficult combat and puzzles, dark dungeon environments, and a fantasy setting. The most recent addition to theKing’s Fieldfranchise was the PSP-exclusiveKing’s Field: Additional 2in 2006, making this franchise somewhat lost to time. Despite this, it is impossible to overstate the importance of the franchise in the games that come later, and therefore, it earns its place on this list.
FromSoftware’s latest franchise, and most recent GotY winner,Elden Ringholds a tentative position on this list. The only reason this entry can be truly considered a “franchise” is thanks to the upcoming release ofElden Ring Nightreign, which is looking to be a cooperative rogue-lite experience, utilizing the setting ofElden Ring. Both games are third-person action RPGs, which are the bread and butter of FromSoftware, with difficult bosses, painful combat systems, and the expectation that a player must “get good” or die trying.
It is impossible to ignore the cultural phenomenonthatElden Ringhas been, the first game revolutionizing the Soulslike genre that FromSoftware created years ago. Giving the player access to an open world allows them to attack the game at their own pace, lessening the base skill requirement present in previous FromSoftware titles. WhileElden Ringis still very difficult, players can now leave a difficult area, level up, and return when they feel prepared, a drastic change from other soulslike games.
As mentioned previously,Armored Coreis the gold standard for Mecha combat games, having been a staple of the genre since its first release in 1997. After a decade-long hiatus, FromSoftware raised the franchise from the dead in 2023 withArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, a modern spin on the previousArmored Coreformula. Each game in the franchise is a third-person action shooter in which the player pilots a mech, fighting other large mechs in an often forgettable narrative, with the option for online PvP gameplay.
The most recent entry in the series offers the perfect mech combat experience for any fan of the genre, with an infinitely customizable mech, unique enemies and bosses in each mission, replayable PvE content, and engaging PvP content. While very different from the franchises that brought FromSoftware its fame,Armored Coreis an undeniably fun franchise that holds an important place in FromSoftware’s history.
Unsurprising to any fan of FromSoftware, the franchise holding the number 1 spot isDark Souls. If consideringDemon’s Soulsa member of theDark Soulsfranchise, it contains 4 games, however,Demon’s Soulsis arguably a predecessor rather than a part of the series, so in name,Dark Soulshas 3 entries.Dark Soulsis an undeniable revolution within the gaming industry, spawning its own genre of gamesand bringing FromSoftware a significant amount of cultural cache in modern gaming.
Each game is a third-person action RPG, with the player taking control of a Chosen Undead, Hollow, or Ashen One depending on the game. The main narrative is simple. The player must make their way to a specific place to kill a specific entity and either rekindle the flame or let the world fall into darkness. The grander story and setting lore are explored through item descriptions, NPC dialogue, and environmental storytelling. Whether an existing fan of the franchise, or someone who avoids them due to their difficulty, almost all gamers have heard ofDark Souls, thanks to just how well-crafted the games are, leaving an unshakable legacy on gaming as a whole.
