Why do gamers say this when they mean “this game will destroy me”? The answer goes back further than you’d think.
The Rise of the Genre
The word didn’t exist before 2009. Then FromSoftware dropped Demon’s Souls, and everything changed. The game was brutally hard, deliberately cryptic, and weirdly addictive. When Dark Souls hit in 2011, players needed a word for this new thing. Not quite an RPG, not quite action, just… Souls-like.
By the mid-2010s, other studios started copying the formula. Lords of the Fallen in 2014. Nioh in 2017. Lies of P in 2023. Each one added its own twist, but the core stayed the same: tough bosses, stamina management, and the sweet, sweet relief of finally beating something that’s killed you twenty times.
The term really exploded after Elden Ring in 2022. Suddenly everyone knew what it meant, even players who’d never touched a FromSoftware game. Now it’s used to describe any game where difficulty is the main selling point, sometimes accurately, sometimes not.
What It Sounds Like In-Game
Brutal. Accurate. The genre isn’t for everyone and the community knows it.
The community’s gatekeeping is mostly playful. But there’s a real distinction between “hard game” and this label. Not every difficult action RPG qualifies. The label means something specific, even if Twitter overuses it.
Why It Hit Different
These games created a weird paradox: the harder they are, the more people love them. While mainstream games were adding easy modes and glowing objective markers, this genre said “figure it out yourself.” And players respected that.
The genre became a badge of honor. Beating one meant something. It wasn’t just completion. It was mastery. Even casual players know the term now, thanks to Elden Ring selling millions of copies. The label isn’t just a genre tag anymore. It’s a warning label.
The community around these games is oddly wholesome too. Sure, you’ll get the occasional “git gud” troll. But mostly? It’s veterans helping newcomers find hidden paths, sharing boss strategies, and celebrating when someone finally beats Malenia after fifty attempts. The suffering bonds people.
FAQ
Is this the same as Soulsborne?
Close but not identical. Soulsborne means FromSoftware games only: Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne. This is the broader genre. If Nioh or Lies of P did it, it’s this. If Miyazaki made it, it’s Soulsborne. Simple distinction.
Why are these games so popular if they’re frustrating?
Because the frustration makes the payoff hit harder. Every death teaches you something. Every boss you beat feels earned, not scripted. It’s the git gud philosophy turned into an entire genre.
Should beginners start with Elden Ring?
Honestly? Yeah. It’s open world, so you can leave hard areas and come back later. Older entries are more linear. If you’re stuck, you’re stuck. Elden Ring lets you explore until you’re ready. Perfect entry point.
