Bloodborne successor lands in 94% rated Steam soulslike with 42 hours of gameplay

If you've been desperately waiting for another game to scratch that Bloodborne itch, because, let's face it, FromSoftware isn't making a remaster any time soon, Steam may have just served up the perfect alternative.

Often seen as the epitome of soulslike combat - obviously, except from the Souls titles themselves - Bloodborne is long considered to be a peak gaming experience that won't be replicated.

Yet countless games try, using the blueprint from these brilliant games and adding their own elevated levels of weirdness.

So, capitalising on that gameplay and combat formula and mixing in some wild characters like something from Lies of P, Withering Realms has quickly become a fan-favourite title on Steam - and it's current version is just the start.

Made by solo developer Moonless Formless, the soulslike title has a whopping demo with mass rave reviews from gothic horror fans, and has just entered Early Access with up to 42 hours of gameplay.

Withering Realms is a Steam smash sensation with huge free offering

Serving as a successor to Withering Rooms, yet a completely standalone creepfest, Withering Realms is a horror-action RPG that follows a Pragmata-like little-and-large duo of a ghost and her doll guardian.

"Ten years after an immense 'occult event' halted the Great War and transformed the world overnight. The dead walk, spirits roam, and a gifted few can even cast spells," the Steam description reads.

"Nine-year-old Clover awakens alone in a decaying mansion just miles from the epicentre of the occult event, and soon discovers that she is a ghost. Her only companion is a strange and powerful doll constructed from wood, metal, and human remains.

"Join Clover and her doll guardian as they explore the mysterious town of Penwyll and the sprawling graveyards that surround it, seeking a way to bring her back to life."

According to the developer, playthroughs of the current build have taken anywhere between 15 and 42 hours, depending on the player.

Popular for its combat and chilling storyline, the game currently sits at an impressive 94% positive rating on Steam, while players can expect a surprisingly lengthy adventure.

"If what most inspires you in the action RPGs from a certain software company is more their personality than the combat, try Withering Realms," one review said.

"The variety of locations, enemies, puzzles, bizarro one-off set-pieces... Absolutely packed with side quests, little secrets... Wild. So much personality," they added.

Another added, "Immaculately spooky vibes. Really cool lore. Lots of potential for buildcraft. You will feel dread."

A third person even claimed it was better than Elden Ring in one department - take that FromSoft.

"How did one man make a game with more fun build variety than freaking Elden Ring, and it’s not even in 1.0 yet," they said.

And yes, there's a free way to try it.

A demo is currently available on Steam, allowing curious players to get a taste of the unsettling world before deciding whether to jump into the full Early Access release. Your progress can also carry over from the demo into the Early Access version.

Withering Realms is currently available in Early Access on Steam, while the chunky free demo gives you a chance to see whether this unusual Bloodborne-meets-Lies-of-P experience is worth your time before committing.