This Unexpectedly Fun Co-Op Soulslike Is FREE On Xbox Game Pass Right Now

If you’re looking for an authentic cooperative multiplayer soulslike experience that is available completely for free on Xbox Game Pass, you might want to check out Ashen. It’s a 2018 co-op soulslike that was on the market well before Elden Ring Nightreign hit the scene.

The game features a “passive” co-op system that will pair up friends or strangers during regular gameplay, either during specific questlines, boss fights, or while exploring certain regions. Ashen received mixed reviews when it first launched in 2018, but is worth checking out if you enjoy the multiplayer aspect of the genre. The co-op in Ashen is unique, and you will be able to interact with the players in your party in dynamic and interesting ways.

Ashen Is Like Journey Meets Souls

Its Unique Art Style & Soulslike Gameplay Makes For A Great Experience

If you have ever played the action-adventure game Journey, Ashenincorporates a similar art style and aesthetic, but with souslike gameplay that focuses on multiplayer exploration and cooperative combat. It’s a dynamic and engaging world that is beautifully designed, giving players a unique soulslike experience to boot.

Not many multiplayer games in the soulslike genre integrate cooperative gameplay very successfully, but Ashen does a pretty solid job at making the experience feel seamless. Players are able to team up with other players, who take the form of an NPC in their quests, and explore the world, take on bosses, or complete content in tandem.

You can sync up with other “Wanderers” at various stages in the game depending on progress, and you’ll take the form of the NPC in your partner’s game (and vice versa). Wanderers can only team up with other players who have progressed to the same point as them. For example, if you haven’t defeated a given boss yet, you won’t be able to join another player’s game who has defeated that boss.

Xbox Game Pass Has A Ton Of Soulslikes

Game Pass Has Enormous Value Compared To Competing Services

Xbox Game Pass is packed full of excellent soulslikes that fans of the genre should take advantage of. These include Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Lies of P, and the new Dark Souls 1-inspiredWuchang: Fallen Feathers, which is an absolute must-play 2025 soulslike. Game Pass offers players enormous value and is a soulslike fan’s dream come true, with countless hours of free content available.

If you aren’t an Xbox Game Pass subscriber and are interested in the soulslike genre, you should definitely consider signing up and taking advantage of games like Ashen. Compared to competing services like PlayStation Plus, you’ll be getting way more bang for your buck with Game Pass’s Day-One Releases and other amazing free deals that pop up intermittently.

Overall, Ashen is a great cooperative multiplayer soulslike gam. It’s well worth taking a look at considering it’s free with a Game Pass subscription right now.