Soulslike games, with their challenging combat and brooding atmospheres, have carved out a significant niche in the gaming world. Among them, a subset that allows or even emphasizes barehanded combat offers a unique challenge for players looking for an unorthodox playstyle. Here are ten of the best Soulslike games that feature commendable barehanded combat mechanics:

1.Dark Souls Series – Although primarily focused on weapon-based combat, the Dark Souls series does offer players the chance to engage in barehanded combat. This is especially true for players who master the art of dodging and utilize the caestus weapon.

2.Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – While not a traditional Soulslike in terms of RPG elements, Sekiro’s focus on skillful parrying and dodging makes it adaptable for those daring enough to attempt low-damage runs, which can involve barehanded tactics.

3.Bloodborne – Like its Souls siblings, Bloodborne provides a mechanic known as “visceral attacks” which can be considered akin to barehanded fighting, where timing and precision play greater roles than the player’s arsenal.

4.Nioh & Nioh 2 – These games offer martial arts skills that heavily incorporate bare-handed techniques. Nioh 2 especially provides unique skills specifically for unarmed combat, making it one of the more viable games for this style of play.

5.Hollow Knight – While not following the same template as other Soulslikes, Hollow Knight’s protagonist primarily relies on a nail/sword but there are charms that modify combat to be closer to a barehand style, emphasizing agility and skill.

6.Mortal Shell – In Mortal Shell, players can use the “Harden” ability to strategically time their defenses and counterattacks while unarmed. The challenge of no-weapon combat is embraced by hardcore fans who relish this punishing difficulty.

7.Ashen – Ashen takes inspiration from Dark Souls but gives it a unique twist with its passive co-op mechanics and open-world exploration where skilled players can tackle their enemies without relying on traditional weapons.

8.Salt and Sanctuary – A 2D take on the formula that allows players to engage with enemies using only their fists after sufficient stat investment and skill development, offering a different take on typical barehanded approaches.

9.The Surge & The Surge 2 – These games mix sci-fi elements with Soulslike gameplay, including the option to target specific enemy limbs with unarmed strikes during combat challenges that reward precision and adaptability.

10.Lords of the Fallen – This game allows dedicated players to focus on developing their characters towards an unarmed fighter type by utilizing particular magic spells and abilities that enhance physical prowess sans weapons.

These games provide diverse ways to experience barehanded combat within the Soulslike genre, ranging from engaging directly with fist weapons or gauntlets to utilizing game mechanics that allow for unarmed tactics amidst sword-and-sorcery action. Each offers its own thrilling test of skill for those willing to step into battle with nothing but their wits and willpower.