Recently, fans of the Soulsborne series were taken aback by the news that FromSoftware's highly anticipated project, The Duskbloods – an online multiplayer game with a quasi-Victorian aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne 2 – will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. While this news may have plunged many into despair, there's no need to succumb to the abyss. Since the release of the original Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have strived to either replicate or innovate on FromSoftware's unique formula. While some have fallen short, others have risen to the challenge admirably.
You might already be acquainted with major titles such as Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, some of the most inventive and effective soulslike experiences come from small indie teams that, lacking the resources of their AAA counterparts, have had to rely on creativity. These indie games manage to capture the essence that Hidetaka Miyazaki's team has been perfecting for years.
Without further ado, here are ten of the best indie soulslike games you can enjoy right now, without needing the Nintendo Switch 2.
Eldest Souls
Developer: Fallen Flag Studio | Publisher: United Label, CI Games | Release date: July 29, 2021 | Review: Read IGN's Eldest Souls review
The Soulsborne formula encompasses many elements, including exploration, skill-based combat, cryptic lore, environmental storytelling, and epic boss battles. Eldest Souls focuses primarily on the latter, offering a boss-rush experience set within a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne. The game's 2D format doesn't hinder its dynamic combat system, where battles feel engaging and strategic, even if they ultimately rely on well-timed button presses.
Blasphemous
Developer: The Game Kitchen | Publisher: Team17 | Release date: September 10, 2019 | Review: Read IGN's Blasphemous review
Fans of Bloodborne's haunting architecture will find much to love in Blasphemous, a 2D metroidvania set in the eerie world of Cvstodia. Inspired by Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain, the game's world is steeped in Roman Catholicism-inspired horror. The intricate character and boss designs are a standout, seamlessly carrying over into Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC, capturing the unsettling essence of ancient Christian iconography.
Tunic
Developer: Tunic Team | Publisher: Finji | Release date: March 16, 2022 | Review: Read IGN's Tunic review
Taking a page from FromSoftware's own inspirations, Tunic draws heavily from the original Zelda games, aiming to evoke curiosity and wonder. Despite its charming fox protagonist, Tunic mirrors FromSoftware's games with its interconnected, purposefully obtuse level design. The absence of objective markers and the use of indecipherable script for dialogue immerse players in a world that hints at a tragic backstory, much like the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring.
Tails of Iron
Developer: Odd Bug Studio | Publisher: United Label | Release date: September 17, 2021
Tails of Iron and its sequel, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, blend a charming picture book aesthetic with gritty themes reminiscent of Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games focus on explicit storytelling and richly detailed worlds. While drawing more from George R.R. Martin's style of fantasy, they share the atmospheric environments and careful crafting of FromSoftware's titles.
Mortal Shell
Developer: Cold Symmetry | Publisher: Playstack | Release date: August 18, 2021 | Review: Read IGN's Mortal Shell review
Mortal Shell stands out with its unique mechanic of possessing different "shells" with preset builds, allowing varied approaches to boss encounters. The game's visually striking enemy designs and challenging yet epic combat system rival the best of FromSoftware's work, with the final boss drawing comparisons to Bloodborne's Great Ones.
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption
Developer: Dark Star | Publisher: Neon Doctrine | Release date: October 23, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption review
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption flips the traditional progression curve by forcing players to level down, making each subsequent fight harder. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability, requiring players to strategically choose which abilities to sacrifice before each boss battle. The bosses, themed around the Seven Deadly Sins, offer varied challenges that demand careful planning.
Nine Sols
Developer: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024
Drawing specific inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols blends cyberpunk with East Asian mythology in a 2D action platformer. The game emphasizes defensive combat, requiring players to master dodging, blocking, and parrying. This approach creates a rhythmic and satisfying combat experience that focuses on understanding enemy patterns.
Unsighted
Developer: Studio Pixel Punk | Publisher: Humble Games | Release date: September 30, 2021
Unsighted takes the Soulsborne theme of doomed characters and turns it into a core mechanic. Set in a world of automatons, each NPC has a limited power supply, disappearing once it's depleted. This adds urgency and strategic planning to the game, reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask's impending doom.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Developer: Aggro Crab | Publisher: Aggro Crab | Release date: April 25, 2024 | Review: Read IGN's Another Crab’s Treasure review
In Another Crab’s Treasure, players control a SpongeBob-esque crustacean on a quest that turns unexpectedly dark. The game innovates by focusing on customizable defensive shells made from ocean litter. Each shell offers unique attacks and limited durability, forcing players to adapt their playstyle throughout the game.
Exanima
Developer: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Release date: April 29, 2015
Exanima, often likened to a blend of Dark Souls and Getting Over It, is a physics-based survival game set in demon-infested dungeons. Despite its ongoing development, the early access version offers a robust experience. The game's finicky controls make every encounter suspenseful, reminiscent of the initial struggles in FromSoftware's worlds.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our top ten indie soulslike games. However, the genre boasts many more worthy titles, such as *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion*. Have we missed your favorite? Share your picks in the comments below. And for more challenging adventures, don't forget to explore our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!
