Recently, fans of the Soulsborne genre were taken aback when FromSoftware announced that their latest project, The Duskbloods – an online multiplayer game with a quasi-Victorian aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne – would be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. While this news might have disheartened many, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking success of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have sought to capture the essence of FromSoftware's unique formula, with many indie teams rising to the challenge.
These indie developers, though often limited by resources, have showcased remarkable creativity, offering fresh takes on the soulslike genre. Below, we present a curated list of the ten best indie soulslike games that you can enjoy today, without needing a 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
Eldest Souls zeroes in on the exhilarating boss battles that are a hallmark of the Soulsborne experience. As you navigate a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, you'll confront creatively designed monsters in dynamic 2D combat that feels anything but routine. This game captures the essence of epic boss fights, making each encounter a thrilling challenge.
Blasphemous
Developer: The Game Kitchen | Publisher: Team17 | Release date: September 10, 2019 | Review: Read IGN's Blasphemous review
Blasphemous transports players to the hauntingly beautiful world of Cvstodia, drawing inspiration from the religious art of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. As you explore this 2D metroidvania, you'll uncover eldritch horrors within a world inspired by the Gothic spires of Bloodborne. The game's mesmerizing character and boss designs, which continued to evolve in Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC, evoke the unsettling beauty of centuries-old Christian iconography.
Tunic
Developer: Tunic Team | Publisher: Finji | Release date: March 16, 2022 | Review: Read IGN's Tunic review
Tunic draws from the same well of inspiration as FromSoftware, namely the original Zelda games, to create a 3D isometric action-adventure filled with curiosity and wonder. Despite its cute fox protagonist, Tunic mirrors the Soulsborne series with its interconnected, deliberately obtuse level design. Without objective markers or decipherable dialogue, players must piece together the story of a world that's clearly suffered some catastrophic event.
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 tales of blood and betrayal. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt from The Witcher, these games immerse players in richly detailed environments that resonate with the atmosphere of Dark Souls and Elden Ring, even if their storytelling leans more towards the style of George R.R. Martin.
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 inhabiting different "shells," each with preset builds, allowing for varied approaches to combat. The game's visually striking design and challenging, yet epic, combat system echo the intensity of Bloodborne, offering players a deeply engaging experience.
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 having players level down, making each subsequent fight more challenging. With bosses modeled after the Seven Deadly Sins, players must strategize the order of encounters, enhancing the game's replayability and strategic depth.
Nine Sols
Developer: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024
Nine Sols draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, emphasizing defensive combat through dodging, blocking, and parrying. Set in a world blending cyberpunk with East Asian mythology, the game offers a satisfying rhythm of action and reaction, making each encounter a thoughtful dance.
Unsighted
Developer: Studio Pixel Punk | Publisher: Humble Games | Release date: September 30, 2021
Unsighted cleverly integrates the concept of a limited lifespan for its NPCs into both its narrative and gameplay. Set in a world of automatons, the game adds urgency and strategic planning to the experience, echoing the tragic fates of characters in FromSoftware's worlds.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Developer: Aggro Crab | Publisher: Aggro Crab | Release date: April 25, 2024 | Review: Read IGN's Another Crab’s Treasure review
Another Crab’s Treasure introduces a unique twist by focusing on defensive customization through different shells found in the polluted ocean floor. This 3D action-adventure platformer combines whimsical elements with a darker quest to save the ocean, offering varied playstyles and a compelling narrative.
Exanima
Developer: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Release date: April 29, 2015
Exanima, often compared to a mix of Dark Souls and Getting Over It, offers a physics-based survival experience in demon-infested dungeons. Its finicky controls make every encounter suspenseful and engaging, reminiscent of the initial challenges faced in FromSoftware's worlds.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our top picks for the best indie soulslike games. However, the genre is rich with other noteworthy titles such as *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion*. If we've missed your favorite, let us know in the comments. And for more soulslike adventures, don't forget to explore our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!
