Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games Unveiled

Recently, fans of the Soulsborne series were taken aback by the announcement that FromSoftware's latest project, The Duskbloods—an online multiplayer game with a quasi-Victorian aesthetic that could be the closest thing to Bloodborne 2—will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. While the disappointment among the community is palpable, there's no need to despair. Since the release of the groundbreaking Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have attempted to either replicate or innovate upon FromSoftware's signature formula. Although many have fallen short, a select few have risen to the challenge and delivered exceptional experiences.

You're likely already familiar with some of the major players in the genre, such as Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, it's the indie scene that has truly flourished with creativity and ingenuity, producing soulslike games that capture the essence of FromSoftware's work without the need for massive budgets or teams. These indie gems offer unique takes on the formula, providing a fresh perspective that can satisfy even the most ardent Soulsborne fans.

Here, we present a curated list of the ten best indie soulslikes you can enjoy right now, without needing a 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 is multifaceted, encompassing elements like exploration, skill-based combat, cryptic lore, environmental storytelling, and epic boss battles. Eldest Souls focuses on the latter, offering a boss-rush experience that stands out in the 2D space. As a lone warrior navigating a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, players face off against creatively designed monsters. The game's combat system is dynamic, ensuring that battles feel engaging and far from mere button-mashing exercises.

Blasphemous

Developer: The Game Kitchen | Publisher: Team17 | Release date: September 10, 2019 | Review: Read IGN's Blasphemous review

For those who relished exploring the haunting spires of Bloodborne's Healing Church, Blasphemous offers a similar thrill. This 2D metroidvania plunges players into the world of Cvstodia, where a masked crusader uncovers eldritch horrors intertwined with a Roman Catholicism-inspired narrative. The game's aesthetic draws heavily from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain, delivering mesmerizing character and boss designs that echo the unsettling beauty of FromSoftware's work, a legacy continued in Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC.

Tunic

Developer: Tunic Team | Publisher: Finji | Release date: March 16, 2022 | Review: Read IGN's Tunic review

Tunic takes a unique approach by drawing inspiration from FromSoftware's own influences, particularly the original Zelda games. This 3D isometric action-adventure game captures the essence of curiosity and wonder, despite its seemingly innocuous protagonist—a cute, anthropomorphic fox. Beneath its charming exterior lies a world as interconnected and deliberately obtuse as any FromSoftware title, with no objective markers and indecipherable in-game dialogue, leaving players to piece together the story of a world touched by calamity.

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 dark, mature themes reminiscent of Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these action RPGs feature intricately designed environments that evoke the same sense of atmosphere and character found in Dark Souls and Elden Ring, even if their storytelling style leans more towards George R.R. Martin's approach.

Mortal Shell

Developer: Cold Symmetry | Publisher: Playstack | Release date: August 18, 2021 | Review: Read IGN's Mortal Shell review

Mortal Shell stands out for its innovative approach to character customization, allowing players to inhabit different 'shells' with preset builds to tackle bosses in varied playstyles. The game's enemy design is visually stunning, with a final boss that rivals Bloodborne's Great Ones. Its combat strikes a delicate balance between challenge and epic satisfaction, a feat FromSoftware itself refined over time.

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 introduces a unique gameplay mechanic that inverts the traditional progression curve. Instead of leveling up, players level down, making each subsequent fight more challenging. This mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategize which abilities to sacrifice before each battle against bosses inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

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. This 2D action platformer blends cyberpunk elements with East Asian mythology, creating a unique setting where combat is a dance of action and reaction, requiring players to master the rhythm of each encounter.

Unsighted

Developer: Studio Pixel Punk | Publisher: Humble Games | Release date: September 30, 2021

Unsighted takes a page from The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask and FromSoftware's character-driven narratives, where NPCs are affected by a dire fate. In this metroidvania, automatons have limited power supplies, and their removal from the game upon depletion adds urgency and strategic depth to the player's journey.

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 offers a unique twist on the soulslike genre with its protagonist, a crustacean navigating an ocean littered with human garbage. The game's core mechanic revolves around customizing your defensive shell, each with unique attacks and limited durability, forcing players to adapt their playstyle throughout their quest.

Exanima

Developer: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Release date: April 29, 2015

Exanima combines the dark, demon-infested dungeons of Dark Souls with the challenging physics-based gameplay of Getting Over It. Despite its ongoing development, the early access version offers a gripping experience, with intentionally finicky controls that make every encounter suspenseful and reminiscent of the initial struggles in Lordran or Drangleic.

These are our top picks for the best indie soulslikes. However, the genre is rich with other titles that deserve your attention, such as Death's Door, Loot River, Featherfall, and Dark Devotion. Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more challenging gaming experiences, don't forget to explore our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!