Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games

Recently, fans of the Soulsborne genre were taken aback by the news that FromSoftware's upcoming project, The Duskbloods—an online multiplayer game set in a quasi-Victorian world—will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, which carries a hefty $449.99 price tag. While this exclusivity might be disheartening for many, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to capture or reinterpret FromSoftware's unique formula. While some have faltered, others have risen to the challenge and succeeded admirably.

You may already be acquainted with prominent titles such as Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, it's the indie developers, often with limited resources, who have carved out their niche by infusing creativity and innovation into their soulslike games. These smaller teams have managed to evoke the same intense satisfaction that FromSoftware's games have been delivering under the guidance of Hidetaka Miyazaki.

Below, we present a curated list of ten exceptional indie soulslikes that you can enjoy 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

Eldest Souls captures the essence of the Soulsborne experience by focusing on one of its most thrilling aspects: boss battles. As a lone warrior navigating a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, players engage in dynamic 2D combat against creatively designed monsters. The game's combat system transcends the typical timing-based button presses, offering a more engaging experience.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous draws inspiration from Bloodborne's architectural marvels, presenting players with a 2D metroidvania set in the hauntingly beautiful Cvstodia. The game's world, inspired by Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain, is filled with grotesque yet captivating character and boss designs that echo the eerie allure of FromSoftware's work. Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC further enhance this immersive experience.

Tunic

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

Tunic channels the spirit of FromSoftware's inspirations, particularly the original Zelda games, into a 3D isometric action-adventure. Despite its charming protagonist, a fox wielding a sword, Tunic's world is as mysterious and interconnected as any Soulsborne game. Without objective markers or decipherable dialogue, players are left to unravel the game's cryptic lore and explore its deliberately obtuse levels.

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, may appear whimsical with their picture book aesthetics and tiny mouse knights, but they delve into darker themes reminiscent of Game of Thrones or The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games feature richly detailed environments and compelling narratives that resonate with fans of FromSoftware's atmospheric worlds.

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'—characters with preset builds—allowing players to adapt various strategies against formidable bosses. Its visually striking enemy designs and challenging yet rewarding combat system echo the intensity of FromSoftware's later works, particularly Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3.

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 novel twist to the soulslike genre by requiring players to level down, making each subsequent battle more challenging. This mechanic enhances replayability as players strategize which abilities to sacrifice before facing bosses themed around the Seven Deadly Sins, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

Nine Sols

Developer: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024

Nine Sols draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on a defensive combat style that emphasizes dodging, blocking, and parrying. Set in a world blending cyberpunk with East Asian mythology, the game's rhythm-based combat requires players to master the art of timing and reaction, delivering a deeply satisfying experience.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted innovatively integrates the Soulsborne theme of a doomed world into its gameplay mechanics. In this metroidvania, NPCs have a finite power supply, and once it's depleted, they vanish from the game. This adds urgency to the player's journey and forces strategic decision-making on the order of exploration, enhancing the game's immersive quality.

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 formula by focusing on defensive customization. Players navigate an underwater world as a crustacean, utilizing various shells made from ocean trash, each with distinct attacks and durability. This mechanic encourages varied playstyles, adding depth and novelty to the genre.

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 dark, demon-infested dungeons. Despite its long development cycle, the early access version remains engaging, with its finicky controls adding a layer of suspense and challenge that mirrors the early struggles in FromSoftware's worlds.