Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games Unveiled

Recently, Soulsborne enthusiasts worldwide were taken aback by the news that FromSoftware's upcoming title, *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 exclusivity may disappoint many fans, the genre of Soulslike games has flourished beyond FromSoftware's creations, offering a plethora of alternatives crafted by both indie and AAA developers.

Since *Dark Souls* catapulted FromSoftware to fame in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to either replicate or innovate upon the Soulsborne formula. While some attempts have fallen short, several have risen to the challenge, delivering unique experiences that resonate with fans. Notable titles like *Nioh*, *Lies of P*, and *Black Myth: Wukong* are well-known, but the true gems often come from smaller indie studios, which, despite limited resources, bring fresh creativity to the genre.

Here, we present a curated list of the ten best indie Soulslike games you can enjoy without needing a Nintendo Switch 2, arranged in no particular order.

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 exploration, skill-based combat, cryptic lore, environmental storytelling, and epic boss battles. *Eldest Souls* focuses on the latter, presenting players as a lone warrior navigating a sprawling citadel reminiscent of *Bloodborne*. This 2D game stands out with its dynamic combat system, where fights transcend simple button timing, offering a more engaging experience.

Blasphemous

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

Fans of *Bloodborne*'s eerie citadels will find *Blasphemous* captivating. This 2D metroidvania set in the land of Cvstodia draws inspiration from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain, featuring a masked crusader uncovering eldritch horrors within his Roman Catholicism-inspired order. The game's stunning character and boss designs, which continue to impress in *Blasphemous 2* and its *Mea Culpa* DLC, are masterfully crafted to evoke the unsettling essence of Christian iconography.

Tunic

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

Inspired by FromSoftware's own influences, *Tunic* draws heavily from the original *Zelda* games, fostering curiosity and wonder. Despite its deceptively cute anthropomorphic fox protagonist, the game mirrors FromSoftware's challenging, interconnected level design without objective markers or decipherable dialogue. The world of *Tunic* hints at a dark past, inviting players to piece together its mysteries.

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 charming visuals with dark themes reminiscent of *Game of Thrones* and *The Witcher*. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these action RPGs are filled with gore and tales of treachery. While their storytelling differs from FromSoftware's cryptic style, their atmospheric environments capture the essence of *Dark Souls* and *Elden Ring*.

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 allowing players to inhabit different "shells," each with preset builds, offering varied approaches to combat. Its enemy designs, particularly the final boss, rival *Bloodborne*'s Great Ones, while its combat strikes a delicate balance between challenge and epic satisfaction, a feat FromSoftware achieved with *Bloodborne* and subsequent titles.

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 gameplay mechanic where players level down instead of up, increasing difficulty with each boss fight. This approach enhances replayability as players must choose which abilities to sacrifice before each battle. With bosses representing the Seven Deadly Sins, strategic planning is essential for success.

Nine Sols

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

Drawing heavily from *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, *Nine Sols* focuses on defensive combat, emphasizing dodging, blocking, and parrying. This 2D action platformer seamlessly blends cyberpunk with East Asian mythology, requiring players to master a rhythm of action and reaction in combat.

Unsighted

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

*Unsighted* explores the relationship between players and NPCs, inspired by *The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask*. In this metroidvania, automatons have limited power supplies, disappearing from the game when exhausted. This mechanic adds urgency and strategic planning to the gameplay, echoing the tragic fates of characters in FromSoftware's titles.

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 SpongeBob-esque protagonist searching for a lost shell. Players customize their defensive shell using environmental pollution, each with unique attacks and limited durability, encouraging varied playstyles on an underwater journey.

Exanima

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

Described as a blend of *Dark Souls* and *Getting Over It*, *Exanima* is a physics-based survival game still in development. Its early access version offers engaging gameplay, with finicky controls that make each enemy encounter suspenseful. The game evokes the initial challenges of navigating Lordran or Drangleic, providing a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

These are our top 10 picks for the best indie Soulslike games. However, the genre continues to expand, with other notable titles like *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion* also deserving attention. Have we missed your favorite? Share your recommendations in the comments below. For more challenging adventures, don't miss our list of the best Soulslike games (non-indie edition)!