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 has left many fans feeling disheartened, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have attempted to capture the essence of FromSoftware's unique formula. Some have fallen short, but others have impressively risen to the challenge.
You might already be acquainted with some of the more prominent titles such as Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, the indie scene has been exceptionally fertile ground for innovative soulslike games. These smaller teams, often constrained by budget and resources, have channeled their creativity into producing experiences that resonate deeply with fans of FromSoftware's work.
Here are ten standout indie soulslikes that you can dive into 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 focuses on the thrilling boss battles that are a hallmark of the Soulsborne genre. As a lone warrior navigating a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, you'll face creatively designed monsters in a dynamic 2D combat system. Despite the simplicity of button timing, the fights feel engaging and intense.
Blasphemous
Developer: The Game Kitchen | Publisher: Team17 | Release date: September 10, 2019 | Review: Read IGN's Blasphemous review
For those who adored the labyrinthine beauty of Yharnam’s Healing Church in Bloodborne, Blasphemous offers a similar experience. This 2D metroidvania game, set in the land of Cvstodia, draws inspiration from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Its eerie character and boss designs, especially in Blasphemous 2 and the Mea Culpa DLC, evoke the haunting essence of ancient Christian iconography.
Tunic
Developer: Tunic Team | Publisher: Finji | Release date: March 16, 2022 | Review: Read IGN's Tunic review
Tunic cleverly borrows from the original Zelda games, much like FromSoftware does. This 3D isometric action-adventure game features an adorable fox protagonist, but don't be fooled by its charm. The game's interconnected, intentionally obtuse level design mirrors FromSoftware's style, with no objective markers and indecipherable in-game text, leaving players to uncover the mysteries of its world.
Tails of Iron
Developer: Odd Bug Studio | Publisher: United Label | Release date: September 17, 2021
While Tails of Iron and its sequel, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, might look cutesy at first glance, they delve into darker themes akin to Game of Thrones or The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games blend charming visuals with gritty narratives and meticulously crafted environments that echo the atmosphere 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 of inhabiting different "shells" or bodies, each with preset builds. This allows for varied playstyles against formidable bosses, whose designs rival those of Bloodborne. The game's combat strikes a balance between challenge and epicness, a feat FromSoftware achieved later in their series.
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 system by requiring players to level down, making each subsequent boss fight more challenging. This mechanic enhances replayability as you strategize which abilities to sacrifice and in what order to tackle the bosses, each representing one of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Nine Sols
Developer: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024
Nine Sols draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on defensive combat that requires precise dodging, blocking, and parrying. This 2D action platformer blends cyberpunk with East Asian mythology, creating a rhythm-based combat system that demands careful observation and timing.
Unsighted
Developer: Studio Pixel Punk | Publisher: Humble Games | Release date: September 30, 2021
Unsighted emphasizes the relationship with the game world's characters, a key aspect of the Soulsborne formula. Set in a world of automatons, NPCs have a limited power supply, adding urgency to your progression. This mechanic not only affects gameplay but also deepens the narrative, drawing parallels to The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
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, you play as a crustacean searching for their lost home amidst an ocean littered with human garbage. The game's unique mechanic involves customizing your defensive shell, each with unique attacks and durability, encouraging varied playstyles as you explore the underwater world.
Exanima
Developer: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Release date: April 29, 2015
Exanima combines elements of Dark Souls and Getting Over It into a physics-based survival game. Despite being in early access for over a decade, it offers a compelling experience with its finicky controls that make every encounter suspenseful and reminiscent of your first steps in Lordran or Drangleic.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our top picks for the best indie soulslikes. However, the genre is vast and continuously growing, with other notable titles like *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion*. Have we missed your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and for more challenging gameplay, check out our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!
