Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games

The gaming community was recently taken aback by the announcement that FromSoftware's eagerly anticipated title, The Duskbloods, would be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. This news has left many fans of the Soulsborne series feeling let down, but despair not—numerous indie developers have risen to the challenge, crafting their own captivating soulslike experiences that don't require a Switch 2.

Since the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls in 2011, the soulslike genre has seen an influx of developers attempting to capture the essence of FromSoftware's challenging yet rewarding gameplay. While not all have succeeded, a notable number have managed to offer fresh and innovative takes on the formula. These indie titles, often developed with limited resources, have found unique ways to engage players and satisfy their cravings for punishing yet gratifying gameplay.

Here are ten standout indie soulslikes that you can dive into right now, without needing the latest Nintendo hardware:

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 boss battles that are a hallmark of the Soulsborne series. Set in a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, players face off against creatively designed monsters. The game's 2D combat system is dynamic and engaging, offering a satisfying challenge despite its simplicity.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous draws players into the haunting world of Cvstodia, inspired by the art and culture of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. This 2D metroidvania game captures the eerie atmosphere of Bloodborne with its intricate level design and disturbing character and boss designs, continuing into 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 leaf out of FromSoftware's book by drawing inspiration from the original Zelda games. Its 3D isometric action-adventure format and deliberately obtuse level design evoke the sense of exploration and mystery found in Dark Souls and Elden Ring, all wrapped in a deceptively cute package.

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 aesthetic with dark, gritty narratives. The games' worlds, filled with blood and betrayal, are reminiscent of Game of Thrones and The Witcher, yet their environments 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," each with preset builds, allowing for varied approaches to combat. Its enemy and boss designs are visually striking, and the combat strikes a balance between challenge and epic feel.

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 having players level down, making each fight progressively harder. This mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategize the order in which they face bosses modeled after the Seven Deadly Sins.

Nine Sols

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

Nine Sols takes direct inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on defensive combat with an emphasis on dodging, blocking, and parrying. Its 2D action platforming blends cyberpunk elements with East Asian mythology, offering a rhythmic and satisfying combat experience.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted introduces a time-sensitive element to its narrative and gameplay, where NPCs run on limited power and disappear once it's depleted. This adds urgency and strategic depth to the metroidvania experience, echoing the character-driven stories of FromSoftware's games.

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 with its focus on defensive customization. Players navigate an ocean littered with human garbage, using various shells as both defense and offense, each with unique abilities and limited durability, adding a layer of strategy to the game.

Exanima

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

Exanima combines elements of Dark Souls and Getting Over It with its physics-based combat in demon-infested dungeons. Despite its long development cycle, the early access version remains engaging, with its finicky controls adding to the game's suspense and challenge.