Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games Revealed

The gaming community was taken aback when FromSoftware announced that their much-anticipated title, The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer game with a quasi-Victorian aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne 2, would be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. This news left many fans of the Soulsborne series feeling let down, but there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to capture the essence of FromSoftware’s formula, and several have achieved remarkable success.

You might already know some of the more prominent titles like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, the true gems often lie in the indie scene, where smaller teams, despite limited resources, have crafted unique and engaging soulslike experiences that resonate deeply with fans. These indie developers have embraced creativity to fill the void left by FromSoftware's latest exclusivity, offering a variety of games that satisfy the same cravings.

Without further ado, here are the ten best indie soulslikes you can enjoy today, without needing a 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 masterfully focuses on the boss battles integral to the Soulsborne formula. As you navigate a sprawling, Bloodborne-inspired citadel, you'll confront creatively designed monsters. The game's dynamic combat system sets it apart from other 2D titles, ensuring that each fight feels thrilling and responsive.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous transports players to the haunting world of Cvstodia, drawing inspiration from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. As a masked crusader, you'll uncover eldritch horrors within a Roman Catholicism-inspired setting. The game's intricate character and boss designs, carried forward in Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC, evoke the unsettling beauty of centuries-old Christian iconography.

Tunic

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

Tunic takes a page from FromSoftware’s own inspirations, particularly the original Zelda games, to craft an immersive 3D isometric action-adventure. Despite its adorable fox protagonist, the game's level design is deliberately obtuse and interconnected, much like FromSoftware's titles. With no objective markers and cryptic dialogue, Tunic mirrors the mystery and exploration of the Dark Souls series.

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, combine a charming picture book aesthetic with gritty, mature storytelling reminiscent of Game of Thrones or The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games feature meticulously crafted environments that capture the essence of FromSoftware’s atmospheric world-building.

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 its own preset build, allowing for diverse playstyles. The game's challenging yet epic combat, coupled with stunning enemy designs, rivals the intensity of 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 flips the traditional progression curve by having players level down, making each subsequent boss battle more challenging. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability, as players strategize which abilities to sacrifice before facing each boss, 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, focusing on defensive combat that emphasizes dodging, blocking, and parrying. This approach creates a rhythmic, engaging battle system that challenges players to master enemy patterns.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted introduces a compelling mechanic where NPCs have a limited power supply, disappearing from the game if not saved in time. This adds urgency and strategic depth, echoing the character-driven narratives 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 shell customization. As a crustacean navigating an ocean littered with human garbage, you'll adapt different playstyles based on the shells you find, each with unique attacks and durability.

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 of Getting Over It. Despite its long development cycle, the early access version offers a gripping experience with finicky controls that heighten the suspense of every encounter.