Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games Revealed

Recently, fans of the Soulsborne series were taken aback by the announcement that FromSoftware's eagerly awaited project, *The Duskbloods*, would be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. This game, which boasts an online multiplayer mode and a quasi-Victorian aesthetic reminiscent of *Bloodborne*, has left many fans disappointed. However, despair is not the only path forward. Since the groundbreaking release of *Dark Souls* in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to either replicate or innovate upon FromSoftware's unique formula. While some have faltered, others have thrived, particularly in the indie sector. These smaller teams, often limited by budget and resources, have turned to creativity to deliver experiences that resonate with the essence of what Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team have been perfecting for years.

Below, we present a curated list of the ten best indie soulslikes that you can dive into today, 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 formula, particularly in its focus on epic boss battles. Set within a sprawling citadel that echoes *Bloodborne*, you play as a lone warrior confronting creatively designed monsters. The game stands out with its dynamic 2D combat system, which, despite relying on precise timing, feels more engaging than simple button presses.

Blasphemous

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

For those enchanted by the labyrinthine corridors of *Bloodborne*'s Healing Church, *Blasphemous* offers a similar thrill. This 2D metroidvania game set in Cvstodia blends the dark atmosphere of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Its striking character and boss designs, which continue into *Blasphemous 2* and its *Mea Culpa* DLC, expertly evoke the unsettling beauty of ancient Christian iconography.

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. With its 3D isometric perspective and a charming fox protagonist, it might seem whimsical at first glance. However, its intricately designed, deliberately obtuse levels and cryptic storytelling echo the essence of *Dark Souls* and *Elden Ring*, inviting players into a world shrouded in mystery.

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* may boast a charming picture book aesthetic, 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 weave tales of blood and betrayal through meticulously crafted environments that exude character and atmosphere, akin to FromSoftware's masterpieces.

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 visually striking design and innovative mechanic of inhabiting different "shells" with preset builds, offering varied approaches to combat. The game's enemy design and challenging yet epic combat echo the pinnacle of FromSoftware's work, particularly seen in *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* flips the traditional progression curve by requiring players to level down, not up, making each fight progressively harder. This unique mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategically choose which abilities to sacrifice before each boss battle, each 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 mechanics like dodging, blocking, and parrying. This approach creates a rhythm-based combat experience that demands careful observation and reaction, blending cyberpunk with East Asian mythology and spirituality.

Unsighted

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

*Unsighted* introduces a compelling mechanic where every NPC has a limited power supply, impacting both narrative and gameplay. This feature adds urgency to your journey through a world of automatons, echoing the themes of fate and decay found in 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

In *Another Crab’s Treasure*, you play as a crustacean navigating a polluted ocean floor, using various pieces of human garbage as customizable shells. This unique gameplay mechanic, combined with a surprisingly dark narrative, makes for a distinctive soulslike experience.

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*, offers a physics-based survival experience within demon-infested dungeons. Its finicky controls make each encounter suspenseful and reminiscent of your first challenging moments in Lordran or Drangleic, despite its ongoing development status.

These are our top picks for the best indie soulslikes. However, the genre is rich with other gems such as *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion*. If we missed your favorite, feel free to share it in the comments below. For more challenging gaming experiences, don't miss our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!