Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games

The gaming community was taken aback when FromSoftware announced that their highly anticipated title, The Duskbloods, would be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. This news left many Soulsborne fans feeling disheartened, especially those eager for a sequel reminiscent of Bloodborne. However, despair not, for the legacy of FromSoftware's challenging gameplay and atmospheric storytelling has inspired a plethora of indie developers to create their own unique soulslike experiences. These indie titles offer a fresh take on the formula that doesn't require a new console purchase.

Since the groundbreaking success of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to capture the essence of FromSoftware's games, with varying degrees of success. While big names like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong are well-known, the indie scene has produced some of the most innovative and compelling soulslike games. These smaller teams, lacking the resources of their AAA counterparts, have relied on creativity to deliver experiences that resonate with fans of the genre.

Below is a curated list of the ten best indie soulslike games you can dive into right now, 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 encapsulates the Soulsborne formula through its focus on exploration, skill-based combat, and epic boss battles. As a lone warrior navigating a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, players engage in dynamic combat with creatively designed monsters. The game stands out in the 2D genre for its combat system, which feels more nuanced than simply timing button presses.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous offers a 2D metroidvania experience set in the hauntingly beautiful world of Cvstodia, drawing inspiration from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Players control a masked crusader uncovering dark secrets behind a Roman Catholicism-inspired order. The game's mesmerizing character and boss designs, which continue into Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC, evoke the eerie allure of FromSoftware's creations.

Tunic

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

Tunic draws from the same well of inspiration as FromSoftware, namely the original Zelda games. This 3D isometric action-adventure game features a deceptively cute fox protagonist but delivers the interconnected, obtuse level design characteristic of the Souls series. With no clear markers or decipherable dialogue, players must uncover the mysteries of Tunic's world, much like in Dark Souls or Elden Ring.

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, mature storytelling reminiscent of Game of Thrones or The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, these action RPGs feature meticulously crafted environments that echo the atmosphere of FromSoftware's worlds, despite their more explicit narrative style.

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 possessing different "shells" with preset builds, allowing varied approaches to challenging boss fights. Its combat balances difficulty and epicness, drawing comparisons to FromSoftware's later titles, and its enemy design, particularly the final boss, rivals the best of Bloodborne.

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 progression curve by forcing players to level down, making each fight progressively harder. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategically choose which abilities to sacrifice before facing bosses 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, emphasizing defensive combat through dodging, blocking, and parrying. This 2D action platformer blends cyberpunk with East Asian mythology, offering a rhythm-based combat experience that rewards careful observation and reaction.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted innovates on the Soulsborne formula by integrating a time-sensitive mechanic where NPCs have limited power supplies. This metroidvania game adds urgency and strategic planning to the player's journey through a world of automatons, echoing the doomed 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 genre by focusing on defensive customization through environmental pollution. Players navigate an ocean floor littered with wearable human garbage, each piece offering unique attacks and durability, fostering diverse playstyles in this underwater adventure.

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, is a physics-based survival game set in demon-infested dungeons. Despite its long development cycle, the early access version offers a challenging and engaging experience. Its finicky controls create a suspenseful gameplay atmosphere, reminiscent of early encounters in Lordran or Drangleic.

What is the best indie soulslike? ----------------------------------

Eldest SoulsBlasphemousTunicTails of IronMortal ShellSinner: Sacrifice for RedemptionNine SolsUnsightedAnother Crab's TreasureExanimaOther (let us know in the comments)

AnswerSee ResultsThese are our top ten picks for the best indie soulslike games. However, the indie scene is rich with other titles worth exploring, such as Death's Door, Loot River, Featherfall, and Dark Devotion. If we've overlooked your favorite, please share it in the comments. For those seeking more challenging adventures, don't miss our list of the best non-indie soulslike games.