Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games

Recently, fans of the Soulsborne genre were taken aback when FromSoftware announced that their highly anticipated project, 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. While this news might have disheartened many, there's no need to despair. Since Dark Souls first captivated gamers in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to capture or innovate upon FromSoftware's unique formula. While some have fallen short, others have excelled.

You might already be acquainted with major titles like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, some of the most intriguing and inventive soulslike games come from indie developers who, lacking the resources of their AAA counterparts, rely on creativity to deliver experiences that resonate with the essence of what Hidetaka Miyazaki and his team have crafted.

Here, we present a curated list of the ten best indie soulslikes you can enjoy right now, without needing the Nintendo Switch 2.

Eldest SoulsDeveloper: 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 Soulsborne through its focus on boss battles within a sprawling, Bloodborne-esque citadel. As a lone warrior, you'll face creatively designed monsters in a 2D environment that offers a dynamic combat system, ensuring each encounter feels engaging and challenging.

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

Blasphemous transports players to the hauntingly beautiful world of Cvstodia, drawing inspiration from the religious art of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. As a masked crusader, you'll navigate a 2D metroidvania world filled with eldritch horrors, with character and boss designs that rival FromSoftware's in capturing the unsettling nature of Christian iconography.

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

Tunic draws inspiration from the original Zelda games, much like FromSoftware's own influences. This 3D isometric action-adventure game features a deliberately obtuse, interconnected level design that mirrors the exploration and mystery of FromSoftware's titles. Despite its cute fox protagonist, Tunic delivers a challenging and immersive experience.

Tails of IronDeveloper: 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 charming visuals with dark themes, reminiscent of Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, these action RPGs feature carefully crafted environments that evoke the atmosphere of Dark Souls and Elden Ring.

Mortal ShellDeveloper: Cold Symmetry | Publisher: Playstack | Release date: August 18, 2021 | Review: Read IGN's Mortal Shell review

Mortal Shell offers a visually stunning experience with its unique mechanic of possessing different "shells" to tackle bosses with various playstyles. Its combat system strikes a balance between challenge and epicness, rivaling the best of FromSoftware's offerings.

Sinner: Sacrifice for RedemptionDeveloper: Dark Star | Publisher: Neon Doctrine | Release date: October 23, 2018 | Review: Read IGN's Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption review

Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption introduces a novel gameplay mechanic where players level down instead of up, making each subsequent fight more challenging. This approach enhances replayability, requiring strategic planning and familiarity with boss mechanics.

Nine SolsDeveloper: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024

Nine Sols takes inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on defensive combat that emphasizes dodging, blocking, and parrying. This 2D action platformer seamlessly blends cyberpunk with East Asian mythology, delivering a rhythm-based combat experience.

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

Unsighted introduces a unique twist on the Soulsborne formula by integrating a time-sensitive mechanic where NPCs have limited power supplies. This metroidvania game creates a sense of urgency and requires strategic planning, enhancing the player's engagement with the world.

Another Crab’s TreasureDeveloper: 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 fresh take on the soulslike genre by focusing on defensive customization. As a crustacean navigating a polluted ocean floor, players must adapt to different playstyles using various shells with unique abilities and limited durability.

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

Exanima combines the survival elements of Dark Souls with the physics-based challenges of Getting Over It. Despite being in early access for over a decade, it offers a gripping experience with its sensitive controls and suspenseful combat encounters.