Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games

The gaming community was taken aback when FromSoftware announced their latest project, The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer game with a captivating 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 fans of the Soulsborne series, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have taken inspiration from FromSoftware's unique blend of challenging gameplay and immersive world-building. While some attempts fell short, others have soared, offering fresh takes on the genre.

You might already be acquainted with major titles such as Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, the true gems often come from indie developers, who, despite limited resources, bring creativity and innovation to the table. These indie soulslikes provide the same satisfying experience as FromSoftware's titles, without the need for a Switch 2.

Here are ten of the best indie soulslikes you can dive into right now:

Eldest SoulsDeveloper: Fallen Flag Studio | Publisher: United Label, CI Games | Release date: July 29, 2021 | Review: Read IGN's Eldest Souls review

Eldest Souls masterfully captures the essence of Soulsborne games by focusing on epic boss battles within a sprawling, Bloodborne-inspired citadel. Its dynamic 2D combat system goes beyond simple button timing, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience.

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

Fans of Bloodborne's haunting atmosphere will find a kindred spirit in Blasphemous. This 2D metroidvania set in the land of Cvstodia draws from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain, delivering a world filled with eldritch horrors and striking, FromSoftware-esque character designs.

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

Tunic cleverly taps into the same sense of wonder and curiosity that defines the original Zelda games, a clear influence on FromSoftware's work. Its 3D isometric world, devoid of clear guidance, mirrors the deliberate obscurity of the Dark Souls series, wrapped in a charming yet deceptive fox protagonist.

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 a whimsical aesthetic with dark, gritty narratives inspired by Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games feature meticulously crafted environments that echo the atmospheric worlds 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 stands out with its innovative mechanic of inhabiting different 'shells' with preset builds, offering varied approaches to boss battles. Its combat strikes a perfect balance between challenge and epic feel, drawing comparisons to Bloodborne's fast-paced action.

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 flips the traditional progression curve by having players level down, increasing difficulty with each boss fight. This unique mechanic enhances replayability, requiring strategic decisions on which abilities to sacrifice.

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

Nine Sols draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on defensive combat mechanics like dodging and parrying. Its blend of cyberpunk and East Asian mythology creates a unique atmosphere where mastering enemy patterns is key to success.

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

Unsighted adds a compelling twist to the Soulsborne formula by incorporating a time limit on NPC interactions. Automatons with limited power supplies create urgency and require strategic planning, reminiscent of Majora’s Mask and FromSoftware’s narrative depth.

Another Crab’s TreasureDeveloper: Aggro Crab | Publisher: Aggro Crab | Release date: April 25, 2024 | Review: Read IGN's Another Crab’s Treasure review

In Another Crab’s Treasure, players control a crustacean navigating a polluted ocean floor. The innovative gameplay focuses on customizing defensive shells from human garbage, each with unique attacks and durability, encouraging varied playstyles.

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

Exanima combines the challenging gameplay of Dark Souls with the physics-based mechanics of Getting Over It. Its intentionally finicky controls heighten the suspense of each encounter, reminiscent of the initial struggles in Lordran or Drangleic.