The gaming community was taken aback when FromSoftware announced that their much-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 the news left many Soulsborne fans disheartened, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of the original *Dark Souls* in 2011, numerous developers have attempted to capture the essence of FromSoftware’s signature formula. Though not all have succeeded, several have crafted experiences that rival the intensity and satisfaction of Miyazaki's masterpieces.
You might already be acquainted with well-known titles like *Nioh*, *Lies of P*, and *Black Myth: Wukong*. However, it's the indie scene that has truly flourished with inventive soulslike games. These smaller teams, often constrained by budget and resources, have channeled their creativity into unique experiences that evoke the same thrill and challenge fans crave from FromSoftware's games.
Here is a curated list of the ten best indie soulslikes you can dive into right now, 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
The Soulsborne formula is multifaceted, encompassing exploration, skill-based combat, cryptic lore, environmental storytelling, and epic boss battles. Eldest Souls hones in on the latter, offering a boss-rush gauntlet set in a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne. With its dynamic combat system, the game transcends the typical 2D experience, making each fight feel nuanced and engaging.
Blasphemous
Developer: The Game Kitchen | Publisher: Team17 | Release date: September 10, 2019 | Review: Read IGN's Blasphemous review
Fans of Bloodborne's haunting architecture will feel right at home in Blasphemous. This 2D metroidvania plunges players into the eerie world of Cvstodia, inspired by the religious art of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. The game's captivating character and boss designs, which continue to impress in Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC, rival FromSoftware in their unsettling portrayal of 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, drawing heavily from the original Zelda games. Despite its charming, anthropomorphic fox protagonist, Tunic mirrors FromSoftware's intricate, non-linear level design and cryptic storytelling. Like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, the game leaves players to piece together the mysteries of its world.
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 picture book aesthetic with dark, mature themes reminiscent of Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games capture the atmosphere and detailed environments that define the Soulsborne experience.
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 varied playstyles against formidable bosses. Its enemy design and challenging, epic combat echo the refined balance FromSoftware achieved 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 model by requiring players to level down, making each subsequent battle more challenging. This mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategize which abilities to sacrifice before facing bosses modeled after the Seven Deadly Sins.
Nine Sols
Developer: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024
Drawing inspiration from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nine Sols emphasizes defensive combat with its blend of cyberpunk and East Asian mythology. The game's combat rhythm, centered on dodging, blocking, and parrying, creates a satisfying flow of action and reaction.
Unsighted
Developer: Studio Pixel Punk | Publisher: Humble Games | Release date: September 30, 2021
Unsighted transforms the Soulsborne theme of doomed characters into a core mechanic. Set in a world of automatons, NPCs have limited power supplies, adding urgency to the gameplay. Players must plan their progression carefully, enhancing the game's tension and immersion.
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 introduces a fresh twist with its focus on defensive customization. Playing as a crustacean navigating an ocean littered with human garbage, players must adapt their shell-based playstyles to survive. This innovative mechanic adds depth to the soulslike experience.
Exanima
Developer: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment | Release date: April 29, 2015
Described as a mix of Dark Souls and Getting Over It, Exanima offers a physics-based survival experience in demon-infested dungeons. Despite its long development cycle, the early access version delivers a compelling challenge with its finicky controls, evoking the initial struggles of navigating FromSoftware's worlds.
AnswerSee ResultsThese are our top 10 picks for the best indie soulslikes. However, the genre is rich with other gems like *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion*. Did we miss your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And for more soulslike adventures, don't miss our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!
