Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games Revealed

The gaming community was taken aback when FromSoftware announced that their latest 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 left many fans feeling disheartened, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have endeavored to capture the essence of FromSoftware's unique formula, and several have succeeded admirably.

You might already be familiar with some of the more prominent titles like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, the most innovative and engaging soulslike experiences often come from indie developers who, despite limited resources, have managed to create games that resonate deeply with fans of the genre. These indie gems offer fresh takes on the soulslike formula, providing satisfying gameplay without the need for a Switch 2.

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

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 excels in delivering epic boss battles, a key element of the Soulsborne formula. As a lone warrior navigating a sprawling, Bloodborne-inspired citadel, players engage in dynamic combat against creatively designed monsters. The game's 2D perspective doesn't detract from the intensity of the fights, which require more than just timing your button presses.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous transports players to the haunting world of Cvstodia, a 2D metroidvania inspired by the religious art and culture of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Fans of Bloodborne's Yharnam will find the game's atmosphere and exploration compelling, with its intricate character and boss designs that evoke the eerie beauty of centuries-old Christian iconography.

Tunic

Developer: 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 deceptively cute fox protagonist navigating a world filled with mystery and danger. Its deliberately obtuse level design and lack of objective markers echo the exploration and discovery elements of FromSoftware's titles.

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 action RPGs offer richly detailed environments and engaging stories, capturing the atmosphere of FromSoftware's worlds.

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" with preset builds, allowing players to experiment with various playstyles. Its combat is both challenging and epic, rivaling the intensity of Bloodborne's encounters, and its enemy design, particularly the final boss, is visually stunning.

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 soulslike progression on its head by requiring players to level down, making each subsequent fight more challenging. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategize 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 takes a page from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on defensive combat mechanics like dodging, blocking, and parrying. This 2D action platformer blends cyberpunk elements with East Asian mythology, offering a rhythm-based combat experience that rewards careful observation and timing.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted introduces a unique twist on the soulslike formula by integrating a time-sensitive mechanic where NPCs have limited power supplies. This adds urgency to the gameplay, encouraging players to plan their progression carefully in this metroidvania set in a world of automatons.

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 fresh take on the genre with its focus on customizing defensive shells made from ocean floor debris. As a crustacean on a quest to save the ocean, players must adapt to different playstyles based on the unique attacks and durability of each shell.

Exanima

Developer: 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. Despite being in early access for over a decade, it offers a suspenseful and engaging experience with its finicky controls and demon-infested dungeons.

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 picks for the best indie soulslikes. However, the genre is rich with other noteworthy titles such as *Death's Door*, *Loot River*, *Featherfall*, and *Dark Devotion*. If we missed your favorite, feel free to share it in the comments. For more challenging adventures, don't forget to explore our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!