Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games

The news that FromSoftware's eagerly awaited project, The Duskbloods, will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 at a steep $449.99 has left Soulsborne fans worldwide in a state of shock. This online multiplayer game, with its quasi-Victorian aesthetic, is rumored to be the closest thing to Bloodborne 2 we might ever see. While the disappointment among the community is palpable, there's no need to despair. Since the iconic Dark Souls catapulted FromSoftware into the limelight back in 2011, numerous developers have attempted to capture the magic of their unique formula. Some have stumbled, but others have truly shone.

You're likely familiar with major titles like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, the soul of the genre is often kept alive by smaller indie teams, whose creativity compensates for their lack of resources. These developers have crafted experiences that resonate deeply with fans of Hidetaka Miyazaki's masterpieces.

Here's a curated list of the top 10 indie soulslikes you can dive into today, 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

Eldest Souls taps into the Soulsborne formula by focusing on one of its most thrilling elements: epic boss battles. As you navigate a sprawling citadel reminiscent of Bloodborne, you'll face off against creatively designed monsters. The game's 2D combat system stands out by offering a dynamic experience that goes beyond mere button timing.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous draws inspiration from the haunting atmosphere of Bloodborne's Yharnam, but transports you to the eerie world of Cvstodia. This 2D metroidvania features a masked crusader unraveling eldritch horrors within a Roman Catholicism-inspired setting, echoing the dark beauty of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Its striking character and boss designs have continued to impress in Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC.

Tunic

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

Tunic channels the spirit of FromSoftware's influences, particularly the original Zelda games. Despite its charming, anthropomorphic fox protagonist, this 3D isometric action-adventure game mirrors the interconnected and deliberately obtuse level design of Dark Souls. It leaves players to piece together the narrative from an indecipherable script, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery.

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 deceptively cute aesthetic with dark, mature themes akin to Game of Thrones or The Witcher. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these action RPGs boast richly crafted environments that echo the atmospheric worlds of Dark Souls and Elden Ring.

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, offering diverse playstyles. Its visually arresting design and challenging combat draw comparisons to Bloodborne, delivering an epic experience that balances difficulty and satisfaction.

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 boss battle more challenging. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability, as players must strategize which abilities to sacrifice before each fight.

Nine Sols

Developer: RedCandleGames | Publisher: RedCandleGames | Release date: May 29, 2024

Nine Sols draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, focusing on defensive combat mechanics like dodging, blocking, and parrying. This 2D action platformer melds cyberpunk elements with East Asian mythology, resulting in a rhythmic and satisfying combat experience.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted innovates by integrating a time-sensitive mechanic into its narrative and gameplay. In this metroidvania set in a world of automatons, NPCs have a limited power supply, adding urgency to your journey and requiring careful planning of your progression route.

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 by focusing on defensive customization. Playing as a crustacean searching for a lost shell, you'll use various pieces of human garbage as defensive gear, each with unique attacks and limited durability, encouraging different playstyles.

Exanima

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

Exanima combines the dark atmosphere of Dark Souls with the challenging physics of Getting Over It. Though still in development, its early access version offers a thrilling experience with intentionally finicky controls that make each encounter suspenseful and rewarding.

These are our top picks for the best indie soulslikes. But 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 challenging adventures, don't miss our list of the best non-indie soulslikes!