Top 10 Indie Soulslike Games to Play Now

FromSoftware’s upcoming title, The Duskbloods, a multiplayer game with a Victorian-inspired aesthetic, has sparked excitement among Soulsborne fans. However, its exclusivity to the Nintendo Switch 2 at $449.99 has left many disappointed.

Yet, there’s no need to despair. Since Dark Souls redefined gaming in 2011, developers worldwide have crafted their own takes on FromSoftware’s challenging formula. While some faltered, others shone brightly, particularly indie studios that, despite limited resources, delivered innovative and gripping soulslike experiences.

You’re likely familiar with major titles like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, indie developers have carved out their own niche, creating inventive games that rival the intensity of FromSoftware’s masterpieces. Their creativity fills the void left by high-budget AAA titles.

Here’s our curated list of the top 10 indie soulslike games you can dive into today, no Switch 2 required.

Eldest Souls

The Soulsborne formula blends exploration, skill-driven combat, cryptic lore, and epic boss battles. Eldest Souls excels in delivering intense boss-rush encounters. Players control a lone warrior navigating a haunting, Bloodborne-like citadel, facing off against uniquely designed monsters. Its dynamic 2D combat system feels fluid and engaging, elevating it beyond simple button-timing mechanics.

Blasphemous

Fans of Bloodborne’s gothic architecture will feel at home in Blasphemous, a 2D metroidvania set in Cvstodia. A masked crusader uncovers dark secrets within a Roman Catholicism-inspired world, reminiscent of Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Its haunting character and boss designs, continued in Blasphemous 2 and its Mea Culpa DLC, rival FromSoftware’s unsettling Christian iconography.

Tunic

Tunic, a 3D isometric action-adventure, draws from the same Zelda-inspired roots as FromSoftware’s works, sparking curiosity and wonder. Don’t be deceived by its adorable fox protagonist wielding a sword—Tunic’s interconnected, cryptic level design mirrors Dark Souls and Elden Ring. With no objective markers and unreadable dialogue, its mysterious world invites players to unravel its dark history.

Tails of Iron

Tails of Iron and its sequel, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter, blend a charming picture-book style with brutal, Game of Thrones-inspired tales of betrayal and gore. Narrated by Doug Cockle (Geralt of Rivia’s voice), these action RPGs feature mouse knights in richly detailed worlds. While distinct from FromSoftware’s storytelling, their atmospheric environments echo Dark Souls’ immersive settings.

Mortal Shell

Mortal Shell stands out with its visually striking design and unique mechanic of inhabiting preset character “shells” instead of extensive customization. This allows varied playstyles against formidable bosses, with combat that balances challenge and grandeur. Its final boss rivals Bloodborne’s Lovecraftian horrors, delivering an epic experience akin to FromSoftware’s later titles.

Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption

Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption flips the Soulsborne progression model by forcing players to weaken themselves before each boss fight, themed around the Seven Deadly Sins. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability, requiring strategic planning to tackle bosses in any order, making each encounter progressively tougher and more rewarding.

Nine Sols

Nine Sols, a 2D action platformer blending cyberpunk and East Asian mythology, draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Its defensive combat focuses on dodging, blocking, and parrying, creating a rhythmic dance of action and reaction. This approach demands precision, making every encounter a test of skill and observation.

Unsighted

Unsighted, a metroidvania set in an automaton-filled world, mirrors the emotional depth of FromSoftware’s NPC interactions. Each character, including merchants, has a limited power supply, creating urgency as they face permanent removal. This mechanic drives strategic progression and adds a poignant layer to the game’s narrative and gameplay.

Another Crab’s Treasure

Another Crab’s Treasure, a 3D action-adventure, follows a crustacean hero on a quest to reclaim their shell, evolving into a deeper mission to save the ocean. Its unique mechanic lets players customize defensive shells from ocean debris, each with distinct abilities, encouraging varied playstyles in a vibrant, pollution-riddled underwater world.

Exanima

Exanima, a physics-based survival game, blends Dark Souls’ intensity with the unwieldy controls of Getting Over It. Still in early access, it offers gripping dungeon exploration with deliberately sensitive mechanics, making every encounter thrillingly unpredictable. Its challenging combat evokes the early struggles of FromSoftware’s iconic worlds.

These are our top 10 indie soulslike picks. Other gems like Death's Door, Loot River, Featherfall, and Dark Devotion also deserve attention. Did we miss your favorite? Share it in the comments below. For more intense challenges, explore our list of the best non-indie soulslike games.