The 10 Best Indie Soulslikes
The Soulsborne genre has captivated players with its challenging combat, intricate level design, and cryptic storytelling. While AAA titles dominate the scene, many indie developers have crafted impressive experiences that capture the essence of Dark Souls. Here are ten of the best indie soulslikes you can play right now.
Eldest Souls
Developer: Fallen Flag Studio Publisher: United Label, CI Games Release date: July 29, 2021
Eldest Souls focuses intently on boss battles. You play as a lone warrior battling ancient gods in a ruined citadel. The game features a fast-paced combat system that requires strategic use of dashes, charged attacks, and careful positioning. The intricate boss designs, reminiscent of Bloodborne, create truly memorable and challenging encounters.
Blasphemous
Developer: The Game Kitchen Publisher: Team17 Release date: September 10, 2019
Set in the nightmarish world of Cvstodia, Blasphemous is a 2D metroidvania soulslike that borrows heavily from Spanish religious iconography. As The Penitent One, you explore a decaying world filled with grotesque enemies and challenging platforming sections. The game’s brutal combat, coupled with its dark and oppressive atmosphere, makes it a unique and compelling experience. The story is intriguing and is told in a way that will make you ask questions, a trademark of soulslikes.
Tunic
Developer: Tunic Team Publisher: Finji Release date: March 16, 2022
Tunic is an isometric action-adventure game with a striking resemblance to classic Zelda titles, but with a soulslike twist. You play as an adorable fox exploring a mysterious world, piecing together an in-game instruction manual to unravel its secrets. Combat is challenging but fair, requiring careful timing and strategic use of items. Its obfuscated nature will appeal to gamers who enjoy lore hunting and discovering secrets.
Tails of Iron
Developer: Odd Bug Studio Publisher: United Label Release date: September 17, 2021
Tails of Iron presents a grim tale of a mouse kingdom beset by a brutal frog clan. This 2D action RPG blends a charming aesthetic with visceral combat. Featuring precise dodges, parries, and executions. Voiced by Doug Cockle (Geralt of Rivia), the narration adds depth to the story. Despite its cartoonish look, Tails of Iron delivers a mature and challenging experience.
Mortal Shell
Developer: Cold Symmetry Publisher: Playstack Release date: August 18, 2021
Mortal Shell sets itself apart with its unique shell system, allowing you to inhabit the bodies of fallen warriors, each with unique skills and playstyles. The game features a dark and atmospheric world, intricate level design, and challenging combat. Learning enemy attack patterns and mastering each shell’s abilities is crucial for survival. Its combat is challenging and epic, a difficult balance to strike.
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption
Developer: Dark Star Publisher: Neon Doctrine Release date: October 23, 2018
Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption offers a unique twist on the soulslike formula. The player must weaken themself before each boss fight, sacrificing stats and abilities to atone for past sins. This inverted progression system creates a challenging and strategic experience. The game is a boss rush title with intricately designed antagonists.
Nine Sols
Developer: RedCandleGames Publisher: RedCandleGames Release date: May 29, 2024
Nine Sols blends Sekiro inspired combat with cyberpunk elements and East Asian mythology. This 2D action platformer emphasizes parrying, dodging, and precise timing. The game is visually striking, and the story is interesting. Mastering the combat system is the key to success, as brute force tactics will prove ineffective.
Unsighted
Developer: Studio Pixel Punk Publisher: Humble Games Release date: September 30, 2021
Unsighted is a metroidvania with a unique time mechanic. NPCs have a limited lifespan, forcing you to make difficult decisions about who to save and who to sacrifice. The game features fast-paced combat, intricate level design, and a compelling story. Balancing exploration with the ticking clock adds a layer of strategic depth that sets it apart.
Another Crab’s Treasure
Developer: Aggro Crab Publisher: Aggro Crab Release date: April 25, 2024
Another Crab’s Treasure delivers a lighthearted take on the genre, casting you as a hermit crab using trash as a shell. Players use trash as a defense as they explore the ocean floor. Despite its whimsical appearance, Another Crab’s Treasure retains the core mechanics of a soulslike.
Exanima
Developer: Bare Mettle Entertainment Publisher: Bare Mettle Entertainment Release date: April 29, 2015
Exanima is a physics-based survival horror game known for its extremely realistic and challenging combat. Each movement is controlled individually. Exploring dark dungeons infested with undead creatures, players must master the clunky and sensitive control scheme to survive. This game gives a unique experience that will test your patience and skill. This game is still under development and is available on early access.
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