Recently, fans of the Soulsborne genre were taken aback by the announcement that FromSoftware's upcoming game, The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer experience with a quasi-Victorian aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne 2, will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $449.99. While this news may have disheartened many, there's no need to despair. Since Dark Souls catapulted FromSoftware to fame in 2011, numerous developers have tried to capture the magic of their formula, and several have done so brilliantly.

You're likely familiar with major titles like Nioh, Lies of P, and Black Myth: Wukong. However, some of the most innovative soulslike experiences have come from indie developers, who, despite limited resources, have crafted games that resonate deeply with fans of the genre. These indie games offer unique takes and creative twists that can satisfy your cravings for challenging gameplay and rich storytelling.

Here's a curated list of the top 10 indie soulslikes you can dive into right now, without needing a Nintendo 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 captures the essence of Soulsborne games through its focus on boss battles. Set in a sprawling, Bloodborne-inspired citadel, players control a lone warrior facing off against creatively designed monsters. The game stands out with its dynamic 2D combat system, which feels more interactive than simply timing button presses.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous will appeal to those who loved navigating the eerie spires of Bloodborne's Healing Church. This 2D metroidvania game follows a masked crusader exploring the haunting world of Cvstodia, drawing inspiration from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain. Its character and boss designs evoke the unsettling beauty of Christian iconography, a hallmark of FromSoftware's work.

Tunic

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

Tunic takes inspiration from the same sources as FromSoftware, particularly the original Zelda games. This 3D isometric action-adventure game features a deceptively cute fox protagonist navigating a world with interconnected, deliberately obtuse level design. Like Dark Souls, there are no objective markers, and the game's lore is shrouded in mystery.

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 charming visuals with dark themes. Despite their cute aesthetic, these games are filled with gritty storytelling and intense combat. Their worlds, though inspired by Game of Thrones and The Witcher, capture the atmospheric depth 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 is notable for its unique mechanic that allows players to inhabit different "shells" with preset builds, offering varied playstyles against formidable bosses. Its enemy design and challenging yet epic combat system echo the best elements of Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3.

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 turns the traditional soulslike progression on its head by requiring players to level down, making each subsequent boss fight more challenging. This innovative mechanic enhances replayability and strategic planning, as players must choose which abilities to sacrifice.

Nine Sols

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

Nine Sols draws heavily from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, emphasizing defensive combat through dodging, blocking, and parrying. Set in a cyberpunk world infused with East Asian mythology, this 2D action platformer offers a rhythmic combat experience that rewards careful observation and timing.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted integrates the concept of time-sensitive interactions with NPCs into its narrative and gameplay. Set in a world of automatons, the game adds urgency by having NPCs with limited power supplies. This mechanic encourages quick progression and strategic planning.

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 features a unique twist on the soulslike formula with its focus on customizing defensive shells. As a crustacean navigating an ocean littered with human garbage, players must adapt to different playstyles based on the shells they find, each with unique attacks and durability.

Exanima

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

Exanima is a physics-based survival game that combines elements of Dark Souls and Getting Over It. With its challenging controls and physics-driven combat, this game offers a suspenseful experience reminiscent of early struggles in FromSoftware's worlds.