Recently, fans of the Soulsborne series were taken aback to discover that FromSoftware's latest project, The Duskbloods, an online multiplayer game with a captivating quasi-Victorian aesthetic reminiscent of Bloodborne 2, is set to be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2, which comes with a hefty price tag of $449.99.

While the disappointment among the community of undead, hunters, and tarnished is palpable, there's no need to despair. Since the groundbreaking release of the original Dark Souls in 2011, numerous developers have ventured to either emulate or innovate upon FromSoftware's enigmatic and engaging formula. While many attempts have fallen short, several have risen to the challenge 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 inventive and impactful soulslike experiences often come from indie developers, who, despite limited resources, leverage their creativity to deliver games that resonate deeply with fans of Hidetaka Miyazaki's masterpieces.

Here's a curated list of the top ten indie soulslike games you can enjoy today, no Switch 2 required:

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 encapsulates the essence of Soulsborne games through its focus on boss battles within a sprawling, Bloodborne-inspired citadel. The game's 2D format doesn't hinder its dynamic combat system, which offers more than just button timing, providing a thrilling experience against creatively designed monsters.

Blasphemous

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

Blasphemous captures the haunting atmosphere of Bloodborne with its 2D metroidvania set in the mysterious land of Cvstodia. Its aesthetic draws from Renaissance Italy and Inquisition-era Spain, creating a world filled with eldritch horrors and intricate, disturbing character designs inspired by centuries-old Christian iconography.

Tunic

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

Tunic cleverly takes inspiration from the original Zelda games, much like FromSoftware itself. This 3D isometric action-adventure game features an interconnected, deliberately obtuse world reminiscent of FromSoftware's masterpieces, where exploration and curiosity drive the player forward without clear guidance.

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 themes of blood, gore, and betrayal. Narrated by Doug Cockle, the voice of Geralt of Rivia, these games evoke a sense of atmosphere and character through their meticulously designed environments.

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 character shells, each with preset builds, allowing players to experiment with various playstyles. Its challenging yet epic combat and stunning enemy designs, especially the final boss, make it a memorable soulslike experience.

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 having players level down rather than up, making each subsequent fight more challenging. This innovative approach enhances replayability and strategic planning.

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. Its blend of cyberpunk and East Asian mythology creates a unique and engaging world.

Unsighted

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

Unsighted introduces a novel mechanic where NPCs have a limited power supply, adding urgency and strategic depth to the gameplay. This metroidvania set in a world of automatons deepens the player's connection to the game's characters.

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-polluting human garbage. This 3D action-adventure platformer combines humor with a dark narrative about the fate of the ocean.

Exanima

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

Exanima combines the challenging gameplay of Dark Souls with physics-based mechanics similar to Getting Over It. Despite its ongoing development, the early access version provides a thrilling experience with its intentionally finicky controls that heighten the suspense of every encounter.