Over the past decade, the Soulslike genre has exploded in popularity thanks to the success of the Dark Souls franchise. With its complex combat system, obscure lore, and unforgiving difficulty, Dark Souls served as the blueprint for this new genre of ARPG and inspired countless games. Though it's often imitated, not many games are able to scratch the Dark Souls itch because of its unique approach to atmosphere.
With the steady increase in popularity of Soulslike games over the years however, indie developers have begun experimenting with the genre by innovating upon the mechanics found in the Dark Souls franchise. While these indie titles don't always generate the mainstream attention that Soulslike games developed by AAA studios receive, they nonetheless nail the brooding atmosphere and uneasy feeling that comes with exploring the Dark Souls games. Fans waiting for Elden Ring or find themselves unable to scratch the Dark Souls itch with other Soulslikes should try these indie titles.
Salt and Sanctuary
While the Soulslike genre has largely found success in 3D environmental design, Salt and Sanctuary is a prefect representation of what Dark Souls would feel like as a 2D game instead. An interesting aspect of Dark Souls is how it's influenced by Metroidvanias in terms of exploration and level design. Salt and Sanctuary takes that concept one step further by combining Soulslike mechanics together with the platforming features of Metroidvanias. Best of all, the platforming elements in Salt and Sanctuary don't take away from the tight combat mechanics that typical Soulslike games utilize.
Much like Dark Souls, Salt and Sanctuary makes use of intricate combat mechanics and interconnected level design but it also has a number of features that stand out. Players can utilize a giant skill tree system reminiscent of games like Path of Exile which allows them modify their build by acquiring and redistributing skill points. The platforming mechanics provide an interesting layer of depth that makes up for its lack of a 3rd dimension and its haunting atmosphere is just as tense as the Dark Souls games. Soulslike fans should not miss Salt and Sanctuary as it perfectly transfers the best aspects of the genre into a 2D perspective.
Titan Souls
Titan Souls puts a unique spin on the difficulty of the Soulslike genre by introducing a mechanic where players only have one arrow and can only take one hit. This single arrow must be charged in order to be fired and players must retrieve the arrow before reusing it. During these moments, players will also need to stand still which makes them easy targets for the bosses. Much like the boss fights in games like Dark Souls, the fights in Titan Souls revolves around players figuring out mechanics of the bosses and exploiting their weaknesses.
Titan Souls is a lot more punishing than what players might expect but it emphasizes the tension of combat found in the Dark Souls franchise. While some players might be put off by its punishing single-hit deaths, Titan Souls offers a different approach for Soulslike fans looking for an even bigger challenge. Although there isn't much side content beyond fighting the bosses, Titan Souls does offer a unique experience in uncovering the mysterious secrets surrounding the world of titans and the purposeful vagueness is similar to how Dark Souls encourages players to discover the world around them.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
While Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights won't be releasing until later this year, its currently available on Early Access via Steam and it showcases an art style that's simultaneously bleak yet colorful. The environmental design in particular stands out because of its grey tones that are contrasted by accents of colorful lighting. Players take control of a small girl as they navigate though a decaying world collecting spirits to help them in combat along the way.
Though it features similar combat mechanics to other Soulslike games, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights also has an interesting focus on narrative and its mysterious lore invites players to explore the world around them. Although the gameplay can sometimes be more like a Metroidvania than a Soulslike, it nonetheless cultivates a unique atmosphere that's reminiscent of the Dark Souls series. While fans will have to wait until its release to see the entire game, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights shows a lot of potential.
Blasphemous
While Blasphemous might lean heavier into its Metroidvania platforming elements, its punishing difficulty and tight combat mechanics are quite similar to Dark Souls. Much like other Soulslike games, Blasphemous places an emphasis on combat as players learn attack patterns, parry timings, and combining physical attacks with magical ones. What makes Blasphemous stand out however, is its aesthetic design based in Roman Catholicism and Spanish culture.
Combining different aspects of religion and folklore, Blasphemous has a terrifying atmosphere which highlights the tension of mystery as players explore the world around them. The world in Blasphemous is hallowed by a supernatural force which can curse the inhabitants by transforming them into grotesque manifestations of sins. Similar to the recurring theme of a cosmic horror in Dark Souls, Blasphemous takes familiar concepts and twists them to heighten feelings of unease.
Ashen
Ashen is the first title from indie developers A44 and it features a unique approach to Soulslike exploration. Ashen includes distinct elements such as jumping or climbing and these are combined with its passive co-op multiplayer mechanics in an open world environment. While it's atmosphere is much lighter than Dark Souls in that it focuses on a world that's rebuilding, its minimalist art direction emphasizes the isolating feeling of exploration in a foreign world.
Ashen remains faithful to the Soulslike concept of stamina-based combat and much like Dark Souls, it can be quite unforgiving. Movesets are a little more limited compared to other Soulslikes and as a result, Ashen also places more emphasis on dodging and melee combat. Nonetheless, Dark Souls fans will find plenty to love in its pattern-based battles and difficult boss fights. Although the game can be vague at times, its character development in side quests and sparse dialogue give players enough reason to venture forth and uncover the secrets.