Honestly, it feels like new ‘Soulslike’ games are coming out all the time now, so they don’t always make a huge splash. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re not worth checking out! A lot of smaller developers are clearly inspired by games like those from FromSoftware, and they’re giving it a shot. I’ve actually found that the 2D Soulslikes are consistently really strong – every year seems to bring a few hidden gems that are among the best in the genre.
Games like Salt and Sanctuary, Blasphemous, and Hollow Knight are popular, but there’s a whole world of excellent 2D Soulslike games out there. Let’s explore some of the best recent titles that have really defined the genre, and hopefully, we’ll see even more great ones in the future.
These games are tricky to categorize because they often blend the styles of Metroidvanias and Soulslike games. It’s hard to say exactly how much ‘Soulslike’ influence is enough to earn that label. I’m focusing on games that share a similar structure to titles like Dark Souls or Bloodborne. For example, Silksong fits this description, but Dead Cells doesn’t.
10. Vigil: The Longest Night
A Soulslike 2D World That Cannot Escape The Night
Despite being somewhat overlooked, Vigil: The Longest Night feels more like Bloodborne than Dark Souls, especially in terms of its dark and atmospheric world. Released in 2020, the game blends gothic visuals, Lovecraftian monsters, and elements of Taiwanese culture to create a truly haunting experience, bordering on horror. The story takes place in a world perpetually shrouded in darkness, where a mysterious plague is turning people into monstrous creatures – a concept very similar to those found in FromSoftware’s games.
One of the best parts of Vigil is its detailed and immersive world. The gameplay is solid too, with combat that feels familiar to fans of Soulslike games, focusing on carefully managing your stamina. You play as Leila, who can master four different weapon types, each offering a distinct way to play, and the game encourages you to switch between them and improve your skills.
9. Unworthy
Brutally Difficult Game Set In A Dark World Is A Challenging Experience
With its dark and foreboding visuals, Unworthy is a brutally difficult 2D action RPG inspired by the Souls series. It’s known for its relentlessly challenging combat, demanding precise timing and skillful play. Even basic enemies pose a significant threat, consistently testing the player and living up to the game’s name by making you feel truly unworthy.
I recently played Unworthy, and I was really impressed! The levels are cleverly designed and there are tons of cool weapons and items to find – they all really add to the game’s secrets. Plus, the music is fantastic and the art style is super atmospheric. Honestly, it’s one of those 2D action games that doesn’t get enough attention, and I definitely recommend giving it a try, whether you’re on PC or console.
8. Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
Underground Soulslike Franchise Hits Peak With Fourth Entry
Momodora is a series of action RPGs featuring strong female characters on exciting adventures through stunning worlds. Starting as free games online, the series has become a well-respected Soulslike franchise. The fourth game, Reverie Under the Moonlight, is a fantastic action title developed by Bombservice that remains enjoyable even eight years after its release.
In Reverie Under the Moonlight, you play as a priestess named Kaho in a beautifully connected world teeming with dangerous enemies and challenging bosses. The combat is incredibly satisfying, with vibrant visual effects that make each hit feel impactful. Kaho is a joy to move, gracefully leaping and dodging with smooth animations. Overall, it’s a fantastic game, and this impressive Soulslike stands out even within a strong series.
7. The Last Faith
Stylish Blend Of Castlevania And Dark Souls
Following its announcement, The Last Faith quickly attracted a dedicated fanbase. It promised a unique blend of classic Castlevania vibes with the challenging gameplay found in FromSoftware titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. The released game delivers on that promise, offering a tough-but-rewarding action RPG that combines the exploration of a Metroidvania with the intense, visceral combat players expect from those renowned games.
In The Last Faith, you play as Eryk, driven by revenge through a dark and atmospheric world inspired by gothic horror. The game features fast-paced, impactful combat that feels incredibly satisfying. Available now on all major platforms, The Last Faith is a standout 2D Soulslike title and a must-play for fans of the genre.
6. Grime
A Bizarre And Awesome Soulslike
I find the game Grime to be wonderfully strange, and I’m really enjoying it. Like many 2D Soulslike games, it takes risks and tries new things – and it succeeds. What makes Grime stand out is its focus on parrying. It’s not just a defensive move; you’re rewarded for it with damage and even new abilities. The more you parry, the more you can absorb an enemy’s characteristics, which is a really interesting idea that the game generally pulls off well.
Most games like Grime penalize players who just rapidly press buttons, but Grime is particularly strict – your stamina depletes fast, and if you don’t manage it well, you’ll be very exposed. That said, the game encourages you to be proactive in fights, it’s not about passively waiting for openings. You need to fully commit to each swing and action.
I think Grime 2 is also excellent, but I chose the original game because I’m not very familiar with the sequel yet.
5. Hollow Knight & Silksong
The Most Famous 2D Metroidvanias To Incorporate Some Soulslike Elements
Hollow Knight is a truly captivating and thrilling 2D adventure. Like many games inspired by the ‘Souls’ series, it blends elements of the Metroidvania style, and Hollow Knight does so exceptionally well. While it shares similarities with ‘Souls’ games, it’s primarily a Metroidvania at heart. The game’s world, Hallownest, is beautifully haunting and a joy to explore, filled with challenging enemies and epic boss fights.
Controlling the small knight in this game is incredibly smooth and satisfying, and you’ll unlock plenty of powers and skills as you play. The responsive combat, a hallmark of the Soulslike genre, keeps the action moving quickly. You’ll learn new abilities and spells at just the right moments, and the beautiful but challenging world of Hallownest remains captivating, even with the upcoming release of Silksong.
The highly anticipated sequel, Silksong, lives up to the hype with a lengthy and challenging campaign. It’s surprisingly even more difficult than Hollow Knight, despite Hornet’s increased speed and offensive abilities. Players will face a steep learning curve, needing to adjust their strategies from the first game, and should expect plenty of defeats before mastering the combat.
While Hollow Knight and Silksong are arguably the strongest games here, they don’t quite fit the ‘Soulslike’ mold as closely as the others, which is why they’re placed a little lower on the list.
4. Salt And Sanctuary
The Journey Of The Saltborn Is One Of The Best 2D Soulslike Games Ever
Salt and Sanctuary is a fantastic game that skillfully blends the challenging combat of Soulslike titles with the exploration and progression of Metroidvanias. Developed by Ska Studios, it plunges players into a grim and unsettling world where they take on the role of a Saltborn, navigating a dangerous island filled with terrifying enemies and a constant feeling of dread.
Salt and Sanctuary offers a challenging but rewarding experience thanks to its exciting, quick combat and cleverly designed enemies. The game is full of secrets to discover and tough bosses to overcome, making it one of the best 2D action games in recent years. It expertly captures the essence of the ‘Souls-like’ genre, delivering difficult but fair combat alongside a compelling story told through the game world.
Salt and Sacrifice is quite different from Salt and Sanctuary, and opinions on it are mixed. If you enjoyed the original, it’s worth checking out, but be prepared for a different experience.
3. Blasphemous
Gorgeous 2D Soulslike Explores Ominous World
Blasphemous, created by The Game Kitchen – a team of 17 – draws heavily from Catholic imagery and Spanish art. It expertly blends the exploration of Metroidvania-style games with the challenging combat of Soulslike titles. The game features a beautifully connected world and some of the most polished 2D action combat available today.
In Blasphemous, you play as The Penitent One, a wanderer traveling through the dark world of Cvstodia. He’ll battle terrifying creatures and challenging bosses along the way. The game is designed to be a tough but fair experience, offering a world that’s both rewarding to explore and demanding to master, giving players everything they need to succeed despite its difficulty.
Blasphemous 2 is also fantastic and an easy recommendation for pretty much any Soulslike fan.
2. Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights
A World Cursed By A Deadly Plague Soars As A Brilliant 2D Soulslike Game
Many “Souls-like” games are set in bleak, ruined worlds, often destroyed by war, hunger, or a terrible curse. Despite the darkness, these games can be surprisingly beautiful, and Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights does this exceptionally well. In Ender Lilies, you play as a priestess named Lily who travels through the disaster-stricken land of Land’s End with her knight, working to cleanse the cursed spirits that haunt it.
What truly makes Ender Lilies enjoyable is that you don’t directly control the fighting – instead, a ghostly knight does the battling for you. As you play, you collect more of these spirits, each with unique and satisfying abilities. The game’s dark world and the mysterious Blight – a deadly rain that drives people insane – are incredibly captivating. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights masterfully blends atmospheric exploration of a ruined land with well-designed combat, making it one of the best 2D action games available.
1. Nine Sols
If Sekiro Is FromSoftware’s Best Game, Then Nine Sols Is The Best 2D Soulslike
Many Metroidvania and action RPGs borrow ideas from Dark Souls, but Nine Sols takes inspiration from another FromSoftware game: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Like Sekiro, this indie RPG focuses on precise timing and deflecting attacks. Players need to learn enemy patterns to successfully parry and build up energy, which they can then use for powerful attacks. While not everyone prefers a combat system centered around parrying, Nine Sols arguably has the best 2D “Soulslike” combat, and that’s a key strength. Thankfully, the game is excellent in all other aspects as well.
The game boasts stunning and detailed visuals, with moments that are truly breathtaking. While the story is presented in pieces, it’s engaging and fits the classic Soulslike mold, unfolding naturally as you explore and uncover secrets. Plus, Nine Sols features incredibly difficult bosses that will test even experienced players.
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2026-04-21 04:52