The ever-expanding realm of Souls-Likes continues to follow the steps ofFromSoftware’s household titles. Some offer fresh twists on the classic formula, while others nail the essential mechanics perfectly.
Yet, a treasure trove of underrated Souls-Likes often gets overshadowed by the titans of the genre.
10 Best 2D Souls-Likes, Ranked
From the right perspective, everything can be like Dark Souls.
Although the allure of anotherBloodborneplaythrough or a new run inElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree with a different build is hard to resist, there are plenty of under-the-radar titles that are truly worth your time.
While they don’t grab headlines or command the spotlight, I’m sure both newcomers and veterans of the genre will find a lot to love in the games below.
Let’s dive into the list below and discover a hidden gem that could become your next favorite.
A Co-op Souls-Like Open-World
Long beforeElden Ringburst onto the scene and mesmerized us with The Lands Between,Ashenfrom the indie studio A44 offered an open-world soul-like experience.
Although it was a bit bleak and lacked things to do, which was offputting to some, it was also strangely optimistic as it let you build a home in a setting of decay and ruin.
What distinguishes Ashen from its Souls-Like counterparts is itsseamless co-op mode, though, as playing alongside a friend and exploring the kingdom of Lathyrus and The Gnaw is quite enjoyable.
Plus, Ashen’s combat system, while heavily inspired by classic Souls-like mechanics, is somewhat lighter and does not provide much challenge for seasoned veterans. So, if you want a more accessible Souls-Like to play with your buddies, this could be the one.
16Elderborn
Dark Messiah Brutality
June 28, 2025
Hyperstrange
Elderborn completely transforms the Souls-Like experience with its raw, first-person hack-and-slash experience set in a dark fantasy world.
Alongside its focus on game design choices that are often found in Souls-Like titles, Elderborn draws heavy inspiration from an all-time classic, the Dark Messiah of Might and Magic.
At first glance, it may not immediately grabElden RingorDark Souls fans, but its brutal, skill-driven battles pack a punch. Every swing, block, and dodge feels impactful, and reflects the weighty and challenging feel of a Souls-Like game.
15Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
A Mythical, Difficult Adventure
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Ever sinceWo Long: Fallen Dynastylaunched, it feels like it didn’t quite get the spotlight it deserved, likely thanks to that brutal first boss that turned some players off.
But for those who stick with it, Wo Long delivers some of the most intense combat and unrelenting boss fights we have ever seen in recent years.
While the experience can feel a bit repetitive toward the end, Wo Long’s rich atmosphere and polished mechanics keep it consistently engaging.
14Hellpoint
Brutal and unforgiving
Hellpointis one of those games that, despite garnering mixed opinions, could end up being a personal favorite. But equally, it’s also a Souls-Like that I find myself recommending others cautiously, even though I enjoy it a lot.
Set in a crumbling space station, the sci-fi Souls-Like mixes cosmic horror with brutal melee combat and also offers a rich variety of weapons.
While the controls can feel clunky, Hellpoint’s solid atmosphere, arsenal, and good sense of exploration are enough to pull you in. Despite its shortcomings, this brutal sci-fi is an under-the-radar Souls-Like gem that deserves more recognition.
13Asterigos: Curse of the Stars
Best souls-lite for newcomers
Asterigos: Curse Of The Stars
Asterigos: Curse of the Starsis a vibrant, myth-inspired action-RPG that feels more like a souls-lite, as it brings a much moreaccessible approach to the classicSouls-Like mechanics.
Indeed, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel with its other mechanics, and its lush world is also different from the unsettling atmospheres that often come with the genre’s prominent examples.
But the blend of approachable combat, detailed world-building, and immersive storyline makes Asterigos a refreshing journey through a mythic world with its share of Souls-Like elements.
12Tails of Iron
The full package in 2D
Tails of Iron
Tails of Irontakes you to a medieval rodent kingdom ravaged by war and plague. It’s one of those underrated Souls-Like games that kept garnering positive opinions but couldn’t quite breakthrough to become a cultural touchpoint within the genre.
That said, Odd Bug Studio’s side-scrolling is actually the perfect game for the average Sous-Like fan, thanks to its solid progression and gritty world.
With a tightly woven story alongside surprisingly deep world-building and engaging combat,Tails of Ironis a strong contender to be your next favorite 2D Souls-Like.
11Thymesia
Call The Plague Doctor!
Thymesia is a gritty, fast-paced Souls-like game that mixes a dark, plague-ridden world with razor-sharp combat mechanics and a great plague weapon system.
Although its twists on the formula might not be the most revolutionary, the fundamental gameplay mechanics still makeThymesiaquite enjoyable.
It will undoubtedly appeal to fans of dark fantasy, with its gothic atmosphere heavily inspired by Bloodborne and Dark Souls. So if you want something beautifully bleak, then check out this surprisingly competent Team 17 Souls-Like.
10The Last Faith
Ye Have Little Faith
The Last Faith
The Last Faithis a dark and atmospheric Souls-Like that plunges you right into a gothic, pixel-art world.
Playing as a cursed warrior on a quest to recover his lost memories, The Last Faith offers a large arsenal of weaponry and magic to use against its hulking bosses.
The unforgiving 2D Souls-Like takes the best lessons from the genre’s titans and offers a blend of fast-paced combat and satisfying exploration.
If you’re ready for challenging, punishing combat and can put up with some uneven pacing,The Last Faithcould be the one for your next Souls-Like session.
9Steelrising
Vive la révolution
Steelrising
Set in Paris during the alternate version of the French Revolution,Steelrisingputs you in the shoes of Aegis, an engineering masterpiece hellbent on taking down the king while saving the Revolution.
Although its fascinating automaton bosses are no pushovers, indie studio Spiders did come up with a Souls-Like that can be a perfect entry point for those who are new to the genre.
WhileSteelrisingdoesn’t revolutionize FromSoftware’s blueprint, its unique setting and alternate portrayal of the French Revolution do make it stand out among others.
8Bleak Faith: Forsaken
Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?
June 26, 2025
Archangel Studios
WhileBleak Faith: Forsakenlaunched with its fair share of bugs and glitches, recent updates have smoothed out many of its most glaring issues, resulting in asolid comeback.
Given that its development team consists of just three people,Bleak Faith: Forsakenis a remarkably ambitious project that takes big swings.
While it may not hit every target, it still achieves so much and deserves a place on the list as a gem, especially considering its impressive build flexibility and brilliant atmosphere that exudes a sense of despair and loneliness.
