Best Nintendo Switch Soulslike Games – Games To Play If You Like Dark Souls

When Dark Souls launched back in 2011, it ushered in a new era of lore-filled and inscrutable combat-focused games that gave players the freedom to follow their own path and play style, but steadfastly refused to ‘go easy’ on them. Every encounter in FromSoftware’s series, no matter how minor, has the potential to end in tears; if you blunder in mindlessly mashing buttons, you will be punished.

What defines a ‘Soulslike’, though? It’s not just difficulty, although that’s a part of it. Games that exhibit Dark Souls-style elements demand concentration and intent if you want to overcome the challenges they present. They can be 3D or 2D (side-on or top-down), but they typically include exacting combat against unforgiving enemies, large boss fights, the loss of reclaimable ‘essence’ or similar currency on death, and the freedom to explore different areas of the map, with your skill often being the only gate to progress down a specific path. Bonfires — or equivalent ‘safe’ zones that offer respite and restoration — are another key part of the Souls experience; that tension of risk vs. reward while inching through an enemy-filled environment on just a sliver of health, desperately hoping to find a bonfire around the next corner.

For the list below we’ve stuck to games which feature as many of those elements as possible, although several incorporate other systems and styles, or not-quite-all of the facets described above. Some inclusions are primarily associated with another genre (Metroidvania or roguelike, for example) but they feature Soulslike gameplay in some capacity. They might not fit the Souls mould perfectly, but everything below has a Soulslike flavour to a greater or lesser degree.

As with any sub-genre definition (again, see Metroidvania), there will be debate both healthy and circuitous over whether a given title qualifies for the category of Soulslike — which is fine. You may not totally agree with the list below, but rest assured that if you enjoy Dark Souls, you’ll almost certainly enjoy these games thanks to shared ideas, elements and systems.

So, let’s take a look — in no particular order — at the games on Switch that’ll force you to git gud or go home.

Dark Souls: Remastered (Switch)

Publisher:

Bandai Namco /

Developer:

FromSoftware

Release Date:

19th Oct 2018 (USA) / 19th Oct 2018 (UK/EU)

Ah yes — the Dark Souls of Dark Souls, if we’re not mistaken.

Dark Souls: Remastered is a faithful remaster of a touchstone in video game design that improves overall performance of the original release while preserving all of the character traits that made it such a memorable experience. While it’s no less forgiving — and its menus are a little fiddly — this slick Nintendo Switch iteration offers an excellent way to experience Lordran’s ultra-challenging odyssey in true handheld form.

Plus, it’s got Solaire of Astora amiibo compatibility that you won’t find in any other version of the game. Praise the Sun, indeed.

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Dark Souls: Remastered

• $39.74
• £31.99
• Amazon (US)

Ashen (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Annapurna Interactive /

Developer:

A44 Games

Release Date:

9th Dec 2019 (USA) / 9th Dec 2019 (UK/EU)

Ashen doesn’t try to hide the fact that it’s a Souls clone through-and-through. However, where many before it unwisely try to out-do FromSoftware in terms of difficulty or obtuse systems and lore, A44 has taken its game in a more refreshing, community-focused direction. This is a slightly more relaxed take on a Souls-like; it gets you into its action and gameplay rhythms quickly, isn’t interested in punishing you particularly unduly and doesn’t outstay its welcome. Its story and setting are enchanting and the sense of togetherness and companionship that it creates as its plot unfolds sets it apart in a genre much better known for relentless loneliness and isolation.

Salt and Sanctuary (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Ska Studios /

Developer:

Ska Studios

Release Date:

2nd Aug 2018 (USA) / 2nd Aug 2018 (UK/EU)

All told, Salt and Sanctuary is just about what you’d expect it to be: it’s more or less a 2D Dark Souls, but with a little more emphasis on less. Salt and Sanctuary does an admirable job of hitting all the right beats that it needs to provide a challenging and fun action adventure that will no doubt provide a solid bang for your buck, but it doesn’t do a whole lot to stand on its own two legs; this is a game that can only thrive on the scraps generated by the overwhelming popularity of a much better game series. Therefore, we’d give this one a recommendation to Dark Souls aficionados who just can’t get enough — those who’ve never been interested won’t find much new here to entice them.

Mind you, you’re reading the wrong list if you’re not interested in Dark Souls, hmm?

Furi (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

The Game Bakers /

Developer:

The Game Bakers

Release Date:

11th Jan 2018 (USA) / 11th Jan 2018 (UK/EU)

With a focus on boss fights, Furi presents a series of daunting challenges which are capable of turning all but the most committed of player into a gibbering wreck. It’s a deceptively clever game that combines shooter and and beat-’em-up mechanics, all wrapped up in a stylish anime-influenced shell. It’s not for everyone, with numerous difficulty spikes and an over-reliance on repetition. But it’s refreshing to see a game rewards patient observation and persistence, as well as mastery of a carefully calibrated control system. While it’s lacking several elements of a Souls game, it still feels very much of that ilk.

3000th Duel (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Neopopcorn /

Developer:

Neopopcorn

Release Date:

19th Feb 2020 (USA) / 19th Feb 2020 (UK/EU)

3000th Duel is a highly enjoyable Metroidvania that some would argue borrows a bit too much from Dark Souls. With engaging combat bolstered by lots of unlockable weapons, a decent progression system, and some truly memorable boss fights, it can stand proud amongst the many examples of the genre currently available on Switch, even if it doesn’t quite do enough to feel truly unique.

Still, if you loved FromSoftware’s Souls series and fancy some more of the same — albeit a very specific slice of the same — you could do a lot worse.

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Abylight Studios /

Developer:

Heart Machine

Release Date:

6th Sep 2018 (USA) / 6th Sep 2018 (UK/EU)

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition is probably the least Soulslike entry on this list, but its similarity to FromSoftware’s series comes not just from its similar approach to combat — it extends to the non-linear nature of its game world, full of obscurely hidden paths, shortcuts and hidden areas. It’s a world full of danger, make no mistake, but you can tackle these challenges as you see fit thanks to the open nature of its map — which gives it a very Soulslike feel.

Filled with tough bosses, secrets and upgrades, this indie gem a brilliantly merciless adventure to enjoy if it has somehow passed you by over the years.

Hyper Light Drifter Special Edition

• $59.99
• Amazon

Hollow Knight (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Team Cherry /

Developer:

Team Cherry

Release Date:

12th Jun 2018 (USA) / 12th Jun 2018 (UK/EU)

Another indie darling, Hollow Knight presents a beautiful 2D world, tactile combat and impressive bevy of secrets constantly drag you in for more. It’s one of the best games on Switch eShop; a big, beautiful, foreboding Metroidvania that’s absolutely thick with detail and elements that will strike a chord with any Dark Souls fan.

From its punchy combat system to its charming art and sound design, this is one of the finest games ever made, let alone 2D Soulslikes.

Dead Cells (Switch)

Publisher:

Motion Twin /

Developer:

Motion Twin

Release Date:

7th Aug 2018 (USA) / 7th Aug 2018 (UK/EU)

A run-based roguelite, Dead Cells is a masterclass in design, mixing together nonstop intense action sequences, gorgeous vistas, and an addictive loop of unlocks and rewards into a beautiful experience. While the world is procedurally generated every run, the exacting skill-based combat and bosses here are sure to appeal to any Souls fan willing to play in 2D.

There’s dozens, if not hundreds, of hours of content available here, and it’s remarkable how fresh Dead Cells can stay through all those hours — it’s a must-buy.

Dead Cells

• $29.95
• £23.18
• Amazon (US)

Blasphemous (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Team17 /

Developer:

The Game Kitchen

Release Date:

10th Sep 2019 (USA) / 10th Sep 2019 (UK/EU)

Blasphemous is a beautifully crafted Soulslike/Metroidvania action game set in a delightfully unhinged, deliriously gory world filled with well-designed enemies, satisfyingly meaty combat and some truly memorable and grotesque boss battles. Platforming sections are uniformly well-crafted and the whole thing comes together to create one of the most visually arresting and solidly enjoyable action titles currently available on Switch.

Spanish developer The Game Kitchen created a nightmare world in Cvstodia, one that will truly test your combat and platforming skills and leave you begging for more come that final bloody battle.

Blasphemous Deluxe Edition

• $39.99
• £29.99
• Amazon (UK)

Moonscars (Switch eShop)

Publisher:

Humble Games /

Developer:

Black Mermaid

Release Date:

27th Sep 2022 (USA) / 27th Sep 2022 (UK/EU)

Moonscars is a dark and punchy 2D action adventure that tweaks the Soulslike formula just enough to make it worth jumping into yet another entry in this most overstuffed of genres. The combat here is super slick stuff that’s meticulously animated through the game’s exquisite pixel art style, there are a ton of cool skills and weapons to get your hands on, and the world and its enemies are thoroughly well-designed. It’s a shame, then, that this Switch port currently suffers from fairly consistent frame rate issues, because beyond a few difficulty issues here and there, it’s pretty hard to find fault with what Black Mermaid has served up. A couple of patches would make this one an easy recommendation for fans of Soulslike games.