Highlights

  • Demon's Souls on the PlayStation 3 birthed a genre and influenced many AAA and indie games. It's known for its punishing difficulty and has produced universally praised games like Elden Ring.
  • 2D soulslike games offer stripped-back experiences with stunning visuals, atmospheric environments, and methodical combat loops. They provide a faster but challenging gameplay experience.
  • The article highlights some of the best 2D soulslikes, including Blasphemous 2, The Last Faith, Tails of Iron, Titan Souls, Dark Devotion, Grime, Vigil: The Longest Night, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, Death's Gambit: Afterlife, Dead Cells, Salt and Sanctuary, and Hollow Knight. Each game offers unique gameplay mechanics, challenging encounters, and atmospheric worlds to explore.

When Demon’s Souls was launched on the PlayStation 3 in 2009, it birthed an entire genre and went on to influence a significant amount of prominent games in both the AAA and indie space. The Souls series is known for its punishing difficulty within densely filled worlds and has produced some of the best games of all time, including the universally praised Elden Ring.

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2D soulslike games offer a more stripped-back experience than their AAA counterparts, with stunning colourful visuals, a deeper sense of atmosphere, and side-scrolling combat that results in an often faster but more methodical combat loop. Here are some of the very best 2D soulslikes to get lost and repeatedly die in.

Updated on November 26, 2023, by Mohamed El Ouardighi: 2D Soulslike games have been gaining more recognition over the years for their charming art style and challenging difficulty. They serve as special, nostalgic games that remind us of the good old times. Because of that, we've updated this list to include a new 2D Soulslike game that recently came out, which is The Last Faith.

13 Blasphemous 2

Eviterno swings their blood red sword in a 180 degree arc as the player dodges out of the way in Blasphemous 2.
Blasphemous 2

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S , PC
Released
August 24, 2023
Developer(s)
The Game Kitchen
Publisher(s)
Team17

Why restrict yourself to blasphemy just the first time? In Blasphemous 2, there's plenty more fighting to do, but this time you're here to put an end to the endless struggle against The Miracle; you're here to fight God.

While the pixel art is beautiful and the boss fights feel nothing short of grand, even the regular enemies put up a good challenge; don't let your guard down. The world is somewhat open-ended, leaving crumbs of exploration to nibble on. Also, there are plenty of weapons and skills to acquire as you play, letting you discover and master the perfect playstyle.

12 The Last Faith

the last faith protagonist fighting hydra
The Last Faith

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S , PC
Released
November 15, 2023
Developer(s)
Kumi Souls Games
Publisher(s)
Playstack , Playstack Ltd.

Just like the Blasphemous series, The Last Faith draws significant inspiration from the game but adds its own special touch, crafting not only a visually stunning game but also a challenging experience for you. The art style is one-of-a-kind, featuring a diverse array of weapons, well-crafted level designs, and creatively designed enemies and NPCs.

As you dive into the game, you might sense some Bloodborne vibes; it's dark, gothic, and that's another compelling reason to give it a shot. If you enjoyed playing Blasphemous, then diving into The Last Faith is a must, though be prepared for a challenging journey that might involve quite a few deaths along the way.

11 Tails Of Iron

Image showing Redgi fighting Ratnor.
Tails of Iron

Released
September 17, 2021
Developer
Odd Bug Studio
Publishers
United Label

Speaking of crumbs, Redgi, the character you play as in Tails of Iron, is sick and tired of getting only the scraps and being the runt of the litter, especially since you're supposed to be the rightful ruler of a kingdom that is withering away before your very eyes.

The graphics are hand-drawn and stunning, the combat is brutal and unforgiving, and the customization of your weapons and gear is plentiful. The story isn't half bad either if you like to get sucked into video game lore. In any case, study your enemies so that you may slay them, and become the next rat king!

10 Titan Souls

Boss fight in Titan Souls
Titan Souls

Platform(s)
PS4 , PC
Released
April 14, 2015
Developer(s)
Acid Nerve , Devolver Digital
Publisher(s)
Devolver Digital

Although it has ‘Souls’ in the title, Titan Souls is more unique than you might first expect. This often underrated indie gem has you control a brave bow and arrow-wielding silent protagonist as you roll your way out of danger and is solely focussed on impressive boss encounters.

These boss rushes are made all the more difficult as you only have access to a bow and a single arrow as your tools to take down these gargantuan creatures. You are given control of how long you can charge a shot for greater damage, though one misstep, and you’ll have to start over. The game is beautifully simple in both its mechanics and visuals, and is a challenging experience for those that want to get stuck right into the action.

9 Dark Devotion

Boss fight in Dark Devotion
Dark Devotion

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
April 25, 2019
Developer
Hibernian Workshop
Publisher(s)
The Arcade Crew

Offering another tough combat experience, Dark Devotion is a deeply engaging and evocative action-platformer that will have you repeatedly dying with the best of them.

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It’s a little light on the story side of things, but it makes up for it with its great combat system and tough boss fights that require a lot of quick reflexes and stamina management - something a true Souls veteran will be more than used to. There’s a myriad of weapons and relics to find to enhance your character, which results in a fun romp for those looking for a deep challenge coupled with a sombre atmosphere as you explore the game’s dangerous temple.

8 Blasphemous

Boss fight in Blasphemous
Blasphemous

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PS4 , Xbox One
Released
September 10, 2019
Developer(s)
The Game Kitchen
Publisher(s)
Team17 , Limited Run Games

Blasphemous is a frantically fast-paced, brutal action-platformer and couldn’t be more nightmarishly atmospheric if it tried. The bloody combat is punishing and exciting, and the eerie Gothic setting is gorgeous and ripe with religious imagery.

As with any Souls game, you’ll need to equip and upgrade your stats, gear, and items in order to make a build to survive. This is essential as the myriad of unique bosses will offer a deep challenge that requires a certain degree of skill as you dodge and roll your way out of their telegraphed attacks. The world is a joy to explore and has some of the best-looking visuals the genre has to offer.

7 Grime

Massive creature in GRIME
Grime

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S
Released
August 2, 2021
Publisher(s)
Akupara Games
Developer
Clover Bite

This 2.5D side-scroller wears its inspirations on its sleeve, with its tough-as-nails combat and methodical platforming. What sets it apart is that you get to keep the game’s persistent currency, Mass, upon death. This allows you to regroup and incrementally level up your stats to go back and face the challenge anew. It encourages you to experiment with different builds, weapons, and play styles, without worrying too much about the penalty.

Similar to Bloodborne’s transforming weapons feature, Grime also introduces a mechanic where your weapons are alive and can transmute on the fly, changing up the combat in a stylised and unique way. This is important, too, as the combat is just as intense and brutal as any Souls experience out there.

6 Vigil: The Longest Night

Character fighting a bear in the forest in Vigil The Longest Night
Vigil: The Longest Night

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC
Released
October 14, 2020
Developer
Glass Heart Games
Publisher(s)
Another Indie

Although not the most original soulslike to enter the fray, Vigil: The Longest Night brings enough to the table to stand out on its own merits and is sure to please fans of the genre. The combat encourages an aggressive play style, and the visuals are as dark and gruesome as you would expect, taking much inspiration from Bloodborne.

There is a captivating story at its core that keeps you hooked until the end. The levels are varied and deeply engaging, rivalling the most imaginative level designs from the Souls series. The boss designs are also just as impressively horrendous, and it all comes together to offer an experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

5 Ender Lilies: Quietus Of The Knights

Boss fight in Ender Lilies Quietus Of The Knights
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X|S
Released
January 21, 2021
Developer(s)
Live Wire
Publisher
Binary Haze Interactive

Taking inspiration from the unforgiving combat and labyrinthine exploration of Dark Souls and Hollow Knight, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a beautiful action-oriented platforming adventure.

In true Metroidvania style, you explore the game’s beautifully crafted and densely filled levels with abilities you unlock as you progress through the game. The twist is that you absorb the abilities of the foes you defeat and add their tools to your arsenal, which you can then customise to your liking.

The boss fights are also an engaging challenge - as you drop their health below a certain level, they will change their phase, forcing you to quickly adapt and use every tool at your disposal.

4 Death’s Gambit: Afterlife

A red and black mech enemy wields a long weapon with swirling energy around it.
Death's Gambit: Afterlife

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
August 14, 2018
Developer(s)
White Rabbit
Publisher
Serenity Forge, Beep

Death’s Gambit: Afterlife is a reimagining of the game’s initial release in 2018, with a complete overhaul of its mechanics, an introduction of new bosses and levels to get lost in, as well as an array of new weapons to play with. It’s an action-platformer at its core, with a huge emphasis on combat and Metroidvania-like exploration. That’s a good thing too, as Afterlife adds a whopping ten levels to the original game, each with its own hidden secrets and unique enemies to defeat.

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As with any game of its type, you must upgrade your character and change up your build in order to progress through the tough challenges ahead. It’s clear that White Rabbit Interactive has gone above and beyond to make this the best experience possible.

3 Dead Cells

Character fighting multiple enemies in Dead Cells
Dead Cells

Released
May 17, 2017
Developer(s)
Motion Twin
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Android , iOS
Publisher(s)
Motion Twin

A game with probably the most amount of ‘likes’ in its description, Dead Cells is a Metroidvania-like soulslike roguelike (that was a mouthful), and boy, is it fantastic. As with any self-respecting contemporary roguelike, the levels are randomised and procedurally generated, making each run feel distinct and unique. The combat is deeply engaging and punishing in equal measure, encouraging the use of its many weapons and tools.

At the end of your run, you have to start from scratch and try out a different weapon or build to tackle the game’s tough levels and bosses. With a slew of meaty updates and sizable DLC, Dead Cells has become one of the best indie souls roguelike experiences ever made.

2 Salt And Sanctuary

Boss fight in Salt and Sanctuary
Salt and Sanctuary

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , PC , PS4 , PS Vita , Xbox One
Released
March 15, 2016
Developer(s)
Ska Studios
Publisher(s)
Ska Studios

As the original pioneer for 2D soulslike games, Salt and Sanctuary borrows heavily from the Souls series, and proudly uses the best of those games to elevate its own world and mechanics.

Don’t let the whimsically dark cartoony-style visuals fool you; this game is brutally difficult, with an impressive amount of areas to get lost in and explore. The combat is deep as it allows you to wield a variety of weapons and magic spells, encouraging experimentation with unique builds to take down the game’s tough boss encounters. This is a fitting tribute to the Souls series that more than deserves to be praised on its own merit.

1 Hollow Knight

Boss fight in Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight

Released
February 24, 2017
Developer(s)
Team Cherry
Platform(s)
PC , Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , macOS , Linux
Publisher(s)
Team Cherry

Hollow Knight is an indie darling that has captivated the hearts of all who have played it. It is clearly inspired by the Souls and Metroidvania genres and blends both together in a wondrous adventure of action-platforming perfection.

It incorporates many aspects of the genre, including delightful NPC questlines, upgradeable weapons and spells, meaningful exploration, and die-and-repeat boss fights. In true Metroidvania fashion, you will unlock more magical abilities that will allow you to access previously blocked-off areas, prompting you to tempt fate and delve further into the dark depths below.

This is a huge game with dozens of hours of DLC to play through, winding paths to explore, and an extremely memorable final boss fight to encounter. This is undoubtedly one of the best 2D soulslikes out there.

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