Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition (Switch eShop)

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.

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Hollow Knight (Switch eShop)

Another indie darling, Hollow Knight presents a beautiful 2D world, tactile combat, and impressive bevvy of secrets that 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.

And if you're after more, there's always a little game called Silksong.

Dead Cells (Switch)

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.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)

Available on Switch as part of the Nintendo Switch Online NES library, the original NES sequel to The Legend of Zelda is a tough, unforgiving game and one which you can easily argue influenced FromSoftware's approach to Demon's Souls and the series it spawned.

This game felt so different to the first that many people bounced off it back in the day. It's only in recent years — thanks largely to the Souls-led renaissance of games that present a stiff challenge and refuse to massage players' egos by letting unforced errors go unpunished — that Zelda II: The Adventure of Link has gotten something of a critical reappraisal. These days anyone can finish the game thanks to save states and rewinds, and if that's what it takes to be able to spend enough time with Zelda II to let it get under your skin, we're all for it. In many ways, Dark Souls feels like what Zelda might have become had Nintendo taken a different path, rather than returning to the original game's top-down overworld style with A Link to the Past.

If Dark Souls and some of the other games above have tempered you enough to withstand harsh challenges, it might well be the perfect time to revisit and finally conquer Zelda II.

Moonscars (Switch eShop)

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.

Tunic (Switch eShop)

Don't be fooled by the cute little fox, the colour of the isometric world, and the Zelda comparisons. Tunic will hand you your rear end over and over if you don't learn from your mistakes. Not only does it carry most of the Souls hallmarks — 'bonfire' save point equivalents, unforgiving bosses, collectible currency on death, upgradable stats, and more — but perhaps its most Soulsian equality is its refusal to spell things out for you.

Discovering game manual pages and piecing together morsels of information via hints very carefully obscured by the bespoke in-game language/text is an integral part of the experience — one which recreates brilliantly the joys of poring through instruction manuals as a child.

This is a game where you learn from experimentation, even to do things as simple and integral as levelling up your skills. As much as the Zelda comparison is apt and accurate, Tunic's soul is a dark one.

Bleak Sword DX (Switch eShop)

A surprisingly solid Soulslike, Bleak Sword DX does exactly what it sets out to do and nothing else, which makes it hard to fault. Once you get the timing down on the limited actions at your disposal, you’ll find the monsters full of character even as they try to beat you to death.

You’ll die often but the game does a great job of making each death feel like a learning experience rather than a punishment. Short and sweet.

Labyrinth Of The Demon King (Switch eShop)

Labyrinth Of The Demon King does a great job of providing an authentic action-horror, dungeon-crawling experience that feels like it’s straight out of 1997 in all the best ways. The eerie, lo-fi visuals, punishing combat, and disorienting dungeon layouts all combine to make for a maze worth solving.

We’d give this one a strong recommendation to any fans of Soulslike games who want to try something with similar traits, but that also feels different in some key ways. This is a great experience if you’re willing to stick it out and learn its intricacies.