2D souls like games are becoming one of the most exciting genres in gaming today. These games combine the intense combat and dark atmosphere from Dark Souls with a 2D world that is easier to explore but still full of danger. They focus on timing, blocking, dodging, and smart attacking. You cannot mash buttons and win. You must learn, improve, and try again each time you fail.
In most of these 2D games, when you die, the game will take you back to a checkpoint. You may lose your currency or upgrade points and must return to get them again. This creates pressure and excitement, because every move matters. But that also makes every victory feel amazing and earned through your own skill.
If you love action and dark fantasy worlds, then the best 2D souls like games will give you hours of challenging and rewarding fun. This guide will help you understand the genre and pick the right game to start with.
What are 2D Souls games?
2D souls like games are action-adventure games that focus on difficult combat and careful exploration. You walk through dark areas, battle strong enemies, and unlock new paths. Each enemy can kill you if you do not respect their attacks. You must learn their moves and react correctly.
These games usually include:
- Hard enemies and boss fights
- Smart combat with dodge, parry, and stamina usage
- Checkpoints where enemies respawn
- A dark story with hidden lore and secrets
- Progress systems like leveling up or unlocking skills
They keep the soul of Dark Souls but fit it into the world of 2D games.
What Makes 2D Souls Like Games So Addictive?
2D souls like games are very addictive because they give players a strong reason to keep playing. Even if you lose, you feel like you learned something and can win next time. They give a fun loop of trying again and getting better.
Here are some reasons why players cannot stop playing these games:
- Losing never feels pointless because you learn the enemy’s style
- Upgrades and new skills make real improvements.
- Levels are full of hidden secrets and shortcuts.
- Boss victories feel like real personal achievements.
- You grow as a player, not just your character
The best 2D souls like games make players feel challenged but hopeful. You always think, “Just one more run,” even after many tries. That makes this genre so enjoyable and long-lasting.
Top 10 Best 2D Souls Like Games (Ranked and Reviewed)
Here are the best 2D souls like games you can play today. Each one offers a strong mix of tough battles, interesting worlds, and smart design.
Salt and Sanctuary
Salt and Sanctuary is one of the main reasons people love 2D souls like games. It includes deep builds, dark dungeons, and bosses that force you to learn timing and strategy.
Why play:
- Huge skill tree with many builds
- Dark and creepy world
- Many weapon types to unlock
A great starting point if you want a game that feels very close to Dark Souls.
Blasphemous 2
Blasphemous 2 takes place in a disturbing world inspired by religious horror. The game combines precise combat with great platforming and deep lore.
Why play:
- Hand-drawn art that stands out
- Hard and fun combat
- Different weapons for different play styles
One of the best 2d games for players who love strange and dark stories.
Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights
Ender Lilies has a beautiful art style and a sad but interesting story. But do not be fooled, the bosses hit very hard.
Why play:
- Smooth movement and dodging
- Collect spirits as your attack skills.
- Strong emotional atmosphere
This game is great for exploration and deep world design.
GRIME
GRIME focuses heavily on parrying. Instead of normal leveling, you absorb enemies to gain strength.
Why play:
- A fun parry system that feels rewarding
- Dark and strange world
- Many builds to try and test out.
Good choice for players who enjoy precise and technical combat.
Death’s Gambit: Afterlife
The Afterlife update made this game much bigger and better. New areas, bosses, and skills add more replay value.
Why play:
- Multiple classes with different styles
- Hidden areas and secrets
- Creative and intense bosses
A great pick for players who enjoy exploring large maps in 2D games.
The Last Faith
The Last Faith mixes Metroidvania design with harsh souls like combat. It has a gothic theme that fans love.
Why play:
- Dark fantasy art and story
- Upgrade systems that feel good
- Challenge feels fair but tough.
A strong choice for fans of horror-themed games.
Tails of Iron
You play as a small rat prince in a dangerous war. Combat feels more realistic and grounded with a focus on parry and dodge.
Why play:
- Great animations
- Hard boss fights
- Very engaging close combat
Cute characters but deadly gameplay.
Moonscars
Moonscars has a hand-painted art style that looks very artistic. Combat is fast and aggressive.
Why play:
- Grim and dark story tone
- Creative enemies and levels
- Good weapon upgrades
A strong pick if you want a serious challenge.
Nine Sols
Nine Sols uses a deflect system similar to Sekiro but in 2D. It is fast and requires perfect timing.
Why play:
- Fast-paced combat
- Hand-drawn levels and characters
- Boss fights that test your reactions.
Great for players who love high-speed battles in 2D souls-like games.
Vigil: The Longest Night
A complete adventure with long levels, powerful weapons, and many enemies in the shadows.
Why play:
- Long campaign with many challenges
- A dark and mysterious world
- Good choice for deep exploration
A hidden gem for fans of the best 2D souls like games.
Upcoming 2D Souls Like Games to Watch
The future of this genre looks exciting. Many indie developers are working on new 2D games with:
- Faster combat systems
- Better animations and platforming
- Deeper lore and storytelling
New releases will give players even more worlds to explore and more bosses to defeat.
2D Souls Like Games vs Metroidvanias
These two genres look similar, but they focus on different things.
Metroidvania games:
- Exploration first
- Unlocking new areas with new abilities
- Less punishment for death
2D souls like games:
- Combat first
- Hard enemies and boss pressure
- Dropping currency or progress on death
Some games mix both styles, which gives the best of both worlds.
Which 2D Soulslike Should You Play First?
If you want a good beginner option, try one of these:
- Salt and Sanctuary if you want pure Souls-style gameplay
- Ender Lilies, if you want an easier start and a strong story
- Tails of Iron, if you like blocking and parrying battles
All of them are great starting points in 2D souls like games.
Where to Play These Games (PC / Consoles)
Most of the best 2D souls like games are available on:
- PC (Steam and other stores)
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- Nintendo Switch
Because they are 2D games, they also run very well on handheld systems like the Steam Deck.
Conclusion
2D souls-like games give players a mix of strategy, action, and challenge in a format that is enjoyable and easy to access. They are tough, but very rewarding. This genre continues to grow because players love dark worlds, strong enemies, and the feeling of beating a boss after learning their attacks.
If you enjoy action and want to test your skills, the best 2D souls like games listed above are a great way to begin.
FAQs
Are 2D souls like games too difficult?
They are hard, but you improve over time. Practice makes every challenge feel fair.
Do I need to play Dark Souls before these?
No. These games are only inspired by Dark Souls. They have their own stories and systems.
What is the easiest game to start with?
Ender Lilies is often recommended as a beginner-friendly option.
Which 2D souls like game has the best combat?
GRIME and Nine Sols are great if you love parrying and fast reactions.
Can I play these games on Switch?
Yes, most of the best 2d games in this article are available on Nintendo Switch.
