Best Soulslike Games That Respect Your Time

As gamers get older, they often find they have less free time and energy to devote to their favorite games and other hobbies.

These days, I’m much more selective about the games I start, unlike when I was a teenager. I really dislike leaving games incomplete and always feel driven to finish them all the way through.

I don’t often pick games I don’t enjoy, but it’s incredibly annoying when a game overstays its welcome and feels like a waste of my time – it almost feels disrespectful to the player.

I can recognize a game that’s challenging but fair, especially when it doesn’t waste your time. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the ten best Soulslike games that truly respect your time.

10. Vampyr

A Bloody Redemption

I really admire Don’t Nod as a game studio because they create such diverse titles. Of all their recent games, I think Vampyr is the most unique and memorable.

This game expertly blends the challenging combat of FromSoftware titles with the compelling storytelling of BioWare. It’s one of my favorites from the last decade because it delivers a strong, difficult, and adaptable action RPG experience, whether you’re battling tough bosses or making important choices in conversations.

Talking to characters and making choices can be just as engaging as combat, and often more so. This is because these interactions create interesting story problems that affect how the game plays, and vice versa – creating a strong connection between the story and gameplay.

While the gameplay can feel a little slow after a while, the immersive atmosphere and compelling story of Vampyr are strong enough that you’ll happily explore the city from beginning to end.

9. Absolver

Martial Arts at the End of the World

Absolver is a game that constantly introduces new gameplay elements, keeping things fresh from beginning to end. It’s a truly captivating and surprisingly overlooked indie title, and one of the most interesting I’ve played.

While the combat is different from games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne – it focuses on martial arts stances – you’ll still find familiar elements like a lonely atmosphere, extensive character customization, interconnected areas, and incredibly challenging boss fights. These clearly show the influence of those games.

The game presents a somber experience, and the drive to battle is what keeps you grounded. Every move – every strike with your arms or legs – has a specific use, letting you attack and defend effectively against your enemies.

It’s incredibly satisfying to master melee combat, learning all the moves and predicting what your opponent will do. This feeling is great whether you’re focused on beating the game or enjoying the multiplayer experience.

8. Mortal Shell

Layers upon Layers

Even though I realize Mortal Shell doesn’t appeal to all players, I really admire it for having a strong and focused vision.

Even though you can see where it takes inspiration from other games, I especially love how the combat feels – the way defenses work and the overall look combine to make fights feel epic and like they’re straight out of a movie.

Each character class feels unique and well-defined, and the game constantly encourages you to explore. Unlike many games that readily provide everything you need, this one makes you resourceful and forces you to overcome challenges with what you have.

It’s understandable if the healing system frustrates you, but Mortal Shell is a good length – it doesn’t overstay its welcome, which is actually one of its strengths.

7. Death’s Gambit

In the Service of Destruction

Death’s Gambit was one of the earliest 2D games to successfully take inspiration from the challenging gameplay of the Souls series. It helped define the 2D Soulslike genre and set a high bar for others to follow.

I’ve always thought this experience isn’t revolutionary, but rather a clever and careful refinement of what came before. It builds on familiar ideas to deliver an enjoyable journey.

It’s not groundbreaking, but that doesn’t diminish how excellent this action game is. The combat, boss battles, exploration, art style, and story all rank among the best in the indie game scene.

I still had some issues with the platforming and healing, but thankfully, the Afterlife update fixed those problems and made Death’s Gambit a really good game overall, especially with how much content there is now.

6. Salt and Sanctuary

A Perfectly Executed Inspiration

Look, if Death’s Gambit really set the bar for 2D Soulslike games, then Salt and Sanctuary doesn’t just meet it – it absolutely crushes it. It’s the best example of how to do a Soulslike in 2D, hands down.

Even though some games in this style are better than others, Ska Studios’ game really gets what makes these kinds of adventures special. It features grim, dangerous environments, incredible building options, incredibly tough bosses, and a huge number of hidden secrets.

I’m really loving how Salt and Sanctuary is built. It’s got that classic Metroidvania feel, which is awesome, but what really keeps me hooked is how it encourages me to explore. There’s always something worthwhile just a little bit off the beaten path – whether it’s a cool new area, a tough optional boss, or some seriously powerful gear. It just makes me want to keep pushing forward and see what I can find!

This game is remarkably focused – everything feels natural and contributes to the experience. It’s a truly captivating journey from start to finish, with a powerful and rewarding conclusion that matches the strength of its opening.

5. Another Crab’s Treasure

The Difficulties of Pollution

Mixing humor with messages about the environment in a game like this could seem risky, but Another Crab’s Treasure shows it’s a combination that really works – and can be surprisingly beautiful.

This game offers one of the most innovative experiences of 2024, skillfully crafting a captivating underwater world that feels both alluring and disturbingly polluted. It perfectly balances pushing creative limits with knowing when to hold back, making for a truly compelling journey.

As a gamer, what I really loved about this game was how smoothly my character moved, and the boss fights were epic – seriously, the music stuck in my head for days! The different areas felt really distinct, and the world was a perfect size. It felt big enough to explore and discover secrets, but I never felt lost because there was always a clear sense of where I couldn’t go yet. That kept me motivated to find new paths and unlock more of the game.

I consider Another Crab’s Treasure to be a clever game because it’s more than just a fun adventure filled with humor, challenges, and well-made content. It really understands what it’s trying to achieve as a Soulslike and consistently delivers on that promise, keeping its focus clear for players.

4. Thymesia

Death is Everywhere

Thymesia is a game that people seem to either really love or really dislike. Some players compare it closely to games like Sekiro and Bloodborne, focusing on similarities in gameplay, while others judge it simply as a fun experience.

While the game’s levels aren’t particularly interesting and it has some technical hiccups, the intense excitement I feel during boss fights completely overshadows those flaws. I get so caught up in the action that I don’t even notice or care about simple environments or occasional awkward animations.

While Thymesia has a few drawbacks, it offers a deeply engaging combat experience that’s hard to find in other games. It’s challenging, but incredibly addictive, demanding a high level of focus and skill.

I understand why some people find the game’s flaws more noticeable than its good qualities. However, I want to highlight what makes it special: it doesn’t just copy the classics—it builds on them to create something that feels both recognizable and uniquely its own.

3. Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

The Experience of a Fallen Kingdom

Although not a traditional Soulslike game, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights has one of the most fun completion paths I’ve experienced. I usually avoid trying to 100% complete games, as it often involves tedious and unnecessary tasks, but this one is different.

Subscribe to the newsletter for time-respecting Soulslike picks

Join the newsletter for curated Soulslike recommendations and concise guidance on games that respect your limited playtime—ideal for adults seeking rewarding, time-efficient gaming choices.

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

To truly enjoy Lily’s adventure, simply lose yourself in the game’s world. Appreciate each area for what it offers in terms of gameplay and story, rather than rushing through it as if completing a list.

Ender Lilies draws you into its world with a moving story, heartbreaking characters, and a beautiful soundtrack. It makes you want to explore not for rewards, but simply to lose yourself in its sad, comforting atmosphere, ensuring every journey feels meaningful.

You can experience everything this game offers in around twenty hours, which shows the developers value your time. They recognize that a longer playtime doesn’t necessarily make a game better.

2. Nine Sols

In the Hunt for Gods

Respecting a player’s time means more than just providing a straightforward story. As seen in Nine Sols, it’s about crafting an experience that’s consistently excellent from start to finish, making you feel like you’re playing a truly special indie game.

This game begins with gameplay reminiscent of Hollow Knight, emphasizing skillful deflections. However, it quickly evolves into something special and original, drawing inspiration from other titles but ultimately forging its own distinct identity and striving to be remembered on its own merits.

This game features incredibly polished combat focused on timing and responding to attacks, memorable and difficult boss fights, a compelling story about overcoming past mistakes, and a rich, detailed world brought to life through both its visuals and storytelling. It’s a tightly designed experience that gets off to a good start, builds momentum beautifully, and finishes with an unforgettable climax.

Honestly, thinking back on all the skills I unlocked, bosses I crushed, and hidden areas I found in Nine Sols, I have to say it’s an incredible Soulslike. It manages to feel as good as anything FromSoftware has made, but it does it its own way. It just feels masterful, and I honestly struggled to find anything to criticize about it.

1. Lies of P

FromSoftware’s True Heir

Okay, so after over a decade of reviewing games, I’ve only given two perfect scores, and Lies of P is one of them. Seriously, this game is a masterpiece. If you want to see what happens when a developer really understands and builds on the lessons of Hidetaka Miyazaki, this is it – it’s in a league of its own.

Honestly, this Pinocchio game is surprisingly good – it’s as strong as, and in some ways even better than, many games made by FromSoftware. It’s consistently well-made with a lot of content, and the quality never drops throughout the challenging story.

Lies of P constantly keeps you guessing by throwing unexpected twists into the story, challenging your skills, and sometimes even making your favorite weapons ineffective. This prevents the game from becoming predictable or boring, though it means you’ll rarely feel comfortable or safe.

The game begins with a certain feel, but evolves into something completely unique, constantly changing to keep players hooked. While it’s a lengthy experience, it’s designed to be memorable – once you’ve played Lies of P, you won’t easily forget it. It respects your time by offering lasting impact.

2026-01-31 16:42