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6 Indies Like Elden Ring

They may not be as expansive, but they still pack a punch.

There’s this new game you may have heard of called Elden Ring. It’s basically a linear experience made by a little indie developer…

All joking aside, here are six indies you should play if you like Elden Ring:

  1. Outward

Outward is a fantasy action adventure game made by a team of ten people over five years. In Outward, you take on the role of an average person trying to make their way in life. It deviates from the generic “chosen one” role we see used often in games, and does it’s best to make you feel as little as possible in this dangerous world. Your actions often have unforeseen consequences as well, such as when you die. You may awaken some hours later, and notice you’ve been robbed. Weather and basic survival needs are things to contend with as well, in addition to a wide range of difficult enemies. Did I also mention the game has co-op? 

  1. Titan Souls

Titan Souls is an action adventure game influenced by titles such as Dark Souls and Shadow of the Colossus. The premise in Titan Souls is about as simple as it gets: collect the shards and recreate the titular Titan Soul. In order to do this, you’ll set out on a quest to defeat a total 19 unique bosses, each with their own range of challenges to contend with. What helps Titan Souls really stand out from the crowd though is its focus on one hit K.O. combat. For your character, game over is always one hit away. The same goes for the bosses as well. The only difference is they’ve got one specific weak spot, which is generally in a fairly tough to reach area. Better get ready to dodge and draw your arrow back time and time again, as Titan Souls demands you do both excessively..

  1. Valheim

Valheim may differ from Elden Ring in many ways, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t parallels between the two. Both sport fantastic, sprawling worlds full of danger and mystery. They both also happen to have great enemy design and intense boss encounters, which helps highlight Valheim’s combat system. Beyond those similarities however, the two games begin to really show their distinguishing traits. Elden Ring may be a game centered around tough as nails gameplay, but Valheim is a game centered around survival. If you enjoy crafting, cooking and cave diving, consider checking it out. Maybe bring with a friend or two along for the ride while you’re at it!

  1. Mortal Shell

Mortal Shell is an action adventure game that could easily be mistaken for a distant cousin in the souls-like family. Featuring many tried and true staples of the genre, such as tricky enemy placement, and dropping experience when you die, Mortal Shell may appeal to the majority of souls players. To help distinguish itself from the herd, the game gives you access to a variety of “shells” which you can unlock and grow the power of. These shells give your otherwise weak and frail character unique traits, each differ dramatically from one shell to the next. Fight carefully however, as one wrong move could send you flying out of your shell and into the sweet embrace of death. 

  1. Ashen

Ashen is an open world action adventure game, sporting in-depth combat, sprawling level design, cooperative gameplay, somber visuals, and a magical soundtrack. Kinda sounds a bit like a souls game or two you may have heard of in the past. But fret not, as Ashen does just enough to differ itself from the formula. A major aspect here is the Ashen’s focus on community. For example, you’re actively able to see your small community that’s founded in the game grow and evolve over time. In addition, cooperative gameplay is much more accessible in Ashen. So grab a friend, and get to hunting!

  1. Blasphemous

This gothic side scrolling hack n slash hits hard with its tough gameplay and killer art direction. Sporting a sprawling world for you to explore, revolting bosses to contend with, and more savage execution animations than you can count, the game is more than well worth your time. Just be aware that no amount of upgrading or preparing will save you from the horrors Blasphemous has in store.

There are, of course, plenty more indie games out there that are worth mentioning in this list. Unfortunately, I can only spend so much time away from Elden Ring before the withdrawals set in. With that being said, I thank you for reading my list of indies you should play if you like Elden Ring.

I’m off to go die more times than I can count.

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