Salt and Sanctuary
Salt and Sanctuary is a 2D action role-playing game developed by Ska Studios and released in 2016. It combines side-scrolling combat with mechanics inspired by action RPGs, including stamina management and character builds. Players explore a dark, interconnected world filled with hostile enemies and challenging bosses. Progression is based on skill trees, equipment upgrades, and exploration-driven discovery.
What it feels like
The harsh, unflinching darkness of a cursed island with brutal combat and gothic imagery pervades the experience.
What it's about
A cursed realm of forgotten cities, desecrated monuments, and blood-soaked dungeons establishes a grim, decayed fantasy setting. Dark atmosphere and hostile environment contribute to horror elements, though not the primary focus.
How it plays
Stamina-gated melee combat with deliberate spacing and punishment of openings is the defining mechanical framework, explicitly inspired by action RPGs in the soulslike tradition. Close-quarters weapon combat with deliberate timing and spacing is the core interaction throughout. Deep stat, skill, and equipment combinations enable varied theorycrafted playstyles across a rich tree system.
How it looks and sounds
The entire game is presented as a side-scrolling 2D experience, making side-view perspective definitional to the design. Ornate decaying architecture, macabre monuments, and desecrated sites establish a gothic visual language.
How it's structured
An interconnected 2D world where exploration discovers ability gates that reopen earlier areas is a core structural pillar. Progression is explicitly structured around skill trees where players allocate points to specialize their character. While local co-op is available, the game is fundamentally designed as a single-player experience with co-op as an option.
Kindred games
Shares Soulslike Combat, Metroidvania, Melee Combat, Side View.
Both lean into Soulslike Combat, Metroidvania, Melee Combat, Side View.
Shares Soulslike Combat, Melee Combat, Dark Fantasy, Character Builds.
Both lean into Soulslike Combat, Melee Combat, Dark Fantasy, Single-Player.
Shares Soulslike Combat, Side View, Metroidvania, Dark Fantasy.
Both lean into Soulslike Combat, Side View, Metroidvania, Dark Fantasy.
See all games like Salt and Sanctuary →
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Melee Combat, Side View, Platforming, Dark Fantasy. 85% positive across 4,522 Steam reviews.
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