Roguelites and Roguelikes are a very popular genre of games these days, with some amazing titles. If you’re looking to get stuck into Roguelikes, here are 30 of the best Roguelikes and Roguelites you can get your hands on today.
For those unsure of this genre, it is essentially a dungeon crawler mechanic, turn-based gameplay, and the main thing: Your character dies. Permanently. The difference between a Roguelike and a Roguelite is that in a Roguelike if you die, you start again with nothing. In a Roguelite, if you die, you start again but get to keep something from the previous run to give you a boost.
Dead Cells
Metroidvania-inspired Dead Cells is a beautiful rogue-lite. Dead Cells is one of the harder roguelites out there, as there are no checkpoints in the constantly changing castle you explore. Instead, you just have to die over and over to learn how to proceed through the castle. If you’re a fan of soulslike combat, this game excels in creating great combat options similar to Dark Souls. Not only are there regular free content updates, but there are some fantastic DLC options, too!
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5
Darkest Dungeon
A gothic roguelike with turn-based combat, Darkest Dungeon is a hauntingly beautiful but difficult roguelike. Not only do you have to deal with challenging combat, which can test your brain, but you also have to ensure that you are combating your team’s psychological stresses. Should they get to breaking point, your team will suffer as a whole.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Slay the Spire
Marrying deck-building elements with roguelike mechanics, Slay the Spire is a fun timesink. With four different characters to play, multiple ways to make a deck, and relics to help you, can you Slay the Spire? Just when you think you’ve completed it, even more challenges are awaiting you.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Android
Risk of Rain 2
Risk of Rain 2 allows you to play on your own or with friends. With a multitude of characters to choose from, all with their own pros and cons, escape an alien planet full of frenzied creatures out to get you. Try to get your hands on as much loot as possible to help (or hinder) your playthrough, fight bosses, and engage in chaotic combat.
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance
The Binding of Isaac has hours of replayability that require you to die repeatedly to learn and unlock more items as you go. There are now three major DLCs for the game, which add achievements galore, items, and new endings. Will you be able to survive in this gory hellscape with just your tears to fend off enemies?
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Against the Storm
Against the Storm is one of the more unique roguelikes on this list. You are the Queen’s Viceroy and have to work to build cities up. Leading humans, lizards and beavers, foxes, and harpies to safety and help them reclaim the expansive wilderness around them. Of course, there are consequences to your actions along the way, including debuffs, traits, and rewards if quests are completed correctly.
Platforms: Windows
Don’t Starve
Don’t Starve has two different versions. One where you play it on your own, and Don’t Starve Together, where you can play with friends. The game aims to survive as long as possible while maintaining your hunger, health, and sanity. Not only this, but you must try and learn as many scientific experiments and magic as possible in a world full of many dangers.
Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Rogue Legacy
Playing as a character based on genealogy, where each character you play will have some sort of disability. Whether it be vertigo, IBS, or colorblindness, it makes things chaotic. However, that doesn’t always hinder you; you can come out on top.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Endless Dungeon
Endless Dungeon is exactly what it says in the name: exploring an endless dungeon and defeating constant waves of enemies with your allies to protect your crystal. Compared to other games, the roguelike elements are somewhat based on the currency you earn throughout your experience, allowing you to purchase items to help you in your next run.
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch
Neon Abyss
Neon Abyss is a pretty chaotic roguelite mixed with action-platformer elements. Exploring the abyss, you get to run ‘n’ gun your way through with a multitude of item synergies and combinations. Featuring a unique evolution system, it means that every run you have in Neon Abyss changes the experience. Compared to other roguelikes, there are fun mini-games and many characters to experiment with, leading to hours of endless fun and challenge.
Platforms: Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Moonlighter
Getting to play as a shopkeeper, you go on an adventure to become a hero. Moonlighter has a beautiful art style as you go through the world, complete quests, talk with NPCs, and learn more about the protagonist, Will. Not only do you have Will, but you have a multitude of companions to keep you company, as well as gear to make your journey through Moonlighter easier.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android
World of Horror
Inspired by H.P Lovecraft and Junji Ito, World of Horror is far from the typical roguelike. It marries survival horror, visual novel, and point-and-click elements all together. The choices you make are detrimental and will have long-lasting effects. Choose carefully in this horrific world of cosmic horror.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5
Noita
In a procedurally generated world, you have to fight your way through using a variety of spells that you learn along the way. Noita is a great action roguelite with chaotic gameplay and a huge range of spells, allowing you to burn and freeze enemies and terrain to get through the terrain.
Platforms: Windows
Cult of the Lamb
To become a cult leader, you must lead your own prophet group. While working to keep them happy (or unhappy), you must choose traits and buildings for your woodland cult. Not only this but there are unexplored regions for you to fight your way through, leading to some difficult bosses and fantastic rewards. The base game is stuffed full of content. However, if that isn’t enough for you, there are now multiple DLCs and free updates that add even more to the game!
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Balatro
Balatro is probably one of the most unique roguelikes on this list. Playing a game of Poker where you make illegal hands, find game-changing cards, and create ridiculous combos to try and win. Balatro is one of the most bizarre roguelikes on this list. The best part is you don’t even have to play Poker or know-how, as it’s far removed from what Poker truly is.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Invisible, Inc.
Controlling the agents of Invisible, you have to make your way into dangerous corporations and buildings. Utilizing stealth and teamwork, you have a multitude of high-stakes missions to complete. This roguelike utilizes turn-based combat, allowing you to carefully consider your moves.
Platforms: PC, iOS, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
30XX
The sequel to 20xx, this game is similar to Mega Man and plays out as a roguelite action-platformer. You can shoot and jump through the levels by yourself or play with a friend to help you out. 30xx requires some difficult and precise platforming mixed with chaotic combat against Guardians. You can uncover some really fun powers that can make or break your run in 30xx.
Platforms: Windows
Vampire Survivors
In a pixellated action-roguelike, you get to use fun passives and actives to defeat enemies and try to survive as long as possible. By unlocking new relics and weapons, you can get some really fun and chaotic gameplay, with nonstop effects all over your screen. If the base game isn’t enough for you, there are now three DLCs for you to add!
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android
Talented
Talented is a small roguelite where you fight monsters coming at you from four directions. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about moving to dodge, as you just stand on the spot while the conveyor belt of enemies approaches. There are lots of talents you can choose from, which include passive and active abilities you can use to become stronger.
This game has a tonne of replayability and is a fantastic timesink. Talented is still in early access, so there is a lot of new content to come for this game.
Platforms: PC
Into the Breach
If you’re a fan of mechs, this is the game for you. Controlling a variety of powerful futuristic mechs, you have to stop the alien threat from taking over the planet. Each attempt to save the planet offers something new, as it’s randomly generated every single time. Into the Breach features a turn-based strategy, allowing you to have precise actions.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Spelunky 2
Spelunking on the moon, you have to navigate through difficult platforming challenges and traps set out to kill you. Your mission is to search for treasure and your family. Like most roguelikes, should you die, it is a perma death. There is so much more to explore, with animals you can tame and a base camp full of friends and family.
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox X/S
FTL: Faster Than Light
Crafting your own spaceship, you have to man it and fight for survival against rogue spaceships that are trying to destroy yours. FTL includes resource management, as you need to ensure that your spaceship has power in the correct places to fight back against enemies.
Platforms: PC, iPad
Monster Train
Another deck-builder roguelike, this game takes place on a train with a one-way ticket to Hell. You have to make tactical choices to ensure your safety as you compete against other players. Monster Train offers hours of replayability as you can build a variety of decks as you fight for survival.
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS
Streets of Rogue
Streets of Rogue is a fabulous roguelike with a lot of chaotic elements. You can sneak your way to victory or hack and slash a bloody path. The choice is yours entirely. You can also interact with NPCs and complete quests along the way.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android
Crypt of the Necrodancer
Crypt of the NecroDancer is one of the most unique roguelikes on this list. What makes it stand out from the crowd is that it is a rhythm roguelike. Every movement you do is in time with a beat. Whether it’s songs already in the game or you want to upload your own MP3 files to dance to, Crypt of the NecroDancer is a fantastic time. Not only that, but it has some great DLCs available if you want more.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Returnal
If you enjoy bullet hells, you’ll want to give Returnal a go. In this co-op game that takes place in space, you play as Selene, where you have to roam a planet full of hazards and take on challenges that may very well end your life. Every time you die, the cycle begins anew, and the planet you were on experiences new changes, adapting how you play the game.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows
Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse of the Dead Gods has a unique art style similar to that of Darkest Dungeon. Making your way through a labyrinth full to the brim with traps and deadly enemies, you are looking for treasure, divine powers, and eternal life.
Fluid combat and intense platforming help make this a game to remember. If you’re a fan of Tomb Raider, Curse of the Dead Gods is a great roguelike to try out.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet-hell meets roguelike. Playing as a band of misfits, it is up to you to make your way through a sprawling dungeon, shooting and looting your way to victory. There are many demanding boss fights to take on, and the reward for completing them is great. Can you make it to the end to get the ultimate weapon?
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Dicey Dungeons
Dicey Dungeons has an interesting premise where you play giant dice and explore dungeons while trying to defy Lady Luck. It’s completely based on dice mechanics, rolling the dice to either move or attack and getting special effects. Since its release, it has a brand new DLC for free.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, Android, iOS, PlayStation 5
Hades
Supergiant Games.
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, Hades is the perfect roguelike for you. Playing as Hades’ son, Zagreus, you must try and escape hell’s depths. Along the way, you can get boons from the other Gods and gain favor with them. Or if you’re brave enough, you can betray them.
The art style is beautiful, coupled with a fantastic soundtrack and intense combat.
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, iOS
That concludes our list of Roguelikes and Roguelites that you should try. Some here are significantly more challenging than others, but progressing through the games can be incredibly rewarding.
What is your favorite Roguelike?
