Summary
-
Roguelikes come in all shapes and sizes, from turn-based classics to modern hybrids like deck-building games.
-
Difficulty is a key feature, but tutorials and strong communities make the experience enjoyable for all players.
-
From grid-based mech battles to card games, there's a roguelike out there for every type of player.
Roguelikes, roguelites, traditional roguelikes… there are many ways to refer to turn-based games with procedurally generated floors or dungeons. Whether they're hack-and-slash like Hades, turn-based like Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, or a black screen of numbers and letters like the original Rogue, as long as there are random level designs, you can probably call them roguelikes.
10 Best Roguelike Modes in Non-Roguelike Games
These games are an added challenge with their roguelike modes.
While they can come in all different shapes and sizes, by traditional standards, roguelikes should be turn-based. But even modern games have deviated enough from the formula to set them apart from the rest.
Roguelikes are usually known for their difficulty, but most of them offer excellent tutorials and great communities behind them to make your experience much more enjoyable!
10
Into The Breach
This grid-based mech fighter is one of the best roguelikes to play if you're trying to scratch that Final Fantasy Tactics itch, but you're looking for something a little more futuristic and challenging. Into The Breach is an incredible game with tough battles and even better sprite work.
Each island in the game is procedurally generated, giving all fans of roguelikes everywhere a new and fresh challenge. Although each scenario will be different, you can still upgrade your mechanics and pilots to ensure a quick victory next time.
9
Slay the Spire
Roguelike purists would argue that Slay the Spire would be more akin to “roguelite”. Nevertheless, the developer's creativity has continuously pushed the boundaries of what can be placed in the category of the genre. So why not combine them with card games?
Slay The Spire is a rogue-like deck building game, where each encounter gives you cards to upgrade your deck as you traverse the spire. If there's a card game that deserves to be known as a roguelike, it's Slay The Spire.
8
Darkest Dungeon 2
Darkest Dungeon's developers found a way to reinvent the “villainous” formula while staying true to the name. This game offers turn-based party combat that will reward you for keeping each party member on good terms with each other, but will punish you severely if you can't get the characters to work together.
The game throws tons of debuffs at players on their journey to find the source of the world's evil, but if you're skilled at team building and strategy, you should have no problem conquering this incredible RPG.
7
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon
The Mystery Dungeon games are best known for their fun crossovers with popular titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, but their entries in the Pokémon series are some of the most beloved by fans.
The game's premise puts you in the shoes of a Pokémon, rather than a trainer, who is chosen for you by a quiz at the beginning of the story. The chosen Pokemon will match your personality perfectly and if you are looking for a more light-hearted, but sometimes difficult roguelike, the dungeon crawler is perfect for you.
6
Caves of Qud
Although Caves Of Qud most closely resembles a traditional roguelike, its mechanics and action make it stand out above the rest. While you can start your character in its “canon” starting point, with plenty of both prescripted and procedurally generated quests, you can also start your adventure in a random city, complete with its own citizens and political groups with their own agendas that can drive the story differently each time you load.
Caves Of Qud isn't the hardest roguelike out there, but if you're not familiar with traditional roguelike interfaces and aesthetics, this game might come as a challenge.
Don't be intimidated by the overwhelming map! Caves Of Qud is an excellent game with great character building!
5
Balatro
Have you seen that Uno game that comes with blank cards where you can write whatever you want on them? That's how Balatro feels. Poker roguelike is almost nothing like poker. You'll be able to collect special wild cards and make up hands on the go while listening to a pretty cool synthwave soundtrack.
Roguelike vs. Roguelite: What's the difference?
Permadeath and procedural generation are a big part of both genres, but what is the difference between the two?
As one of the most creative deck-builder roguelikes out there, Balatro is a must-play if you've ever wanted to win big in the casino while basically cheating. Just make sure you don't copy these strategies in the real game.
4
Slice and dice
Slice And Dice is the closest you'll get to a villainous Dungeons & Dragons game. Similar to the original Final Fantasy, the game offers you countless playable characters and classes with their own unique dice for their attacks.
But be careful, one small mistake can cost you the entire run and force you to start from the beginning. Slice & Dice is not for the faint of heart, but once you get the hang of it, reaching the boss will feel so rewarding.
3
Encryption
Encryption is one of the hardest games to nail. It's a mix of deck builder, puzzle, adventure, horror and elements of fourth wall breaking dialogue, all while keeping the villainous spirit alive. Similar to other lane-based card games, such as Marvel Snap, Inscryption is played on a large grid where you lay out your cards to battle your opponent.
However, this game is much more than simple card battles. The very meta story and plot will leave you extremely confused and discombobulated, but as you progress and the story unfolds, you'll find that Inscryption is unlike anything else.
2
Dicey Dungeons
Not all roguelikes have to appeal to the most hardcore players. Dicey Dungeon may offer a challenge to those who seek it, but its light-hearted tone and art style make it easy to play through. The game presents itself as a Mario Party-style board game, but under the hood you'll find a carefully crafted roguelike with some of the most interesting power-ups and enemies.
Dicey Dungeons is half card battler, half tabletop game, a traditional roguelike through and through, albeit with a colorful layer of paint.
1
Shiren the Wanderer
Although Mystery Dungeon games spend most of their time in the worlds of various series, the developers, Spike Chunsoft, have characters and worlds of their own that are equally amazing and can tell compelling stories. Shiren The Wanderer is one of the most popular of their creations. The gameplay is very similar, but its unique story is one to pay attention to.
Although somewhat underrated, Shiren The Wanderer gives players the ultimate Mystery Dungeon experience without the fluff of more popular entries like Pokemon.
Best First-Person Roguelikes
Most roguelikes are in third person, but these titles prove that the genre can work well in first person as well.
