Summary
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Roguelikes come in all shapes and sizes, from turn-based classics to modern hybrids like deck-building games.
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Difficulty is a key feature, but tutorials and strong communities make the experience enjoyable for all players.
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From grid battles to card games, there's a roguelike for every type of player.
Roguelikes, roguelites, traditional roguelikes… there are lots of ways to refer to running 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 with numbers and letters like the original Rogue, if there are random level designs, you can probably call it a roguelike.
The 10 Best Roguelike Modes in Non-Roguelike Games
These games are another challenge with their roguelike modes.
While they can come in all shapes and sizes, by traditional standards roguelikes should be turn-based. But even modern games have deviated from the formula enough to stand out from the crowd.
Roguelikes are usually known for their difficulty, but most of them offer excellent tutorials and amazing communities behind them to make your experience that much more enjoyable!
10
To The Breach
This grid-based battle robot is one of the best roguelikes to play if you're trying to scratch that Final Fantasy Tactics itch but are looking for something a little more futuristic and challenging. Into The Breach is an incredible game with tough as nails combat and even better sprite work.
Every island in the game is procedurally generated, giving all roguelikes fans everywhere a new and fresh challenge. While each scenario will be different, you can still upgrade your mechs 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 “roguelites”. Nevertheless, the developer's creativity constantly pushes the boundaries of what can be classified as a genre. So why not combine them with card games?
Slay The Spire is a roguelike deck building game where each encounter brings you cards to upgrade your deck as you make your way through the tower. If there's a card game that deserves to be known as a roguelike, it's Slay The Spire.
8
Darkest Dungeon 2
The developers of Darkest Dungeon have found a way to reinvent the “rogue” formula while staying true to the name. The game features turn-based party combat that rewards you for keeping individual party members together, but punishes you severely if you fail to get the characters to work together.
The game throws a lot of debuffs at players on their journey to find the source of the world's evil, but if you're adept at team building and strategy, you should have no problem conquering this incredible RPG.
7
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon
The Mystery Dungeon games are mostly known for their fun crossovers with popular titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, but their entries in the Pokemon series are some of the most popular among fans.
The premise of the game puts you in the shoes of a Pokémon, not a trainer that is chosen for you by a quiz at the beginning of the story. The Pokemon you choose will match your personality perfectly, and if you're looking for a more fun but occasionally difficult roguelike, then a dungeon crawler is perfect for you.
6
Cave of Qud
Although Caves Of Qud most closely resembles a traditional roguelike, its mechanics and storyline stand out above the rest. While you can start your character at their “canon” starting point, with plenty of both pre-scripted and procedurally generated quests, you can also start your adventure in a random city, fully equipped with its own citizens and political groups with their own agenda, which can advance the narrative differently every time you load up.
Caves Of Qud is not the most difficult roguelike, but if you are not familiar with the traditional roguelike interface and aesthetics, this game may 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 deck that comes with blank cards that you can write whatever you want on? That's how Balatro feels. Poker roguelike is almost nothing like poker. You'll be able to collect special joker cards and build hands on the go while listening to a pretty nifty synthwave soundtrack.
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Permadeath and procedural generation are a big part of both genres, but what's the difference between them?
As one of the most creative roguelike deck builders out there, Balatro is a must if you've ever wanted to win at the casino while essentially cheating. Just make sure you don't copy these strategies in the real game.
4
Slice & Dice
Slice And Dice is the closest you'll ever get to a roguelike Dungeons & Dragons game. Similar to the original Final Fantasy, the game offers you a myriad of playable characters and classes with their own unique attack dice.
But beware, one small mistake can cost you the entire run and you will be forced to start all over again. Slice & Dice isn't for the faint of heart, but once you get the hang of it, getting to the boss is so rewarding.
3
Encryption
Inscryption is one of the most difficult games to detect. It's a mix of deck builder, puzzle, adventure, horror, and hints of fourth-wall-breaking dialogue, all while maintaining a roguelike spirit. Similar to other lane based card games like Marvel Snap, Inscryption is played on a large grid where you will place your cards and battle your opponent.
However, this game is much more than just card battles. The highly meta-narrative and plot will leave you extremely confused and distracted, but as you progress and the story unfolds, you'll discover that Inscryption is unlike anything else.
2
Dicey Dungeons
Not all roguelikes have to pander to the most hardcore gamers. Dicey Dungeon may offer a challenge to those looking for it, but its lighthearted tone and art style make it a breeze to play. 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.
Half card battle, half tabletop game, Dicey Dungeons is a traditional roguelike through and through, albeit with a splash of color.
1
Shiren The Wanderer
Although the Mystery Dungeon games spend most of their time in the worlds of the various series, the developers, Spike Chunsoft, have their own characters and worlds that are just as amazing and can tell compelling stories. Shiren The Wanderer is one of their most popular creations. The gameplay is very similar, but its unique story is one to pay attention to.
Although slightly underrated, Shiren The Wanderer gives players the ultimate Mystery Dungeon experience without the fluff of more popular items like Pokemon.
Best First Person Roguelike
Most roguelikes are third-person, but these titles prove that the genre can work well in first-person as well.
