The roguelike genre is one of the more recently popularized genres of videogames, and still growing in popularity. As of yet, the genre is yet to be inundated with copies and endless sequels like the FPS and RPG genres have been. The genre currently remains largely indie or made by small studios, and free of the rampant capitalism and profiteering that plagues mainstream genres and games. Here’s a list we compiled of some of the best roguelike games out there for those who may not have heard of them or are new to the genre.
Number 10: Skul The Hero Slayer by SouthPAW Games
Published by Neowiz Games
Skul the Hero Slayer brings a comic theme to roguelikes with its very much undead protagonist. Skull turns the classic hero story on its head, you play as an undead skeleton fighting to free the monster races’ conquered castle from the evil human invaders. Fight off the invading ‘heroes’ with fast-paced combat by changing your skull to gain unique powers in each run. Combat the invading forces and free your people and lands.
Skul the Hero Slayer is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Macintosh operating systems.
Number 9: Rogue Legacy by Cellar Door Games, Abstraction
Published by Cellar Door Games
Rogue Legacy threw a fun spin on the roguelike genre by having you play as not just one character but an entire dynasty of fighters exploring a castle for gold and adventure. The game was made for 15k by two guys and was inspired by games like Dark Souls by From Software and The Binding of Issac by Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl. Use the gold from your adventures to buy permanent upgrades so you can fight longer and harder on each run.
Rogue Legacy is available on Microsoft Windows, Linux, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and iOS.
Number 8: Risk of Rain (Series) by Hopoo Games, PlayEveryWare
Published by Hopoo Games, Gearbox Publishing, Gearbox Software, and Chucklefish
The Risk of Rain series began in 2013 with its first entry and with its sequel Risk of Rain 2 in 2020. Risk of Rain brought a unique spin to the roguelike genre with its manic 2D Shooter mechanics and rapid combat. Risk of Rain 2 then entirely upended the series, completely changing the mechanics to a 3rd person shooter with updated graphics and rapid, crazy combat. To add to its playstyle, both games are co-op and benefit greatly by bringing a few friends along to play.
Risk of Rain is available on Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
Risk of Rain 2 is available on Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia.
Number 7: Monster Train by Shiny Shoe
Published by Good Shepard Entertainment
Monster Train came crashing into the roguelike genre with great aplomb. Mixing turn-based deckbuilding and auto battler mechanics, Monster Train brought a breath of fresh air to the genre. In Monster Train you progress to the center of Hell while riding a train and fighting various demons to advance your deck. Upgrade your demons and spells to make your way to the frozen center of hell and defeat anything that stands in your way.
Monster Train is available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Number 6: Spelunky by Mossmouth, Derek Yu, Blitworks
Published by Mossmouth, Xbox Game Studios, and Microsoft Studios
Spelunky is a classic roguelike and one of the originators of the roguelike resurgence along with The Binding of Issac. Spelunky brought the 80’s adventure of Indiana Jones to the world of video games. Play as an archeologist spelunking into the earth to uncover lost treasures and hidden secrets. With tons of jumping and acrobatic maneuvers interspersed with combat, Spelunky is a wacky combination of adventure and mystery. Always remember, beware the shopkeeper.
Spelunky is available on Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Chrome OS, and Switch.
Number 5: Dead Cells by Motion Twin
Published by Motion Twin
Dead Cells pumped up the action to the roguelike formula with its fast-paced button-mashing combat and play style. The player begins as an undead, but previously executed creature who journeys through the game's levels to uncover what has happened to them, upgrading a massively varied arsenal of weapons as they go. Rush through levels for better items and upgrades if you can make it within the time limit. Perfect for the speedrunner in us all.
Dead Cells is available on Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iOS, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Macintosh operating systems.
Number 4: Slay The Spire by Mega Crit Games
Published by Mega Crit Games and Humble Bundle
Slay The Spire is one of the few card-building roguelikes that made it big. Based around four different deck archetypes, the player must climb a spire slowly collecting cards and buffs to optimize their deck all while trying to survive the enemies and random events that get in their way. Combine cards to make overpowered combos that can run infinitely for the most fun cheese runs around.
Slay The Spire is available on Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.
Number 3: FTL: Faster than Light by Subset Games
FTL remains one of the few Sci-Fi themed roguelikes around today. With its unique real-time strategy playstyle, FTL took the genre by storm, having players navigate their rebel ship through space while avoiding the evil empire and the various ne'er-do-wells floating around the universe, all while you upgrade and kit out your ship for the final boss battle. Boldly go where some men have gone before.
FTL is available on iOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Macintosh operating systems, and Classic Mac OS.
Number 2: Hades by Supergiant Games
Published by Take-Two Interactive and Private Division
What many have declared the next step in the evolution of the roguelike genre, Hades completely changed the game with its release in 2021. Hades revolutionized a genre where the story was often neglected, non-existent, or had to be pieced together from context clues. Hades brought narrative storytelling and mountains of entertaining and well-written dialogue to the roguelike genre. In Hades, you play as Zagreus, the son of the titular god. Your goal is to escape the underworld and find your mother who left many years ago for reasons unknown. To do so you must fight your way up through the various areas of the Greek Underworld to the surface meeting gods and characters of Greek myths who help you along the way to create unique builds on each run to the surface. Discover the amazing story of this world and the beautifully illustrated gods and goddesses along the way.
Hades is available on macOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Number 1: The Binding of Isaac by Edmund McMillen and Florian Himsl
The originator of the indie roguelike renaissance, The Binding of Isaac is what started it all. A darkly comic portrayal of a child's journey through his own subconscious, the player fights enemies with his own tears. Largely influenced by the creators’ life around his born-again Christian family members, the game centers around defeating Biblically themed foes and enemies while picking up randomized items to radically change your character build each run through. Trudge through the depths of your subconsciousness to fight your literal inner demons.
The Binding of Isaac is available on Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, New Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Xbox One, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
