Best Roguelike Games to Challenge Your Gaming Skills
Roguelike games have always caught the gaming community's attention, whether because of their characteristic mechanics, the difficulty of most titles, or the insane variety of game styles and designs you can find when exploring the options. You can play a roguelike video game with randomly generated dungeons or even linear experiences with elements of the genre. The possibilities are endless, making it very difficult to choose which title to go with.
If this is a problem for you, don’t worry. We've got you covered. We will show you the best roguelikes you can download and play right now, whether you’re looking for a roguelike deck builder, a game with procedural generation, or anything else.
Don’t worry; we will also cover different platforms to ensure you find exactly what you want. Whether you’re playing on a PC, Xbox, or anywhere else, we have everything you need here.
Best Roguelike Games to Challenge Your Gaming Skills
Roguelike vs. Rogue Lite - Is There Any Difference?
One of the most confusing topics when digging into the roguelike genre is the difference between it and rogue-lite. But is there any difference between them?
Yes. Even though the core gameplay of both genres is identical, a specific characteristic defines which categories the game belongs to.
Rogue-lites feature something called meta-progression. This means that when you die in the game, you keep something with you, whether your XP level or an item, to help make your next run easier. Even though you’re starting it again, you've made progress and have items to help you the next time you play.
On the other hand, roguelike games don’t feature meta-progression. Once you die in the game, you lose everything and have to start again from the beginning, with no items or any kind of help.
Roguelike titles usually feature randomized upgrades and perma-death throughout the game. It is a more challenging type of game and can be combined with many other game genres, like dungeon crawling or even card games.
Other Characteristics of a Good Roguelike/Rogue-Lite
Meta-progression and challenging gameplay are not the only characteristics of a great roguelike. Several aspects define this genre and influence the subset games of this category.
They usually feature procedurally generated dungeons, making the gameplay feel fresh every time you start a new run. Along with the procedural generation, most titles also have a grid-based movement.
These dungeon crawlers have not only randomly generated levels but also randomized items and weapons throughout the gameplay. The entire world usually changes when you restart the game, creating some of the best games for those looking for highly replayable titles.
Best Roguelike Games You Can Play Right Now
Now it’s time to find out the best roguelike titles you can play right now. Make sure to look at each one to see the game that best suits what you’re looking for. Remember that we will cover a variety of platforms and game styles to ensure you find the perfect match.
Whether you’re looking for a turn-based strategy game or a soulslike roguelike game, we have everything you need. Here are the best roguelike games available right now:
Dead Cells
Release Date: August, 2018
Developer: Motion-Twin
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows
If you’re looking for a true rogue-lite experience where you gradually collect new unlocked weapons and experiment with character progression through numerous upgrades and new abilities, Dead Cell is a great pick. Even though the graphics might look like many roguelikes available, this title has a very particular DNA, and this can be seen through the cell system you use to unlock new abilities and its distinct main character.
Since it’s a rogue-lite, it has permanent progression, like the upgrades you do to your character and the new weapons you unlock throughout the numerous runs. Along with weapons, you’ll also find power-ups and other items you can collect to help on your future runs.
Your permanent upgrades can have different effects, like increasing your max HP and many others. Along with these upgrades, you can also increase your weapon stats, so when you find the specific item in the procedurally generated map, it’ll deal more damage than in the previous run.
When it comes to combat, it is very similar to other titles of the genre. In Dead Cells, you have your primary weapons and support items you’ll use to defeat the numerous enemies and the final boss from certain stages. The original game counts over 50 weapons and abilities to use, and this number can be increased through the numerous DLCs available, including a Castlevania-themed one.
The game features a minor story, even though it’s not the game's focus. You control The Beheaded, trying to find a cure for malaise. This sickness quickly spread through the island, infecting almost every creature alive. Now, with all the streets overpopulated by monsters, you must defeat them while trying to end this nightmare.
This is a must-play if you’re looking for a title loyal to the traditional rogue-lite experience. Grab your favorite weapon and explore the different maps and scenarios that await you.
Get Dead Cells Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Hades
Release Date: December, 2018
Developer: Supergiant Games
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows
Hades was a true revolution to the roguelike genre, bringing tons of new players who had never tried a game of this kind. It has everything a game needs to succeed: a great soundtrack, unique art style, and one of the best gameplays ever featured on a game of this type. All of that guaranteed the title numerous awards at TGA, including “Best Indie Game.”
As you might expect from the title, the game takes inspiration from Greek mythology, and here, you control a character known as Zagreus. He is the son of Hades, and your main objective is to escape the underworld to reach Mount Olympus and try to find your mother, Persephone.
This won’t be an easy task, and you’ll find tons of enemies along the way, so prepare for combat against all kinds of monsters, including other gods and demi-gods as bosses. Combat is very smooth, and you have many mechanics to help you, from dodge roll techniques to special attacks with weapons to deal enormous damage.
The areas you explore are randomized and procedurally generated, so don’t expect every run to be the same. Even the bosses you fight against are random, so you must always be careful with what comes next.
The random element is not restricted only to the levels. Like in Dead Cells, the items and weapons you find along the way are also randomized, making everything unexpected, so the player needs to adapt quickly.
If you’re looking for an original experience with elements you won’t find in other games, make sure to try this one out. Whether you’re an experienced roguelike player or new to the genre, make sure to try Hades.
Get Hades Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Release Date: November, 2014
Developer: Edmund McMillen
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
The Binding of Isaac is one of the most iconic video games ever and a true treasure of the rogue legacy. It is a roguelike, so the permadeath feature is way more punishing than the other ones above.
Like in many games of the genre, you must collect resources to have a chance to survive the numerous monsters you’ll encounter. Don’t expect to find the same item in the next run because the game features over five thousand different procedurally generated scenarios and room layouts. Every playthrough is unique and has different enemies waiting to be defeated.
At first glance, it might look like a simple game, but it’s also one of the hardest and most punishing titles when adapting to different enemies and environments.
In this game, you take on the role of Isaac, whose mother believes she's on a divine mission. She confines you in a room, intending to sacrifice you for what she perceives as God's will. In a daring escape, you break free from the room and now face the daunting challenge of navigating through this harrowing nightmare to find your way out.
To escape, you’ll need to explore the randomly generated rooms and use your tears as projectiles to defeat the creatures you’ll find along the way. Be careful; your siblings are also trapped in this dungeon, and they’ll do anything to stop you.
It’s one of the most famous roguelikes of all time and also one of the hardest, so don’t expect to beat it in a single run. If you’re looking for a game with no meta-progression where everything punishes the player, try The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth.
Get The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Vampire Survivors
Release Date: December, 2021
Developer: Poncle
Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows
Vampire Survivors is the perfect proof that video games don’t need to feature high-end graphics and complicated mechanics to be fun. Don’t get fooled by the simple graphics because the volume of content in this game and its fun gameplay will keep you entertained for hundreds of hours.
The title is a shoot ‘em up with roguelike elements that will put you against hordes of monsters thriving for your blood. To defeat them, you can choose between numerous playable characters with unique abilities that can also be unlocked for others to use in your next runs.
One of the main rogue-lite elements you’ll find when playing is the meta-progression. You can purchase several power-ups and new weapons for your next run.
You’ll also find tons of different maps of all kinds and styles to explore, going from frozen lands to dark forests filled with enemies. Vampire Survivors is one of the most replayable games ever released, catching the attention of big industry names like Phill Spencer. The Xbox CEO even shared that it was his most played game in 2022, with over a hundred hours of playtime.
I was a little skeptical at the beginning, thanks to the game’s simplicity. But once you start playing it, you can not stop. It’s one of the most fun titles and is available on almost every platform, including consoles and mobile.
Get Vampire Survivors Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Slay the Spire
Release Date: November, 2017
Developer: Mega Crit Games
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux and Microsoft Windows
This is the perfect pick for deck builders looking for roguelikes to play. Slay the Spire is a turn-based combat game where you’ll use deck-building mechanics to create the perfect strategy to defeat your enemies.
Roguelike deck builders are not something new, but this title definitely took the experience to another level, being one of the most played games of this kind. From spells to special attacks, the cards you have will determine what you can do to your enemies and, more importantly, if you survive.
The game’s story revolves around the Spire, whose heart causes an evil influence upon all people around it. You’re an outcast on a mission to defeat this heart and put an end to this influence.
You have a huge variety of cards at your disposal to create the perfect deck according to your needs and playstyle, making it the perfect experience regardless of the weapons you like to use. Along with weapons, you will also have spells and other complementary items to defeat every enemy on your way.
The game also features more than 50 mysterious events that can randomly happen throughout your gameplay, making things even more unpredictable. This, combined with over 50 unique encounters with powerful creatures, makes it the perfect roguelike experience if you’re looking for high replayability.
And don’t worry. Even if you’re not used to playing card games, like me, you can still enjoy this thrilling experience. The numerous tutorials provided by the game will teach you everything you need to know before doing a serious run. I played it for a couple of hours, and in no time, I was already used to the multiple mechanics and tricks available. The best part is that the arsenal is composed of over 250 different weapons and powers, making it fun even when playing for long sessions.
Get Slay the Spire Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Darkest Dungeon
Release Date: February, 2015
Developer: Red Hook Studios
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
Another challenging experience that’ll require all of your skills is Darkest Dungeon. It’s a dark fantasy roguelike where you can’t expect any kind of help other than from your party members. Every decision you make can bring punishing consequences and even mean the end of your run, so consider every aspect before every choice. If you like games like Diablo and Dark Souls, the setting of this game will please you, bringing a unique art style and fun mechanics not often seen in other roguelikes.
In Darkest Dungeon, you inherit an entire estate from an enigmatic Ancestor. His ambiguous plans resulted in the release of countless evil creatures and demons into the world, a consequence of his final, ill-fated scheme. Now, it’s your job to hunt down these enemies and defeat them, bringing peace again to the estate.
You’re not alone in this mission, and you’ll count on the help of numerous other warriors. Each one has completely different abilities and attributes.
You can fully customize your party to go out and defeat the enemies. Make sure to create a well-balanced team since it can be a decisive factor between winning or dying.
If you’re playing it on Steam, you also have the workshop at your disposal. You can download mods and new assets to customize your gameplay and make every level unique.
Get Darkest Dungeon Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Rogue Legacy
Release Date: June, 2013
Developer: Cellar Door Games
Platforms: Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
Rogue Legacy is another great pick if you’re looking for a rogue-lite game. Instead of just respawning with abilities and powers from the previous run, the system is a little different here.
You die, but every time it happens, your bloodline expands, generating stronger successors to continue your mission. Each successor is unique and has different abilities from the previous one. The advantages your child receives will depend on the upgrades you do to your mansion and how much gold you collected while exploring the dungeon on your previous run. The castle will constantly change since the map is procedurally generated, so don’t expect the next run to be like the previous one.
To fight against the monsters and enemies, you’ll have more than 60 weapons and a skill tree to help you become an even more powerful warrior. These abilities can affect how long you last when exploring the dungeons.
Another factor that directly impacts your gameplay is the class you choose. You have eight different classes to choose from, each one with different perks and abilities.
If you like the adventure, don’t worry about reaching the end of it. A sequel with even better graphics, gameplay, and mechanics is already available. All the systems are enhanced and optimized to guarantee a better experience when exploring the randomly generated dungeons.
Rogue Legacy is one of the oldest yet most iconic rogue-lites of the entire video game industry and a must-play for every genre fan. Grab your weapons and continue the legacy of your ancestors.
Enter the Gungeon
Release Date: April, 2016
Developer: Devolver Digital
Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
If you’re looking for a roguelike to play with your friends and family, Enter the Gungeon is one of the best picks. It is a challenging title with pixel art graphics and very fun gameplay, with tons of weapons at your disposal. But be careful; the weapons collected throughout the map have limited ammo, and you must use them wisely to survive.
The levels are procedurally generated as well, and every run is different. Dying in the game means losing everything, including your items, so death is not an option if you want to become powerful enough to beat the final boss.
The game features elements from multiple genres we all love, such as bullet hell, dungeon crawling, roguelike, and many others. All of that combined results in fast-paced gameplay that requires extreme dexterity and precision to survive.
You have over ten different characters to choose from, each one with a signature weapon, equipped with infinite ammo, and a special ability that can be used to help progress through the levels.
Each of these characters is a member of a group of misfits trying to find the Gungeon’s ultimate treasure, a weapon that can kill the past. This weapon is the key to their absolution and the only way for them to have a new life.
The path won’t be easy, and you’ll have to fight against all sorts of enemies and bosses. You’re not alone in this journey; you can invite your friends to participate in every part of it. Each friend can control a different member of the group, making it not only easier but also way more enjoyable.
Enter the Gungeon is not an easy game, and one mistake from a player can cost the lives of the entire team. It’s like the Uno of roguelikes, where a decision can cost an entire friendship.
Get Enter the Gungeon Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Dicey Dungeons
Release Date: August, 2019
Developer: Distractionware
Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
This colorful and cute experience is one of the best picks if you’re looking for a unique roguelike to play. It is common to see titles of this genre where you use dice to determine your actions, like a D&D RPG, but here you are the dice.
But don’t get fooled by their cute faces and colorful appearance; this title can be as hard as the other ones from this list and will require not only skills but also a lot of luck. To help with that, you can choose different dice from distinct classes.
The classes are very similar to classic D&D adventures. You can choose between a warrior, a witch, a robot, and many others. Each dice has a unique color and set of attacks.
One of the best aspects of your enemies is that you can find numerous folklore creatures from different cultures. From mythological enemies to Irish folklore-inspired bosses. Each encounter will test your luck and decide if you move forward or if it’s the end of your journey. But don’t worry. You can always try again and upgrade your dice to make the challenge easier.
It is a very unique roguelike and features a great art style created by the illustrator Marlowe Dobbe.
Get Dicey Dungeons Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Monster Train
Release Date: May, 2020
Developer: Shiny Shoe
Platforms: Xbox One and Microsoft Windows
Another great pick for deck-building lovers is Monster Train. The roguelike features a lot of strategy mechanics that will require the player to think about every aspect before making any decision.
It is similar to Slay the Spire in almost every aspect, but it introduces something unique that you won’t find in other games. Here, you will find a huge variety of options when it comes to permutations and combinations. This makes your experience much more customizable and expands the possibilities of your deck.
The game counts over 200 cards you can use to build the perfect strategy and defeat all your opponents and 88 artifacts that can help increase your power even more. The customizations and options are almost endless, and you can try multiple combinations to see which one best suits your playstyle.
If the game's difficulty is a concern to you, don’t worry. You can choose between 25 different pacts, each representing a different difficulty level.
If you’re a Hearthstone player like me, you’ll notice numerous similarities, starting with the UI. Both HUDs are very alike and will make you feel at home when playing this game. Another common factor I noticed when playing the game is the designs of the cards and the overall art style. It is perfect for experienced deck builders and Hearthstone fans looking for a single-player experience.
The story of this game revolves around the harmony between Heaven, Hell, and the Space in between. This balance prevents armageddon from happening, and you must do anything you can to preserve it as forces from both sides are trying to break the harmony.
Get Monster Train Steam CD key on RoyalCDKeys.
Where to Purchase Video Game Keys
When it comes to purchasing video game keys, there are several options available online. From the official store of each platform to dedicated websites, each one has its own advantages for the players.
Among all the options available, RoyalCDKeys is the best one for your gameplay and wallet. We offer keys for over a thousand different titles, going from challenging roguelikes to chilling party game experiences.
Moreover, every key sold comes with 24-hour support, ensuring a smooth redeeming process to avoid any problems during your gameplay. This way, you can have the best experience while saving money.
Whether you’re playing on a console or any other platform, we offer keys for a variety of platforms so you can find exactly what you’re looking for. Visit our homepage and check out the latest releases from the gaming industry for the best price.
Time to Start Exploring Your Next Dungeon
No doubt, roguelike is one of the most popular video game genres and attracts millions of fans throughout the different platforms. Whether you’re looking for a card game with meta progression or a survival title where dying makes you start all over again, there are hundreds of titles, each one with unique aspects and mechanics.
Each title will require all of your skills and abilities in order to progress. But remember. Big challenges offer big rewards, and the same goes for these games.
We listed some of the best roguelike games you can find, but hundreds of other titles are waiting for you on various platforms. Now it’s time for you to choose which one will be your next adventure.