The Best Roguelike RPGs, Ranked
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Roguelikes have been a blooming genre full of opportunities these last few years, and we’ve gotten to see many amazing titles that have quickly become fan favorites. The replayability of these games tends to hook in many players and, even years after their releases, keep a healthy player base. What games can consider themselves the best, though? With so many new ones coming out every month, it’s been a tough debate between the fans of the genre to see which one stands at the top. Gameplay, graphics, and general fun to be had are the keystones of these games.
Many roguelike games combine this gameplay with progression systems present in most RPGs, making for a great time as players slowly come to grips with how the game works while enjoying incremental increases in power with each successive victory. It can take a long while to get a hang of how these titles work, but players who finally master the game’s systems will love beating down enemies and clearing areas that they were having a problem in early on when the game upped the ante regarding the overall difficulty.
Updated September 20, 2023 by Ritwik Mitra:Roguelike games have become all the rage in the indie scene, to the point where the PlayStation brand also tried out this genre for themselves. The sheer number of quality roguelike titles makes it clear that this genre isn’t going away anytime soon. Fans will have a great time playing through one of the many titles that make their gameplay loops as exciting and riveting as possible. The majority of roguelike games can be very hard, making their integration with RPG systems rather natural. This allows for a gradual sense of progression as players slowly get better at the game, and get some permanent boosts in successive runs.
16 Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead
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Platform(s):
PC, Mobile -
Developer(s):
Kevin Granade & community -
Release Date:
March 1, 2023
A roguelike RPG that takes no prisoners, Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead may seem like a relatively uninteresting game. Its graphics are pretty bare bones, but this shouldn’t fool players in the slightest. The game is one of the most challenging titles in the genre that fans can get their hands on, and it takes no prisoners.
It takes a few playthroughs (and deaths) to get into the flow of things, but players will soon rule in a world ravaged by the zombie apocalypse. The sheer number of things players can accomplish in Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead is quite impressive and makes it clear why it has such a dedicated community.
15 Caves Of Qud
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Platform(s):
PC -
Developer(s):
Freehold Games -
Release Date:
July 15, 2015
Even in a genre full of tough experiences, Caves of Qud takes the cake as one of the hardest games ever made. The game doesn’t look all that amazing and can be rather complex, but its deep gameplay systems more than make up for the lack of visual flair.
People who get into the game and learn its complex systems will have a great time indeed. Just keep in mind that dying is a part of the process. Later playthroughs, though, are a blast after players understand what the game is all about.
14 Darkest Dungeon
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Platform(s):
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Red Hook Studios -
Release Date:
February 3, 2015
Speaking of hard-as-nails roguelike RPGs, it would be hard to not mention Darkest Dungeon. This Lovecraftian RPG is one of the hardest yet enjoyable indie games of all time.
With its sequel out, there’s no better time to get into the first game and understand its mechanics. Players who manage to get into this hardcore gameplay will have a great time uncovering the mysteries of the plot.
13 FTL: Faster Than Light
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Platform(s):
Mobile, PC -
Developer(s):
Subset Games -
Release Date:
September 14, 2012
While its RPG elements might be minuscule, FTL‘s gradual sense of progression definitely mimics this genre in some way. It’s a legendary roguelike game that more people need to check out.
FTL‘s sci-fi setting gets the job done, with the player trying to avoid a massively powerful force from catching up to them. After all, being caught by these ships pretty much spells instant doom.
12 Into The Breach
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Platform(s):
Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC -
Developer(s):
Subset Games -
Release Date:
February 27, 2018
Into the Breach has combined the best of roguelike gameplay and strategy turn-based RPGs, combining them to form something truly magical. Words cannot express how streamlined and accessible this experience really is.
It really is one of the best sci-fi games out there, and it’s a shame that more people don’t talk about this amazing game. The unique time-traveling mechanic present in this game deftly weaves the gameplay aspect of roguelikes into its narrative as well.
11 Returnal
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Platform(s):
PC, PlayStation 5 -
Developer(s):
Housemarque -
Release Date:
April 30, 2021
For a genre that is primarily dominated by indie games, it’s nice to see AAA studios also trying a piece of the roguelike pie. The most notable instance in this regard is Returnal, which marks another brilliant addition to PlayStation’s exclusive library.
The riveting narrative of this game, coupled with its fast-as-nails gameplay, makes for a great time as players slowly progress through this brilliant title.
10 Wizard Of Legend
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Platform(s):
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Contingent99 -
Release Date:
May 15, 2018
This 2018 game by studio Contingent99 puts players in the shoes of a powerful wizard and allows them to learn various spells and use them in coordination with others to create destructive spells. Becoming the titular Wizard of Legend is a title that players strive to achieve by completing the Chaos Trials and beating the four bosses that block their path.
The game was well received at first but, sadly, it lacks content, and players tend to get bored after a few hours. The gameplay is entertaining, and the possibilities are endless with how many spells players can unlock. However, the game itself is rather short. Fortunately, co-op mode can add an extra spice to this magic roguelike.
9 Moonlighter
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Platform(s):
Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Digital Sun -
Release Date:
May 29, 2018
Two years ago, Digital Sun Games brought a game called Moonlighter. This work perfectly blends the learning curve of a roguelike with the wits needed for a business managing game. People play as the new owner of the Moonlighter, a shop that sells any kind of loot they can find deep down in the dungeons.
With great controls that are easy to learn and hard to master, Moonlighter is easily one of the most fun roguelike RPGs around to just grab and play for a bit. Plus, it has elements like customers reacting differently if items are overpriced, which makes for a rather unique experience indeed.
8 One Step From Eden
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Platform(s):
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S -
Developer(s):
Thomas Moon Kang -
Release Date:
March 26, 2020
One Step From Eden was easily one of the most anticipated games of 2020 after it was announced, and boy did it deserve the hype. This deckbuilding survival roguelike has a twist: the combat is in real-time. Players have to sling spells and dodge bullets non-stop while carefully building their spell deck.
With cute character designs and charming pixel graphics, One Step From Eden is a great game to play when they have time to spare. It has PvP as well, with an active community that is constantly evolving and learning new techniques. The game also comes with a setting that allows viewers to choose the path instead, if the person playing the game is a streamer.
7 Crypt Of The Necrodancer
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Platform(s):
Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Brace Yourself Games -
Release Date:
July 30, 2014
Made by Brace Yourself Games in 2015, Crypt of the Necrodancer still remains one of the best roguelikes around and is widely known as a fantastic game. The game follows Cadence and her journey deep into the Necrodancer’s lair, where she has to dance-fight monsters to find the fabled Golden Lute.
The game is a mix between a normal dungeon crawler and a rhythm game, only allowing players to move if they press the keys on the beat. Crypt of the Necrodancer puts one’s quick thinking to the test. It also has some sweet music made by Danny Baranowsky to accompany players on their descent into the darkness.
6 Risk Of Rain 2
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Platform(s):
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Hopoo Games -
Release Date:
March 28, 2019
Following the steps of its prequel, Risk of Rain 2 is a successful RPG roguelike that succeeds at making players feel alone, yet fully accompanied. This game puts players on a fierce planet full of wildlife that can (and will) kill them. This challenging first-person shooter will put one’s skills to the test.
Risk of Rain 2 has many characters for players to unlock, and each has a different playstyle, so they’ll definitely find someone they like the best. Mastering Risk of Rain 2 is no joke though, and the hardcore Monsoon difficulty can make even the best players throw their controllers in frustration.
5 Slay The Spire
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Platform(s):
Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Mega Crit Games -
Release Date:
January 23, 2019
This 2017 game developed by MegaCrit and published by Humble Bundle is an example of what a roguelike should be: fun, replayable, and very, very addicting. Slay the Spire is a turn-based deckbuilding game that has players explore rooms of a dungeon that get harder as they go on.
Even if a turn-based card game doesn’t pique their interest, Slay the Spire is certain to keep players entertained and intrigued throughout every gameplay. The challenge lies in choosing a good deck while also knowing what cards to use in what situations. So if players like strategy, this game is for them.
4 The Binding Of Isaac
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Platform(s):
PC -
Developer(s):
Edmund McMillen, Florian Himsl -
Release Date:
September 28, 2011
This one is a bit of an oldie, but there’s no denying that it’s one of the pioneers of new-gen roguelikes. Players can all agree that it paved the way for newer and bigger hits. Despite being from 2011, The Binding of Isaac has received various DLCs throughout its lifespan, and it will likely get even more in the future.
Players take on the role of Isaac. He lives a tragic life that leads him to jump into a trapdoor into a basement full of aggressive creatures, and the only mode of self-defense is by shooting them with Isaac’s tears. This game is not suited for all publics, because it has heavy symbolism and imagery that may disturb some audiences.
3 Enter The Gungeon
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Platform(s):
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Dodge Roll -
Release Date:
April 5, 2016
Everyone knows this Devolver masterpiece. Enter the Gungeon has become known all around the Internet, and the game has grown a massive modding community. Players enter a gun-themed dungeon in search of the Gun That Can Kill the past.
The controls are easy to learn, but hard to master. The game has charming graphics and character design that will pull them right in, as well as having a variety of guns larger than any other game. If players can think of a gun, the game probably has it. If not, there’s probably a mod somewhere out there that does.
2 Dead Cells
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Platform(s):
Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One -
Developer(s):
Motion Twin -
Release Date:
May 10, 2017
Dead Cells is what could be best described as a hybrid between a roguelike and a Metroidvania game. It takes the best elements from each of the genres and makes them into one of the best roguelikes from these last few years. The game requires a lot of quick thinking, skill, and decision-making.
Players are undead, a body taken control of by a group of cells. They have to fight their way out of a prison, fighting other zombies and getting new equipment as they make progress. This game is sure to keep people thrilled for the entirety of a playthrough, and they’ll also want to play another run once they lose.
1 Hades
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Platform(s):
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S -
Developer(s):
Supergiant Games -
Release Date:
September 17, 2020
Hades is a masterpiece when it comes to dungeon crawling. Players take on the role of Hades’ son, Zagreus, trying to escape from the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus. In this Diablo-like game, gamers will face various enemies that try to put a stop to their journey.
Players have an array of blessings given to them by the gods of Olympus at their disposal, but this quest isn’t an easy one by any stretch of the imagination. This game will keep players on the edge of their seats and will urge them to keep playing and get more upgrades for Zagreus. Suffice it to say, it’s easily one of the best roguelike RPGs out there.
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