Best Roguelikes on Xbox
A roguelike is a genre of video games characterized by dungeon crawling through procedurally generated levels, turn-based gameplay, tile-based graphics, and permanent death of the player character. The best roguelikes typically have challenging and varied gameplay, include deep strategic elements, and ensure that no two playthroughs are identical.
Roguelike games are popular on Xbox because playing them on a gamepad is more comfortable. These games are especially appealing on Xbox thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere. This feature allows players to buy a game once and play it on both Xbox and PC, with their progress saved across both platforms. We’ll look at the Xbox best roguelikes of modern times and see what attracted players.
10 Best Roguelike Games on the Xbox
We’ll show you ten of the best roguelike games you can play on Xbox, known for their gameplay, design, and ability to keep things fresh with every playthrough. Many games can also be enjoyed on PC thanks to Xbox Play Anywhere.
10. Ocean Keeper
Ocean Keeper is set to be one of the best roguelikes on Xbox. It mixes elements of indie gaming, tower defense, RTS, and shooting genres. Slated for release in June 2024, RetroStyle Games developed this game, which uses the Unity engine to bring its underwater world to life.
In Ocean Keeper, players will be put in an oceanic environment piloting a mech. The gameplay is set on exploring the ocean floor, uncovering hidden caves, and drilling tunnels to collect valuable resources. Players must continuously upgrade their mech to use different weapons to survive against various sea monsters. A unique aspect of Ocean Keeper roguelike is its meta-currency system, which allows for extensive customization of the player’s mech, customizing its abilities and appearance to individual preferences.
9. Hades
Hades is a critically acclaimed X|S roguelike game action RPG developed by Supergiant Games. Released in December 2018, it combines dynamic combat with a rich narrative structure. In Hades, players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, attempting to escape from the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus, with each run challenging players with new layouts and enemies due to its procedurally generated levels.
The game is renowned for its fluid combat system, deep character interactions, and story. The fusion of storytelling with tight gameplay mechanics makes Hades beyond typical roguelikes enriched by voice acting and stunning hand-drawn art.
8. Shoulders of Giants
Shoulders of Giants is an action-packed multiplayer roguelike on Xbox developed by Moving Pieces Interactive. Set for a 2024 release, this game pushes the boundaries of cooperative and single-player gaming by allowing players to simultaneously control a sword-wielding robot and a gun-slinging space frog.
Players can either go solo or team up with up to three friends to battle through waves of enemies in a quest to rescue the galaxy from the forces of Entropy. The game employs Unreal Engine 4, ensuring high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay. A standout feature of the is its dynamic fighting game animation, which makes the characters and the cosmic environments more immersive.
7. Balatro
Balatro is a card-based roguelike game on the Xbox One developed by LocalThunk and published by Playstack. The game uses a unique deck-building mechanic based on poker principles, where the interaction of different elements leads to substantial winnings.
In Balatro, players can experiment with non-standard poker combinations and use jokers at critical moments to launch powerful combos. This strategy aspect of the game is complemented by different effects and deck types that add depth and replayability. The game encourages players to earn bigger chips to avoid losses in deceitful blinds, and as they progress, they unlock secret combinations and decks that could prove crucial in reaching the main jackpot.
6. Falling Out
Falling Out is a delightful and accessible 2D rogue-lite platformer developed by PolyCrunch Games and released on July 15, 2020. In Falling Out, players control two adventurers exploring uncharted territories, ancient kingdoms, and mysterious shops run by an equally lost shopkeeper named Asaaro. The gameplay revolves around collecting items and crafting them into wondrous weapons and useful gadgets that assist in navigating through the game’s rich environments. Whether choosing to play alone or with a friend, the journey through Falling Out is filled with challenges that require both skill and strategy to overcome on its complicated platformer-level design.
6. Falling Out
Army of Ruin, developed by Milkstone Studios and released on October 27, 2022, is an action-packed auto-shooter rogue-like game. This game challenges players to guide legendary heroes on a mission to defeat evil armies. With a focus on fast-paced combat, players can destroy hundreds of enemies within seconds using a vast arsenal of weapons.
The game’s strength lies in its endless armies and the ability to collect a deadly arsenal, offering players a real chance to defeat formidable army generals. Each hero comes with unique abilities that players can harness at critical moments to turn the tide of battle to their advantage. By finding and combining powerful artifacts, players can discover potent combinations that evolve their arsenal, helping them to push beyond the limits and face increasingly dangerous foes.
4. In Celebration of Violence
In Celebration of Violence is a fantasy action roguelike game that combines exploration, combat, and an element of strategic murder. Released on February 15, 2018, by developer Julian Edison and Dolores Entertainment, this game has been highly regarded for its challenging gameplay.
The game requires players to carefully plan their attacks, dodges, blocks, and parries while considering the strengths and weaknesses of both their opponents and the environment. Death in the game is permanent, but players can improve their stats and purchase items to aid in future endeavors. For those seeking a more involved experience, up to four players can join in locally, controlling additional monsters, zombies, and bandits to either aid or challenge the main player. One of the most notable features of the game which attracts players is its RPG game design, and if you are thinking about making one, it’s better to look for a correlated service. The combat in In Celebration of Violence is described as weighty and deliberate, drawing comparisons to titles like The Binding of Isaac and Dark Souls for its depth and complexity. The narrative is intentionally vague, pushing players to engage deeply with the world to uncover its secrets and strategies.
3. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a renowned indie action RPG shooter with heavy roguelike elements, developed by Nicalis and designed by Edmund McMillen. Released on November 4, 2014, this game has captivated players with its unique blend of challenging gameplay and dark thematic elements.
In this game pass roguelike game you will play as an Isaac, going through a series of randomly generated dungeons filled with monstrous creatures and treacherous traps. Along the way, Isaac can collect bizarre treasures that transform his abilities and appearance, allowing him to combat the droves of mysterious creatures he encounters. The game’s intricate system of power-ups and the variety of character choices ensure that no two playthroughs are alike.
2. Colt Canyon
Colt Canyon is a dynamic 2D top-down roguelike shooter with stylish pixel art, developed by Retrific Game Studio and released on June 16, 2020. This indie game with undoubtedly cool 2D game art, blending elements of role-playing and casual gaming within a top-down shooter format, offers a unique experience of exploration and combat in the rugged terrain of a treacherous canyon.
Players take on the role of a cowboy or one of the many unlockable characters, the objective is clear: navigate through a hostile canyon filled with hidden treasures, weapons, and relentless enemies, to save your kidnapped partner. Each step is fraught with danger, from ambushes by bandits to dynamic encounters with wildlife, making each playthrough thrilling and unpredictable. Armed with a trusty revolver and dynamite, players must strategically manage their resources and utilize the environment to survive. The game supports local co-op gameplay, allowing a friend to join the quest, increasing both the fun and the strategic options available.
1. Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors is one of the most famous indie roguelikes in the modern time. It’s a survival game that masterfully combines minimalistic gameplay with roguelike elements. Developed and published by Poncle, the game was released on December 17, 2021, and has since captivated a wide audience with its unique style.
The game is characterized by its straightforward gameplay mechanics where players collect gold and experience to unlock power-ups and weapons, enhancing their ability to withstand the hordes of supernatural enemies. The game’s charm lies in its ability to keep players engaged through progressively challenging levels and its addictive loop of survival and upgrade.
Comparing the styles of Xbox Roguelike Games
A comparison of the gameplay styles and main features of the best roguelike games on Xbox.
which you explore the ocean floor on a giant robot spider and fight off waves of monsters. In between waves, you penetrate deep caves and drill tunnels to find valuable resources and artifacts. Survive in a hostile underwater world full of sea monsters. Armed with numerous weapons, you must fight off these threats and collect resources to upgrade your mech for better survival | |||
FAQ
Playing roguelikes on Xbox offers smooth gameplay with high performance and the comfort of controller support, making complex game mechanics more accessible and enjoyable.
Some of the best Xbox roguelikes that were accessible on Xbox 360 include Spelunky and The Binding of Isaac. These games are known for their challenging gameplay and replayability.
Yes, many Xbox roguelikes feature multiplayer modes. Games like Colt Canyon and Shoulders of Giants support local co-op, allowing players to team up directly from their console.
Vampire Survivors is an excellent choice for beginners. Its simple controls and gradual difficulty progression make it accessible for players new to the roguelike genre.
