Examples of Roguelike Games By Mykola Vyhohradov SEO Manager at RetroStyle Games | Feb 13, 2025 Ask a Question The gaming world is huge and diverse. Here you can find many amazing titles: fantastic worlds filled with magic, cyberpunk futures with robots and flying cars, or pixel fighting games in retro style — everything your soul would ever want.However, not all the game genres can surprise with various art styles, environment designs, and interesting stories. But you know what genre can? Roguelikes! Don’t be surprised: roguelike games are a foundation of the gaming world, so thousands of developers worldwide try interesting combinations to make a breakthrough in the roguelike genre.Happily, some of them have already done! Games such as Dead Cells, The Binding of Isaac, and Darkest Dungeon are well-known even to newcomers in the roguelike genre. Okay, stop, stop! Any spoilers anymore! In return, let’s talk about the best examples of roguelike games. Maybe, you’ll find something interesting for yourself, who knows ;) Classic Roguelike Games Examples The story of the roguelike genre started in 1980 with the first released roguelike game with an unsurprising name — Rogue. With its ASCII graphics and dungeon-crawling gameplay, Rogue started a new story that opened doors for many game developers seeking to work with something innovative and successful.Then it was Nethack time, another old roguelike game that is also considered one of the most complex and challenging roguelikes ever made. We like NetHack ’cause it features a vast array of items, monsters, and dungeon levels, providing endless replayability, one of the most significant roguelike features.And how we can forget about Angband? A descendant of Moria, Angband expanded on its predecessor with deeper gameplay mechanics, including a wider variety of monsters, items, and character classes. Don’t think these 3 games are the only ones that are very good old roguelikes. That’s not the case! Check the list of the best old roguelike game examples that are still slaying! TitleYear ReleasedNotable Features Rogue1980The original roguelike, simple graphics Nethack1987Deep complexity, detailed environments Angband1990Tolkien-inspired, extensive dungeon ADOM (Ancient Domains of Mystery)1994The rich story with multiple endings Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup2006User-friendly, many character options Brogue2009ASCII art focused on the exploration Tales of Maj'Eyal (ToME)2012Extensive lore, mod support Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead2013Open-world, survival elements Good Modern Roguelike Games to Start With? Okay, with old roguelike games everything is understandable — it’s a good gold classic. But what about modern roguelikes? How to find amazing diamonds that will leave unforgettable memories for beginners from thousands of roguelike examples? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you with our list of the best rogue likes that are definitely worth your attention! 1. Ocean Keeper About Ocean Keeper: this is an exciting new entry in the roguelike genre. Set in a mysterious underwater world, players take on the role of a Space Pirate team discovering the marine life on a new planet to find an ancient artifact. The game has stunning visuals you’ve never seen before, dynamic combat, and a rich, immersive story. Its unique setting and engaging gameplay make it a standout choice for both new and experienced players. 2. Hades Hades stands out as a superb entry roguelike for new players. With its engaging narrative, smooth combat mechanics, and unforgettable stunning art, it offers an amazing experience that balances challenge and accessibility. While playing the game, you take on yourself the role of Zagreus, son of Hades, as you attempt to escape the Underworld. Its main feature — procedural generation — ensures that no two runs are the same, making every attempt feel fresh and surprising. 3. Cogmind Are here any fans of science fiction? Cogmind is a sci-fi roguelike where you control a robot in a procedurally generated world. The game has a unique inventory system that lets you modify and upgrade your robot with parts scavenged from defeated enemies. Its combination of tactical combat, rich world-building, and deep customization options makes it a standout in the genre. 4. Slay the Spire While playing this game, you’ll find many deck-building and roguelike elements, offering a unique strategic twist. Players choose from different characters, each with a distinct set of cards, to climb the spire and defeat various enemies. The game’s friendly mechanics and deep strategy make it an excellent starting point for new roguelike enthusiasts. 5. Spelunky 2 If you are looking for very difficult roguelike games and you’re a beginner, Spelunky 2 is what you need! This game is well-known for its challenging platforming and exploration. Players delve into underground caves, avoiding traps and collecting treasures. The game’s roguelike elements make sure that each playthrough offers new surprises and challenges, making it a rewarding choice for newcomers.For those of you who are looking for even more unique roguelike games with their own pros and cons, here is a small additional roguelike games list for you:Rift WizardTOME4Crab ChampionsCaves of QudZorbusPlateUp!Shiren the WandererDungeons of DredmorDon’t StarveMystery Dungeon Roguelike Element Examples Now that you’ve explored some great popular roguelike games to start with, let’s delve into the core elements that define the roguelike genre and make it unique — procedural generation, perma-death mechanic, and turn-based gameplay. They provide a challenging, yet rewarding framework that helps players improve their gaming skills with each run. As you delve deeper into the genre, you’ll find that mastering these mechanics is key to your success and enjoyment.Procedural generation is one of the most important features in roguelikes, where game levels, enemies, items, and other elements are created algorithmically. This means that each playthrough is unique, providing endless replayability. In games like Risk of Rain 2 and other roguelike games similar to Deep Rock Galactic, the gaming world is reconfigured every time you play, ensuring that no two game sessions are identical. Permadeath is another hallmark of the roguelike genre. When your character dies, you lose all progress and must start over from the beginning. Without this mechanic, players would never feel the significance of every decision they make. In Dead Cells, each run begins anew upon death, challenging you to learn from past mistakes and improve your skills. Turn-based gameplay in roguelikes allows you to take actions at your own pace, with enemies responding to each of your moves. This system boosts players’ strategic thinking and careful planning over quick reflexes. In Faster Than Light, you plan your moves meticulously, as each turn can dramatically affect the outcome of your journey. Notable Roguelike Games of 2024 Due to the list of Steam’s best roguelikes, 2024 surprised us with many interesting projects that will definitely have great success in the future. We want to present you with 3 notable roguelike jewels that push the boundaries of creativity and gameplay: 1. Starforged Starforged takes players on an interstellar journey through procedurally generated galaxies. As the captain of a spaceship, you must explore unknown planets, battle alien species, and upgrade your vessel with advanced technologies. The game combines deep strategy with dynamic combat, offering endless replayability and a rich narrative that evolves with each run. 2. Necropolis: Rebirth Necropolis: Rebirth reimagines the dark, dungeon-crawling experience with modern graphics and innovative mechanics. Players venture into the ever-changing labyrinth of the Necropolis, facing hordes of undead and collecting powerful artifacts. The game’s permadeath mechanic ensures that every decision counts and its cooperative multiplayer mode adds a layer of strategic depth as you team up with friends to survive. 3. Eldritch Moon Eldritch Moon blends Lovecraftian horror with traditional roguelike elements. Set in a world where ancient gods and cosmic horrors lurk, players must navigate through procedurally generated environments filled with eldritch monsters and mind-bending puzzles. The turn-based combat system requires careful planning and tactical execution, making every encounter a test of wits and courage. Roguelike Games Across Platforms If you’re thinking roguelikes are available only on PC, you’re mistaken because roguelike games have made their mark on various platforms, from PC and consoles to mobile devices. For your convenience, we’ve created a table with the famous roguelike games across all the platforms. Game TitleDescriptionPlatforms HadesA critically acclaimed dungeon crawler with rich storytelling and dynamic combatPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Dead CellsA blend of roguelike and Metroidvania with fast-paced combat and procedurally generated levelsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Slay the SpireDeck-building roguelike with unique characters and procedurally generated challengesPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile Spelunky 2A challenging platformer with new levels, items, and procedurally generated environmentsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Risk of Rain 23D roguelike shooter with cooperative multiplayer and procedurally generated levelsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch Darkest DungeonGothic turn-based combat roguelike with stress management mechanicsPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch FTL: Faster than LightCommand a spaceship, manage resources, and navigate a hostile galaxyPC, iOS Into the BreachTactical roguelike where players control mechs to defend cities from alien threatsPC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile Crypt of the NecrodancerRhythm-based roguelike where players move and attack to the beat of the musicPC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of FateClassic Japanese roguelike with deep dungeon crawling and permadeath mechanicsPC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch PC and Console List Roguelikes on PC and consoles have something unique, something captivating. Their immersive atmospheres, compelling narratives, and atmospheric visuals capture the mind forever. The most interesting and engaging roguelike titles available on the PC are Hades, Dead Cells, Slay the Spire, Spelunky 2, and of course Ocean Keeper game.Ocean Keeper for PC promises to embody these characteristics while offering a unique setting in a post-apocalyptic underwater world. With stunning visuals, dynamic combat, and deep gameplay mechanics, it will give you an unforgettable roguelike experience. As you navigate the depths of the ocean and face the challenges of a world in turmoil, you’ll encounter procedurally generated environments, challenging enemies, and strategic decision-making. There is no doubt: Ocean Keeper is poised to make a splash in the roguelike genre on PC. Mobile List of Roguelikes For those people who enjoy playing roguelikes but don’t have too much free time to play on PC or just can’t wait any longer to play something new, the decision is to play roguelikes on the smartphone. The good news is that there are a lot of amazing roguelike games available both on iOS and Android, so you’ll have a place to roam. We’ve already mentioned some good options such as FTL: Faster than Light or Crypt of the Necrodancer. But if you want more, here is a list for you:Pixel Dungeon (Android, iOS)Cardinal Quest 2 (Android, iOS)Hoplite (Android, iOS)Dead Cells (Android, iOS)Darkness Survival (Android, iOS)OneBit Adventure (Android, iOS)Shattered Pixel Dungeon (Android, iOS)Soul Knight (Android, iOS) The Future of Roguelike Games As roguelike games have continued to evolve, pushing the boundaries of gameplay mechanics and storytelling, we don’t have any concerns that this genre is going to have an even more brilliant future. However, we can already forecast some trends ’cause we are working in the gaming industry and have a lot of experience, especially in the context of roguelikes. 1Hybrid GenresOften in 2024, roguelikes are being combined with other genres to create unique gameplay experiences. This fusion results in innovative titles that offer a mix of mechanics and appeal to a broader audience. For example, Dead Cells combines roguelike elements with Metroidvania-style exploration, while Ocean Keeper blends action-packed game mechanics with roguelike features.2Cooperative and Multiplayer ModesWe think roguelike games should start adding cooperative and multiplayer elements more often, offering players the chance to tackle challenging content with friends or compete against each other. Risk of Rain 2 supports cooperative multiplayer, where players can team up to survive waves of enemies and challenge bosses with their friends.3Enhanced AI and Enemy BehaviorsAdvances in AI technology are allowing for more complex and adaptive enemy behaviors, making encounters more challenging and varied. Upcoming titles like Ocean Keeper promise to utilize enhanced AI to create more unpredictable underwater combat scenarios, and it’s definitely made an impression.4Community and Modding SupportProviding tools and support for community modding allows players to create and share their own content, improving the longevity and replayability of roguelike games. Games like Spelunky 2 have amazing modding communities that create new levels, characters, and gameplay mechanics, changing the base game to better with user-generated content. We are still very interested in what will we see in the future. Maybe it will be something even crazier and we’ll have an opportunity to play famous roguelike games in VR. Who knows… However, when something like that will persuade the gaming world, we’ll tell you first about this ;) FAQs: Navigating the Roguelike Landscape Fake What is an example of a roguelike game? Spelunky combines platform gameplay with the roguelike formula, while The Binding of Isaac and Enter the Gungeon are effective roguelike shooter games. Spelunky challenges players to navigate procedurally generated caves, collect treasures, and avoid traps. The Binding of Isaac offers a dark, top-down shooter experience with random dungeons, power-ups, and enemies, ensuring each playthrough is unique. Enter the Gungeon adds a bullet-hell twist, where players dodge waves of projectiles while exploring a dynamically changing dungeon. Each game exemplifies core roguelike features: permadeath, procedural generation, and high difficulty, making them standout titles in the genre. What are the best traditional roguelikes currently on Steam? Some top traditional roguelikes on Steam include Rift Wizard, Cogmind, Tales of Maj’Eyal, Caves of Qud, and Zorbus. Can you recommend any roguelike games that are newbie-friendly? For newbies to the roguelike genre, Hades is a great starting point. Its engaging narrative, beautiful art, and forgiving progression system make it accessible while still retaining the core roguelike elements. Another beginner-friendly game is Slay the Spire, which combines deck-building with roguelike mechanics, offering a more strategic approach. Ocean Keeper is also recommended for its fluid combat and action-packed game style, providing an easier learning curve. These games balance challenge and accessibility, making them perfect for those new to the roguelike genre. Submit Rating Average rating 4.6 / 5. Vote count: 16 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Let us improve this post! 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