Bored out of your minds? Let us take you to a world of role-playing. What would you do if you find yourself inside a dungeon one morning? Slash your way through your treasure quest, meet mysterious beasts and demons, steal the valuables, and discover the world where your death is inevitable.
Experience the thrill and fear while you explore different universes filled with monsters, ghosts, aliens, and scary spiders.
Whether you are on a mission to save the demon kingdom or you are in outer space trying to protect your planet from the rebel fleet, you will always find yourself inside portals or dungeons, battling the unpredictable.
Permadeath is one of the main features of roguelike games. Do you have the patience to try to overcome the same obstacle again and again? Should you die, you will always find yourself at the beginning point from where you had started your journey, but well, as they say, hard work is the key to success.
Roguelike genre makes you evaluate your own decisions as failure becomes your motivation. Every level comes with a twist, every weapon comes with unique powers, and every moment awaits your death.
This quarantine, if you feel like going on an adventurous trip, we have got your back. Do not worry; we have not forgotten about social distancing.
But we have taken it upon ourselves not to make you give up on your planned venturesome trips. Enjoy playing roguelike games at home, and explore the world of action role-playing games.
Check out our list of the best roguelike games of all time.
Best Roguelike Games: Our Top Pick 👌👌
1. Enter the Gungeon
With its not so prosaic game name, Enter the Gungeon’s main (Visit Here) aim is to descend the dungeons filled with enemies and battle your way till you take possession of The Gun That Can Kill The Pass, which is capable of killing your past.
Collect weapons, acquire objects, and combat the boss. The top-down bullet roguelike game may be frustrating at times, but you will always find yourself coming back for more.
Try this tremendous roguelike game which is inspired by our very own Binding of Isaac and Nuclear Throne. Are you ready to destroy your tragic past?
Released on April 5, 2016. Enter the Gungeon was developed by Dodge Roll for Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, and PlayStation 4. Xbox One and Nintendo Switch Versions were released in later years.
The game is available on both single-player and multiplayer modes.
The player can choose from the four protagonists having unique and peculiar strength or power. The player has to battle through different floors of the dungeon. Each floor has a varying range of monsters and creatures occupying the rooms.
Your mission is to be able to move on from floor to floor, but remember, you will have to achieve your victory over the boss that will be waiting for you at the end of every floor.
Throughout the journey, the player must defeat the enemies with guns that can be obtained after subduing the boss or buying guns from the shops scattered in different parts of the floor.
Dodge and attack, jump to shoot down your enemies, or use a table to cover yourself, beware if you die, there are no extra lives available to resurrect you back to the same location of your death. If you die, you will have to start all over.
The game is more about getting to know about your techniques and plan your strategies. As you may resume from the outset, you get accustomed to the attacks and powers of your bullet look like enemies.
Are you ready to be a true Gangoneer and defeat your painful past? Head on to play Enter the Gungeon, one of the best roguelike games ever.
2. Dead Cells
Dead cells (Visit Here) depict the adventure of the green blob-like creature who possesses the corpse of a prisoner and explores the entirety of the dungeons full of monsters and creatures.
In the way, collect weapons, upgrade skills, and purchase objects to strengthen your power. Dead Cells is a roguelike, Metroidvania game as it combines the procedurally generated game with tons of actions in it.
Will you be able to defeat the ghouls and escape the prison? What awaits you at the end of the dungeon? Dead Cell is easily one of the best roguelike games that will get you obsessed with the beautiful blending of two genres.
The single-player game was launched on August 7, 2017, by Motion Twin for Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, Switch, Windows, Xbox One. Android and Ios versions were made available in the following years.
The player controls the body of a deceased prisoner, equipped with a simple sword. Throughout the game, the player will encounter monsters and creatures having unique and specific attacks.
As you progress, your skills, weapons, and powers are updated. Player needs to gather all the weapons they may find throughout the combat.
Permanent upgrades can be unlocked by obtaining ‘cells’, after defeating your enemies. These cells can only be used after the completion of the respective levels.
The game follows the permadeath system, where the player will not be given second chances at life. Once they die, all their achievements will be lost, and they will be back inside the jail, capturing the body of another prisoner.
The pixel-style visuals of the game are marvelous to look at. The colorful and detailed graphical representation balances the mood, as the dark-themed game incorporates bright and colorful visuals.
The game encompasses Twitch integration, a live streaming service, through which the viewers can contribute their suggestions in the chatbox.
3. Dungeons of Dredmor
The roguelike indie game requires the player to survive the combat with the monsters and creatures in the dungeon, at the same time searching for different weapons and items.
The main objective of the player is to slash his way to the ruler of the dungeon, Lord Dredmor. Do you think you have it in yourself to overcome the obstacles thrown at you?
Do you possess the willpower to begin your journey from the very beginning, if you happen to die? Or will the monsters be able to subdue you in the process? Enter and explore the world of Dungeons of Dremour, one of the best roguelike games ever.
The game was released on July 13, 2011, developed by Gaslamp Games for Windows, Mac, Linux, and other such platforms.
The player has to descend to the monster-filled dungeon from the top to the bottom floor. The difficulty level of the attacks by the enemies would keep on ascending, as the player starts descending the floors.
The rooms on each floor are filled with monsters, traps, and barriers to prevent them from reaching the Lord. Meanwhile, various items and objects are scattered around the rooms, which the player needs to collect to gain weapons and energy.
Unlike the gothic environment, Dungeons of Dredmor (Visit Here) is indeed designed in a humoristic way. From summoning a Moustache of Glem to finding scattered vending machines to dispense food, the dungeon offers a variety of ridiculous encounters and items to lighten the mood.
The player must be aware of the death that awaits them at every corner of the room. Be ready to die, for the game tests your patience and abilities to survive till your last breath. Death is inevitable, but it is up to you how you defeat or escape it.
The game incorporates three modes; Elvishly Easy, Dwarven Moderation, and Going Rogue. If the humorous roguelike game was not able to capture your attention, we are sure these unique and innovative names of the difficulty levels have.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to defeat the Lord, but yeah if you are tired, you could always have lunch breaks in between. After all, monsters or not, everyone gets hungry!
4. FLT: Faster Than Light
You are captaining a ship full of crew members in the outer spaces, and your sole mission is to deliver a vital message to the Federation fleet (Visit Here).
But of course, when you are carrying out a mission, things won’t go easy on you—Battle through various space sectors filled with hostile obstacles and the rebelling fleet.
Well, your ship is capable of flying faster than light, but will that be enough for you to overcome unscripted and unpredictable circumstances loitering behind you at every moment?
Now is your chance to demonstrate your captaincy skills and complete the mission successfully. Undoubtedly the outer space-themed roguelike video game is one of the best roguelike games ever.
Released on September 14, 2012, FLT was developed by Subset Games for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. Later on, the IOS version was made available to gamers.
The top-down strategy-based roguelike game can only be played in single-player mode.
The player must cross eight sectors, each having its planetary system.
Throughout the battle inside the sectors, the player needs to battle its ship through the rebel fleet and at the same time will have to keep on recruiting new ship members, upgrading the ship’s powers, strategizing how to dodge, defend or attack the enemies and effectively manage the crew.
You could either send them to carry out errands, make them search out for eerie places but as the captain, it shall be your duty to oversee the protection of your crew members,
Pausable combat provides you with plenty of time to ponder upon your decision. Wrong decisions may lead your crew to get killed or could make the rebel fleet achieve their victory.
In that case, the player would lose all their achievements and would have to resume from the outset, with a new ship.
The roguelike game does not only require you to use and implement your strategies but also makes you explore the strength of your leadership quality. Despite possessing the ability to fly faster than wind, make sure you are not short of fuel in the midst of your sprint.
5. Crypt of the NecroDancer
Imagine you are inside a dungeon filled with foes. Needless to say, you will need to indulge into a skirmish with the enemies, but what if to defeat or attack them, you are required to follow the rhythm of the music being played in the background?
You heard it correctly! Crypt of the NecroDancer (Visit Here) is a blend of rhythm-based and roguelike games. Now you will need to fight with your enemies while carefully catching the beats.
The mixed-genre provides the player with an opportunity to import custom music. You have your hero, monsters, missions to accomplish AND YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC getting played, all inside a single game.
What more can we ask for? Be ready to dance your way through the dungeons. Remember! The more you match the beats, the greater the chance to kill your combatants.
Released on April 23, 2015, Crypt of the NecroDancer was developed by Brace Yourself Games for Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, and more.
The game only offers a single-player mode.
The character can be operated with a dance pad, making it more exciting and enjoyable to play.
But you must remember that your character would only be able to move or attack if you perform the actions synchronizing with the beats. Failing to do so may cause your character to get attacked by your combatant. Earn coins while performing actions on the beats.
Collect weapons, tools, and coins while exploring the dungeons. Coins obtained by defeating monsters could be used to purchase various tools or objects from the shops.
As they say, with greater power, comes greater responsibilities. You are not the only one trying to find a way out of the dungeon. If our hero succeeds in rescuing the non-playing characters, they will provide the player with essential services in time of need.
Fight, shoot, jump and rescue all the while jamming to your favorite song. Head on to one of the best roguelike games of all time.
6. Desktop Dungeons
If you are in the mood of playing light-hearted and straightforward roguelike games then Desktop Dungeons (Visit Here), one of the best roguelike games ever, is the one for you.
Your only mission is to descend through the dungeons, fighting enemies on your way, to reach your ultimate target, the boss of the dungeon. Easier said than done. The path to the boss won’t be any more straightforward for our hero.
Released on November 12, 2013, QCF Design developed the role-playing roguelike game for Windows, Ios, Android, and Macintosh.
The game can only be played in single-player mode.
Entering the randomly generated dungeon will make you encounter various obstacles, puzzles, and unexpected traps. Along the way, you will be attacked by the enemies whose main aim is to act as a hindrance between our champion and the boss.
Some tricks are explained in the tutorial box. Still, to figure out the rest of the tricks, our champion would need to analyze the patterns of the enemies’ attacks critically and plan their strategies accordingly.
Do you have it in yourself to defeat the boss, conquer his gold trophy and escape the dungeon? Follow the adventurous journey of our champion and be the controller of his fate.
7. The Binding of Isaac
It’s a roguelike video game where our hero has to battle his way through monster-filled labyrinths to kill his maniac mother and escape his tragic destiny. Isaac must use his tears as bullets to rage against the unspeakable evil.
It is a top-down crawler dungeon game with a grim and intense back story. Excluding The Binding of Isaac (Visit Here) from our list of the best roguelike games of all time would have been a mockery to the genre.
Released on September 28, 2011, Edmund McMillen developed the game for Microsoft, OS X, and Linux.
The game offers a single-player mode.
The player plays the part of an unfortunate child’s character, who has found his way into the monster-filled basement of his house in his distressed state, to flee from the insanity of his psychotic mother.
The most tempting aspects of the game are the exploration of new things, playing with numerous objects, and combining them to form an entirely new tool.
New products may or may not work in favor of Isaac. They add to his strengths, but they can redo his look as well. Beware, our hero may or may not be recognizable at the end of the game.
The character’s primary weapon is his tears which can be used as bullets when the need arises. The players may use weapons and tools acquired during the journey, but they must be used carefully and effectively as they are available in limited numbers.
The game is broken down into nine levels. The player must be battling the monsters on each level, and the combat between the boss and our hero takes place at the end of each level.
To play this game, an immense amount of patience is required. You may get frustrated by dying over and over. But once you can figure out the attacks, you will be a pro at defeating your enemies.
The light-hearted background music used in the game contradicts the dark theme of the character, which enables the player to play the game with a cheerful mind.
Well, killing one’s mother can never be an easy task to perform. But our hero needs all the support and courage to finish off his maniac murder and be free from her brutality. Join the game and help Issac save his life from his mother.
8. Nuclear Throne
The roguelike post-apocalypse shooter game makes the players control one of the twelve characters, who is responsible for shooting the Nuclear boss to death.
Well, before you find your way to the boss, you must encounter weird-looking creatures whose attacks and powers keep on inclining as you progress into the game.
Let us warn you! Do not get weirded out by the characters you are destined to take control over. You could play as a skeleton or a bunch of eyes, but remember they have their unique powers which would be of your advantage. This is undoubtedly one of the best rogue games of all time.
Released on December 5, 2015, Vlambeer developed the game for various platforms including Windows, Linux, and many more.
The game can be played in single-player as well as multiplayer mode.
The player manipulates one of the twelve characters, ten of which could be unlocked only by leveling up. Two additional special characters could be controlled under certain circumstances.
The player is initially equipped with a basic revolver, but more powerful and upgraded weapons could be obtained from the red chest.
After defeating the Nuclear Throne (Visit Here), the player may choose to start the game all over. But remember, except for the crown of the boss and few select weapons, no other achievement would be saved. If the player decides to start again, they will have to start from square one.
Should you die, the game will restart. There are no second chances available to proceed from where you left.
The rock music and the banging sound effects used in the game radiate an energetic and fun environment.
9. Spelunky
If we are talking about roguelike games, then without Spelunky (Visit Here) the list will be incomplete. It is one of the first few games which adapted the roguelike genre.
The player is the spelunker whose goal is to explore various randomly generated caverns, collect as much treasure as possible, fight with the enemy group incorporating varied species, and dodge unpredictable traps on the way.
Spelunky is like the MOM of the roguelike genre. Needless to say, it will always remain one of the best roguelike games of all time.
The first version of the game was released on December 21, 2008, by Mossmouth, LLC for Microsoft Windows. Later on August 8, 2013, the remake version came into existence and was made available for various platforms.
The remake version offers both single players as well as multiplayer modes.
Be ready to get attacked by snakes, bats, spiders, plants and other weird creatures while you make your way inside the caves. At this point encountering a ghost would not be surprising. Isn’t it?
Whip or jump to attack or defeat the combatant. Grab objects to throw at enemies or bomb the area to defeat them. Make the enemies fall into the traps set up by you.
The game allows the player to make use of ropes and other essential objects to navigate the area. The game is all about exploring caverns and collecting your cash.
10. Skull: The Hero Slayer
This time around the roles has been changed. The evil human race has succeeded in destroying the demon king’s castle with overwhelming numbers.
As they hold every skeleton as captivates, only one little skeleton named Skull (Visit Here), a member of the demon guard is being left behind.
Are you ready to set into a quest of rescuing Your Majesty from the aggression of the human race? Will you be able to save the demon king and save the demon kingdom from collapsing?
Or will the human race be able to overpower your race and rule over you forever? Try out playing one of the best roguelike games to find out.
Released on February 19, 2020, SouthPAW Games developed the roguelike game for Windows, OS X and Linux.
The game offers a single-player mode.
Skull is not an ordinary character. In addition to his fantastic fighting skill, power upgrades and new abilities could be obtained depending on the skull which the player chooses to wear. Two skulls could be worn at a time. Depending on your gameplay and strategy, the best skull combo could be the key to your victory.
Don’t let the adorable character of the Skull fool you. The tiny skull is capable of using his tremendous strength to fight the demon hunters—Battle through mysterious mazes where unexpected enemies and attacks await you. Defeat the powerful and massive bosses at the end of each chapter and be a step closer to rescue your King.
The storyline and graphical representation of the game has a comical essence to it. One time you would be busy battling your components, and the next thing you know, you are one floor, laughing at the hilarious quotes used by the other characters in the game.
The pixel art game has been inspired by none other than the Dead Cells. But we will have to agree that it has done a pretty fantastic job at making the storyline unique and the game engaging.
It is not every other day that you wake up as the demon protagonists, right? Slash the demon hunters, rescue the non-playing characters and battle our way to the demon king.
But remember, once you die, you will be back to the witch’s house, from where it all started. To discover the unique storyline, help the adorable tiny Skull fight his battle.
11. Children of Morta
Children of Morta (Visit Here) is undoubtedly one of the best roguelike games ever, with its unique storyline and additional dialogues.
On the surface, it is the same roguelike cliche, where the player has to traverse through different dungeons, fight enemies and ultimately achieve the assigned mission.
But on a deeper level, the game portrays the significance of having a family around you, which influences your character to be a healthy and better person. When Bergson’s family finds out about the corruption engulfing their homeland, the player is set to fight against the evil forces of the demonic Ou.
Released on September 3, 2019, Dead Mage developed the game for Microsoft Windows. In later years, the game was published on other platforms like Nintendo Switch.
Single-player and local coop modes are available for this game.
The player begins the game by selecting two of the family members. To unlock the remaining members, one needs to progress into the game, fight demons and clear levels.
Well if you are scared of spiders the gear up! At the end of the first level, a giant spider boss awaits you. Undoubtedly, your death is inevitable.
Like any other roguelike games, the more you die, the better you get at understanding the planning your strategies against the combatants as you get familiar with their style of attacks.
Switching characters on a regular basis are recommended as using the same character throughout would cause them fatigue and their strength would get affected.
The combat is engaging and intense. Yor thrive to unlock your family members and gain more powers would keep you engaged in the game. The visuals are depicted in a way that it gives a homely feeling, with all the family members having their peculiar charms which help them battle against the enemies.
You could always buy objects from the shop, which would improve your abilities and would add up to your weapon collection. Defeating the boss is not easy and let us face it, we are bound to die several times in the hands of the same boss.
But in the end, as we get equipped with the required powerful weapons and face the boss, the adrenaline rush felt is on another level. Because this time, victory will be ours.
12. Downwell
Downwell (Visit Here) is a vertical shooter roguelike game. The platform-based game where the player controls a curious man named Wellatro who sets himself up for a quest to loot the treasure inside the well of the nearby park.
Our hero is aware of the monsters waiting for him inside the well, guarding the treasure. Will that stop our hero from becoming rich? NO.
Without any second thoughts, get ready to descend the dark well filled with death threats, obstacles, and traps, while our hero puts on his bullet boots to defeat enemies.
We can guarantee you that Downwell is one of the best roguelike games of all time, which will never disappoint you.
Released on October 14, 2015, Moppin developed the game for IOS users. The following day, the Microsoft Windows version was made public. In the following years Android, Nintendo Switch and many more versions for various platforms were released.
The game can be played in single-player mode.
The developers have done a great job at making the gameplay more approachable as the mechanics behind the gameplay is very easy to understand.
The player can use only three input keys to move the character. Left, right, and an action button is used to make the character jump while shooting bullets from his boots.
The graphical representation of the game is in a palette style where only three colors are used throughout the entire game. Color consistency of the characters and background do not tend to change, despite entering new levels.
The game incorporates three colors; black is used for the background, white is the color of the character and red color determines enemies as well as objects and gems.
The player can shoot the enemies or jump on them to kill them. However, few enemies do not get affected by stomping over them; hence they can only be killed by using the gumboots. The gun boots are automatically reloaded once the character lands on any surface, concrete or not.
Unlocking different palettes will grant the character with upgraded movements which the player could use to defeat the enemies and reach the treasure faster.
Be ready to get attacked by your enemies at any point, from any corner. Randomly generated levels will not let you have time to ponder upon the locations of the enemies.
The only way to reach the treasure is to keep descending the well. Gravity can sometimes act as a nasty piece of shit as it pulls or hero towards the ground in its full speed, making it difficult for the player to control him in mid-air.
Wrapping Up
So, we have reached the end of our list of the best roguelike games of all time. Did you find our list helpful? Let us know how many games you have already played on our list in the comments below.
If we missed including one of your favorites, do not feel disappointed. We will be back with another list of exciting and adventurous roguelike games. Meanwhile, let us know which games do you find the best?
All the new gamers we hope that this article helped you get introduced to the fun genre of the gaming world.
And our homes, we will always keep providing you with unique game suggestions. So keep playing, keep enjoying it. We will be back soon! Meanwhile, look out for the monsters and get your treasure.
