Welcome to Rogueliker’s guide to Android and iOS roguelikes and roguelites. Originally intended to be an article focused on the best Android roguelikes, it eventually evolved to include iOS and mobile subscription services.
In this feature I’m going to be exploring two surprisingly vibrant platforms for rogues. These are spaces where the genre has flourished in some new and interesting directions. For my part, I’ve discovered several hidden gems during my research for this article.
What makes Android and iOS both really interesting alternatives to PC and console, is that there are a lot of turn-based roguelikes that fit so nicely in the palm of your hand. The tablet in particular is a great size for a lot of roguish games, making them a more tactile experience.
There are also roguelikes made with a smaller scope, and even experimental experiences that simply wouldn’t get made on any another platform. On the other hand, I’ve seen some perfectly good games ruin themselves with cheap ads, so it goes both ways, I guess.
Criteria for Inclusion
For this guide, as the title implies, I’ve picked out a selection of great roguelikes and roguelites. The criteria for inclusion is: it has got to be a roguelike or roguelite on either Android or iOS, it has to have enjoyed a decent critical reception, and it doesn’t have any exploitative monetisation elements.
I also like to have to have played all of the games that I recommend, which rules some out by default, for I am but one man and I can’t play everything (I’ve tried, it didn’t work).
One last note… below I’ve written about all of the viable games that are also included in Rogueliker’s list of the best roguelike games, plus I’ve also thrown in a few extra picks to make up the numbers. Please, enjoy!
Balatro | LocalThunk | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
A highlight of the year and one of the best deckbuilders, Balatro finally lands on mobile devices after making quite an impression on PC and consoles following its launch in February. Yet it’s a great fit on mobile and a dangerously addictive timesink to carry around in your pocket.
Balatro is a poker-themed game, but it’s not traditional Texas Hold’em. Yes, it’s still a game about playing the best hand possible from the cards that are dealt. However, it doesn’t take long before you’re making powerful upgrades to your deck via the jokers that you assemble during each run, and there are some truly creative ways that you can combine your jokers to boost your multipliers.
There are several decks to choose from, and each one comes with its benefits and challenges. There are multiple difficulty levels, and getting to the end of each one will require plenty of patience and a bit of luck as the ante rises. There are also loads of challenges, and like the difficulty modifiers, the later ones will need just a smidgen of good fortune to beat.
As someone who used to enjoy playing Poker, I was comfortable with Balatro straight away, however, I do think that the game is accessible enough for people who maybe aren’t as familiar. It helps that the rules of poker are rarely upheld, and it’s not unusual to skip a royal hand for a couple of pairs because of the decisions you’ve made.
Crypt of the NecroDancer | Brace Yourself Games | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PlayStation (4/Vita), Nintendo Switch, Xbox
A true turn-based classic, Crypt of the Necrodancer is a pure delight to play on any platform. However, the tactile nature of a touch screen makes it a great way to experience the game, and you’ll be tap, tap, tapping away in no time at all. It takes a while to get good, mind.
While there is a strong beat running through the game, it’s a roguelite at heart. The turn-based gameplay is tied to a pulsating rhythm, but you’re still hopping from grid to grid, learning attack patterns, and indulging in a number of other roguelike staples.
If you’re after a game that reveres the old guard but puts an entirely fresh spin on things, Crypt of the Necrodancer will not let you down.
Recently, however, the game has undergone a change of address and it’s now available on both platforms but only as part of subscriptions for anime streaming service Crunchyroll. If you don’t already own it, you’ll need to be a premium member to access Crunchyroll: NecroDancer, so bear that in mind.
Downwell | Moppin | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PlayStation (4/Vita), Switch
Gunboots. It’s one of my favourite portmanteaus in all of gaming. They’re the star of Downwell, a low-fi action-roguelike where you play a random chap who decides to jump down a well full of monsters.
While that might sound like a daft thing to do – and it is, let’s be honest here – I should also refer you back to the aforementioned gunboots. You’re heading deep under the surface, and it’s a dangerous descent. On the way you’ll use your boots to shoot enemies, but you’ll also stomp on them, and try and string together combos, which is properly difficult to do. It’s worth it, though, because in those brief moments where it works, where you’re playing on instinct and everything comes together, Downwell creates some of the most thrilling moments in all of gaming.
I have always associated Downwell with mobile gaming, because it feels so natural to play on a phone. That said, if you’ve got a controller to hand, you might find the controls just a smidge more responsive.
Dead Cells | Motion Twin and Evil Empire | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PlayStation (4/5), Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Series
This action platformer from Motion Twin is an awesome mixture of ingredients. For this wonderful mishmash, the studio blended a roguish gameplay loop with challenging combat and a dash of roguevania exploration.
It can’t be stated enough that Dead Cells is an absolutely stunning game. This is the very definition of pixel perfect, and it was the quality of the visuals that first caught my eye and catapulted the game into the wider public arena.
Subsequent exploration of the game and its DLC continues to delight the eyeballs in a way few indies can. The fact that it plays so well is just the cherry on the cake, and the most recent Castlevania-themed expansion adds a new story, new biomes and bosses, and plenty more besides.
One final thing, which is extremely relevant here: the ongoing development of Dead Cells is due to stop once the game has been upgraded to Update 35. Mobile gamers are still waiting on Update 34 so there’s still plenty to come, however, the end is also firmly in sight.
Vampire Survivors | Poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Windows), PlayStation 4/5, Switch, Xbox One/Series
Vampire Survivors manages to find the sweet spot between chaos and zen calm in a way that a game like this has no right to. Poncle’s auto-shooter has defined a burgeoning sub-genre of bullet heaven games and we’re starting to see a number of high quality imitators trying to steal some of Vampire Survivors’ pie.
That’s easier said than done because the thing that made it a true standout and an indie darling was the overall combination of incredible depth, accessibility, and secrets. It’s this mix that makes Vampire Survivors such an enticing and intoxicating experience.
There’s so much to see and do, if the game gets its hooks into you, it’ll keep giving you things to do for hundreds of hours. On top of that, the developers are constantly adding new content, remixing old things, and generally adding value wherever they can, including co-op play! You’ll need to pay up if you want to see the best of the game, but that’s fair enough, right?
Slay the Spire | Megacrit | Android, iOS, PC (Linux, Mac, Windows), PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Slay the Spire is a perfect game to play on your tablet. This roguelike deckbuilder is the reference for an entire sub category of gaming, and one that continues to expand all the time. I think the game’s success, and the constant stream of deck builders that have followed it, is down to the appetite out there for thought-provoking, interesting decisions – something that Slay the Spire delivers in spades.
Playing cards are the perfect vehicle for complicated and interesting game-changing decisions, and so I can see why we’re seeing so many out there. Yet while there are many imitators trying the same thing as Slay the Spire, there are only one or two that come anywhere near it.
If you’ve never played the game, please allow me to redirect your attention to the Rogueliker review, where we get into the nitty gritty of why Slay the Spire is still worth playing, regardless of platform.
Into The Breach | Subset Games | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Nintendo Switch
Into The Breach brings a narrow focus to bear on the roguelite time loop conundrum. Subset Games’ follow-up to FTL Faster Than Light is about time travelling mechs fighting aliens in a last ditch attempt to save the planet.
This time-twisting struggle is boiled down onto puzzle-like game boards where you’ll be forced to agonise over every move as you try and push forward and save the world.
Looping narratives and time-based mechanics work very well with the roguish gameplay loop, and I’m surprised that there aren’t more games that play around with the idea. Into The Breach is probably the best to attempt it, in my opinion – and that’s across any genre.
P.S. If you’ve got an iPad I strongly recommend that you check out FTL Faster Than Light if you haven’t already. It’s a masterpiece.
Immortal Rogue | Kyle Barrett | Android, iOS
This feisty hack ‘n’ slash adventure has you battling enemies from across the ages. At the heart of things is your immortality – every hundred years you awake and need to stock up on calories. Standard vampire stuff, when you think about it.
Each time you wake up from your slumber, you’re given a choice of who to go after. These choices can have ramifications, however, so think carefully and prepare for a fight to the last.
Decision making aside, for the most part it’s a case of swiping around the place as you hunt for your victims, as well as levelling up NPC allies so they leave a helping hand behind to aid you the next time you wake up.
Brotato | Blobfish | Android, iOS, PC, Switch, PS, Xbox
One of my current favourites, Brotato is an absolute hoot and a true winner if all you’re after is pure distilled action. The game certainly borrows elements from Vampire Survivors, but instead of a huge sprawling map to explore over 30 minutes; here you get a compact space that resets every few seconds.
In the spirit of Mr Potato Head, you can dress up your Brotato with the upgrades you discover over the course of a run, with your little mate having six weapon slots to equip things to. On top of that, there is a wealth of different starting options to choose from, which helps direct your experience during a given run. Throw in a bunch of fun unlocks and some crazy enemy designs, and you’ve got a sleeper hit in the making.
There’s a review of Brotato right here should you want more detail. The game recently made its way to console, too, so make sure you check it out regardless of which platform you’re rocking.
20 Minutes Till Dawn | flanne | Android, iOS, PC (Win, Mac), Switch
I have to admit, I was late to the party when it came to 20 Minutes Till Dawn. Don’t be like me and check this one out now if you’re after an action-roguelite with a bit more bite than most.
20 Minutes Till Dawn is a tough-as-nails horror shooter where you’re constantly stalked by monsters inspired by the works of HP Lovecraft. This results in a tense battle where you’re trying to stay alive until dawn, using a selection of escalating powers to aid you in your attempt to survive.
This is a deceptive game in the sense that it looks simple on the face of it, thanks mostly to the minimalist colour palette, but you’ll quickly discover plenty of nuance as you battle waves of terrors with your ever-changing toolkit.
Crying Suns | Alt Shift | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Nintendo Switch
Faster Than Light never made it over to Android from iOS, which leaves a gap in the market. Don’t worry, however, as there is one game that takes the principles first seen in FTL, and then runs with them in a number of interesting directions.
Crying Suns has a strong narrative holding it together. Herein you’ll command a pixelated spaceship full of rounded characters and together you’ll explore a fallen space empire filled with interesting moral dilemmas.
There’s also an engaging combat system that underpins the story, which stops it from feeling like an FTL-clone and allows this immersive space adventure stand on its own two feet.
Shattered Pixel Dungeon | Shattered Pixel | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
If you’re after a traditional turn-based game, one that wants to send you deep down into a proper dungeon filled with monsters that want nothing more than to hurt you, Shattered Pixel Dungeon might just be the Android roguelike that you’ve been looking for.
This is a long-in-the-making roguelike that is still getting regular updates from its dedicated creators. This length of service has helped make Shattered Pixel Dungeon into the one of the most replayable RPGs on mobile and PC, and there’s tremendous depth to be found in this charming pixelated dungeon crawler.
I think where SPD shines is that it offers a proper fantasy RPG experience, and once you’ve learned the basics, a deep and immersive world snaps into focus. Give it time and you will be rewarded.
NEO Scavenger | Blue Bottle Games | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
I’m throwing the survival category into the mix because I know there’s a lot of appetite out there for decent games where the emphasis is on staying alive in a harsh and unforgiving game world.
On this front, I’ve gone with an old favourite as my next roguish recommendation: NEO Scavenger. It’s one of the most punishing games I’ve ever encountered, but its rigidity eventually reaps great rewards to the dedicated.
The big focus here is on inventory management and evocative storytelling, and you’ll find both in abundance here. That being so, if that’s not your jam, and if you’re not prepared to work that bit harder to get to grips with its truly relentless post-apocalyptic world, maybe skip this one.
One last thing before you go… The level of detail in the inventory systems means you’ll benefit from a larger screen, as you can see in the screenshot below.
Luck be a Landlord | Trampoline Tales | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
Am I scraping the barrel of sub-genres just to make sure that I can say nice things about this superb little slot machine simulator? You better believe I am, and I’m doing so because Luck be a Landlord is a true indie triumph that deserves to be played by more people.
It’s actually a cleverly designed deckbuilder that invites you to fight capitalism via a fruit machine (is there any other way at this stage?). You must pay your landlord on time with the gold you’ve earned from finding synergies in your ever-growing hand of symbols.
It starts off slow, I must admit, but once it clicks, this unassuming game turns out to be incredibly addictive – as I’ve noted in more detail over in my review. Just one more spin, anybody?
Peglin | Red Nexus Games | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win)
If I can make up one category, who’s going to stop me making up more? Nobody – that’s right. Thus welcome to the narrow confines of the roguelike pachinko sub-category.
Peglin is a lovely little game that plays a bit like puzzle classic Peggle. Herein you take control of a little green fella who looks somewhat like Baby Yoda and go on an adventure full of pachinko battles and story encounters.
As you advance through the game you’ll be attacked by all manner of beasties, but using your growing collection of pachinko balls, each imbued with a special power, you can take down your opponents. You simply toss them at pegs, try and build up a combo or hit a crit, and hope for the best.
Slice & Dice | Tann | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
Another one worth highlighting is Slice & Dice, a game that I’ve only recently discovered after it was ported over to PC and I played it for the first time over on Steam. This hidden gem wears its heart on its sleeve in the sense that it’s all about slicing up big bads while rolling dice for your party of explorers.
Players are tasked with taking a party of five adventurers through a series of combat encounters, but the roguish nature of this particular beast means that one defeat will send you right back to the start. I guess you better be feeling lucky then, punk!
Vault of the Void | Spider Nest Games | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win)
I came across Vault of the Void during my research for my article about the best roguelike deckbuilders and it was probably the discovery that made the biggest impact on me thanks to the high quality of the production and the chunky range of cards that are available.
One thing that sets Vault of the Void apart from other games of this sort is its low reliance on random factors, which helps to make it feel like the action is more in your control. Of course, when it all goes horribly wrong, that’s your fault, too.
Deck customisation is also very good here, as you can infuse your deck with so-called void stones to spice them up, plus there are literally hundreds of items that can be used to tweak your deck this way and that.
Fury Unleashed | Awesome Games Studio | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
In the interests of transparency, I would like to note that my time with Fury Unleashed has all been on Xbox, but what I didn’t realise at the time was that the game is also available to play on Android and iOS!
If you’re going to play on mobile, I’d suggest a controller will help you get the best out of the game because accuracy is a must in a game such as this. Not only that, but the movement itself is good with really nicely weighted controls that feel great.
The best thing about the game is the aesthetic, however. Action takes place in small platformed arenas that are linked together like a comic. There are loads of nods to this comic book style, and the visuals are absolutely lovely. On top of all that, there’s a brilliant selection of weapons to choose from, and when combined with the crisp controls, it makes for a really engaging roguelite experience.
Loop Hero | Four Quarters | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Switch, Xbox
The premise of Loop Hero is somewhat bleak, as the end of the world is very much nigh. All is not lost, however, and it’s up to you, Dear Reader, to save the day and rebuild existence.
The gameplay loop alluded to in the title has your hero doing laps around a circuit, and as you go you must add scenery of different kinds for your character to travel through. This scenery will challenge and/or reward you, but take on too much and you’ll perish along with your progress.
As you loop around you’ll also be able to upgrade your gear, meaning you can take on increasingly challenging enemies and reaping increasingly substantial rewards. If you don’t push your luck too far you can bank a load of progress which you take back to the hub world so you can expand there.
There’s a lot going on and even more to think about, but if you’re after a more cerebral experience to play on your mobile device, you won’t find one much finer than this.
OneBit Adventure | Galactic Slice | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win)
If you’re after a cute little free-to-play rogue to enjoy in quick bursts and Downwell is too frantic for you, please allow me to direct your attention to OneBit Adventure, a turn-based rogue with few thrills but a great hook.
This simple yet surprisingly deep 2D dungeon crawler has a very simple hook, but it works so well. In a nutshell, you must constantly push forward and once the screen has moved up, you can’t go back. This simple design choice keeps the action moving, but also forces the player into making some genuinely nuanced decisions.
At the end of the day, the focus here is on slapping your enemies and grabbing loot, but the execution is really very good despite the understated aspects of its design. OneBit Adventure is a top notch pick-up-and-play rogue that I heartily recommend you check it out.
Gunfire Reborn | Duoyi Games | Android, iOS, PC, PS, Switch, Xbox
I keep finding myself going back to Gunfire Reborn (admittedly, on Xbox and not mobile) because it offers replayability by the bucket load. Not only that: it boasts some seriously slick gunplay, too.
Across a growing range of characters with different abilities, Gunfire Reborn invites you try out a broad array of guns, and then upgrade them to make them even more explosive and deadly. What makes this such an easy sell is that the guns all feel different from one another, and they’re nearly all super satisfying to use.
I also want to highlight the game’s low-poly visual style, which is somewhat similar to the likes of Deep Rock Galactic – I didn’t love it at first but after a while the presentation grew on me, and I’ve really come to appreciate the graphics.
I think Gunfire Reborn is charming in all respects, and if you’re a shooter fan on Android looking for your next good time, I’d say you just found it.
BlazBlue: Entropy Effect | 91 Act | Android, iOS, PC (Win)
After impressing on PC, the side-scrolling beat ’em up (set vaguely in the BlazBlue universe) is out now on both Android and iOS devices, and it arrives there in pretty good shape, too.
I cover the difference between the PC and mobile versions in my review, but I’ll save you the click if all you want is to know how it works on iOS and Android, and whether it’s worth a download. On that front, it’s a resounding “yes”, as I think 91 Act has managed the transition from PC and mobile pretty well.
You get one character for free, and in theory you can just play with them, but you’ll need to spend a couple of bucks to unlock more. You’ll want to, though, as you’re able to capture the essence of past runs and turn them into special attacks for your next attempt.
It’s not too expensive to grab a bunch of characters and start having fun, playing Entropy Effect as intended. Load times will depend on your device, but after a slightly lengthy wait, the performance was actually pretty smooth on my ol’ iPad.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate | Super Evil Megacorp | iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I have to admit to being late to the party on this one, because while I had played a bit, it wasn’t until Splintered Fate landed on PS5 that I took a proper look.
As far as Hades clones go, this is one of the best out there. There’s a fair amount of nuance and potential build variety, but the combat is simple and engaging, which makes this an accessible action roguelite that’s great to play in co-op with family – if you’ve got hardware that can handle it, of course.
Not only is the Turtles license handled pretty well, but the game underneath all that cartoon silliness is rock solid, and me and my youngest had a bunch of fun playing through the campaign.
The combat requires some precision, so a controller is also highly recommended if you’re going to get the most out of this steller ARPG. Check it out, dude!
Apple Arcade Roguelikes
If you’re a subscriber to Apple’s gaming platform, you’ve got access to a small number of very good roguelike and roguelite games. We’ve talked about nearly all of them with the exception of TMNT Splintered Fate, a family friendly multiplayer roguelite.
- Slay the Spire+
- Balatro+
- Monster Train+
- Vampire Survivors+
- Downwell+
- Dead Cells+
- TMNT: Splintered Fate
Netflix Games and Hades
It’s one of the best roguelite games ever, but when it comes to mobile, it’s not available as widely as people might like. You can play Hades on iOS but you need to be subscribed to Netflix Games, which gives you access to a selection of decent roguelike games, including Into The Breach and Dead Cells – not too shabby.
Unfortunately, as far as I know, there are no current plans to bring Hades to Android, with the last update on the matter shared in March.
- Arcanium: Rise of Akhan
- Dead Cells
- Dust & Neon
- Hades
- Into The Breach
- Mighty Quest Rogue Palace
- Moonlighter
The Best iOS Exclusive Roguelikes
As discussed in the previous section in particular, there are one or two games that are available on iOS that aren’t out on Android.
The big one is Hades, but if you’ve had the stamina to read this from top to bottom, you’ll know that there’s also FTL Faster Than Light (pictured), an all-time roguelike classic that is only playable on iPad.
Another cracking little video game that hasn’t been mentioned here yet is The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, another big hitter exclusive to Apple’s platform.
A more recent addition is Cult of the Lamb, which is now available on mobile exclusively on Apple Arcade. In fact, there’s some exclusive titbits for fans who play this version.
Finally, you can add the tablet-only versions of Darkest Dungeon and Invisible, Inc to the list of the best iOS roguelikes that never made it to Android.
