Let me be clear right out of the gate; this is not a list of the scariest roguelike games (you can read about horror roguelikes here – although full disclosure, there’s a bit of crossover). Oh no, this is a more whimsical article is all about Halloween roguelikes.
I think there’s a difference, and so some of these games are not scary in the traditional sense. Therefore, this is intended to be a list of games that revel in the darker aspects of their respective settings without getting too lost in the horror side of things.
Jolly horrible, you might say.
Crypt of the NecroDancer | Brace Yourself Games | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Our first entry is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Crypt of the NecroDancer is a peach of a game with its lovely pixel-art graphics and bouncy gameplay, but it’s also got strong spooky vibes.
Expect lots of skeletons hip-thrusting their way over to you like an army of 19 year old boys during fresher’s week. There are bouncing blobs and infuriating bats (at least they’re not as annoying as the bats in Spelunky) and plants that will snap the life out of you.
At times it can feel like a haunted house is out to get you in this marvellously silly game, and the fact that it’s out on PC, mobile, and all major consoles means that pretty much anyone can play. Switch owners also have Cadence of Hyrule, you lucky lot.
Skul: The Hero Slayer | Southpaw Games | Android, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
This charming side-scrolling platform game is a great pick if you’re after an engaging adventure this Halloween. Playing as the eponymous Skul, you must rescue the demon king from the pesky humans that have stormed your castle.
The resulting roguelite adventure will keep you coming back for more thanks to the different skulls that our hero can wear. Picking your skulls will determine your playstyle, and you’ll need to try out a few before you find your preferred build.
Finally, a word on the graphics. I am a big fan of pixel-art and Southpaw has done a tremendous job on this front, as you can see for yourself.
Vampire Survivors | poncle | iOS, Android, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Another game that brings the horror tropes and then gives them a serious spin is Vampire Survivors, the mega-addictive action-roguelite from Poncle.
For the uninitiated, this one boasts some of the most elegantly minimalist gameplay around. As waves of fantastical enemies descend, you need to grab gems in order to level up and sharpen your weapons so you can deal more damage and kill ever more baddies.
By the final stages of a typical run, the screen will be filled with all manner of beasties, although you won’t see too many vampires, despite the game’s name. What you will get is tremendous visual variety and a constant stream of fun little decisions. It’s excellent brain gum if you’re after something a bit more relaxing to play this October 31.
The Binding of Isaac: Repentance | Nicalis, Edmund McMillen | And, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
A list of spooky games wouldn’t be complete without everyone’s favourite armed babe-in-arms, Isaac. This genre classic is filled to the brim with vile and disgusting creatures, and surely any Halloween aficionado will gel with the atmosphere.
Repentance is the version of the game that I recommend checking out. However, even if you’re just getting started on the base game without any expansions, there’s plenty to get your teeth stuck into.
In terms of the experience itself, I would note that the gameplay is brilliantly creative and facilitates loads of interesting builds thanks to the range of items on offer. Yes, it’s disgusting most of the time, but it’s also a stellar game that we always look forward to returning to.
Darkest Dungeon | Red Hook | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Xbox
This Halloween, if you want to truly feel the fear, we’re going to recommend Darkest Dungeon be the game you check out.
In essence, this is a game about crapping your pants. Your heroes are under constant stress due to their various battles with hellspawn and bandits. After a while, if you’re not careful, this fear will take over and your mercs will descend into madness. Or worse, they’ll have a heart attack at a crucial moment mid-battle. The babies.
There are two expansions for Darkest Dungeon, and while we wouldn’t recommend them to a novice player, they would certainly amp up the tension if selected for your next run.
Golden Krone Hotel | Vulgat | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
I fondly remember my time staying at the Golden Krone Hotel. It’s a fairly traditional roguelike about vampires, and killing them with sunlight. That being so, it has a neat lighting system that players will quickly have to master if they’re going to endure the night.
The gameplay might be turn-based, but it’s also on the pacier side of things – at least when considered against the majority of its more traditional brethren. If you’re after a more classic roguelike, this one wants to suck your blood… (I hope you did the accent in your head.)
Inscryption | Daniel Mullins Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I’ve saved the obligatory deck-builder for last, and it’s Inscryption that gets the nod in this Halloween-infused listicle. To be fair, it’s more than just a deck-builder, but the less you know about its constituent parts going in, the better.
Vagueness aside, there aren’t many games out there with a more sinister vibe than this one, nor a more interesting brew of gameplay elements, so it’s perfect if you’re after something with a more cerebral edge this October 31.
Honourable Mentions
Yet Another Zombie Survivors (PC) – It’s still in Early Access but the future is already looking great for YAZS. Not only is this survivors-like full of zombies and undead creatures, but this visually appealing game doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a great fit here.
Don’t Die, Minerva! (PC, Xbox) – Another game worth a mention is Don’t Die, Minerva!. I’ve played this one a few times and it’s not toplist material. However, it has exactly the sort of whimsigoth vibe I mentioned above.
Empty Shell (PC) – Now it’s time for a shout out to top-down terror Empty Shell. It starts off feeling like a horror game, but once you get to grips with things, the challenge drops a little and you can start to enjoy exploring the game’s derelict base.
Buckshot Roulette (PC) – Halloween 2024 will see the addition of multiplayer to Buckshot Roulette, an indie hit that surprised everyone this year with its unique take on Russian roulette. The aim of the game is to take out your opponent using any means possible, with various items shifting the luck in your favour.
Jupiter Hell (PC) – Finally, I don’t want to down tools on this one without mentioning Jupiter Hell, a Doom-inspired roguelike that revels in slaying demons to a heavy metal soundtrack. It’s got great vibes and it would be a great Halloween pick, if you ask me.
Want more of the best roguelike games? You know what to do!
