Welcome, Dear Reader, to the home of the best new roguelikes and roguelites. Well, some of them, at least. You see, the main thing I’ve learned since starting Rogueliker is that there are far too many good games out there for one outlet to cover. That means there are a few titles missing below; some are always going to fly under the radar.
So here we are, with a list of the finest new roguelike games that have been released in the last year across PC, console, and mobile. I had to pick a cut-off point, and “one year after the first game on this list” seemed as good a place as any, so henceforth all games from before March 10th 2024, will be considered officially old.
But that’s fine, because you can read about the best roguelikes and roguelites in this article, and therein you’ll find a list of great (if old) games that are available across a myriad of platforms. If you want to read about The Binding of Isaac, Slay the Spire, and Risk of Rain 2, you know where to go.
Or, of course, you can stay here, and together we’ll explore the best new roguelike games to land in the last couple of years, starting with:
Shape of Dreams | Lizard Smoothie | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox Series
Action-RPG fans have been thoroughly spoiled lately, and Shape of Dreams is a very well-executed video game that stands up well next to the biggest in the business. The fact that it’s a debut makes it all the more impressive.
The game originally dropped on PC, and then a year later, it followed on consoles, with a major anniversary update and a bunch of new endgame content to keep you dreamers busy.
Shroom and Gloom | Team Lazerbeam | PC (Win)
At the time of writing, Shroom and Gloom has only just entered Early Access, however, this visually striking and thematically brilliant first-person roguelike deckbuilder is worth checking out early.
Shroom and Gloom’s core gameplay revolves around two different decks, one for use when exploring static scenes deep in the game’s mushroom-filled caves, and the other is for combat against the tasty monsters you find there. And yes, I did say “tasty” monsters – this is a game where you eat your enemies for health, which is both weird and brilliant in equal measure.
Die in the Dungeon | ATICO | PC (Mac, Win), Switch
This dice-based deckbuilder is absolutely adorable, but also really interesting and full of nuance. Enemy encounters come down to clever positioning of the dice you draw for each round, and your aim is to assemble a set of dice that can synergise in different ways. It’s cute and clever and one of my new favourites, and now on Switch.
Emberward | Refic Games | PC (Win)
I have adored Tetris since forever, and I love the way that Emberward fuses tetrimino block dropping with tower defense to create something new and brilliant. Now Emberward has left Early Access, it has five biomes, a tremendous amount of replayability, and some of the most addicting strategy gameplay of the year.
Blood Dungeon | Meshoff | PC (Mac, Win), PS5, Switch 1+2, and Xbox Series
The new game from the creator of Nidhogg, Meshoff, is an innovative fusion of side-scrolling platforming and bullet heaven splat-fest. Blood Dungeon is particularly fun during the opening few hours, as you learn the ropes and navigate increasingly challenging stages with your growing arsenal of weapons.
Combolands: Roguelike Citybuilder | Crux Games | PC (Win)
Combolands might have a name fit for SEO, but it offers some of the finest roguelike citybuilding ever and it’s one of my favourite strategy games on the year (if you like that sound of that, keep reading until you get to 868-Back).
Over eight phases, you must upgrade your village into a thriving city, and you do this by stacking multipliers and finding clever strategies between the buildings you create. Combolands might look sweet, almost cute with those pixel graphics, but this is a deeply strategic game that delivers highly engaging gameplay.
Dave the Diver: In the Jungle | Mintrocket | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The iOS and Android ports of Dave the Diver emerged from the depths in September 26, and, in a stroke, delivered one of the best family-friendly roguelites out there to a whole new audience of gamers. Dive in the day, serve fish at night, and explore the mysteries of this charming little adventure.
I’ve linked to the new In the Jungle expansion, which also landed this year. It’s a fine continuation of Dave’s story and in some ways, we liked it better!
Feed the Scorchpot | Moravian | PC (Win)
Inspired by a mixture of Catan’s tile-placement and Balatro-style number-go-up roguelike gameplay, Feed the Scorchpot is a charming little strategy game about making lots of tasty food for a dragon who’ll eat you if the grub isn’t good enough. No pressure, then.
868-Back | Michael Brough | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
868-Back is the return of a fan favourite strategy roguelike, but this time it’s bigger than its predecessor and more polished, too. Not only is this a superior strategy game that will challenge you to think deeply about every move you make, but it will reward your creativity as you use the many tools given to you in order progress through each hacker-themed stage.
Enter the Chronosphere | Effort Star | PC (Mac, Win)
Enter the Chronosphere might be a turn-based tactics game, kinda, but its gameplay is closer to Superhot, but if it were a twin-stick shooter. Time moves when you do, but this is still a bullet heaven deep down, and you’ll get good at dodging enemy fire if you want to progress to increasingly chaotic spherical worlds.
Sephiria | Team Horay | PC (Mac, Win)
If you’re a fan of the classic action-roguelites, a game for you to consider is Sephiria, which might look like a cutie pie with that lovely pixel art, but deep down it’s actually a challenging action-RPG with buttery smooth combat and interesting gameplay systems.
Perhaps the most interesting part of Sephiria is the inventory system, which evolves over the course of each run as you try to make the most of the items you choose. It’s a clever little set-up that exemplifies the smart design choices made throughout the game.
Fogpiercer | Mad Cookies Studio | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
If you’re after a new deckbuilder to keep you cool while the world heats up outside, Fogpiercer is definitely well worth a look. This is the latest game to join the Hooded Horse family, and it delivers a tactical and engaging experience where you must build a train and then take it into high-speed battles.
The cool twist here is that your train build determines the card pool. Then you take these cards into battles and use them to defend yourself from Mad Max-like bandits. You have a limited pool of action points and must spend them on things such as moving back and forth on the track and firing mortars, and you’ll need to use your wits if you’re going to stay alive for very long.
Pathogenic | Aberrant Labs | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
I was primed for Pathogenic after trying the demo, and the final game did not disappoint. This twin-stick shooter borrows from the best action-roguelites, and offers both fun upgrades and tight controls.
Pathogenic puts you in control of a virus infiltrating a human body, and the game takes place in various parts of said body, with you evolving yourself until you reach the heart. The body’s defences stand between you and your victim, which would be a little macabre if the whole thing didn’t feel like a wonderfully illustrated textbook. Fantastic stuff.
SwapMeat | One More Game | PC (Mac, Win)
One More Game’s oddball third-person shooter has finally dropped the Early Access tags, and this co-op actioner has launched in pretty good shape, I have to say.
The central mechanic has you swapping body parts on the fly, and then combining this situational flexibility with an evolving skill set that grows the longer you play. The solo experience in SwapMeat is absolutely fine, but if you’ve got a group of friends, particularly friends who enjoy Risk of Rain 2, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Moonsigil Atlas | Snake Tower Games | PC (Lin, Win)
If deckbuilders are your thing, then I suggest you take a look at Moonsigil Atlas, a card game with a fun puzzle element where your cards are represented as shapes that you must fit on a board.
There are loads of interesting ideas at work, and while I think it falls short of the very highest level set by Slay the Spire, a genre fan will likely enjoy its various points of difference. I enjoyed the core hook, and the different playable characters and their respective decks are also nicely differentiated.
Titanium Court | AP Thomson | PC (Win)
While I certainly enjoyed Titanium Court, I’m not giving it an unequivocal recommendation because this will not be for everyone. Titanium Court is an obscure game, designed to make you think and stretch your imagination.
The game’s weird storytelling is supported by a match-3 gameplay loop, and while it drives the game forward, it can sometimes feel a bit convoluted. It’s a strange and unusual mix of ingredients, thoughtful and engaging, and intended to make you both laugh and think.
Saros | Housemarque | PlayStation 5
Alas, unless you’re the proud owner of a PS5, you’re not going to get your hands on Saros, because it sounds like Sony is keeping this first-party exclusive exactly that: exclusive. In an age when the new Halo is heading cross-platform, you’ve got to admire that kind of resolve.
If you are a PS5 convert, on the other hand, then you are in for an absolute treat. The story in Saros doesn’t have the same impact as the one in Returnal, which shares a lot of the same DNA, yet the rest of the game is what Housemarque does best: intense third-person bullet hell action of the highest quality.
Vampire Crawlers | poncle, Nosebleed Interactive | PC (Win), PlayStation, Switch and Xbox
The survivors-like that gave its name to the genre is back, but this time it comes in the form of an RPG blobber. Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors, to give it the full name treatment, takes the core elements of VS and fashions that into something entirely new but also quite familiar.
The resulting adventure is a fascinating but sometimes limited dungeon crawl, but one that I think most roguelite fans could have some fun with. Not a classic like the original, but still pretty good.
Sol Cesto | Tambouille, Géraud Zucchini, & Chariospirale | PC (Win)
Not only does Sol Cesto have a distinct look, but it also has a unique hook, too. This game is all about heading deep underground and engaging in dangerous games of chance with the monsters that you discover down there.
As you delve further, you’ll unlock new ways to shift the odds in your favour, in what turned out to be a fascinating and unexpected game of chance that truly stands out from the crowd.
Hades II | Supergiant Games | PC (Win), PS5, Switch 1/2, Xbox Series
It came first to PC and then the Switches, before Hades 2 finally made its long-awaited appearance on PS5 and Xbox Series in 2026.
Supergiant has taken the already excellent formula of the original and then turned things up to 11, with more of everything just waiting to be discovered as you fight against the Lord of Time (who also happens to be your grandad – and I thought my family was complicated).
Slay the Spire 2 | Mega Crit | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
Mega Crit’s Early Access release of Slay the Spire 2 is already crammed full of content, with a new co-op mode and two new playable characters to master.
There’s still spit and polish to apply across the board, and anyone expecting a gameplay revolution will be disappointed; however, I’m really happy with StS2, and I can only see it getting better over the next year or so as it moves through EA toward 1.0. The definitive deckbuilder got bigger and better, I reckon!
Mewgenics | Edmund McMillen, Tyler Glaiel | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series
Tactics fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this one, which finally arrived on PC (and since then, consoles) after what feels like an eternity in development (it’s 13 years since Ed made the first prototype, and Tyler joined later). I’m happy to report that Mewgenics does not disappoint at all, thanks to some stellar turn-based combat, highly entertaining cat-breeding mechanics, and great production values across the board.
Cult of the Lamb: Woolhaven | Massive Monster | iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The Woolhaven expansion for Cult of the Lamb introduces a whole bunch of new content, with new dungeons to crawl and fresh options to build in your settlement. In fact, Massive Monster’s roguelite actioner looks nicer than ever, and of course, there were loads of free content drops before this excellent paid-for expansion arrived.
Dog Witch | Heckmouse | PC (Mac, Win)
I didn’t expect to enjoy Dog Witch as much as I did, but this quirky little deckbuilder does so much right, and it didn’t take long for me to fall for its charms. Every decision matters in this stripped-down fusion of cards and dice, although that can also lead to frustrating defeats. Still, it’s a lovely game and one of my favourites of 2025.
Ball X Pit | Kenny Sun and Friends | PC (Mac, Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
This Devolver Digital-published roguelite reshuffle of Breakout has ended up being one of my favourite games of the year. There’s an engrossing town-building element, but the heart of the experience is the block-busting gameplay.
I love a game that encourages experimentation, and Ball X Pit does a great job of pushing you to try out all of its different toys. There are loads of playable characters, plus a range of passive abilities and ball types. Things get really interesting when you start to evolve your balls to give them powerful abilities, and it’s here that the longevity resides.
Absolum | Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, Supamonks | PC (Win), PS4, PS5, Switch
The developers who gave us Streets of Rage 4 turned their attention to creating a new game, based on their own IP, and with roguish replayability built into the loop. Enter (from screen left) Absolum.
This brilliant beat ’em up doesn’t have proc-gen levels, but there is a huge number of ways through the game to mitigate this. There are also loads of upgrades to try out on the different playable characters, all of whom feel very distinct. Finally, it looks great, too.
CloverPit | Panik Arcade | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
Inspired by Buckshot Roulette, this slot machine roguelike delivers some of the most atmospheric gameplay since Inscryption. In this instance, you’re sat in a prison cell, and you must play a slot machine as if your life depends on it. Actually, your life does depend on it… Awkward.
CloverPit started life on PC, spread onto Xbox and mobile, before dropping on PS5 and Switch in August 2026.
Megabonk | Vedinad | PC (Win)
This initially unassuming third-person auto-shooter is a wonderful example of the power of community. Developer Vedinad spent ages working with his fans to build a game that everyone was extremely happy with (including me). The final version left EA in fantastic shape, which explains why it got nominated at The Game Awards, even if the developer removed the game from consideration for ethical reasons.
FWIW, Megabonk is probably my favourite game this year that isn’t Hades 2. Also, if you’re wondering where it is, keep scrolling down…
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor | Funday Games | Android, iOS PC, Xbox
Whoever came up with the idea of making a Vampire Survivors-style mining game based on Deep Rock Galactic needs a medal, because the resulting game is a wonderful mishmash of auto-shooter gameplay, levelling up, and experimentation.
This one had been chugging through Early Access for some time, but at launch, it got a new game mode (pictured) amongst other things. The PC and console versions were also followed by a mobile release, with the whole game making the jump to Android and iOS.
Deadzone Rogue | Prophecy Games | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox
I’ve linked to my review rather than a store listing. There’s also a bit of explaining to do re: those launch dates and why they’re the wrong way around. Deadzone Rogue is a really engaging first-person shooter that blends roguishness, Killing Floor-style combat, and Dead Space vibes. It hit PC in August, but I played and reviewed it in September, when the console version landed. Good game regardless of platform.
Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel | Games Farm, Artillery | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox
It’s always fun to see one of my own quotes out in the wild! According to the store page, Rogueliker wrote: “Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is one of the better auto-shooters that I’ve played in the last couple of years. There’s potential for tons of build variety, the level design is a cut above, and the whole thing feels pretty well balanced.”
Mortal Sin | Nikola Todorovic | PC (Win)
I’ve been tracking Mortal Sin for many months, and this August the high-contrast FPS brawler finally shed its EA tags. This harsh fantasy adventure has a wealth of different characters, distinctive gameplay for each class, and interesting tactical decisions to make in between all the hacking and slashing. Don’t be put off by the stylistic visuals; Mortal Sin means business.
Jupiter Hell Classic | ChaosForge | PC (Win) EA
The more modern version of Jupiter Hell gets a mention below, but this Early Access release of Classic is a bit more interesting. While it is essentially a demake of Jupiter Hell, there is already a thriving mod scene built around the game. If you want to play a Doom-themed turn-based roguelike, you’ll find it on the Workshop!
Hell Clock | Rogue Snail | Android, PC (Win), PS5, Xbox Series
Action-RPG fans should take note of Hell Clock if they haven’t already. This dark and atmospheric roguelite has an interesting time mechanic and explores a truly unique period of history. This one comes highly recommended.
In fact, if you’ve got this far then you’ve already seen that Hell Clock lands during a purple pacth for action-roguelites, with Shape of Dreams and Hades II all arriving within weeks of each other.
Maze Mice | TrampolineTales | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
If you keep scrolling down this article long enough, eventually you’ll come to the mobile version of TrampolineTales’ previous game, Luck be a Landlord. This Pac-Man-inspired follow-up blends time-stopping action and roguish survivors-like gameplay to create something delightfully engaging and fun, if you’d like to know more.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die | Stormteller Games | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series
If you’re looking for an engaging and entertaining new action-roguelite to play, then Lost in Random should be right near the top of your list. The Eternal Die is actually a sequel (to a non-rogue) and Kieran was very pleased with it, and reckons that its relative brevity makes it a great entry point for genre newcomers.
9 Kings | Sad Socket | PC (Mac, Win)
This auto-battler is part of a new wave of games that blends RTS elements with roguish theory-crafting, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this emergent niche. My favourite part of any RTS is the moment when you send your army into battle, and that’s a big part of this game.
9 Kings has a load of different decks that you can mix together in order to create powerful armies, which you can then smash against all those who dare stand before you. Lovely stuff!
Monster Train 2 | Shiny Shoe | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series
As I make clear in my review, linked above, I consider Monster Train 2 to be a broadly superior iteration of the first game, and in nearly all aspects. The new positioning phase at the start of each round is proving popular, but I liked the new rooms and the different factions. All aboard for this excellent multi-level deckbuilder.
Into the Restless Ruins | Ant Workshop | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
This interesting fusion of deckbuilding, level-crafting, and auto-shooting makes for one of the most intriguing genre mashes of the year, where you must build out your path before doing your best to walk it. For what it’s worth, our Kieran proper liked it.
Conquest Dark | Eldritch Sword Games | PC (Win)
I’m a big fan of survivors-like games, but I’m getting really bored of trying out loads of the average ones. Conquest Dark is, in my opinion, one of the best new entries in months and genre fans should at least check it out, especially if they love a bit of barbarianism.
StarVaders | Pengonauts | PC (Mac, Win)
After having a jolly time with the near-final preview build that I played just a few weeks before launch, I think it’s fair to say that StarVaders has got oodles of charm.
This bright and bold tactical roguelite borrows some classic arcade elments and then folds them into a fun fusion of card playing and turn-based tactics. If you want more deets, my review is here, but to be clear: StarVaders is one of the best new deckbuilders out there.
Astral Ascent 2.0 | Hibernian Workshop | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS4+5, Switch
Astral Ascent is already out on PC and consoles, but it’s only PC-based players who are getting version 2.0 via the new DLC that arrived this April. (If you’re on console, the base game is good, too.)
The Outer Reaches expansion adds loads of new content to an already excellent action-platformer, with four freshly-pressed biomes and 30+ new enemies to slap into submission!
Approaching Infinity | IBOL | PC (Win) |
An offering for traditionalists landed this month in the form of Approaching Infinity, a turn-based roguelike with a brilliant sci-fi setting that looks to classics such as Star Trek for inspiration. If you’re after a proper turn-based experience, don’t be afraid to beam down with the away team on this particular sci-fi adventure.
SpellRogue | Guidelight Games | PC (Win)
I got around to reviewing this one quite late, but I’m glad I made the effort because SpellRogue is a highly polished and super-engaging dice-infused deckbuilder with distinctive characters and great production values.
White Knuckle | Dark Machine Games | PC (Win)
First-person climbing and roguelite-infused terror go hand-in-weakening-hand in this brilliant and original horror experience. It’s still only in Early Access at the time of writing, but White Knuckle is already a thrilling experience (Update: upon reflection, we’re ranking this as one of the best EA games of 2025.)
Blue Prince | Dogubomb | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series
It’s not just a clever name, Blue Prince is just about the smartest, most remarkable puzzle adventure since Myst. It gets a mention here because Dogubomb’s engrossing first-person narrative is shot through with roguish game design to create something unforgettable. If you’re after a non-violent test for the brain, look no further.
Lonestar | Thermite Games | PC (Mac, Win), Nintendo Switch
After serving a stretch in Early Access, Lonestar is finally out in full on PC. Not only that, but the bounteous sci-fi RPG has also made an appearance on Nintendo Switch, which is a good indicator of how well this one plays on Steam Deck (which is how I played it for review)!
Vault in the Void | Spider Nest Games | Android, iOS, PC (Win), Nintendo Switch
I’d go as calling this one of the very best deckbuilders out there, which is why it’s great news for Switch fans now that Spider Next has built atop Vault in the Void’s previous successes on PC and mobile.
Voids Vigil | caiys | PC (Win)
If you’re after a focused and engaging auto-shooter experience then look no further than Voids Vigil. This lean, mean, auto-firing machine has gorgeous pixels and tons of depth in all the right places. If you loved Vampire Survivors but want a more concise fix, this is it.
Nubby’s Number Factory | MogDogBlog Productions | PC (Win)
Nubby’s Number Factory has the look of a game that has seen things, like the coming and going of whole operating systems and the rise and fall of the mouse ball. Yet despite the ancient-looking visuals, this plinko-roguelike experience is one of the most addicting games to land this year – and it feels as fresh as a daisy!
Desecrators | Woodhound | PC (Win)
This one is in here for Kinix, who is calling it one of his personal GOTYs – high praise indeed. If you’re unsure still, know that Desecrators is a 6DoF shooter that channels the spirit of Descent, but blended with roguishness and proc-gen level designs. If you’re like me and spent a lot of time spinning around in space caverns in ’90s, stick this on the ol’ wishlist.
Jupiter Hell | ChaosForge | PC (Mac, Win), Switch
The brutal turn-based roguelike returns, this time on Nintendo Switch. Perfect for traditionalists who love Doom – like me! Further up the page, I mentioned this game’s demake, Jupiter Hell Classic, which is also a great option for turn-based fans, but on PC.
Star of Providence | Team D-13 | PC (Lin, Win), Nintendo Switch
Alongside the game’s release on the Switch, this February (2025) we also got a huge update on PC, too. This brought with it a wealth of content for long-standing players, pretty much all of whom love the game as much as we do here at Rogueliker.
Sworn | Windwalk Games | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox
Sworn gets a link and a mention because the co-op is already a lot of fun, and it’s a great alternative if you loved Hades but are looking for something with a bit of co-op.
Instead of Greek mythology, Sworn is instead steeped in Arthurian lore, as you battle your way through a land corrupted by the one proud king of the Britons.
Luck be a Landlord | Trampoline Tales | iOS, Android, PC (Lin, Mac, Win) PS, Switch, Xbox
I really love Luck be a Landlord, which followed on from successful releases on PC and mobile with a full console launch. It’s brilliant, too, and I think it has played a major role in spreading the influence of the so-called slot machine roguelike.
Rift Wizard 2 | Dylan White | PC (Win)
Rift Wizard 2 is one of the newest games on this list to have punched its way through into our overall top-list of the best roguelike games, and rightly so because it’s a brilliant turn-based rogue. You control a wizard who must learn new spells on the fly in order to take down waves of enemies in increasingly deadly battles.
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island | Spike Chunsoft | Android, iOS, PC (Win), Nintendo Switch
Shiren started the year on Nintendo Switch and ended it on PC, and it’s well worth a look if you’re after a deep and detailed traditional Mystery Dungeon experience from the masters of the sub-genre. It’s not the cheapest game on this list, but it is one of the deepest.
Ballionaire | newobject | PC (Lin, Win)
This quirky self-defined “auto-bonker” is all about dropping balls into boards filled with weird and wonderful pegs, and then watching the chaos unfold and the numbers go up. Fans of engine building will really enjoy it, I think.
Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop | Beard Envy | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series
This one split opinion in my house, because I struggled to get into the game’s rhthym. However, I didn’t write the review, which praises the tactile gameplay, the irreverent humour, and Uncle Chop’s unique sci-fi flavour and anti-capitalist message.
Caves of Qud | Freehold Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Switch
After ten years in Early Access, Caves of Qud has hit 1.0 and oh my; it’s nothing short of a work of art (as recognised by a Hugo Award). Perhaps the best new traditional roguelike of the last few years, this wonderful science-fiction fantasy world is crammed full of incredible nuance and systemic brilliance.
Battle Shapers | Metric Empire | PC (Win)
The Overwatch inspiration is clear, but Battle Shapers still manages to feel like its own thing thanks to a challenging progression loop that will push you to sharpen those skills while you upgrade your loadout.
Ravenswatch | Passtech Games | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
The November console launch came hot on the heels of the PC version of Ravenswatch, and the Switch version would follow later. I played on both PC and Xbox, and I really enjoyed the deliberate feel of the combat, the emphasis on exploration, the theme, and the tools given to players to let them author the experience they want.
Dungeon Clawler | Stray Fawn Studio | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
Dungeon Clawler isn’t just a clever name, it’s also a really adorable claw machine roguelike about grabbing the right stuff at the right time in order to beat the enemies you encounter in the dungeon. It’s only EA at the time of writing, but I really like how silly this one is.
Magicraft | Wave Game | PC (Win)
This one’s a real grower, but once it had its claws in me, it held on for a good time. The aim of the game here is to build a spell book to help you through increasingly challenging combat encounters. I didn’t expect much going on, but Magicraft turned out to be an unexpected deligh full of magic chaos.
Elin | Lafrontier | PC (Win)
Some roguelike games are quick and to the point, but Elin, a new turn-based RPG from Lafrontier, would much prefer to take its time and let you sink into its world of crafting and survival. Not my personal cup of tea, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania | poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I love me a bit of Vampire Survivors (here’s my guide to the sub-genre), so this Castlevania-themed expansion was right up my street. The new map is huge, there are tons of characters and cool new powers, and lots and lots of whips.
[REDACTED] | Striking Distance Studios | PC (Win), PS, Xbox
If you’ve not encountered [REDACTED] before, then you need to know that while it’s set in the same place as The Callisto Protocol, this is not a gritty survival horror. Instead, Striking Distance has served up a Hades-inspired sci-fi roguelite with plenty to get stuck into. It’s not a classic, but action fans will find lots to enjoy.
Windblown | Motion Twin | PC (Win)
Windblown was just on the line for inclusion in this article. I think there’s a great game in there, it’s just not fully realised at the time of writing. I can’t wait to see this one evolve, though, and Motion Twin has earned the time to keep cooking after serving up Dead Cells before.
DICEOMANCER | Ultra Piggy Studio | PC (Win)
Not only does this novel deckbuilder introduce some really interesting new ideas, but it does so while being all wrapped up in an art style that feels like something out of a classic children’s’ book.
Balatro | LocalThunk | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The mobile release in September was the final piece of the puzzle for Balatro, the year’s best new deckbuilder and one of the most addictive video games ever made (in my humble opinion). The poker theme makes it instantly accessible, but the solitaire-style gameplay loop is what’ll keep you coming back again and again.
Halls of Torment | Chasing Carrots | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Win), PS5, Xbox
The Diablo inspiration is writ large across this brutal hack and slash auto-shooter. If you’re like me and love the grim fantasy setting, then dive in with confidence. Halls of Torment feels like a blast from the past in the best possible way, and now it’s out on all the platforms!
Pyrene | Two Tiny Dice | PC (Mac, Win)
I had tremendous fun exploring the Basque-inspired world of Pyrene. Not only is the theme really engaging, but the card-based exploration is a neat twist that makes this a highly engaging deckbuilder. Check out my review (linked on the game’s title) if you’d like to find out more.
Utopia Must Fall | Pixeljam | PC (Mac, Win)
There’s not a lot to it on the face of things, but the execution of Utopia Must Fall is borderline flawless. If the screenshot appeals in any way, stick this one on the wishlist at the very least. Update: it’s now fully functional on Steam Deck FTW!
Shogun Showdown | Roboatino | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox
The gameplay system in Shogun Showdown is so simple and intuitive that I’m amazed that it hasn’t been done before. On top of feeling great to play, with tactile side-stepping movement and puzzle-based combat, there is depth and subtlety in all the right places in the meta game. Highly recommended.
Peglin | Red Nexus Games | Android, PC (Mac, Win), Switch
I’d been a Peglin fan for some time before it left Early Access, so I’m delighted that it has turned out as well as it has. If you played Peggle back in the day, or even an IRL pachinko machine, I think you’ll enjoy this fantasy adventure.
Terminus: Zombie Survivors | Longplay Studios | PC (Mac, Win)
I’m a huge fan of zombie games, and the turn-based survival experience offered in Terminus is one the best out there (and when I say “best” I probably mean “bleakest, but in a good way”). There is so much granular detail to wrestle with, and keeping death at bay is a full-time job as you try and make your way to the eponymous Terminus.
Rack and Slay | Ludokultur | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Nintendo Switch
“Billiards with a bang” is the best way to describe this wicked little physics-based rogue. The August date marks the game’s release on Switch, but I spent my time playing on PC earlier in the year. I’ve always been fan of this sort of game, and developer Ludokultur does a fine job of blending the roguish with the emergent.
Nova Drift | Chimeric | Android, PC (Mac, Win)
If what you’re after is pure action, then look no further than Nova Drift. After an extended period of time in Early Access, the game’s full release on PC sees it emerge in fine shape, with crisp and concise visuals that marry up to the tight and controlled combat. Nova Drift offers some of the purest arcade thrills around.
Knock on the Coffin Lid | RedBoon | PC (Mac, Win), PS5, Xbox
There is a whole lot of story in Knock on the Coffin Lid, and it’s a really personable fantasy adventure with tons packed in. It’s not always perfect, but genre fans should definitely check it out, especially if you like your cards to tell a deeper narrative.
Darkest Dungeon II | Red Hook Studios | PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The PC edition of Darkest Dungeon II landed in 2023, the console version in 2024, and we had to wait until 2025 for the new Kingdoms game mode, which completes the package (minus the paid-for DLC). You can read more about the Kingdoms mode here, if you’re interested, and on the game name I’ve linked a retrospective of the original game.
The Rogue Prince of Persia | Evil Empire | PC (Win), PS5, Switch 1/2, Xbox
The Rogue Prince of Persia has just been updated in September 26 with revised controls intended to support the new speed-running and parkour modes that have also been added to Evil Empire’s game.
The Anniversary Update is a substantial upgrade for players on all platforms, and confirms The Rogue Prince of Persia as an excellent entry in the long-running franchise.
Mullet MadJack | HAMMER95 | PC (Win), Switch, Xbox Series
This bold and brash first-person shooter dropped on PC first, and then the following year on Xbox. Regardless of platform, this is a punchy shooter that sets a frantic pace as you storm the tower to rescue the… influencer?!
Robobeat | Simon Fredholm | PC (Win), PS, Xbox
And here’s another first-person shooter that landed on PC first and then console. As the name implies, Robobeat is a game about shooting robots, but there’s much more to it than that as you’ve got to shoot to the beat if you’re going to score big.
The Land Beneath Us | FairPlay Studios | PC (Win), PS, Switch, and Xbox
Although the central mechanic is refreshingly simple, this tale of Welsh mythology does some really interesting things, in my humble opinion. If you’re after something turn-based but streamlined, dig into The Land Beneath Us.
Path of Achra | Ulfsire | PC (Win)
It caught me a bit off gaurd, but Path of Achra has turned out to be one of my favourite games of the past year. You’re on the run from a rising flood, and exploring a mythical Earth filled with monsters and strange magic. Each new level is a fresh battle to test your build, which evolves as you attempt each new run.
Dwarf Fortress Adventure Mode | Bay 12 Games | PC (Lin, Win)
It has been a long time coming, but the Adventure Mode is finally available as part of the Steam version of Dwarf Fortress. There’s more to be read in this article about the long-awaited roguelike mode.
Wildfrost | Deadpan Games, Gaziter | Android, iOS, PC (Win), Switch, Xbox
Wildfrost is a wickedly good deckbuilder that started life on PC and Switch, and then in April 2024 it landed on mobile platforms. Since then it has also made an appearance on Xbox. This one’s perfect for Slay the Spire fans waiting for StS2 (which isn’t far off now).
Buckshot Roulette | Mike Klubnika | PC (Lin, Win)
This strange and unusual indie game came out of nowhere last year and turned out to be a sensation. Like Inscryption before it, this strange first-person adventure is all about atmosphere, as you sit across from a mysterious opponent and play a game of life and death.
Slice & Dice | Tann | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Lin, Win)
I’m ending things with another port, but this one feels like a full release as it has moved from mobile to PC. That’s right, I’m talking about the mighty Slice & Dice. Don’t sleep on this enthralling little roguelike, which has you controlling a small team of heroes and engaging in tense tactical battles.
