Welcome, Dear Reader, to Rogueliker’s guide to the best roguelikes.

And by “roguelikes” I mean traditional turn-based roguelikes, but also roguelites, and anything else that self-identifies as roguish – check out my article about roguelikes for a more detailed exploration of what it means to be a game like Rogue.

As far as I’m concerned, this list represents the pinnacle of each sub-genre, with the best of each category getting a mention. That means a couple of big games miss out, however, I think we’ve got a good mix here, backed up by ratings from across the industry via Metacritic and Opencritic.

It’s also worth noting that pretty much every single game that features on this list has now left Early Access. There is one exception to this rule, and that is Dwarf Fortress, however, given how long that game has been in development, it gets a pass in this instance.

Finally, I’ll also be adding links to relevant coverage of the games listed below as more is written, so make sure to click through for even more insights into the best roguelikes and roguelites.

Turn-Based Roguelikes

Rogue | Glenn Wichman, Michael Toy, Ken Arnold | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Switch

One thing I’ve noticed from these best ever roguelike lists – and I’ve consulted one or two in my time – is that the original Rogue rarely gets a mention. That stops here and now.

This often overlooked genre-defining RPG introduced the world to the gameplay mechanics that we all enjoy so much. Of course, Rogue never went away, and has been released on different platforms over the years. Most recently that meant a return to PC via Steam, and even a recent remaster.  

I had previously played via web emulators and there was even a disastrous attempt to learn the complicated hand gestures needed to play a version of the game on mobile.

However, the recentish PC release has given me a chance to return to basics and take a fresh look at a game that has made such a huge impact over the years. There’s an even newer retail version of the game on Nintendo Switch, too.

Of course, if you’re interested in Rogue then there’s a good chance that you’ll want to dig a bit deeper. For that you should head over to The Rogue Archive. There you’ll find many different variations of the game, which will let you see how it has evolved as different people got involved.

You can find out much more about Rogue and nomenclature in this article about roguelikes and different definitions.

Caves of Qud | Freehold Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)  

If you’re after a more modern take on the traditional roguelike experience, I’m going to nudge you in the general direction of Caves of Qud. Of course, there are several notable genre classics that have landed between this and Rogue. I’m talking about games such as Nethack and Brogue, and other golden oldies that have been given a fresh lick of paint, such as ADOM.

For my money, however, Caves of Qud is the best modern interpretation of the original ASCII style – it’s reverent without being held back by tradition, in the sense that its simplistic interface has allowed its creators the space to create a truly impressive game world full of intrigue and adventure. 

After an extended period of time in development, Caves of Qud is now finally out of Early Access (here’s my review). The 1.0 update saw the introduction of a tutorial mode as well as the game’s final ending, along with a host of additional enhancements. This final release is the culmination of more than a decade’s work and I consider it to be a truly remarkable achievement on the part of the developers.

While I’m being effusive, I should also give a shout-out to the character creation tools, which give the player huge scope to experiment during each new run. There are dozens of gameplay-changing mutations to play around with, and these can profoundly impact the way you experience the world, which itself is absolutely stuffed full of interesting shit to do. Caves of Qud is a demanding game, but it’s also a labour of love that gives back so much more. 

Dwarf Fortress | Bay 12 Games | PC (Lin, Win)

If you want to see what happens when you let a small but committed team of talented game developers cook indefinitely, then I invite you to take a closer look at Dwarf Fortress.

To be fair, nearly everyone has heard about the fabled development journey of Dwarf Fortress by now, but it’s worth noting that despite things kicking off more than 20 years ago, development has really accelerated in recent years. Now the game is out on Steam with a detailed tile-set and so many more refinements.

Dwarf Fortress was able to build its cult following thanks to the richness of the world that is simulated, and you’ll constantly be surprised by the attention to detail. In fact, I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that it’s one of the most influential games on this list, and it has directly inspired one of my favourite sci-fi games ever: RimWorld.

However, Dwarf Fortress is not just a top class sandbox fantasy simulator, there’s also an Adventure Mode for RPG fans to experience things in a more personal way. Set many years after the events of any simulations from Fortress Mode that you care to link to, your roguelike adventure will take you through a wild and granular world where it pays to pay attention. Once again it’s the detail of the world-building that helps the bring your adventures to life.

Tales of Maj’Eyal | Netcore Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)

This is one of the oldest games on this list, but for my sins I only started playing it recently. When I did belatedly get stuck in, I discovered one of the deepest and most rewarding fantasy roguelikes that I’ve ever played.

Despite being as deep as a well, TOME is accessible and easy to parse. The tileset still retains plenty of charm, and the menus are pretty simple to navigate. All in all, this is an extremely polished game.

Not only is the main game huge and expansion, Netcore Games has been supporting this one extensively over the years with DLC campaigns. I’ve yet to try them yet so my recommendation at this stage extends only to the main game, however, I’m really looking forward to sitting down over the holidays and spending some quality time with this one. It’s one of my new faves…

Path of Achra | Ulfsire | PC (Win)

One of the more stripped down games on this list is Path of Achra, but don’t be fooled by the basic pixel-art or the Spartan presentation, this is one of the most interesting roguelike releases of recent years.

This turn-based RPG is set in a dark fantasy version of ancient Earth. Just as we’ve experienced before in games such as FTL, there is constant pressure from behind; in this instance it’s the rising flood waters that follow you on your journey.

You’ve got some choice but at the end of the day you’re still going to meet some fearsome challenges as you move ahead of the rising tide, regardless of which road you take.

While you do spend a lot of time tinkering with the configuration of your build, to make sure that you’re as deadly as possible, you do still have to explore each rooms. Once you enter a new area, you must battle anything you encounter before getting the loot. Combat is a complex turn-based dance but it can also be over in a moment, if you’ve got yourself set-up properly.

There are so many ways that you can create your character in Path of Achra, and therein lies the heart and soul of it. At the beginning of each adventure you are offered a range of extensive build options, with potentially countless combinations, from super-violent barbarian types to magic users who can summon strange creatures into battle. Then, once you’re on your way, there are further chances to upgrade and refine your build as you look to make yourself an unstoppable superhero capable of defeating all who come before them.

Crypt of the NecroDancer | Brace Yourself Games | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

The bouncing soundtrack and jovial art style of Crypt of the Necrodancer don’t mark it out as a truly punishing roguelike adventure, but appearances can be deceiving. That’s certainly the case here because CotN is a wolf in sheep’s clothing that looks fun and friendly on the outside but can’t wait to chew you up and spit you out – all in time to a funky beat. 

Necrodancer sticks surprisingly close to the original template laid down by Rogue, with turn-based combat and grid-based procedural environments ripe for exploration. Where it differs, however, is in the delivery, with the action playing out to a beat that the player is always trying to tap in time to. This duality ensures an engaging experience where you’re constantly trying to move and attack in time the beat. On top of that, there’s a lot to unlock in the overworld, with new ways to play alongside different characters and in-game items to unlock. 

There’s a lovely Zelda-themed adaptation of the Necrodancer formula over on Nintendo Switch that I’m also happy to recommend, but I’m sticking to the OG Crypt of the Necrodancer for this list – it’s a lovely game that has aged well and plays great regardless of which platform you’re on.     

Want more? Here’s my review of the new DLC expansion: Synchrony.

Rift Wizard 2 | Dylan White | PC (Win)

Rift Wizard 2 is a game about magic and turn-based tactics, and every decision you make is vital to your survival as you move through a series of challenging battles and grow your various powers. This sequel is an evolution of the original formula, as developer Dylan White has built a refined version of his turn-based tactical puzzle roguelike (there’s a review here if you want more).

The best thing about Rift Wizard, if you ask me, is the potential variety in the spell book. There are pages and pages of abilities and spells to work through, and each one has different pros and cons, as well potential evolutions.

Every single move you make is crucial, from your first step to your last spell, and your enemies play for keeps. Over the course of a run you’ll grab mana, XP, and items, learn new spells, experiment with your book of tricks, and ultimately work towards creating the most powerful (yet efficient) wizard possible.

There is a lot to unpack here, and the learning curve is considerable, but if you can persevere past those early speed bumps, you’ll find an open road flanked by tactical depth and endless possibility.

Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island | Spike Chunsoft | PC (Win), Switch

The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island is the newest entry in the long-running Shiren series, which itself sits within the wider Mystery Dungeon eco-system. These JRPGs are a sub-genre of their own, and I can’t personally claim to have played them all.

However, I’ve done my due diligence, including plenty of review reading and gameplay watching, and I’m happy to call the sixth mainline Shiren the best of the bunch. Why? Because of the many gameplay innovations introduced in the Serpentcoil Island, and the incredible depth on offer.

Every single element in this game has been balanced to perfection, resulting in a harsh but fair dungeon crawl that will constantly have you on edge. I also really like the revive system, so even if you do mess up, you can put up a flare and request rescue from another player, or you can walk in your own footsteps and try and rescue yourself.

A proper Switch classic this one and now on PC – here’s my review.

Action Roguelites

Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth | Nicalis, Edmund McMillen | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

I’m going to start this sub-section with a recommendation that carries with it a fair degree of specificity. There have been several iterations of Isaac’s dungeon crawl through the faecal-encrusted depths of his basement, and all of them are good in their own right.

Repentance is the final DLC expansion and as such it represents the culmination of years of development and it’s the best way to experience this bowel-twisting modern classic.

With all of the content present, almost every run throws up a relentless stream of macabre challenges and curios. There are so many item combinations that you’ll never get bored, and when everything clicks together and you’ve got a nice build and the right momentum, there are few games as satisfying to play. 

The Binding of Isaac has influenced a huge number of action-roguelikes along the way, thanks to its memorable setting and satisfying gameplay loop. It’s also an excellent entry point into the genre for newcomers, which is why it’s the first game to feature in this indefatigably comprehensive list of the best roguelikes.

Nuclear Throne | Vlambeer | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS4/Vita, Switch, Xbox

Just the other day I was scolded by one of our contributors for not having Nuclear Throne in this list, and I really couldn’t come up with a better reason for its absence other than it being an oversight. Thus, a couple of days later, I am here to rectify my previous mistake.

Nuclear Throne is a worthy inclusion on this list for a number of reasons, but as I have to pick one or two, I’m going to highlight the wicked challenge and also the diverse roster of characters. This is a game with a pure soul, a steep curve, and a well-honed combat loop.

I’ve always been a fan of the game’s rough, ready, and reactive pixel art style, and as someone who followed Nuclear Throne’s very public development, this action-roguelite holds a special place in my heart.

Enter the Gungeon | Dodge Roll | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

Bullet heaven games like the one above might be all the rage right now, but Enter the Gungeon was a bullet hell back when that was still cool. Hell, this one remains cool to this day.

The best thing about this pixel-perfect action-shooter is the sense of engagement you feel when you’re fighting through each room. The environments are uniquely reactive to the action, and the table flipping isn’t just for show. In Gungeon you constantly get a sense that you’re in a physical space – that added friction makes it.

Not only does Gungeon feel great to roll around in, but the bullet theme is pulled off to perfection. The pixels are lovely and the overall presentation is utterly delightful, making this one of the most endearing games on this list. It’s no surprise then, that a sequel is on the way.

Nova Drift | Chimeric | PC (Mac, Win)

In contrast to the chunky pixels of Gungeon we have Nova Drift, a brilliant little space shooter that finally launched in 2024 after five years in Early Access (here’s the review, if you’d like to know more).

The control scheme in Nova Drift is a bit divisive at first, but once you’ve got grips with the old-school ship handling, you’ll start to put together more meaningful builds that can go deeper into the game.

I think what I love about Nova Drift is just how well the different ship systems have been integrated with one another. You can take your design in so many different directions, and many of them are perfectly valid and therefore a lot of fun.

On top of loads of colourful enemy types, there are huge big bads to battle, and they take a little strategy as well as plenty of firepower to overcome. However, your biggest enemy in Nova Drift is yourself, and you’ll need to stay sharp if you want to beat your previous high score.

Hades | Supergiant Games | iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

For my money, Hades the best expression of the roguelite formula that has been made so far. It’s my favourite, at least.

The setting is based on Greek mythology, and that’s undeniably cool all by itself. Supergiant Games took some fantastic stories and wove them together into something new and entirely refreshing. The visuals are great, the writing and characterisation superb, and the music carries the studio’s usual swagger. The whole thing is held together by a brilliant combat system that is built around a selection of distinctive but flexible weapon classes. 

The way that the narrative has been built around the gameplay loop makes for a satisfying experience that rewards repeat plays, and yet each individual room is kept fresh and exciting thanks to some truly masterful enemy designs that evolve as you play.

Hades II | Supergiant Games | PC (Mac, Win), Switch 1/2

Hades II gets its own section now that it has exited Early Access on PC (and launched on the Switches). Mel’s outing is almost as good as the original, in fact, in many way this sequel surpasses the original with added depth, bigger systems, and huge gameplay variety.

My personal favourite is still the first game, because the story had a greater impact than the sequel was able to manage. Don’t get me wrong, this is still an outstanding action-roguelite and I bloody love it.

I think most of you reading this will love it to, however, if you’re new the Hades then start with the first game before playing through the second – this is the best way to experience them, in my opinion.

Star of Providence | Team D-13 | PC (Lin, Win) and Nintendo Switch  

Of all the games mentioned herein, this pixel-art sci-fi shooter boasts some of the tightest combat. Your reactions will be tested to the max as you move through a series of connected rooms in a strange facility full of floaty enemies that are all out to blow you to smithereens.

The majority of the rooms include a combat encounter, and there are some brilliant little battles to be had, as you strafe this way and that, navigating the confined spaces long enough to get your shots away.

Star of Providence (formerly Monolith) also offers players a wealth of upgrades and some great weapons. This in turn allows you to steer your build in a variety of directions, and this flexibility, coupled with the brilliant gunplay, helps elevate it to the top tier of the action-roguelite genre.

If this one isn’t already on your radar, I’d advise you to read more about the game via our Star of Providence review.

Roguelike Platformers & Side-Scrollers

Spelunky 2 | Mossmouth, Blitworks | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

It was quite tempting to put the first game instead of its sequel, but ultimately the variety and quality of life improvements seen in Spelunky 2 make it my pick for the top list. This gruelling platformer has done more for the popularity of the genre than pretty much every game other than Rogue, and the first Spelunky stands as a true milestone in the genre, one which introduced the permadeath gameplay loop and procedural generation to the masses.  

Spelunky 2 picked up the baton where the first game left off and then ran with it. Often into a spike, alas. It introduced more secrets to discover, more characters to play with, and new biomes to explore. With that new injection of content, we also got more of the systemic goodness that typifies Spelunky; it’s really one of those games that can throw up the silliest situations thanks to both the excellent physics and a selection of bonkers weapons/items that can have a truly profound impact on the way you approach each challenge. 

The cutesy graphics and Mario-esque platforming make this a great gateway game, and there are a bunch of silly multiplayer modes that will have any group of friends howling with laughter in no time at all. Or punching each other, it depends. That’s because underneath that most palatable exterior is a challenging game with an enduringly sinister streak. 

Downwell | Moppin | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

There’s a purity to the gameplay in Downwell that none of the other games in this list can muster. The concept is simple in that you’re tasked with heading down a giant well filled with horrible beasties that are out to kill you. That might sound rather straightforward, but the intensity of the challenge means that it’s anything but, and you’ll need your wits about you before each and every step that you take. 

The real genius of Downwell is in the elegance of the visual design. While the game sports a low-fi monochrome style, the use of contrast here lets you know where each enemy is both vulnerable to attack and likely to hurt you. This means that you’re constantly adjusting your movements on the fly, trying to move yourself into positions where you’ve got the literal jump on your opponents. 

When attacking your enemies, you’ll do so using your gunboots. Yes, you read that right. There’s a somewhat limited selection to choose from, but when you find a pair that you like, you’ll have a jolly old time hoofing down giant caverns, stringing together combos as best you can. It’s very challenging, especially if you’ve got slow thumbs, but it’s also one of the best roguelites you can play (especially on mobile).

Dave the Diver | Mintrocket | PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch

If you’re after a change of pace from the frantic action of pretty much all of the games above, then consider taking the plunge with Dave the Diver. This charming little roguelike is a mixture of light adventure and restaurant management, and the result of that combo is delicious.

The game is all about taking the eponymous Dave out on diving expeditions in a strange lagoon full of tasty sea creatures. There’s pressure to get a good catch for tonight’s menu, but there’s no death here to ruin the fun, which makes it an ideal roguelite for all ages.

The vibes are perfectly executed in this lively little deep sea diving rogue, and I strongly recommend you take a closer look at Dave the Diver if you’re tired of getting killed all the time.

Dead Cells | Motion Twin, Evil Empire | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS4, Switch, Xbox

One game that I keep coming back to is Dead Cells. Like so many games in this little listicle, it fuses the roguelike core of procedural generation with an array of new ingredients. The most notable of these aspects in Dead Cells is the game’s metroidvania streak, with the player tasked with escaping an ever-shifting castle.

Given the castle setting, the seemingly inevitable Return to Castlevania DLC crossover just made sense on so many levels. It’s not the only DLC pack if you want to stretch out your experience. In fact, Motion Twin has supported the game with a number of updates beyond the paid-for content drops.

The castle, the Prisoner, the various visual effects – it’s all brought to life with some of the loveliest pixel-art that these old eyes have ever seen. Dead Cells has got a wonderful ebb and flow to it and it’s a truly stunning game to behold. That’s a damn good thing because the combat can be punishing at times, especially if you’ve got wonky thumbs like me!

There has been a lot of chatter about the future of Dead Cells and you can catch up on all the gossip in this news feature.

BlazBlue: Entropy Effect | 91Act | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win)

And seeing as we’ve mentioned Dead Cells, this is a great opportunity to segue into a short word on BlazBlue: Entropy Effect. This stylish side-scrolling beat ’em up looks and feels great, and it most recently got unpdated with a free expansion that sees the Prisoner added to EE as a prototype. He even gets his own roguevania biome to explore!

Entropy Effect doesn’t get a mention purely because of one free expansion, I’m including it because it plays really nicely. There’s a great system whereby you can integrate the abilities honed in past runs into future attempts, which means your always growing and learning and making progress.

Finally, let’s say a nice word or two about the production values. That’s not always a main focus for me personally, but the presentation here is top notch and worth highlighting. The fluid combat system is supported by a fine audio-visual experience, resulting in one of the most memorable roguelites available on PC and mobile.

Roguish Deckbuilders

Balatro | LocalThunk | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

With Slay the Spire a mainstay in lists like these, it doesn’t leave much room for other deckbuilding games, but Balatro is so good that it demands inclusion.

The poker wrapper covers all aspects of the game, however, there’s also a huge emphasis on solitaire play and run variety. With a range of different starting decks, challenge modes, and difficulty settings, there’s so much to do here, and you’ll easily find dozens of hours worth of content shuffled into the pack.

The presentation is pretty lovely, too. The joker cards are powerful, well-designed gameplay modifiers, and there’s a cracking soundtrack too. All in all, I’m extremely besotted with this unassuming poker game and I’d recommend it to pretty much anyone, even someone who didn’t really like poker (although I think that helps).

For more reasons why Balatro needs you, check out my interview with LocalThunk!

Slay the Spire | MegaCrit | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

There are a couple of really strong contenders for the best deckbuilder spot, but I think there’d be a riot if I didn’t opt for Slay the Spire, which has stood the test of time. Indeed, one might argue that the recent proliferation of the roguish card game is down to the enduring popularity of this quality game.

Slay the Spire is one of those games that, when it gets its hooks into you, will never let go. Ever. I still pick it up from time to time, and I still routinely see my friends playing it on Steam (you know who are).

Not only is StS an essential pick on Game Pass and Xbox (where it’s on the subscription service’s “core games”), it’s also available on PS and Switch. In fact, thanks to the mobile ports, you can play it on pretty much anything.

This fantasy card battler is stacked full of variety with interesting decisions awaiting throughout, ensuring that no two runs are the same. There’s also incredible depth and nuance just waiting to be unlocked across its different characters.

If you’re after a card game to play on the go or even up on the big screen, look no further than this exquisite dungeon crawler. Or you can wait for the upcoming sequel, if you prefer.

Please enjoy this thoughtful review of Slay the Spire, if you need further incentive to check it out.

Shogun Showdown | Roboatino | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

While this is ostensibly a deckbuilder, this particular example utilises tablets rather than playing cards. You unlock these tablets over time and each one represents a special move that you can use in Shogun Showdown’s side-stepping turn-based combat.

The turn-based battles in Shogun Showdown is deceptively nuanced, but with time you’ll learn the subtleties required to string together attacks into powerful moves that deal damage to multiple enemies at once. You’ll get to swing swords, fire arrows, and stab with spears, but you can’t just spam your enemies with a basic attack – you’ve got to wait for the right moment to strike.

Of course, the trick is to deal damage whilst avoiding any yourself, and you’ll have to balance your attack with careful positioning to avoid getting hurt, because your health carries over between battles. Of course, there are trinkets to grab/buy along the way, with new options to further specialise your build, so there are other chances to heal and upgrade as you move through Shogun Showdown’s tense 2D battles.

I did a review here, if you’d like to read it.

Cobalt Core | Rocket Rat Games | PC (Win), Switch

If you’re after a turn-based card game with individual personality, then look no further than Cobalt Core. Out of all the deckbuilders on this list, the time-loop story and reliance on characters makes this is a shorter experience overall, however, it’s still time well spent in my opinion.

The time-loop story is at the heart of Cobalt Core’s repetitious gameplay, and you play as the captain of a spaceship who keeps coming back after being destroyed. Each new playthrough reveals new story beats in a thoughtful way, giving real substance to the cyclical nature of the gameplay loop.

The pixel-art is lovely and full of charm, and importantly for me, you get to make loads of interesting decisions as you progress, sometimes during combat but also as you kit out your ship. Each run gives you access to new gear and ship configurations, but as you might expect, as you get better so do your enemies. Movement is key during battle, but you’ll also need to play your more aggressive cards at just the right moment if you’re going to prevail in Cobalt Core’s snappy space battles (here’s my review, if you’d like to read more on the matter).

StarVaders | Pengonauts | PC (Mac, Win)

One of the freshest games in this article is the new deckbuilder from Pengonauts, StarVaders. This cute sci-fi card game blends puzzle-based block dropping and mecha-infused turn-based tactics, and the results are borderline spectacular!

Everything about this one is likeable, with a fun cast of characters, great art design, a bopping OST, and plenty of depth. It’s also an accessible game and a great entry point for newcomers to the genre thanks to a chrono-token system that will let you take back a silly or impulsive move.

StarVaders also boasts fun boss battles, which is not always the case in the world of roguelike deckbuilders. The huge bosses offer a tactical rethink and a bit of visual spectacle, and at all times you can feel the influence of Space Invaders in the game’s DNA.

Strategy Roguelikes

Against the Storm | Eremite Games | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox

Against the Storm enjoyed an extremely fruitful period of time in Early Access on Steam, and Eremite Games did a great job of working with the community to balance the game and introduce player-wanted features. The end result worked out well for everyone.

If you had to pin down the game’s inspirations, Warcraft is the obvious point of comparison. However, while this is undoubtedly a fantasy city-builder, it has the heart of a rogue. The gameplay loop that holds it together, and the nuances of the different factions you control, ensure that every new attempt is absolutely enthralling.

The 1.0 version of the game came fully equipped with a punishing permadeath mode, for those of you looking for more roguish heart. In fact, Against the Storm caters to players of every level thanks to well balanced difficulty settings that can be tailored around your needs.

It was one of our games of 2023 and you can read Roy’s Against the Storm review right here, which is still pertinent given the game’s 2025 console release.

Darkest Dungeon | Red Hook Studios | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Xbox

From a game that’s best played in its fullest form, to one that I actually prefer to play without any of the expansions. Darkest Dungeon is a sinister strategy game with tactical combat encounters where teams of perishable adventurers are sent into the deepest depths of an old estate that is riddled with monsters. 

The key gameplay mechanic, in both the first game and its sequel is fear. Experience too much of it and your once stalwart team of fighters will buckle, their resolve crumbling as blow after blow rains down on them from across the screen. In one more extreme situation brought about by inexperience with the game, I had a whole team die of heart attacks in the same encounter. That squad wipe was made more painful because I’d invested so much time and effort in this particular band of mercenaries.

As mentioned, there are two chunky expansions and both have their merits, especially if you’re after a sterner challenge to test the mettle of the mercenaries who flock to your estate in search of treasure. Both major DLCs add plenty of spice to an already terrifying dish, but in my humble opinion, the first couple of runs are best enjoyed without the extra heat.    

Finally, let’s do a little bit about Darkest Dungeon 2, the game’s sequel. It’s actually very good and would make a fine alternative entry on this list, but I slightly prefer the base-building elements in the first game over the second’s road trip through a medieval apocalypse. Darkest Dungeon II, as I should probably write it, also offers a nice visual upgrade, bringing the game’s cast of characters to life with back stories to work through over multiple attempts to avert disaster.

FTL Faster Than Light | Subset Games | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)  

My recommendation for FTL Faster Than Light also allows me to highlight another Subset Games title that lots of people love, Into The Breach. Both games appear widely on toplists like this one, but I’m limiting myself to one game per developer for… reasons. So, with that arbitrary rule firmly in hand, I’m putting my money on the studio’s debut effort.

FTL puts you in command of a small spaceship that is carrying some very important cargo. It’s life or death stuff as you push forward and explore whilst also evading the oncoming enemy fleet that’s chasing you down. As you warp between locations on your sector map, you’re greeted with a mixture of choose-your-own-adventure-style story gubbins and then violent encounters with slavers, pirates, and anyone else who wants a piece of you (that’s pretty much everyone, by the way).

Throughout your journey, your ship is the star of the show, and over each run you’re able to specialise it in a variety of different ways. Thanks to the range of tactics you can deploy, each battle is a flurry of lasers, rockets, and/or drones, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Although FTL Faster Than Light is certainly starting to show its age now, even after all these years it remains a charming little adventure that plays great on PC and even better on tablet.

Read my review of the game here: Reboot – FTL: Faster Than Light!

Auto-Shooter & Bullet Heavens

Vampire Survivors | poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

The minimalist gameplay of Vampire Survivors sets it apart from the rest of the games on this list, but don’t assume that the one-stickedness of Poncle’s insta-classic means that it’s a pushover. Each run, which typically lasts roughly half an hour or so, invites a high degree of experimentation around your build. However, you’ll need to make wise decisions from the start or it’s only a matter of time before the relentless horde of crazy beasts and monsters becomes overwhelming, and your hopelessly unbalanced character is chomped on by ghoulish spectres and/or ravenous beasts. 

There’s a tremendously varied roster of starting characters, and some of their abilities are downright weird; one time you’ll be romping through a castle as a dog that farts flowers, on another occasion you might be wielding multiple whips and stomping around the place like the Dolph Lundgren version of He-Man in Masters of the Universe (if you’ve not seen that one and you like cheesy movies, treat yourself).   

There are tons of unlocks both in-game and between runs, DLC packs that add new maps and characters for when you inevitably want more, and the overarching progression system is designed to keep feeding you interesting little decisions at regular intervals. It’s definitely one of the less punishing games on this list, but with so much to do and discover, Vampire Survivors will keep you coming back again and again.  

Read all about the Among Us DLC expansion in this review, or head over in that direction for more about the Ode to Castlevania DLC!

Brotato | Blobfish | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PlayStation, Switch, Xbox

While Vampire Survivors is broad and expansive, Brotato is tight and focused. However, like Vampire Survivors, Brotato is also very self aware and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The big difference between the two games is the size of the playground that you are left to run around in. Whereas VS lets you explore, Brotato keeps you tied down in a small boxed-in arena.

Instead of insisting on exploration and never-ending unlocks, the focus here is more on staying nimble and moving quickly while you do what damage you can. It’s almost like playing tag in the playground.

Your potato bro has six weapon slots, and each one can be combined with other weapons of the same type and level to create even more powerful arms.

Not only is it fun to tweak your build, which is defined by your starting brotato (there are bloody loads to unlock and choose from), but the run-times are short which means you’re never far from having to make an interesting decision or two. Here’s my review, FWIW.

Picayune Dreams | Stepford, Andyland, Milkypossum | PC (Win)

Picayune Dreams is a strange little space shooter, and while it does borrow heavily from Vampire Survivors, it also is very much its own thing – and after playing a lot of games like in this particular genre, I appreciate that (you can read exactly how much right here).

The auto-shooter part of this is optional (via an easy toggle), but what isn’t up for debate is the work you’ll have to put into your build, which you can see evolve over the course of a run.

One thing I really like about Picayune Dreams is the boss battles, which are like mini bullet hell battles that bookend the more open-ended gameplay. This fun little twist makes for a memorable shift.

While most of the game has you floating around the galaxy, grabbing up XP and slapping your enemies as best you can, there are also surreal narrative beats to spice things up and ensure that this is an unforgettable indie experience.

Megabonk | vedinad | PC (Lin, Win)

I didn’t see Megabonk coming, and yet it has completely captured my attention thanks to the new spin – or should that be spins – it puts on the Vampire Survivors formula.

For starters, the environment is much more important in Megabonk than it is nearly all other auto-shooters, as you’ll neeed to learn the nuances of the world around you. Plus, your interactions with it are genuinely meaningful thanks to a diverse pool of characters where your choices genuinely matter.

Another thing that Megabonk does extremely well is make use of its toolkit in creative ways. It’ll take you a long time to unlock everything, and there are always new challenges to seek out. It can feel a little grindy at times, but I’ve been having so much fun that I really don’t mind about replaying the same areas again and again.

With it’s unique approach to character building and a deeply engaging progression system, Megabonk feels like a fine next step for the auto-shooter genre.

First & Third-Person Roguelites

Blue Prince | Dogubomb | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox Series

Honestly, Blue Prince could have also fit neatly into the previous sub-section, such is the nature of the thought-provoking challenge it presents. This is not a violent game at all, rather it’s a first-person puzzle roguelite about exploring a mansion while in search of a hidden room that holds your future fortune!

The strategy element comes from the fact that the rooms you explore are all connected by extremely nuanced puzzles that require your complete and utter attention. A note book IRL isn’t just advised: it’s essential hardware. You’ll want to keep track of every little detail, just in case it comes in handy later on.

The roguelite aspect comes from the way the house reshuffles every day. Each morning you start again, exploring a newly arranged house, but with an ever-growing understanding of the environment that helps you progress further and further inside.

The pacing and atmosphere in Blue Prince is quite unlike anything else mentioned in this article, but the quality is there for anyone in search of a more cerebral experience. And I’m not joking about the note book…

Risk of Rain 2 | Hopoo Games | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

This franchise has kicked out two great games with the recent release of Risk of Rain Returns, the masterful remake of the original Risk of Rain, but we’re instead going to say nice things about Risk of Rain 2. 

We don’t get too many sequels in the world of roguelikes, so when you do it often means we’re getting something special. This is most certainly the case for ROR2, which took the gameplay of the first game, a side-scrolling platformer with tiny pixelated characters, and turned that into a fantastic third-person shooter. 

And we’re all glad that they did! The chaos and manic action of the platformer persists into the 3D realm, and it’s up to you to get to the portal in each level and then survive an onslaught while a timer counts down. Of course, it’s not that simple, and you’ll have to scavenge for new items and strengthen up if you’re going to create a build capable of staying alive during Risk of Rain 2’s most furious moments.

The Survivors of the Void finally made it to consoles, and you can read our review right here. Perhaps avoid new Seekers DLC for a while, though, as that one launched underpolished and full of bugs.

Gunfire Reborn | Duoyi Games | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox

Another game with reverence for the way of the bullet is Gunfire Reborn, which I guess is obvious when you consider the title. But I digress.

Gunfire Reborn is part of a small group of top tier roguelite shooters that is able to keep churning out interesting encounters thanks to weighty combat mechanics and clever procedural generation.

It should be noted that other games come close, such as the hyper-focused Mullet Mad Jack, the gritty Deadlink, and the breezy sci-fi style of Battle Shapers. You might consider any of those for this list, but Gunfire Reborn gets the nod because it’s the one that I keep coming back to.

What makes it my go-to? Well, I love the broad selection of weapons, and the flexibility that there is to tinker with your loadout as you progress. Your decisions feed directly into the flow of combat, with upgrades making your experience increasingly tactile. When you’ve got your build how you like it and you’re lining up those headshots, Gunfire Reborn is rewarding like no other.

Roboquest | RyseUp Studios | PC (Win), Xbox, PS5 | 

I came to the Roboquest party late, but once I finally got around to it, RyseUp’s comic book-style shooter quickly grabbed ahold of me and wouldn’t let go.

The overall aesthetic, world design and cel-shaded visuals will no doubt remind you of Borderlands, however, structurally, Roboquest is a very different beast. Where Borderlands stops at procedural weapon generation, Roboquest gives you an entirely remixed experience with every new run.

Not only is Roboquest utterly charming thanks to the cohesive vision of its creators, but it delivers rock solid gunplay – the kind of side-strafing, head-popping combat that satisfies every time.

Finally, the fun only increases when you bring a buddy along for some co-op action. Between this and Gunfire Reborn, you’ve got two brilliantly replayable co-op first-person shooters that put gameplay above all else – which is how it should be.

Returnal | Housemarque | PC (Win), PS5  

I’ve been a huge Housemarque fan since I got my PS4 and played the studio’s launch title – Resogun – until the rubber came off the analog sticks. Good times!

The above being so, when I first clamped eyes on Returnal and found out who was making it, I just knew that it was going to be something special, even before I picked up a controller.

The Finnish studio makes good games, and Returnal is no exception. Not only does it look and play like a dream come true, it’s enigmatic and immersive, too. It’s really great how the story edges along as you progress further and further with each new run. Housemarque did a fantastic job of turning the roguelite gameplay loop into a memorable sci-fi action adventure.

There was no particular method to the ordering of this article, but now that I’ve put it all together, I think it is somewhat fitting to have started with the original Rogue and then ended with Returnal, perhaps the most striking and mainstream roguelite made to date. We’ve come along way, don’t you think?!