Welcome to our guide to the best roguelikes on PC, the natural home of the genre and the platform where the best and greatest all stand present. Whether we’re talking about more traditional turn-based roguelikes, action-packed roguelites, or even more diverse genre mash-ups, there is something for everyone on PC.
The criteria for inclusion in this feature is straightforward: each game is either a roguelike or a roguelite, it enjoyed a respectable critical reception, and there isn’t something else (that I’ve played) on the platform that does the same thing better. Of course, all of the games on this list are available on Windows, but I’ve also included platform details for any game that is also out on Mac or Linux.
In lieu of any deeper science, and notwithstanding any omissions that I’ve made, intentionally or not, I still believe that this is a strong rogue’s gallery. That said, there are plenty of great titles just waiting in the wings! Anyway, you’re not here for a carefully tuned SEO-rich ten paragraph intro stuffed with keywords. Here’s my list:
Balatro | LocalThunk | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The first game on this list is probably my favourite deckbuilder. Balatro has a poker theme, in the sense that you’re playing hands from Texas Hold ‘Em to try and earn points, however, it’s actually more like solitaire in the way it plays. What’s more, you don’t need to be a card shark to enjoy this one.
Balatro is so wonderful thanks to the Joker cards that you pick up during each play through. These cards will change your run by supercharging certain hands, so instead of going for a royal flush or four of a kind, you might make your pairs or even a high card the best way to earn big points. There’s so much to think about, different decks that change up the gameplay even more, and challenge modes that will test you even more.
I’ve played the vast majority of Balatro on my Steam Deck, where it an absolutely perfect fit. I consider it a good second screen game, too, so I’ll play this while the TV is on or while listening to a podcast. I’ve done nearly 300 hours in it so far this year (and that’s not including the time I spent with the demo) which says something about me and the game, I think.
Hades | Supergiant Games | PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Hades gets a place on this list because the meta-progression is so damn perfect (and the sequel is still in Early Access). At every stage of your adventure through the bowels of the Greek underworld, there’s a wonderfully paced narrative that guides you through every new attempt.
The pacing of the unlocks in Hades is made all the better by things that you unlock, and the way that the game’s different systems interact with those new additions. The weapons are the obvious example, as you start off with a sword, quickly unlock all the other classes, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that there wasn’t much more to discover. This is far from the case, and Supergiant uses the weapon system to delve deeper into world mythologies.
Every single system links together in Hades to create one of the most replayable games ever made. There is so much to experience, and Supergiant makes every step – and every misstep – feel like positive movement forward. That on its own is an incredible achievement.
Hades 2 is pretty great, too, and it’s well worth considering alongside its predecessor, however, I recommend you grab the original first.
FTL Faster Than Light | Subset Games | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
I only pick one game per studio if I can help it, and that leaves Into The Breach out in the cold as my pick from Subset Games is FTL Faster Than Light.
I love, love, love this game for many reasons, but chief among them is the way the music and the storytelling perfectly complement the retro-futuristic art style and presentation. When you then consider that FTL was the studio’s debut title, the achievement grows more impressive.
FTL Faster Than Light remains a popular game today thanks to its moddability. If you’re after ways to deepen and even change the experience completely, there’s a wealth of community-made additions that will go someway to increasing FTL’s longevity.
Read More: Reboot – FTL Faster Than Light.
GALAK-Z: The Void | 17-Bit | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch
I have played Galak-Z on PC but the bulk of my time with the game was on the old PS4 when I reviewed it for Gamereactor. It was enough to inspire me to buy a special edition of the game, which is something I don’t really do that often. It’s true love, yeah!
I should probably slap a warning on this segment, as the controls in Galak-Z are divisive, however, once you’ve cracked it, the game opens up and becomes a true pleasure to play.
One of my favourite things is the way that you’re constantly switching between your ship and its mecha variant. I also really connected with the Saturday morning cartoon vibe, which gives the game all the personality it needs and more.
Invisible, Inc. | Klei Entertainment | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch
Stealth gameplay and roguelike-induced caution go hand in hand, but it’s also a tricky one to get right. The game that does it best, in my humble opinion, is Invisible, Inc., where the spy theme is brilliantly translated into turn-based gameplay.
Klei’s distinctive art style shines through in the presentation, and the whole thing brought to life via an evolving toolkit of stealth-based abilities that give a degree of freedom to experiment. The stakes are turned up to 11 thanks to a cohesive narrative layer that sits on top of the grid-based missions, and even once you’ve seen the credits, it’s so good you’ll just want to get stuck into your next run straight away.
Against the Storm | Eremite Games | PC (Win)
This more recent addition to the list exited Early Access at the tail-end of 2023, and it did so after a very productive stint where the Against the Storm developer, Eremite Games, involved the community to great effect. The final result has been universally admired, too.
Against the Storm brings old Warcraft vibes to the table, but it does so with a roguelite wrapper to hold the campaign together. This city-builder has you up against the eponymous storm and you’ll be guiding a ragtag collection of different fantasy species on their path to hopeful survival.
Spelunky 2 | Mossmouth, Blitworks | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Another game that I played a load on PlayStation before moving over to PC is Spelunky 2, the excellent platforming sequel from Mossmouth and Blitworks (they’re both credited but I’m not at all sure how the labour was divided between the teams).
The original Spelunky is another landmark game in the genre, but unlike Isaac, which was updated over time, we got a full sequel here. It’s absolutely brilliant, too, just like the original, but in 2 there’s more of everything that made the first game so good, which is why it’s here instead of its elder sibling. Still, both games are excellent platformers filled with excitement, adventure, treasure, and big chuffing spikes.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth | Nicalis, Edmund McMillen | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The Binding of Isaac is, in many ways, the reference point for the action-roguelite genre. There have been many arguably better games since Isaac took his first steps, however, none of these games have the sticking power or the personality of this stone cold classic.
I’ve been reflecting on the particular success of this game lately. I’ve come to the conclusion that beyond the excellent theme, the updates and the engagement, it’s the sheer variety of items that you can combine that makes Isaac’s outing feel fresh and exciting on each play. The moment to moment gameplay is silky smooth, and even after all these years it remains utterly essential.
Vampire Survivors | poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
This indie darling was always going to make the list in some capacity. Vampire Survivors flipped the established bullet hell formula on its head, and gaming is never going to be the same again. Now, instead of dodging the bullets, you make them, and the screen quickly fills up with your attacks and swathes of enemies just waiting to fall to your sword / whip / garlic breath.
There’s so much visual variety and my ADHD brain absolutely loves plugging into this one and just blasting away for a few hours, usually with music or a podcast on in the background. Despite the chaos on screen, there’s something soothing about Poncle’s auto-shooter and its most particular blend of madness.
Enter the Gungeon | Dodge Roll | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Enter the Gungeon is the opposite of Vampire Survivors in so many ways. While Survivors is full of procedurally-generated mayhem, the minimalist gameplay might have you yearning for something more tactile. Cue a dodge roll from Enter the Gungeon, one of the slickest shooters you’ll ever play and a game that wants to impress you with its detailed and reactive environments.
As a bullet-hell, Gungeon is all about staying out of harm’s way however possible, and then returning fire when the chance presents itself. This simple formula is brilliantly implemented, creating some of the most tense and exciting gameplay you’ll find in any genre. The pixels look really, really great, too, and I’m a sucker for a lovely pixel.
Crypt of the NecroDancer | Brace Yourself Games | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Whenever I think of Crypt of the NecroDancer, I immediately start to bop as the game’s main refrain whirs into life on my internal jukebox.
Not only does the fusion of lush pixel-art graphics and bouncy music create a truly unique and immediately compelling experience, but it holds a true challenge that’ll take you a long time to fully master. Or I’ve got appalling rhythm and the game isn’t that hard, which is actually plausible given my most recent attempt to play the drums.
Regardless of how terrible I am at keeping a beat, Crypt of the NecroDancer is one of the best times I’ve ever had with a video game, and it’s one that I keep going back to year after year.
Read More: The best Halloween roguelikes.
Risk of Rain Returns| Hopoo Games | PC (Win), Switch
I’m going to be controversial and include Returns because my recency bias is real. That, and I absolutely love it. I also had a great time when I returned to Risk of Rain 2 on Xbox for a review of Survivors of the Void, so either game could have gone in here to be fair.
I’m going with the remake of the original because I appreciated just how much love and craft went into the restoration of the game. I went back and played the original, to get a side-by-side comparison, and Returns manages to capture the essence of the original, but it has modernised the offering in all the right places to create something that’s both fresh and suitably reverent.
Read more: Risk of Rain Returns Review.
Darkest Dungeon | Red Hook Studios | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Xbox
Darkest Dungeon immediately catches the eye thanks to the game’s astonishing visual design. This is one of the most atmospheric and grim-faced settings I’ve ever encountered, and it’s helped no end by the rich and impactful voice of the narrator as he invites you into the torment that awaits. But enough about the vibes.
The nuanced combat and its intersection with the game’s central fear mechanic represents the core of what makes Darkest Dungeon so bloody brilliant. Your soldiers are powerful and dangerous, but also full of fear if not managed properly. The promise of progression is enough weight to push you further into the depths of the old family estate, and all too often that weight behind can cause you take one step too far – it’s a thrilling balance to strike.
Read more: The best horror roguelikes.
Dead Cells | Motion Twin, Evil Empire | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Next up we’ve got one of the finest examples of a developer taking the best bits from a number of different genres and styles, and then merging them together to create something truly unique. The resulting blend of ingredients has formed into Dead Cells, a pixel perfect adventure with endless heart.
The full recommendation is to also get the Return to Castlevania expansion, as this extension to the game is a satisfying homage to a game that inspired Dead Cells so heavily. Talk about coming full circle.
Overall, Dead Cells is one of the most stylish pixel-art games that I’ve ever played, and I’ve played one or two over the years!
Caves of Qud | Freehold Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
The excellent Caves of Qud represents the gold standard of modern roguelikes. And when I say “roguelike”, I do actually mean it this time.
Not only does Caves of Qud offer one of the most expansive and engaging worlds in all of gaming, but it realises that world in such an unapologetically roguish way. There’s so much lore and detail worked into every adventure, and this is the kind of game that you can get lost in for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours.
I also really love the retro-inspired graphics. Not only does it look charmingly simple, the visuals let the developer deliver detail and value where it’s needed the most: the world and your experience in it.
Slay the Spire | MegaCrit | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I briefly contemplated mixing things up, but Slay the Spire is simply impossible to ignore. This is still the definitive deck builder, regardless of platform. In fact, I’ve returned recently myself on tablet (as part of a long-term attempt to properly compare the various deck builders out there – stay tuned for more).
In Slay the Spire, the art is in building a good strategy around the cards that you’re dealt, and then finding the best synergies with your abilities. This is a game crammed full of interesting decisions, and there’s never a dull moment as look to shape your hand and climb the eponymous spire.
Returnal | Housemarque | PC (Win), PS5
There is a growing collection of roguelike-inspired game modes and spin-offs in the triple-A gaming space. We’re certainly not spoiled for choice, but things are definitely getting better.
Leading the charge of the big budget roguelites is Returnal, the PS5 bullet-hell that has recently ditched its exclusive tags and is now available on PC Steam and EGS.
I’ve been a huge fan of developer Housemarque and their games over the years, and I’m glad that Sony is continuing to soften its stance on exclusivity, too.
Dwarf Fortress | Bay 12 | PC (Lin, Win)
Dwarf Fortress stands as one of the most complete and detailed video game worlds ever created. The original ASCII version of this long-running labour of love is available directly from the developers on the Bay 12 Games website, but there’s also a paid version of the game on Steam that has a bunch of improvements and lots of lovely new art.
While Dwarf Fortress is best known for its building mode, which lets you create a dwarven empire from scratch and then watch it grow and evolve in its own way, there’s also a roguelike mode which fantasy lovers are advised to check out. The Adventure Mode dropped in mid-2024 and it added a whole new way to experience this iconic RPG.
Tiny Rogues | RubyDev | PC (Win)
Depsite still being in Early Access, Tiny Rogue is already well worth your time and money. It was the Between Heaven and Hell expansion that put the game on my radar, and it’s that free update that has elevated the game to this list.
This delightful little action-roguelite looks very simple, but it’s actually a supremely well balanced fantasy RPG that facilitates a whole heap of potential gameplay variety. What’s more, the bullet-hell gameplay is executed brilliantly, with deft controls and a huge range of possible attack styles. It doesn’t matter what kind of experience you’re after, Tiny Rogues is able to accommodate.
Rogue | Glenn Wichman, Michael Toy, Ken Arnold | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), Nintendo Switch
I’m almost embarrassed that we’ve gone this long without mentioning the original Rogue, not least because you can now pick up a copy of the game on Steam, on top of its availability elsewhere.
Of course, it’s a hugely archaic experience and one so barebones that it won’t be for everyone. However, if you want to see how it all started, and maybe even bask the purity of the mechanics as they were when first implemented, you can now do so without having to play in an unreliable browser.
Alternatively, you can dive deep into the various versions over on The Rogue Archive. This community-maintained archive boasts a variety of different versions of the game, so you can see how it evolved over the years for different platforms.
Read more about the original in this guide to roguelike definitions.
Brotato | Blobfish | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Where Vampire Survivors goes for expansive levels and huge numbers of monsters flooding the screen, Brotato is a much more focused affair, with tightly-packed arenas and swarms of enemies that only stick around for time-limited rounds. Stay alive and you’ll advance to the next, but die and it’s back to the start.
Between each successfully completed round you’ll be able to add new items to your build, increase your potato’s base stats, and add new weapons to your arsenal. There are six weapon slots, but you can combine matching weapons to boost their rank, so you’re always working towards something.
Brotato not only plays like a dream but it looks great, too. The graphics are crisp, the sound design is satisfying, and the Abyssal Terrors update adds even more content to the game!
Gunfire Reborn | Duoyi Games | Android, iOS, PC (Win), PS, Switch Xbox
If you’re after a brilliant roguelite first-person shooter on PC, I think my recommendation has to be Gunfire Reborn (although Roboquest would have been a worthy choice, too).
This cute-yet-brutal blaster by Duoyi Games has since spread its wings and is now out on console and mobile, and while I’ve probably played this more on my Xbox, it’s a particularly good fit for the Steam Deck.
What makes Gunfire Reborn really stand out from the pack is the quality of the gunplay. Most of the weapons in the game feel great to use, and there are loads of them to discover. What’s more, there are upgrades and other ways to power up during each run, and this flexibility ensures that every run feels fresh and engaging.
Crab Champions | Noisestorm | PC (Win)
Irreverant third-person shooters don’t come much better than Crab Champions, another Early Access title that still makes the grade despite its EA tags. This light and breezy co-op shooter is a crustacean-filled amusent park of roguish chaos.
There’s so much content already in the game, and developer Noisestorm has confirmed that there’s much more on the way. I played it for the first time after the Elemental Update, and I was blown away by what I discovered, which was a title that I had previously dismissed because of its whimsical theme. Don’t be like me and sleep on Crab Champions…
Path of Achra | Ulfsire | PC (Win)
If you’re after a game that encourages build experimentation, then Path of Achra should be on your radar. Not only does this fantasy RPG offer a bleak and uncompromising world to explore, it also wants you to try out a huge number different builds as you try and overcome the game’s significant challenge.
The premise is simple: rising floods drive you forwards on your path, and fearsome creatures stand in your way. As you level up you can unlock new abilities, and then when you encounter enemies, these abilities will semi-automate. It is this automation that allows Path of Achra to offer so much depth, because you don’t need to constantly remember everything all at once.
There’s so much to like about Path of Achra and for my money it was one of the best turn-based roguelikes of the year. If you’ve not already checked it out, there’s still time to fix your mistake…
Noita | Nolla Games | PC (Win)
I don’t think there’s a single game on this list that has kicked my ass as completely has Noita has done over the years. Make no mistake, this action-platformer by Nolla Games is a tough nut to crack, and it will make you earn every step forward that you take through its procedurally generated dungeons and caves.
What makes Noita such a unique proposition isn’t its challenge, however, it’s the detail that goes into the creation of each level. Every single pixel is simulated, and you can interact with the world using a number of elemental powers. Your little wizard can cast all manner of spells, but you’ll need to use them with care because it’s not unusual to die in a fire that you yourself started. It’s a dangerous world out there, so be careful!
Shogun Showdown | Roboatino | PC (Lin, Mac, Win)
If you’re after a streamlined tactical experience, Shogun Showdown is worthy of consideration alongside the likes of Into The Breach, thanks to its tight and controlled gameplay and huge strategic potential.
The turn-based combat in Shogun Showdown takes place on a 2D plane, so there’s no grids to worry about here. Instead, your cards/tiles allow you to take actions that move you back and forth, dealing damage and dodging incoming blows.
There is a varied assortment of weapons and abilities to choose from over the course of each attempt, and some of these upgrades are truly game-changing. You’ll need them, too, because during every run you’ll come up against an array of enemy types, each with their own attacks that must be avoided and countered. It’s compelling stuff, and well worth checking out, especially if you’re into deckbuilders.
Rogue Legacy 2 | Cellar Door Games | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Xbox, Switch
I played Rogue Legacy back in the day, but I confess to have been asleep when Rogue Legacy 2 came out. I’ve recently rectified that mistake and oh boy I’m glad I did, because this sequel is a total overhaul of the original in all the right ways.
This action-roguelite may look like a cutesy platformer on the outside, but it’s actually a challenging and immersive side-scroller with tons of depth and an interesting spin on roguelite structure. The 2.5D visuals impress, as does the roguevania level design.
Rogue Legacy 2 revels in its roguishness via a genealogical theme where your actions are linked to those that came before and after you thanks to the traits that you inherit. There are more than a dozen different classes to further mix things up, and this system creates truly unique characters that each feel different to play as you tackle every new run.
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island | Spike Chunsoft | PC (Win), Switch
I had a jolly good time with Shiren 6 when it first landed on Nintendo Switch, and I was pleased with how well the experience translated onto PC. In particular, I have enjoyed playing this one on my Steam Deck, although that is counterbalanced by underwhelming ultra-widescreen support, so there’s good and bad.
This is a lovely turn-based roguelike, at the end of the day. The fantasy setting may look on the cute side, but Shiren’s gameplay is razer sharp and like any true traditional roguelike, there’s real danger in the early game. Don’t be fooled by first impressions, is all I’m saying.
Shiren has a few online features that makes it stand out, including a rescue system whereby you’re encouraged to rescue each other and yourself. In fact, there’s depth and nuance wherever you look, with a practice dojo to sharpen your skills and an inventory management system that deepens in importance as you venture further into your adventure.
Rift Wizard 2 | Dylan White | PC (Win)
Rift Wizard 2 might be the best magic game I’ve played since Noita, which is high praise indeed. However, theme and roguishness aside, these two don’t have a huge amount in common, as RW2 is more of a turn-based tactical puzzle roguelike (there’s a review here if you want all the details).
My favourite thing about Rift Wizard 2 is the depth of the spell book, and the huge array of options open to you with every new run. There are literally countless combinations of skills, sub-skills, abilities, and items to assemble for a new build, and you’ll need to think creatively if you’re going to overcome the game’s considerable challenge.
Each new round involves you carefully positioning yourself on a map filled with enemies that make a line straight for you, attacking with all their might. You must wield a growing range of spells, using them in harmony to kill your enemies and navigate the battlefield, before escaping a cleared room via a portal only to do it all again!
Cult of the Lamb | Massive Monster | PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Ok folks, let’s wrap this little listicle up with a real crowd pleaser: Cult of the Lamb. Massive Monster’s action-RPG is all about leading a cult of cute animal critters through a dangerous world full of evil monsters.
Your ever growing band of woodland friends lives in your home base, which expands over time via all manner of buildings. In fact, it’s this blend of base building and action-combat that makes Cult of the Lamb such a joy to play. It helps that it looks lovely, too.
Not only do you have to carefully manage your resources and kick the butts of rival cult leaders, you can now do all of this fun stuff with a friend, after co-op was added to the game. Now you and a buddy can join forces, doubling the fun and the depravity.
Looking for a more accessible roguelike experience? Head to our guide to roguelikes for beginners for more great recommendations!
