Welcome, Dear Reader, to my guide to Game Pass roguelikes, roguelites, and roguish adventures, of which there are now many on the popular subscription service.
For the uninitiated, Game Pass is a sub for Xbox and PC that is absolutely stacked with games of all sorts. Over the years it has become very popular, although recent price hikes are proving universally unpopular.
It’s also got a decent selection of roguelike / roguelite games. So many, in fact, that it became necessary to put together a list that includes everything on Game Pass that identifies as a rogue.
Essential, Premium and Ultimate Game Pass
As announced today, October 1, there are now even more tiers in Game Pass. Honestly, it’s getting hard to keep track of, and to add insult to injury, the upper tiers have gone up in price.
As such, I’ve reworked this article into one A-Z list, with each tier listed next to each game’s particulars (previously I had split it into the various tiers). I think this is the clearest way to move forward, given the amount of chopping and changing at each tier.
Essential is the new name for Core, which included the old multiplayer service (who remembers Gold?). There are slightly more games in this tier now, including Hades, and it actually contains several games that I consider to be among the best of all the Xbox Game Pass games, including Slay the Spire and Dead Cells.
Roguelikes on Game Pass
Next, let us focus on the impressive array of roguelike / roguelite games that can be found over on the main services.
As part of the new pricing revamp, there are now two higher teirs, although the line-ups are fairly similar. The biggest addition is the Ubisoft games now included at the higher tier.
A bit of housekeeping before we get stuck in: I’ll be updating this page as and when games are added and removed from the service, so feel free to bookmark it for future reference.
Finally, keep scrolling to the very end for a short summary of the various tiers!
9 Kings | Sad Socket | PC Game Pass
One of the new games that snuck in alongside the latest round of pricing adjustments is 9 Kings, a lovely little deckbuilder with auto-battler elements. It’s still only in Game Preview, and it’s PC-only for now, but I already recommend you check it out!
33 Immortals | Thunder Lotus Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, PC Game Pass
A recent addition to Game Pass, 33 Immortals is an online action roguelike with a strong emphasis on co-op. The clue is in the name when it comes to this one, with groups of up to 33 players coming together to take on big raid-like challenges. The other thing I want to praise is the art direction, which is absolutely top class and worth taking a closer look at.
Against the Storm | Eremite Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Next up it’s time to look at an excellent fantasy city builder that tasks players with steering a mixture of fantasy creatures through an environmental catastrophe. Against the Storm links all of your building projects together into a truly unforgettable roguelite-RTS campaign that boasts an extraordinary amount of replayability. Finally, Against the Storm is now available on console, too!
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – The Forgotten Saga | Ubisoft | Xbox Series, Xbone | Ultimate
First things first, the main game is absolutely not a roguelite, however, the free mode added after launch, The Forgotten Saga, very much is inspired by roguelite principles. I wouldn’t recommend this solely for its roguelite mode, but the main game is a fun jaunt through Anglo-Saxon Britain and Norse mythology, and this is a nice way to extend that fun.
Balatro | LocalThunk | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Premium, Ultimate, PC Game Pass
This one is a favourite of mine and I’m delighted to see it land on the service, as even more people are going to get to fall in love with this deep and involving deckbuilder. Balatro is a fusion of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding (as I found out direct from the developer in our interview), and I’m not exageratting when I say that it’s one of the most addictive games ever made. You have been warned.
Ball X Pit | Kenny Sun | PC, Xbox Series
Breakout-inspired action meshed with survivors-like gameplay and lots of powerful balls that smash blocky skeletons. If that sounds like fun to you, then I’m reasonably sure that you’re going to have a blast with Ball X Pit, which landed on Game Pass alongside the game’s multiplatform release on PS and Switch.
Blue Prince | Dogubomb | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, PC Only
Not a traditional roguelike by any means, Blue Prince takes some of the cleverest parts of the genre and repurposes them in a superbly intriguing puzzler. This unique and engaging adventure includes time loops and deckbuilding and it takes you into a brain melting mansion wherein you must track down the mysterious 46th room, wherever that is.
Brotato | Blobfish, Evil Empire | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Brotato is one of the best auto-shooters out there. Instead of Vampire Survivors huge maps, the emphasis here is on tight battles against waves of enemies and inventory management, as you look to equip your potato-headed friend with up to six weapons that they use to smash anything that comes near. The upgrade system is simple and intuitive, but it allows you a degree of freedom as your assembling your build for your next attempt. On top of that, while simple, the audio-visual experience is expertly done, making this a really satisfying game to get lost in.
CloverPit | Panik Arcade | Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
If you’re a Luck be a Landlord fan like me, then there’s also a good chance that you’re going to enjoy CloverPit as much as I did. This sinister slot machine roguelike borrows from Inscryption when it comes to atmosphere, but the gameplay feels like its own thing. Well worth a cheeky download, if you ask me.
Dead Cells | Motion Twin, Evil Empire | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
I’m going to use this entry as an excuse to talk about DC’s impressive selection of DLC, which was made by Evil Empire rather than Motion Twin. You’ll have to pay for the expansions, but if you play the game long enough, you won’t mind doing so at all. As for free DLC, the last of the major updates is now live, so on console at least, Dead Cells is now content complete.
Death Howl | The Outer Zone | PC | Handheld & PC
Described as a Souls-like deckbuilder, Death Howl sees players journey through a sorrowful spirit world. Along the way, you’ll craft lethal decks from over 160 cards, claim powerful Totems, and overcome enemies in tactical, grid-based combat. The game looks to nail the dark and dreary atmosphere that Souls-likes are known for, so it may be worth checking out if you’re a fan of the genre.
Deathloop | Arkane Studios | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Here’s another game that has roguish tendencies, but isn’t actually a roguelite. I’m mentioning it, however, because Arkane Studios is one of the great game developers (I adore the Dishonored, all of which are on Game Pass, too) and you should definitely scope this FPS out.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor | Funday Games | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
This fine auto-shooter takes the best bits of Deep Rock Galactic and then injects that into a bullet heaven format kind of like the one in Vampire Survivors. There are four playable characters in DRG Survivor, and a whole ton of cool gadgets and guns to help you dig your way to glory!
Descenders | RageSquid | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
If you’re after the pure rush of speed, you’d have to play a roguelike a whole bunch before you could confidently go fast. Descenders brings that sense of exhilaration right out the box.
Descenders Next | RageSquid | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, PC Only
Descenders Next is an ice-cold follow-up that brings a similar sense of exhilaration to your screens, this time with a new extreme sports focus. This is at the limit of games that we will consider for this article, but it gets the nod thanks to the heavy emphasis on proc-gen. Finall, this sequel is still in Early Access, and the Xbox equivalent, the ol’ Game Preview Program.
Enter the Gungeon | Dodge Roll | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
This pixel-perfect action-RPG is allll about the guns. I’ve always really enjoyed this charming little indie, but be warned as it doesn’t pull its punches. Be prepared to dodge, roll, and shoot with pinpoint precision if you’re going to conquer this dungeon.
For the King II | IronOak Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
This fantasy co-op roguelike sequel has been building up a head of steam after launching on PC in an uneven state. Things are much better now after several updates, and this charming fantasy party-based RPG is well worth checking out on Game Pass, especially if you love tabletop gaming.
Ghostwire: Tokyo – The Spider’s Web | Tango Gameworks | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
There isn’t a huge number of big budget roguelikes out there, but The Spider’s Web mode in Ghostwire: Tokyo is definitely one to check out. The roguish mode reshuffles the deck and serves up a string of new challenges, and as you can imagine, things can quite tricky as you progress.
Go Mecha Ball | Whale Peak Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
This novel arcade game brings together number of contrasting ideas to create something that feels quite unique when compared to the other games on this list. Of course there’s roguelite progression, but that’s the backdrop here; Go Mecha Ball introduces pinball mechanics and twin-stick shooting into the mix, and it’s a fun combination that’s worth a download.
Hades | Supergiant Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
While we wait for the sequel to drop on Xbox (and PS5, to be fair) we are going to have to content ourselves with probably the finest action-roguelite ever made. That’s right, Hades is back on the Game Pass menu, folks, and everyone gets to play it!
Halls of Torment | Chasing Carrots | PC, Xbox Series | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
A new arrival as of October 2025, this excellent little auto-shooter takes the best elements of Vampire Survivors and blends them with the essence of OG Diablo. I really love this one, but it’s on the more challenging end of the bullet heaven spectrum, if such a thing exists. There’s a new DLC out on Xbox, too, but you’ll need to stump up if you want to venture into The Boglands.
He is Coming | Chronocle | PC | Ultimate, PC Only
The old school vibes in He is Coming are borderline brilliant, but for now this one’s only available for PC-based Game Pass subscribers. Still, this pre-apocalyptic RPG has loads of potential thanks to an already rock solid roguish framework, and as it moves through Early Access / Game Preview I’m eager to see how it balances out.
Inscryption | Daniel Mullins Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
If you’re after atmosphere, perhaps a spooky game to play during Halloween, or maybe you just love a good deckbuilder, either way you should definitely check out this moody but utterly unique card game set in a strange cabin where you must make one or two sacrifices if you’re going to survive.
Lost in Random: The Eternal Die | Stormteller Games | Xbox Series, PC | Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, PC
As we highlighted in our recent review of The Eternal Die, this is a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the scene. Alternatively, if you know your way around a rogue, this Lost in Random sequel is just plain fun.
Metal Slug Tactics | Leikir Studio | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
If you’re after a game that puts a completely different spin on a classic franchise, then look no further than Metal Slug Tactics. Leikir Studio’s tactics adventure blends roguish elements with hand-crafted maps and a roster of characters drawn from the iconic action series.
Monster Train | Shiny Shoe | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Choo choo! All aboard the Monster Train, Shiny Shoe’s excellent roguish deckbuilder. This wonderful little card game is an epic battle between Heaven and Hell. With pesky angels entering at the bottom, you must play your demonic cards right to stop them getting to your pyre at the top!
Monster Train 2 | Shiny Shoe | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, PC Only
You wait forever for one Monster Train to turn up, and then two show up at once! This eagerly-awaited sequel arrives exactly five years to the day after the first, and it’s a day one release on Game Pass for good measure. Monster Train 2 is a fine continuation of the original, with new clans, items, rooms, a game-making deployment phase, and much more to unpack. A first class follow-up to a fan-favourite deckbuilder.
Monsters Are Coming: Rock & Road | Lugogram | PC | PC Only
Can’t tell you much about this one, unfortunately, as it’s a fairly new release from the folks over at Raw Fury. Having said that… This tower-defence roguelite hybrid has you protecting a moving city from an unending horde, which sounds like a very promising setup for a game.
Moonlighter | Digital Sun | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
I love the concept behind Moonlighter. By day you’re a shopkeeper, but by night you’re off into the local dungeon in search of loot and a bit of adventure. The pixel-art is lovely and the gameplay loop is one of the most endearing on here. However… there’s also a sequel in the works so bear that in mind because…
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault | PC | PC Only (for now)
It’s PC-only for now, but Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will eventually be making its way to console once it’s done in Early Access (Game Preview). This lovely looking action-roguelite sequel evolves the formula of the first game in a number of interesting ways – it’s not just a visual overhaul – and I’m writing this up having played about five hours of the new game. So far, I’m enjoying it.
Mullet MadJack | Hammer 95 | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Frantic first-person shooter Mullet MadJack has a strange name, certainly, but it also offers an visceral and immediate experience. In short, you must kill robotic enemies to extend the clock and reach the end of each level, then ascend a tower and rescue the world’s most popular influencer. It’s batshit, but also brilliant.
Neon Abyss | Vewoo Games | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Side-scrolling shooter Neon Abyss has distinctive pixel-art visuals and a whole bunch of futuristic style. The run ‘n’ gun gameplay also makes it standout from the games on this list, as does the impressive range of weapon synergies you’ll be able to discover. It’s a tough to get to grips with, but it’s really rewarding once you’ve mastered the controls.
Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap | Robot Entertainment | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
I can’t sat that I’ve played too much of this series, despite having written about it numerous times over my career. What I can tell you is the focus here is on setting up devious traps to kill orcs, and Deathrap has a roguish element to it.
Pacific Drive | Ironwood Studios | PC, Xbox Series
If you’re after an atypical adventure with oodles of atmosphere, then maybe you should consider venturing out into the Olympic Exclusion Zone in your trusty station wagon in search of supplies and answers, in Pacific Drive, an enigmatic surival RPG with a roguelite twist.
PlateUp! | It’s happening | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Yogcast Games and It’s happening have served up a culinary treat in the form of PlateUp! This one puts you in charge of a chaotic restaurant and has you feeding as many as people as possible, with this particular dish enhanced with a side-portion of roguish progression and a dollop of co-op.
Roboquest | RyseUp Studios | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Roboquest has gone through the Game Preview program on Xbox. By the time you read this it will have lost its early access tags, however, this robot-filled shooter has got a lovely cartoony art style and last time I played it, it was a hella fun.
Sifu | Sloclap | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
If you after something a bit more tactile than your average action-roguelike, then look no further than Sifu. This kung-fu epic is tough but fair, and requires you to master a number of moves as you advance through a roguish tale of revenge. Not a traditional roguelike by any means, but interesting nonetheless.
Slay The Spire | MegaCrit | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
The deck builder that inspired an army of imitators remains one of the most addictive game on Game Pass. Only download it if you’ve got a few weeks/months/years spare.
Super Fantasy Kingdom | Super Fantasy Games | PC | Ultimate, PC Only
In this chaotic little roguelite kingdom builder from strategy publisher Hooded Horse, you’ve got to explore a colourful fantasy world, battle a whole host of monsters, take care of your burgeoning economy, and hopefully not lead your kingdom into ruin. No pressure, then.
Superhot: Mind Control Delete | Team Superhot | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
Building on the gameplay of the excellent original, MCD is a roguelite reworking of a compelling and stylish concept. Superhot is a shooter where time moves only when you do. It’s also all about taking down enemies like you’re John Wick, except in this universe people are crystalline and explode on contact, to stop you feeling like a total mass murderer.
Sworn | Windwalk Games | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
If you’re after a co-op focused isometric RPG with a Hades-inspired twist, then look no further than Sworn, a really decent four-player action-roguelite with Arthurian lore and a bunch of playable classes to tinker with and upgrade.
Terminull Brigade | Level Infinite | PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
A co-op focused action-roguelite where you and some mates must battle to save an enslaved digital world. It looks great, but I was dissuaded by the really mixed reception it got over on Steam (where it is free-to-play, hence it’s inclusion on Essential).
The Rogue Prince of Persia | Evil Empire | Xbox Series, PC | Ultimate, PC Only
Not only is this a good use of a truly classic IP, but Evil Empire has done a fine job in updating the Prince of Persia feel for modern audiences. It’s a tough nut to crack for sure, but it’s worth the effort because once you find a groove, you’ll be wall-running and sword fighting your way through hordes of enemies.
Vampire Survivors | Poncle | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, Essential, PC Only
I’ve lost so many hours to Vampire Survivors, and it’s a game that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a more relaxed roguelike-inspired experience. There is loads of cool DLC, too, and it won’t cost you much to get up to speed either, as they’re all super cheap!
Void/Breaker | Playstack | PC | Ultimate, PC Only
This reactive and engaging futuristic shooter is still only in early access but it’s already shaping up very nicely indeed. It’s PC-only for now, though.
Wildfrost | Deadpan Games, Gaziter | Xbox Series, Xbone, PC | Ultimate, Premium, PC Only
Last but definitely not least is a delightful deckbuilder about crossing a frozen tundra on a mission to push back an eternal winter. It’s cute and it’s clever, and well worth the download if you ask me.
Which Game Pass tier is best for rogues?
After Microsoft’s various price increases this October, the value proposition has changed a little across it’s growing selection of subscriptions. Here’s how I see it:
If you’re a casual gamer who enjoys a bit of roguishness, Essential has the best of the best and it’s the cheapest. Those games include Hades, Slay the Spire, Superhot, and Descenders.
The best Game Pass sub for roguelikes and roguelites is the Premium tier, but only on Xbox. This mid-priced tier has a decent selection across a range of sub-genres, as well as a range of newish releases.
However, for value and quality, you can’t beat the selection on PC Game Pass, which is priced closer to Premium but also includes a few PC-only games and a load of Ultimate games. It is, however, quite a bit more expensive now (33% more here in the UK).
Finally, Ultimate is also now more expensive than ever, so if you’re only really on Xbox and all you want to do is play a load of rogues, I think it’s an even harder sell now. At the time of writing, the only games not on Premium are the newest releases, so we’re talking about the likes of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, The Rogue Prince of Persia, Monster Train 2, Descenders Next, Blue Prince, and the new Lost in Random.
Summing up, then… Game Pass is well stocked for roguelikes and roguelites, and all tiers have their pros and cons. However, the recent price hikes are hard to ignore and I don’t blame anyone for questioning whether it’s worth all that money every month.
For more great games, read about the best Xbox roguelikes here!
