It’s almost time for a new monthly update, you lovely lot, but before that it’s only right for us to look back at an action-packed May, which has been stuffed full of interesting roguelikes, roguelites, and other strange and macabre roguish experiments.
It goes without saying that the big one is Elden Ring: Nightreign, which is hitting PC and consoles on the 29th. This is one of the most high profile games to sneak into these monthly round-ups, but it’s a game that uses roguelike-inspired gameplay mechanics, even if it doesn’t fully identify as one. Anyway, I wouldn’t even try to stop Kieran from playing the hell out of it, so you can expect plenty of coverage from us in June as a side benefit to his FromSoftware obsession!
There’s much more to tell you about besides, so keep on reading for a look ahead at all the roguish highlights coming out in May (including a first for this feature – the exclusive confirmation of an official release date, in this instance for The Book of Aaru, which opened on May 27).
Peglin | Red Nexus Games | May 1 | PS4, PS5, Xbox | This delightful little pachinko-themed adventure has been one of my personal favourites and I played it through Early Access into its full release on PC (and Switch). Now the Peggle-ish rogue is coming to PlayStation and Xbox platforms, so take note console owners, especially if you’re after something with a touch of charm this month.
Glass Cannon | LisiSoft | May 1 | PC (Lin, Mac, Win) | While Glass Cannon looks undeniably indie, it did enough to find its way into my Steam basket. Make of that what you will.
Vellum | Alvios Games | May 2 | PC (Win) | After a stint in Early Access this magic-powered third-person co-op shooter is ready for its big 1.0 update and the game’s final challenge: The Torn Lords. Vellum has you controlling a floating wizard who must unlock abilities from a powerful spell book over the course of a run, while also picking the different strengths of your enemies – an interesting twist that elevates the co-op side of the experience, in my opinion.
Maze Mice | Trampoline Tales | May 2 | PC (Win) | I bloody loved Luck Be a Landlord and thus I’m very interested to see how Maze Mice turns out. So interested, in fact, that I filled out the review code request form the other day, so expect something from me on this one in due course. Not only does the developer have a good track record, but the premise – traverse mazes and pause time in frantic bullet heaven – sounds great.
Letterlike | Puzzlelike | May 2 | Android, iOS, PC (Win) | I’ve dipped in and out of several wordy rogues over the last few months, and Letterlike is one of the best. I had been playing on mobile (via a code kindly provided by the developer), but as soon as I saw the game on PC, I quickly decided I would like to play it on my Steam Deck instead.
Sirocco | Lunchbox Entertainment | May 2 | PC (Win) | This intriguing blend of MOBA and survivors-like gameplay offers up five against five multiplayer in an online arena battler inspired by an old Warcraft 3 mod (no, not that one, this one was called Battleships). Sirocco is very much an outlier in terms of what we would normally look at here, but we’re talking to the developers to find out about the game’s roguish elements, so stay tuned for more soon!
Drop Duchy | Sleepy Mill Studio | May 5 | PC (Win) | The demo for Drop Duchy arrived at a bad time for me and now remains stuck behind a massive list of games I want/need/hope to play, but I love the concept of mixing up deckbuilding with Tetris-inspired puzzling. That being so, I’m very much looking forward to the full release of this one, which is now upon us (update: at the time of writing I am still working my way through the campaign and hope to review it soon).
Gods vs Horrors | Oriol Cosp Games | May 5 | PC (Mac, Win) | There’s a real board game vibe to Gods vs Horrors, but I’m also here for the core concept that underpins things. The idea is to draft mythological figures from across different cultures, and find synergies between them as you defend against the cosmic entities attacking Earth.
Rogue Kingdoms | Drac Blau Studios | May 5 | PC (Lin, Mac,Win) | Tower defense mechanics and roguelike gameplay loops go together like two things that go together quite well, as demonstrated here. Rogue Kingdoms is a cute-looking roguelite tower defense game with nice art and what looks like chaotic but engaging gameplay.
Hordes of Hunger | Hyperstrange | May 6 | PC (Win) | Another game looking to blur the lines between roguelike, soulslike, and action-adventure is Hordes of Hunger. I’m not entirely sure where it sits on the scale, if I’m honest, but I detect potential in this Early Access action-RPG regardless.
Deck of Haunts | Mantis | May 7 | PC (Win) | The vibes in Deck of Haunts are nothing short of immaculate, and I adore the setup that has you playing as a haunted house looking to lure pesky humans to their demise. After investigating this one, I have to say that I also quite like the isometric viewpoint and art style, and how it works to communicate the fate of your victims. It’s good to be bad sometimes, as I hope Deck of Haunts will once again demonstrate.
Dice with Death | Sea Glass Games | May 7 | PC (Win) | Alternatively, you can both literally and figuratively Dice with Death, if you’d prefer something more potentially fatalistic…
Break Siege | FojoGames | May 8 | PC (Lin, Win) | It was the sepia-toned art style that caught my eye first, but the more I explored the setting and its execution, the more intrigued I became. The central premise in Break Siege is that you’re in control of a train that is on the run and trying to blast its way through the forces of an evil empire using an interesting fusion of deckbuilding and RTS combat.
Tower Dominion | Parallel 45 Games | May 8 | PC (Win) | See? Here we are again; the tower defence/roguelite synergy never misses. Tower Dominion is another nice-looking example of this combo in action.
Spiritfall | Gentle Giant Games | May 9 | PS5, Switch, Xbox | Spiritfall gets a mention because Kinix won’t let me live it down if I don’t take a moment to praise this slick and well-made action-platformer (here’s his review if you want to read more). It’s always great to see a polished indie rogue make the step-up and get a cross-platform release!
Burning House | Autremelon | May 9 | PC (Win) | I’m including this one purely based on the fascinating theme, which has you trying to escape a burning building that keeps rearranging itself…
Dino Path Trail | Void Pointer | May 9 | PC (Win) | Similarly indie and similarly off-the-beaten-track is Dino Path Trail. This one’s described as a “ruthless survival roguelike” set against a Wild West backdrop, however, it’s got cute-looking dinosaurs in it for… reasons? I’m still here for it, though… potentially.
Ketz: Galactic Overlords | Keep Games | May 9 | PC (Win) | If you’ve got another survivors-like action-roguelite in you, then Ketz: Galactic Overlords looks like it could be another good one thanks to its sci-fi fantasy setting, chaotic gameplay, and RPG trimmings.
Konfronto | Flaming Fowl Studios | May 13 | PC (Win) | Those who know me well, and I think a few of you do by now, know all too well how much I love me some FTL Faster Than Light. Konfronto is not a simple clone of the much loved sci-fi RPG, however, and I’m eager to take a closer look at this auto-battler if the chance presents itself.
Gunbot Diplomacy | Sleepy Sentry | May 13 | PC (Win) | The Brotato influence is writ large all over Gunbot Diplomacy, but that’s hopefully a good thing for anyone who likes survivors-likes and auto-shooters.
Don’t Pop My Bubble | QDos | May 14 | PC (Win) | Sometimes it’s the simplest concepts that prove the most effective, and I’ve just got a feeling about Don’t Pop My Bubble. In fact, I’m not sure there’s much more to say about this one…
Into the Restless Ruins | Ant Workshop | May 15 | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox | Thanks to the backing of Wales Interactive, this fascinating deckbuilder is set to land simultaneously across PC and console platforms this month. The aim of the game is to use your deck to grow a labyrinth that you must then harvest for resources, and our Kieran absolutely loved it, if you care to read his review.
9 Kings | Sad Socket | May 19 | PC (Mac, Win) | Vying to be the overlord of roguelike releases this month is 9 Kings, a kingdom builder where you must build powerful armies and then smash them against those of your regal enemies. Not only am I into the pixel art visuals, but the build breaking, the army raising, and the maniacal synergising all sounds like my cup of tea.
Tower of Babel: Survivors of Chaos | NANOO | May 20 | PC (Mac, Win) | With a name like this one, you know a game means business. Tower of Babel has a Don’t Starve-inspired aesthetic, but that’s where the similarities end. This one is instead looking to blend the best aspects of Diablo and Vampire Survivors as it finally enters Early Access. Good luck to ’em, I say.
Monster Train 2 | Shiny Shoe | May 21 | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox | Indie roguelikes don’t often get sequels, but when you enjoy as much success as the original Monster Train did, you can see why Shiny Shoe would want to have another crack at it. This multi-level train-based battle between Heaven and Hell is heading to PC and consoles this month, and we expect a lot of you will be climbing aboard. (Here’s the review, in case you missed it.)
Knock on the Coffin Lid | RedBoon | May 21 | PS5, Xbox | It’s really good to see Knock on the Coffin Lid emerge from the casket of PC gaming and find new life on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles. Here’s the review if you need further persuading.
Bloodshed | com8com1 software | May 22 | PC (Win) | I’ve already had a good time with Bloodshed and its boomer shooter gunplay. The survivors-like genre is continuing to expand in new directions, and this twist is one of my favourite yet. Here’s the EA review, FWIW.
Leaf Town | SpringLeaf | May 22 | PC (Win) | Cute and simple visuals, farming sim aspects, pigeon racing, and roguelite elements. Need I say more to tempt you in?
Eternal Rising | Lucapy Studio | May 23 | PC (Win) | This one has the appearance of a rich and polished action-roguelite with lovely pixel-art and lots of bullet hell-esque combat. Battle enemies, die, improve, and go again to get a little bit further. You know the drill by now!
The Book of Aaru | Amenti Studio | May 27 | PC (Win) | Next up, I’m delighted to confirm the release date of The Book of Aaru, which is launching on PC on May 27th, as developer Amenti Studio confirmed to us today! This isometric action-RPG is a rhythmic roguelite with a focus on combat and trap-dodging. Most intriguing of all, however, is the setting, which blends Ancient Egyptian mythology with sci-fi elements to create something fresh yet also familiar. Expect more on The Book of Aaru later this month.
Shape Shifter: Formations | Castec Studios | May 27 | PC (Win) | This one crossed my radar later on in the month, but once it was in my sights I kept it firmly there As fan of arcade shooters, this apparent mix of Geometry Wars and Nex Machina looks right up my street. Fingers cross I can find time to check it out sooner rather than later.
Roboquest | RyseUp Studios | May 27 | PS5 | Before the end of May a wrong will finally be righted as PlayStation owners are about to get their DualSense-grabbing mitts on Roboquest, one of the very best roguelite shooters out there.
As We Descend | Box Dragon | May 28 | PC (Win) | The game’s developers call this a “roguelike deckbuilder with the soul of a strategy game”, and that description caught my attention quite firmly. I’m particularly intrigued by the setting, which has humanity defending a city as it descends to the core of the planet, and the art style is also very easy on the ol’ eyes.
Elden Ring: Nightreign | From Software | May 29 | PC (Win), PS, Xbox | One of the biggest games of the year is going to have a strong roguish element, with From Software preparing to deliver Elden Ring: Nightreign at the end of May. This standalone co-op adventure is set in the fantasy world crafted by George R.R. Martin and it looks absolutely stunning. As mentioned up top, Kieran is a huge soulslike nerd so you can expect coverage of this one here on the site.
Void War | Tundra | DELAYED | PC (Win) | There’s another FTL-like arriving in May, however, Void War is much darker in theme than the game that inspired it. In this moody sci-fi RPG, players must embark on a deadly mission in a fallen empire filled with horrible sorts that are out to kill you. Sounds like fun, right?!
The Archives!
April 2025: I didn’t expect Blue Prince to deliver such an astonishing single-player experience; I finally got to check out the roguelite mode in The Last of Us: Part II after the remaster hit PC; I was surprised when Lonestar left Early Access, but very pleasantly so; Soulslinger and Kiborg both delivered decent mid-budget roguelite actioners; Approaching Infinity made an appearance before the month’s end!
March 2025: This March there was a dizzying array of promising roguelike releases. Highlights included Knights in Tight Spaces, Rogue: Genesia, Schism, Metal Bringer, Voids Vigil, 33 Immortals, Reignbreaker and Nordhold. Phew (and there’s more that I could have included, so hit the link for a healthy selection of new games).
February 2025: With highlights including Die in the Dungeon and Sworn, this February is very respectable with a diverse selection of rogues to choose from. I think my favourite game this month, however, is Rift Wizard 2, a hard-as-nails turn-based roguelike about growing a spell book capable of taking on all sorts of gnarly monsters.
January 2025: The year has kicked off with a decent selection of games, so hit the link for highlights that include a gritty shooter called Cruel, bullet heavens such as Jotunnslayer and Pinball Storm: Lokanta (both very different games), and OMG Words, a fun little word rogue that have quire enjoyed. There is also the not-so-small matter of the new campaign mode for Darkest Dungeon II, Kingdoms, which also released in January along with new DLC.
November and December 2024: This double bill of archived articles is crammed full of excellent games. The standout game is undoubtedly Caves of Qud, which is finally ready after years in Early Access. However, there’s more going on than just that, with Battle Shapers, Ballionaire, Uncle Chop’s Rocket Shop, and Magicraft all launched, too.
October 2024: This was a really solid month thanks to the release of [REDACTED], the Early Access launch of Windblown, and a surprising little gem by the name of DICEOMANCER. Lots of caps lock in October, and there’s even some roguish robots in the disguise.
September 2024: What an excellent month for new roguelike games, with the highlights including deckbuilders Shogun Showdown and Pyrene, the FPS blaster otherwise known as Wild Bastards, and there was the mobile release of Balatro. Rogue Waters delivered pirate-themed turn-based tactics, and I also really enjoyed both Realm of Ink and Halls of Torment (the first which landed in Early Access and the second which just left it).
August 2024: The August archive boasts highlights including the blackjack-themed deckbuilder Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers, a co-op update for Cult of the Lamb, plus excellent games including Peglin, Terminus: Zombie Survivors, Knock on the Coffin Lid, and Nova Drift all left Early Access. Plot twist: Risk of Rain 2’s latest DLC launched to very mixed reviews.
July 2024: Headline acts this July included the console release of Darkest Dungeon II, and Lost Castle 2 releasing into Early Access. The original Epyx version of Rogue has finally been ported to Nintendo Switch, with one or two improvements that no doubt explain the delay. Finally, shout outs to Arc Seed, because I do love a giant mecha battle, and Wastelander, because I’m a sucker for sci-fi strategy games.
June 2024: This month got better as it went on. June closed out with a tetromino-powered tower defense roguelite by the name of Emberward, a turn-based western rogue called Guncho (wanted dead or alive, apparently), the quirky auto-battler otherwise known as Million Monster Militia, and the early access exit of Champion Shift. All of them landed in the back nine of the month, so keep on scrolling.
May 2024: Hit this link for some of the very best launches of the year, including the Early Access release of Hades II, the wonderful turn-based roguelike Path of Achra, and a big crossover as Contra comes to Vampire Survivors. Plus stellar shooters Robobeat and Mullet MadJack both dropped in May, and there’s a certain Prince from Persia who arrived before the end of the month, too. Phew.
April 2024: One of my favourites in April was peaceful puzzler Planetiles, which certainly contrasts the grimy first-person horror of Buckshot Roulette. Traditionalists will note the release of Story Mode in Dwarf Fortress as a milestone, while console owners finally got to savour the delights of Dave the Diver. Finally, I want to highlight Against Great Darkness and Inkbound; two indie gems out this month.
March 2024: Mortal Glory 2 dropped in March and it’s an excellent tactical turn-based roguelite about fantasy gladiators. The always brilliant Crypt of the NecroDancer got a big multiplayer update by the name of Synchrony. Two very different magic games were released into Early Access this month, with third-person actioner Vellum landing alongside turn-based spell-simulator Rift Wizard 2. Finally, the wonderful dice roller Slice & Dice made an appearance on Steam.
February 2024: An earlier iteration of this format – February’s round-up is a bit of a mess. Nevertheless, it was a good month for games with the release of Balatro on PC and console, which has been my most-played game of the year by far, and Shiren 6 finally arrived on Nintendo Switch. Other highlights include the full release of Inkulinati, and the Early Access launch of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors.
January 2024: The first month of the year is usually pretty quiet across the industry (except for at Capcom for some reason) but we did get some good rogues, too. Lonestar is my personal pick, but Go Mecha Ball landed on PC and console, and the unofficial Indiana Jones parkour simulator otherwise known as Phantom Abyss left Early Access. Finally, BlazBlue Entropy Effect also left EA.
November and December 2023: It was still early days for Rogueliker and the formatting is all over the place, but if you want even more games, I’ve got a few from late 2023 to tell you about. Picayune Dreams is one of the highlights, as is Against the Storm, two of the year’s best games, in fact. Other top-tier titles to drop before the end of the year include Cobalt Core, Roboquest, and Risk of Rain Returns.
