If you’re a roguelite or roguelike fan – you’ve found your way here so I’m just going to go ahead and assume that you are – I think you’ll agree with me when I say that we are living through halcyon days.
Last month saw the release of several great roguelites, including Hades II and Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor to name but two, and if you scroll through the archives at the foot of this article, you’ll see just how many bangers have dropped throughout the last couple of months. It has been relentless.
Things don’t get much easier in October, it must be said, and that’s even after being quite selective about the games included. Before I sat down to write this update, I thought the month would be fairly light, and indeed it does start off slow (as devs sidestep the ongoing Steam Sale). However, it doesn’t take long before things properly kick off, and it turns out that I’m going to be just as busy in the weeks ahead as I was in the month that just rushed past in a blur.
No rest for the wicked, eh?!
House of Necrosis | Warkus | October 6 | PC (Lin, Win) | October is always a good month for horror games, and the one that has my attention right now is House of Necrosis, which looks like the original Resident Evil, but with the spirit of a roguelike. I don’t know whether I find the premise thrilling or terrifying, but I’m definitely intrigued.
Daimon Blades | StreumOn Studio | October 6 | PC (Win) | This sharp-looking first-person actioner looks to blend violent melee focused combat with roguelite elements. I’d not heard much about Daimon Blades until recently, but the developer, StreumOn Studio, have been on my radar ever since the release of E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy, which is set in the same universe.
My Card Is Better Than Your Card! | October 7 | PC (Win) | I’m not sure I’m the demographic for this one, but I still think it looks like it has a lot fun potential as you take your sticker-covered deck and battle for supremacy of the playground.
Lethal Honor: Order of the Apocalypse | Viral Studios | October 7 | PC (Win) | Another potential gem that only recent crossed my radar is Lethal Honor, a new comic-style action-roguelite with stylish art and a story inspired by ’80s superhero comics.
Steel Knight’s ARMIS | Izanami Game Lab | Oct 8 | PC (Win) | An anime-inspired survivors-like with giant mechs that looks reasonably polished. It wasn’t on my radar until today, but I’ll be keeping tabs on this one from afar to see how it all shakes out.
Dread Protocol | Meat Lab | October 8 | PC (Win) | Dread Protocol is a sci-fi RPG looking to blend FTL-like adventuring with intense third-person shooter missions aboard enemy ships brought to life with vibrant cel-shaded visuals. I mean, if it works as described, I’m potentially up for donning my red shirt and beaming down for duty!
Absolum | Dotemu, Guard Crush, Supamonks | October 9 | PC (Win), Switch, PS4/5 | Sitting right at the top of my list of games to play this month is Absolum, the new side-scrolling rogue ’em up from side-scrolling specialist Dotemu and friends. This is a game with some serious artistic swagger, and if the beat ’em up gameplay measures up, then we’re in for an absolute treat!
Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch | Ocean Drive Studios | October 9 | PC (Win), PS5, Switch, Xbox Series | Lost Eidolons is a completely new game in this burgeoning fantasy series, and I’m eager to see how the studio has remixed things and made it replayable via the newly implemented roguelite features.
Dicealot | goodviewgames | October 9 | PC (Win | Another game that I have eagerly agreed to cover in more detail this month is Dicealot, a high-stakes dice ’em up that is steeped in Arthurian lore and strategic risk. If you enjoyed Sworn and want more early medieval British mythology, it’s a dice roll away.
Lost in Fantaland | Game Source | October 9 | PS4, PS5, Switch | After impressing on PC last year, this cute little deckbuilder with board game elements is spreading its wings and preparing to explore console-land.
Runeborn | iDream Interactive | October 9 | PC (Win) | Another game that looks good and is also dropping on October 9 is Runeborn. This is yet another slot machine roguelike, this time themed around runic magic. I’m a big fan of these mechanics, so fingers crossed this one has what it takes to impress in the wake of last month’s CloverPit.
Dice Legends | Big Bite Games, Ad Luna | October 10 | PC (Win) | With a high fantasy world devised by Rafał Jaki (Cyberpunk: Edgerunners), this dice-rolling RPG adventure is already aiming big. I really like the pixel-art, the setting sounds intriguing, and the prospect of three different campaigns/characters and tons of build variety is also very appealing.
Ball X Pit | Kenny Sun | October 15 | PC (Mac, Win) | As someone who has always enjoyed breaking bricks, Ball X Pit looks like an absolute dream come true for me. The fusion of classic gameplay and more fantasy-inspired roguelike elements has me well on the hook.
Royal Revolt Survivors | Team Warriors | October 15 | PC (Lin, Win) | A new survivors-like has to have something about it to stand out, these days. Royal Revolt Survivors does it with cute graphics, four player co-op, and lots and lots of big swords and axes: an interesting combination, no?!
Deathless. The Hero Quest | 1C Game Studio | PS5, Switch, Xbox | This stylish deckbuilder is building on its success on PC with a cross-platform console launch!
Dead Oil | Moonshine Muffin | October 17 | PC (Win) | With its muted, pastel colour scheme juxtaposing violent conflict and road rage, Dead Oil is a multi-faceted rogue that blends drilling for black gold and Mad Max-inspired vehicular carnage.
Lone Soul | Laughing Fox Games | October 20 | PC (Win) | The near-constant stream of exciting action-roguelites continues this month with Lone Soul, another Hades-inspired ARPG with hack and slash combat, runic upgrades, and combo-driven combat. Looks good!
Hostile Takeover | Whispering Spider Games | October 20 | PC (Win) | Hostile Takeover caught my eye during my research for this article, I think, because of the intriguing futuristic setting, the turn-based tactics, and the power-driven approach to deckbuilding.
Painkiller | Anshar Studios | October 21 | PC (Win), PS5, Xbox | I almost forgot this one, mostly because it’s not actually a roguelite. However, one of the modes within the new Painkiller is very much a rogue. In fact, it’s called Rogue Angel, and it supports co-op, too.
Swapmeat | One More Games | October 21 | PC (Mac, Win) | I’ve just written up a whole news piece for this one because not only is Swapmeat hitting EA this month, but you’ll two copies for your money, and there’s a new demo so you can try before you buy. You can read more about all that here.
God Forsaken | insight studio | October 22 | PC (Win) | If you’re a Diablo fan and you’re looking for a game with that sort of energy, then stick God Forsaken on the ol’ wishlist for future reference. This slick-looking isometric RPG is looking to blend survivors-inspired gameplay with lots of loot, and I’m interested in seeing more, I’m not gonna lie.
Godbreakers | To The Sky | October 23 | PC (Win) | Here’s one for the Risk of Rain crowd, I reckon. I say that because Godbreakers is a third-person four-player co-op shooter that takes players to a number of weird and wonderful planets so they can partake in awesome-looking battles against alien minions and multi-phase bosses.
Reus 2 | Abbey Games | October 23 | Switch, Xbox | After doing the business on PC, this charming god game is heading to platforms new. While not strictly a roguelike, there’s enough crossover to warrant a mention here, methinks.
Successor | Playwood Project | October 24 | PC (Win) | I have distant but fond memories of War Tile, a game which blurred the lines between turn-based tactics and tabletop gaming, thanks to its smart depiction of in-game miniatures. The same studio is back with the appropriately titled Successor, which looks to build on the style of the first game but with a bit of roguish substance for good measure.
Super Fantasy Kingdom | Super Fantasy Games | October 24 | PC (Win) | Another game that I have been keeping tabs on for ages is Super Fantasy Kingdom, a fun fusion of roguelite kingdom management, deckbuilding, and combat against hordes of enemies. This one is finally heading to PC before the end of October, and I’m eager to play more!
Conquer Lands | Virtual Fable | October 25 | PC (Win) | History nerds looking for more deckbuilding will find it here in abundance. In this medieval strategy game, you’re trying to conquer the throne after the old king dies without an heir. Cue a load of rich people stabbing each other in the back – much as it ever was, then.
Master of Command | Armchair History Interactive | October 27 | PC (Win) | Even more strategy is on the horizon in the form of Master of Command, the next game from Armchair History Interactive, but the first one to ship with a bunch of cool-sounding roguelike features. I’ve always been a sucker for Total War games, and this looks like it could capture the same spirit as the Creative Assembly series. I’ve written a preview on this one, which you can read here.
Choo Choo Survivor 2 | GTGD | October 27 | PC (Mac, Win) | It’s the auto-shooter on rails, back for another bite of the proverbial apple.
Mech Havoc | Mid Development | October 27 | PC (Win) | This top-down mech shooter was announced after the first iteration of this article went live, but I think it was worth the update, don’t you?! With tons of different war vehicles and mecha suits to try out, a low-fi top-down view that looks a bit like Teleglitch, and loads of gear and upgrades to equip, this one looks like it could be banging!
Halls of Torment | Chasing Carrots | October 28 | PS5, Xbox | Here’s a real treat consoles boys and girls just in time for Halloween. Halls of Torment is the twisted love child of Diablo and Vampire Survivors, and it’s hitting PS5 and Xbox this month!
Slots & Dungeons | MUC Games | October 31 | PC (Win) | It might sound like absolute filth, but Slots & Dungeons is not a risque dungeon crawler, but rather the latest slot machine roguelike to make a play for your time with the offer of adventure and loot.
Morbid Metal | Screen Juice | DELAYED | PC (Win) | When it comes to technical quality, the bar continues to rise as more and more dev teams bring their games to market. Recently delayed, Mordid Metal by Screen Juice, looks good and feels smooth and plays fast. Ubisoft are publishing this one, so expect to see it around…
Lost Isle | Wunder Entertainment | Delayed | PC (Win) | I’m not entirely sure what to make of Lost Isle as I’ve not tried it yet and it only recently appeared on my radar, however, at the same time the project looks quite polished as it heads into Early Access. I’d say it sits slightly more in the open-world survival bracket, but I’m really interested in seeing how the game’s approach to proc-gen works out and the dev’s promise of a fresh experience with every new wipe.
The Archives!
September 2025: Thanks to the release of two massive indie games, September was one of the busiest imaginable. Silksong dominated the headlines in the first half of the month, but it was Hades II that had my attention for most of September. On top of that there’s Towa, Moros Protocol, Ratatan, CloverPit, MegaBonk and Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor – truly one of the best months ever for roguelike enthusiasts!
August 2025: I’m mentioning it here because Jupiter Hell Classic isn’t actually in the August round-up – it dropped late in the month. However, it’s bloody great and I wanted it to get a mention here one way or t’other.
July 2025: An eclectic month by any measure, with the standout games including co-op platformer Neon Abyss 2, the well-received action-roguelite Hell Clock, strategy games like He is Coming and Lost in Prayer, and even a Pac-Man inspired survivors-like (Maze Mice).
June 2025: There were several big announcements this month due to Summer Game Fest and all that, but one or two great rogues slipped out at the same time, including Lost in Random: The Eternal Die, Battle Train, and Soulstone Survivors. The port of Against the Storm for consoles also proved quite popular, at least based on the activity I saw here on the site.
May 2025: May was an absolute belter of a month, with more games than we could reasonably keep up with. Hit the link for all the latest on a month that ended with Elden Ring: Nightreign and started with Maze Mice, with a stop off at Monster Train 2 and Into the Restless Ruins along the way.
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 quite 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 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 of which landed in Early Access and the second of 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 Return.
