Welcome to this guide to the very best PlayStation roguelikes and roguelites. With a fine mix of turn-based titles, action-roguelites, and more varied genre mash-ups, there is something for everyone on Sony’s platform – and for the record, I’m including games from both the PS4 and PS5 eras.
The criteria for inclusion is as follows: 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. This last point is why one or two big names have been omitted – sorry if your favourite isn’t in there.
This criteria will certainly evolve in the future, but for now, it’ll do. I’m also aware that The Last of Us: Part II Remastered is going rogue to a degree, but this particular roguelike mode will be a focus in a later article, rather than an addition to this feature.
In the meantime, and in place of any deeper science (and excusing anything that I’ve missed out) this is a strong list of roguish games. I hope you enjoy it.
Vampire Survivors | poncle | Android, iOS, PC (Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
After an extended wait, PlayStation owners can finally get their grubby mitts on Vampire Survivors and all of the survivors-like loveliness that comes with it.
The aim of the game in Vampire Survivors is, as the name implies, to stay alive. Not against vampires, as the name also implies, but rather against hordes of incredible monsters. To fight back against this otherworldly army you are given an array of weapons and abilities that you can equip and then use to adapt your playstyle. There is so much to see and do, and the low price tag doesn’t reflect just how much game there is here. If you’re looking for a new obsession, a game where you can happily sink hundreds of hours, here it is!
Hades | Supergiant Games | PC, PS, Switch, Xbox
Hades has the roguelite meta-progression and gameplay loop down to perfection. Every time you play through a run in Supergiant’s masterpiece, you’ll encounter new story elements and new resources that will make a difference to your progression. On top of that, the game is absolutely stuffed full of content that will sustain you for well over 100+ hours.
The unlock system in Hades is enhanced by a wealth of in-game abilities. The game is a constant stream of interesting decisions, not just affecting the here and now; this mythology inspired action-RPG manages to weave in narrative decisions that affect your thinking beyond your immediate run.
Throw in a bunch of sexy gods written with wit and charm, fun banter between the characters, and a weapon system with incredible variety, and you’ve got one of the best roguelites of all time. Essential stuff.
GALAK-Z: The Void | 17-Bit | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch
Galak-Z and I go waaaay back (I reviewed it for Gamereactor back when I had a paid job – ah, sweet memories). My appreciation of the game was enough to inspire me to buy a special edition of the game on PC, which is something I don’t really do that often. I’ve still got it somewhere, I think.
I digress… Galak-Z is one of the most challenging roguelikes I’ve played, because not only is everything out to kill you, but the control scheme takes a bit of getting used to. Not only are you controlling a spaceship through debris-filled battlefields, but you can morph into a less mobile but more powerful mecha.
The use of momentum makes the movement system one of the more demanding out there, but once you’ve cracked it, a most charming sci-fi shooter experience awaits. You’ll get spaceships, mechs, and lots of charm and sass!
Invisible, Inc. | Klei Entertainment | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch
Invisible, Inc. is a spy thriller that takes good ol’ fashioned turn-based gameplay, and injects a bunch of roguish charm right into the heart of things. Not only does the game look great thanks to Klei’s distinctive art style, but the spy theme is so good that that I can’t think of anyone that has done it better since.
Where Invisible, Inc. shines is in the the implementation of its various stealth mechanics, and how this evolving toolkit gives you a range of exciting tactical options. If you’re after a game with vision cones and a wealth of gadgets, look no further than this stylish classic.
Spelunky 2 | Mossmouth, Blitworks | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Another game that I experienced first on PlayStation before moving over to PC is Spelunky 2, a platforming follow-up from Mossmouth, this time with help from Blitworks.
I’ve always loved Spelunky, and it doesn’t matter whether I’m there for the platforming, the multiplayer, or just because I like to pick up the game every now and then. The original helped me fall in love with roguelites, and the formula remains immensely playable to this day. Spelunky 2 is just as much fun as its predecessor, there’s just loads more of it to enjoy!
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth | Nicalis, Edmund McMillen | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
The Binding of Isaac is a stone cold classic and a reference for the roguelite genre in general. I’ve been playing the game a lot lately as there was an alpha being tested on PC, but alas that got cancelled early due to a datamining incident. Expect to see the multiplayer land on PlayStation in late 2024, or maybe even 2025.
My return to the basement after years away has reminded me exactly how good Isaac’s crap-drenched adventure is. I love the huge number of items that you can combine, and the resultant gameplay variety that this creates. The Binding of Isaac is a proper classic and if you’ve not played it before, it’s never too late to repent.
Enter the Gungeon | Dodge Roll | PC (Win, PS, Switch, Xbox
Enter the Gungeon is a simple game at the end of the day; it’s about dodge rolling and then returning fire whenever the moment presents itself. This simple formula is brilliantly implemented with responsive controls and a wonderful weapon system.
The pixels look super lovely too, and I’m a sucker for a lovely pixel. I’m inclined to include Gungeon in this list over other, more recent games, as its reverence for the theme is part of the fun. The attention to detail paid by the devs can be seen in every aspect of the game’s creation, and it still dodge rolls like an absolute dream.
Crypt of the NecroDancer | Brace Yourself Games | Android, iOS, PC, PS, Switch, Xbox
Crypt of the NecroDancer delivers a wonderful fusion of lush pixel-art graphics and bouncy music, where you must keep to the beat to maintain your multiplier, or die trying. It’s a unique and engaging experience that dares to be different, but at the same time it’s also somewhat traditional as, despite the pounding music, it’s still turn-based and you’ve got time to consider your actions.
NecroDancer remains a game that I like to own on every platform – mostly because I’m an idiot, to be fair. That sort of dedication has to stand for something, though. I’ve most recently been playing on PC, as the game has just been updated with a new expansion: Synchrony.
CotN is a game that I keep going back to – even more so thanks to the new expansion and the multiplayer modes it brings to the party. Alas I’ve got zero rhythm and I’ll never be good at it, but I reckon I’ll keep doing my best to tap away to the beat for a few more years to come.
Check out our review of new expansion Synchrony.
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla | Santa Monica Studio, Jetpack Interactive | PC (Win), PS4, PS5
One of the most exciting first-party Sony games on this list is God of War Ragnarök, which goes rogue in the most spectacular way imagingable via the Valhalla DLC campaign.
This roguish epilogue follows Kratos on a personal, even reflective journey through Valhalla. Of course, it’s not that reflective and you can expect plenty of action in this frantic game mode.
As you might expect given the genre, after death your stats reset along with your runic attacks and perks, and you are presented with persistent upgrades to choose from.
Just take note: while the DLC is free to all and available from the main menu, you’ll need to finish off the campaign before you go rogue in Valhalla or you’ll encounter spoilers, which I only found out when I picked up the game on PC last year…
Risk of Rain 2 | Hopoo Games | PC, PS, Switch, Xbox
I had a great time when I returned to Risk of Rain 2 for my review of Survivors of the Void, which only recently landed on PlayStation. You’ve probably already played it, but just in case, this third-person shooter offers some of the most frantic and exciting gunplay in all of gaming.
There’s a reason that Gearbox is continuing to support the game with new content – you can see a trailer for Seekers of the Storm and some Risk of Rain Returns gameplay here – and if you like your roguelites to have great long-tail support, this is one game that’s getting it.
Like the best roguish games, ROR2 throws up a tremendous amount of variety when it comes to your item combinations. Each of the playable classes feels very different, and the huge array of in-game items only serves to further differentiate your experience and keep things fresh. Survivors of the Void only adds to the variety.
Read more: Risk of Rain Returns Review.
Darkest Dungeon | Red Hook Studios | iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Xbox
Darkest Dungeon is a great fit on PlayStation, and it was the platform where I first sunk serious time into the game. The turn-based terror takes you to an old family estate that sits upon an ancient evil. Your job is to recruit mercenaries and send them into the dungeons under your home to clear them out.
Along the way you’ll meet some truly disgusting creatures. This is really the stuff of nightmares, and that’s reflected in the gameplay, with Darkest Dungeon’s signature fear mechanic. You’ll be pushing your party into danger as you search for new rewards, and if you’re not careful when it comes to managing the emotional and physical health of your people, things will go wrong very quickly indeed.
Read more: The best horror roguelikes.
Dead Cells | Motion Twin, Evil Empire | iOS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox
Another classic platform game, this time one that integrates some of the best elements of the a number of different genres, including the metroidvania. The resulting blend has resulted in Dead Cells, a pixel perfect fantasy adventure that has captured hearts on all platforms.
A lot has been written about the influences that go into Dead Cells, but at the end of the day it’s a roguelite at heart. There’s exploration, punishing combat, and tons of different synergies to explore – yet there are very few games out there that manage to bring those things together with as much style and class. Motion Twin’s platformer deserves all the plaudits.
Tangledeep | Impact Gameworks | PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch
There isn’t a wealth of traditional turn-based roguelikes on PlayStation, and certainly none of the bigger PC games have ever made it over, but there still are some very good games out there.
Tangledeep is one such game, make no mistake. It offers tons of depth and a whole bunch of content for players to work through, but it’s also not quite a genre classic. A strange caveat to drop in a list like this.
What I will commit to the record without hesitation is my admiration for game’s the visual design. I love the old-school aesthetic and it was the SNES vibes that ultimately persuaded me to take the plunge. I didn’t regret it, either.
Slay the Spire | MegaCrit | Android, iOS, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Slay the Spire is still the definitive roguelike deck builder, regardless of where you’re playing. In fact, I’ve returned recently myself to the game (on tablet, admittedly) as part of an effort to properly compare the various deck builders out there (stay tuned for more on that front).
I’m going to cheat by using the second paragraph to talk about another game: Inscryption. It’s a deck builder, but that only tells half of the story. More than anything else, Inscryption creates an incredible atmosphere with its mash-up of ingredients, and if you’re already done with Slay the Spire, this is my next recommendation.
Balatro | LocalThunk | PC (Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
Slay the Spire gets to keep its place in this list, but a new deckbuilder has landed recently and it has absolutely taken over all of my spare time. I’m talking about Balatro, the Poker-infused deckbuilder that invites players to break the rules as gloriously as possible.
Balatro is all about using a huge array of special Joker cards to add multipliers and other effects to your deck of playing cards. On top of that, there is a range of different card types beyond the usual, such as Tarot and Planet cards, and these let you diversify your deck in new and interesting ways. It’s a sensational game and I can’t put it down.
Read the full review here and there’s our interview with Balatro developer LocalThunk, too!
Fury Unleashed | Awesome Games Studio | Android, PC (Lin, Mac, Win), PS, Switch, Xbox
I purchased this stylish little action-platformer Fury Unleashed for a couple of quid and that proved to be insanely good value for money as this one has ended up being a firm favourite of mine.
Fury Unleashed looks like a living, breathing comic book, yet it also feels good to play thanks to polished controls and a refined structure that holds it all together. There is a bunch of weapons to choose from, and each one mixes up the gameplay drastically. Finally, there’s decent meta-progression to work through which makes this the kind of game that you can keep coming back to.
Returnal | Housemarque | PC (Win), PS5
Have we saved the best for last? Hades might have something to say about that, but Returnal runs it really close. Given it’s a PlayStation console exclusive and it has been lovingly crafted by an incredible first-party studio (Housemarque is one of my favourites), there’s every reason to give it pride of place in your collection of console roguelites.
Returnal is very much heading up the charge of the big budget roguelites, and the time-loop gameplay has been executed to perfection. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s totally action-packed. If you’re a fan of the genre on PlayStation you’ve probably already played it. If you haven’t – what are you waiting for?
Looking for a more accessible roguelike experience? Head to our guide to roguelikes for beginners for more great recommendations!
