The finest roguelikes offer an almost limitless gaming experience packed with opportunities for fantastic builds, enjoyable multiplayer sessions, and some of the most innovative mechanics in the gaming world. With the recent release of Risk of Rain Returns, a remaster of one of the most celebrated indie roguelikes, we thought it would be fitting to curate a list of the top roguelikes for newcomers and veterans alike.
The roguelike genre is intriguing because, while it encapsulates the essential live, die, repeat mechanic, the gameplay elements can vary dramatically across titles. Therefore, our compilation of the best roguelikes stands out on the Green Man Gaming blog, and we take great pride in it. So gather your resources for upgrades, and let’s embark on a fresh adventure!
Hades
Regarded by many as the pinnacle of roguelikes, Hades is an extraordinary title that intertwines gameplay with a captivating narrative. This indie gem not only features a continuous storyline that unfolds over numerous playthroughs, but it also weaves in elements of light romance.
The game shines with exceptional voice acting and a mesmerizing soundtrack, and most importantly, it plays like a dream. In every regard, Hades is virtually flawless, and its supremacy may only be challenged with the arrival of a sequel. This isn’t to diminish the brilliance of other titles on this list; it’s simply that Hades is exceptional!
Dead Cells
Dead Cells brilliantly combines the Metroidvania genre with roguelike elements, executing this fusion so masterfully that it even features official Castlevania DLC, allowing players to confront Dracula and other iconic foes.
This fast-paced side-scrolling platformer offers a delightful array of absurd weapons, various outfits, and a generous dose of humor as you navigate its world. As you progress, you’ll unlock permanent abilities that aid in exploring new areas, making it an all-around fantastic experience.
Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors is available for free on mobile platforms, and if you haven’t downloaded it yet to transform brief breaks into immersive gaming sessions, now is the perfect time. This wildly popular title has effectively spawned a new sub-genre of its own.
Unlike most games that require players to engage in combat directly, Vampire Survivors simplifies the experience. Players focus on avoiding enemy attacks while gaining experience to unlock new weapons and abilities, ultimately evolving into a whirlwind of chaos. Plus, the game boasts a plethora of updates and DLC for extended enjoyment.
Monster Train
While many gamers might argue that Slay the Spire represents the gold standard in deckbuilding roguelikes, we at GMG have a different perspective. Monster Train allows players to draft cards and spells, yet it introduces a unique twist by letting you blend different demon races to create your own class.
With this system, you must defend a train using your selected creatures and strategies, making each combination feel distinct. The game also features a range of challenging difficulty levels, the option to expedite gameplay, and opportunities to upgrade your monsters, culminating in a truly engaging experience.
Streets of Rogue
Streets of Rogue is a top-down experience where players control a diverse cast of characters with the goal of toppling a corrupt mayor. While that may sound like a straightforward action game, it offers much more depth than that.
This immersive sim can be approached in various ways—go in guns blazing, charm your way to success as a comedian, or hack your surroundings to gain an advantage. With co-op gameplay and a wealth of options, it stands out as one of the coolest indie roguelikes available.
30XX
30XX is a roguelike inspired by the iconic Mega Man series, appealing to a significant audience from the start. Players can choose between two characters, one skilled in ranged combat and the other excelling in melee.
The gameplay experience varies dramatically based on the order of levels tackled and the chosen character. Coupled with cooperative gameplay, a plethora of random items, permanent upgrades, stunning music, and captivating visuals, 30XX offers a remarkable gaming journey. If you prefer a more traditional experience, you can disable the roguelike features for a classic Mega Man feel.
Risk of Rain Series
The original Risk of Rain stands out as a remarkable side-scrolling roguelike and remains one of the best indie titles you can explore. Its transition to 3D in Risk of Rain 2 is as groundbreaking as Super Mario 64, in our humble opinion. These games empower you to become an unstoppable force, feature outstanding co-op gameplay, and showcase unique character designs.
Risk of Rain Returns presents an intriguing proposition as it revisits the original game, incorporating quality-of-life enhancements and introducing new characters. Overall, the series is among the finest collections of roguelikes, complete with exciting mods for the sequel, including the ability to play as Goku.
