The Best 18 Rogue Like Games for 2023 (Update)

Roguelike games have been around since the early days of gaming, and they have gained popularity in recent years due to their challenging and addictive gameplay. These games are known for their permadeath mechanics, randomly generated levels, and turn-based combat. 

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find a roguelike game that suits your taste.

Roguelike games are a subgenre of role-playing games that are known for their randomly generated levels, permadeath mechanics, and turn-based gameplay.

Players take control of a character who must navigate through procedurally generated levels, fight off enemies, collect loot, and survive as long as possible. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best roguelike games to help you get started.

Rogue-Like Games

1. Spelunky

Spelunky is a classic roguelike game that has been around for over a decade. In this game, you take on the role of an adventurer who must explore a series of underground caverns. Each level is randomly generated, so you never know what to expect. The game is known for its challenging difficulty and tight controls.

2. Hades

Hades is a critically acclaimed action-packed roguelike game with a unique Greek mythology theme. The game is all about trying to escape from the underworld of Hades as the protagonist Zagreus. The game is set up in a way that rewards players for repeated attempts to escape with its engaging story, weapon upgrades, and varied gameplay.

3. FTL: Faster Than Light

FTL: Faster Than Light is a sci-fi roguelike game that places you in command of a spaceship. You must navigate through randomly generated sectors of space while managing your crew, upgrading your ship, and fending off enemy ships. The game is known for its difficulty and permadeath mechanics.

4. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is an action-packed side-scrolling roguelike game that combines elements of Metroidvania games. You play as a blob-like creature who must navigate through procedurally generated levels, fight off enemies, and collect power-ups to upgrade your abilities. The game is known for its challenging gameplay and tight controls.

5. Into the Breach

Into the Breach is a turn-based strategy game that has a roguelike structure. You play as a team of mechs who must defend humanity from giant insect-like creatures. Each playthrough is different as the levels are procedurally generated, and the choices you make affect the game’s outcome.

6. Risk of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2 is a 3D roguelike game that has you exploring different worlds while fighting off various monsters. The game features a vast array of power-ups and items that can help you as you progress. The game’s randomized levels and permadeath mechanics ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.

7. Rogue Legacy

Rogue Legacy is a platforming roguelike game that puts you in control of a knight who must explore a castle filled with monsters. Each time you die, you take control of a new descendant of your character, and the game’s randomized levels and permadeath mechanics ensure that no two playthroughs are the same.

8. Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based roguelike game that is set in a dark, Lovecraftian world. You take control of a team of heroes who must explore a series of dungeons while fighting off various monsters. The game is known for its difficulty and permadeath mechanics.

9. Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon is a bullet hell roguelike game that has you exploring a series of dungeons while fighting off enemies with various weapons. The game features procedurally generated levels and permadeath mechanics, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.

10. Crypt of the Necrodancer

Crypt of the Necrodancer is a rhythm-based roguelike game that combines the elements of a dungeon crawler with a rhythm game. You must navigate through procedurally generated dungeons while keeping up with the beat of the game’s music. The game’s permadeath mechanics ensure that each playthrough is unique.

11. “Spelunky 2”

Spelunky 2 is the sequel to the classic roguelike platformer Spelunky. Released in 2020, the game follows the same gameplay style as its predecessor, with players navigating through randomly generated levels filled with traps, enemies, and treasures. The game has added new features such as liquid physics, branching paths, and local multiplayer. With its challenging gameplay and charming visuals, Spelunky 2 is a must-play for fans of the genre.

12. “Children of Morta”

Children of Morta is a story-driven roguelike game released in 2019. The game follows the Bergson family, who are tasked with protecting their homeland from a corrupting evil. Players take control of different members of the family, each with their own unique abilities and playstyle.

The game features randomly generated levels, challenging bosses, and an immersive storyline that unfolds as you progress. With its stunning hand-drawn visuals and compelling characters, Children of Morta is a standout title in the roguelike genre.

Slay the Spire

13. Slay the Spire is a deck-building, roguelike game that was released in 2019. In this game, you play as one of four characters who must climb the Spire, defeating enemies and collecting cards along the way. Each card represents a different move or action that can be used in battle. As you progress, you’ll encounter elite enemies and bosses that require strategic thinking and careful planning to defeat.

Dead Cells

14. Dead Cells is a 2D platformer, rogue-like game that was released in 2018. In this game, you play as a humanoid blob of cells that must fight its way through a series of interconnected levels, collecting weapons and power-ups along the way. The game features permadeath, meaning that if you die, you start over from the beginning. However, as you progress, you’ll unlock permanent upgrades that allow you to progress further and take on tougher enemies.

Children of Morta

15. Children of Morta is a story-driven, rogue-lite game that was released in 2019. In this game, you play as members of the Bergson family, who must defend their home from the Corruption. Each member of the family has a unique playstyle and abilities, and as you progress through the game, you’ll unlock upgrades and new characters to play as.

Curse of the Dead Gods

16. Curse of the Dead Gods is an action, rogue-like game that was released in 2021. In this game, you play as an adventurer exploring a cursed temple filled with traps and monsters. Each run is randomized, meaning that no two runs are ever the same. As you progress, you’ll collect relics that provide unique abilities and unlock new weapons and items to help you on your journey.

Hades

17. Hades is an action, rogue-like game that was released in 2020. In this game, you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, who is attempting to escape the underworld. Each run is randomized, meaning that no two runs are ever the same. As you progress, you’ll unlock new weapons, abilities, and upgrades that allow you to take on tougher enemies.

Loop Hero

18. Loop Hero is a deck-building, rogue-like game that was released in 2021. In this game, you play as a hero attempting to break a time loop that has enveloped the world. The game takes place on a looping path, and as you progress, you’ll encounter enemies and obstacles that must be overcome. Each loop provides new challenges and rewards, and you can use the cards you collect to shape the world around you.