The Best Roguelike Games To Try Out In 2023

In recent years, the roguelike genre has flourished, presenting numerous exciting opportunities. We've witnessed the emergence of numerous outstanding titles that have swiftly gained devoted followings. The enduring appeal of these games captivates many players, maintaining a robust player base long after their initial release. However, determining which games can truly claim the title of the best has become a challenging topic of debate among genre enthusiasts, as new titles flood the market each month. Key factors that contribute to a game's excellence in this genre include gameplay quality, visual aesthetics, and overall enjoyment.

Many roguelike games seamlessly blend this captivating gameplay with progression systems typically found in RPGs, resulting in an enjoyable experience where players gradually grasp the game's mechanics while steadily growing in power with each triumphant run. Mastering these titles can be a time-consuming endeavor, but those who do so will relish the satisfaction of vanquishing foes and conquering areas that once posed significant challenges when the game heightened its overall difficulty.

Crypt Of The Necrodancer

Created by Brace Yourself Games in 2015, Crypt of the Necrodancer has retained its reputation as one of the premier roguelike games and is celebrated for its exceptional quality. The game centers on Cadence's epic expedition into the lair of the Necrodancer, where she must engage in dance-fueled battles against monsters in pursuit of the legendary Golden Lute.

This game represents a fusion of traditional dungeon crawling and rhythm gaming, requiring players to synchronize their movements with the beat in order to make progress. Crypt of the Necrodancer presents a formidable challenge that tests players' quick thinking abilities. Furthermore, it features a captivating soundtrack composed by Danny Baranowsky, which enhances the immersive experience as players journey into the depths of darkness.

Slay The Spire

Released in 2017, this game, developed by MegaCrit and published by Humble Bundle, epitomizes the ideal roguelike experience: enjoyable, replayable, and incredibly captivating. Slay the Spire is a turn-based deckbuilding game in which players navigate progressively more challenging dungeon rooms.

Even for those not typically drawn to turn-based card games, Slay the Spire guarantees an engaging and enthralling experience in every playthrough. The game's allure resides in the strategic decisions of constructing a strong deck and knowing precisely when to employ specific cards. Therefore, if players have an affinity for strategic thinking, this game is tailor-made for them.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells can be aptly characterized as a fusion of both roguelike and Metroidvania gaming styles. It seamlessly amalgamates the most exceptional aspects from each genre, culminating in one of the finest roguelike experiences in recent years. This game demands a substantial degree of quick thinking, skill, and decision-making prowess.

In Dead Cells, players inhabit the role of the undead, a body commandeered by a consortium of cells. Their objective is to escape from a penitentiary, engaging in battles against other reanimated creatures and acquiring new equipment as they advance. This game is guaranteed to sustain a high level of excitement throughout an entire playthrough, and players will undoubtedly feel compelled to embark on another run as soon as they meet their demise.

Hades

Hades stands as an exemplary work in the realm of dungeon crawling adventures. Players assume the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he endeavors to escape the Underworld and ascend to Mount Olympus. In this game reminiscent of Diablo, gamers will encounter a diverse array of adversaries determined to impede their odyssey.

While players have access to a selection of divine blessings bestowed upon them by the gods of Olympus, it's important to underscore that this quest is far from a walk in the park. Hades will consistently keep players enthralled, driving them to persistently pursue further upgrades for Zagreus. In summary, it undoubtedly ranks among the top-tier roguelike RPGs available.

Enter The Gungeon

This Devolver gem is widely recognized by virtually everyone. Enter the Gungeon has achieved a prominent presence across the internet, fostering a substantial community dedicated to creating modifications for the game. Players embark on a gun-centric dungeon-crawling adventure in pursuit of the elusive Gun That Can Erase the Past.

The controls are straightforward to grasp but intricate to truly master. The game boasts endearing graphics and character designs that draw players in, accompanied by an extensive arsenal of firearms exceeding the variety found in most other games. If a player can envision a particular firearm, it's highly likely that the game includes it. And even if it doesn't, there's probably a mod somewhere in the vast community that offers it.

The Binding Of Isaac

While The Binding Of Isaac may be considered a classic by now, there's no disputing its status as a trailblazer in the realm of modern roguelikes. It's widely acknowledged that The Binding of Isaac set the stage for subsequent, more expansive successes. Despite originating in 2011, this game has seen multiple downloadable content (DLC) expansions over its existence, with the likelihood of more to come in the future.

Players assume the role of Isaac, a character living a sorrowful life that leads him to descend into a basement teeming with hostile creatures, where his sole means of self-defense involves using his own tears as projectiles. It's important to note that this game features heavy symbolism and imagery that may disturb certain audiences, rendering it unsuitable for everyone.