Summary
A genre as difficult to define as the games within it, Roguelike games have undoubtedly been among some of the most popular and well-received in recent years. One such title isThe Binding of Isaac,a procedurally generated action RPG shooter that arguably defined a generation due to itsmasterful encouragement of replayability.
This is in partdue to the unpredictabilityof games likeThe Binding of Isaac; the randomness of the gameplay, items, and abilities demands that players stay vigilant and aware at all times. At their best, other games within the genre have managed to excel at their craft, boasting experiences that fans ofIsaacwill adore.
Updated on June 04, 2025 by Ritwik Mitra:The Binding of Isaac was one of the roguelike games to show the potential of this genre, letting players enjoy a gameplay loop that felt fresh yet familiar in every run. Every failure was a lesson for the player, helping them learn the ins and outs of the game with each run as they slowly became competent in a game where they were struggling every step of the way. Fans of The Binding of Isaac would relish the opportunity to check out more games in the same vein, especially ones that also have their spin on the roguelike genre.
Risk of Rain 2is a sequel that serves as a huge departure from the first game, structuring itself as a third-person roguelike shooter with co-op elements added to the mix. The result is a splendid action-packed game where players acquire better loot and powerups to even the odds against the many tough enemies that stand in their way.
The game can be quite overwhelming early on, but players will soon be addicted to its compelling gameplay loop. The fact that this title continues to attract a decent player base even after the release of a sequel proves just how much of a hit this indie gem is.
Inscryptionis a game that deserves all the praise it received, with the game taking on the form of a deck-building roguelike but being so much more than that. This indie title is an experience that any fan of good horror games will be hopelessly enamored with.
The game’s dark, moody aesthetic coupled with a mind-bending story makes it one of the best indie games anyone should check out. It may not be the longest roguelike game around, but this game knows not to overstay its welcome and leaves a lasting impression on the player.
A game that was promoted by word-of-mouth and became an underground hit,Cataclysm: Dark Days Aheadwas pretty popularbefore a proper 1.0 releasethat opened the floodgates for more people to check out this amazing roguelike game. It takes something special for a game based on the zombie apocalypse to stand out, andCataclysm: DDAcertainly achieves this and then some.
The learning curve for this game is immense but well worth investing in. Players start as noobs who die in the first few minutes into expert survivors who can craft vehicles of destruction and obliterate everything in their path with ease.
Enter The Gungeonis a fantastic entry in the Roguelike genre. The player is sent into a plethora of ever-descending floors, complete with a variety of hazards and enemies to avoid.
Tasked with reaching the elusive gun that can kill the past, players must battle their way throughchallenging boss battles, collect an almost endless arsenal of gun-themed weaponry, find valuable treasures and upgrades, and memorize the unique bullet-hell attack patterns of each enemy. Each run feels unique due to the immense variety of floor layouts and weapons that alter the fundamental gameplay, making it worth a play or two.
This sequel to the influentialSpelunkyevolves the 2D randomly generated platforming delight into a grander version of the original experience. The game demands the player to traverse from one point to another, all while gathering as much treasure as possible. With a bigger world to explore, new items, traps, and enemies, players are given a lot of replay value as they traverse the depths ofSpelunky 2.
Between runs, players will also unlock characters, expanding their base camp into a unique community that also allows access to shortcuts. As endlessly fun as it is replayable,Spelunky 2is a Roguelike worth digging into.
Moonlighteris certainlyone of the more unique Roguelike games,in that the gameplay drastically shifts depending on the time of day. Players oversee the everyday life of Will: a shopkeeper by day and a would-be hero by night. Under the moonlight, players can enter portals that will take them toZelda-like dungeons, where they will use their skills to battle enemies and collect the loot they drop. By daylight, players must then sell this loot in their village shop to make money, which they can spend upgrading their weapons, armor, abilities, and more. This shop-management element to the game feels fresh and is a pleasantly relaxing alternative to the dangers of dungeon delving.
Once the player has upgraded their gear enough to defeat the respective boss of a portal, it will then open up a new dimension for Will to explore. These new dimensions offer a greater challenge, tougher enemies, and rare loot which can be sold for a higher price. Therein lies the satisfying progression ofMoonlighter; becoming stronger with every dimension conquered, and watching the village shop grow bigger and more popular.Moonlighteris a rewardingly addictive Roguelike experience and a must-play for any fan of the genre looking for something new to play.
Rogue Legacy 2improves and expands upon its predecessor in nearly every way. This randomly generated platformer boasts multiple hero classes and unique abilities, some of which can hinder the player bylowering their healthfor example. However, by choosing a negative perk, the player can expect to earn more gold from defeating enemies and finding chests.
Players can then use this gold to upgrade stats such as health, damage, and more. This freedom makes the meta progression inRogue Legacy 2one of the best within the genre, allowing players to progress at their own pace in defeating bosses, unlocking permanent abilities, and advancing to the next area on their journey through the keep. Challenging yet rewarding,Rogue Legacy 2remains one of the best Roguelike games of this decade.
Dead Cellsexcels at merging the iconic Metroidvania-style gameplay of its platformingwith its rapid Roguelike combat, treasure gathering, and exploration. Set in the depths of an ever-changing, labyrinthian castle, players can expect to find hundreds of unique weapons to assist them in their journey toward completion. Additionally, the nonlinear progression of the game shines, as it allows players the freedom to take alternating routes following their death.
Allowing the player the option to choose their desired path based on their current kit is a welcome feature of the genre. Paired with a plethora of secret areas, treasures, and doors to unlock,Dead Cellsoffers a near-limitless amount of flexibility and customization, creating an infinitely engaging and replayable experience. What’s more is that the development team is still adding additional free content, adding even more to this must-play title.
Adored by many,Hadesis a genre-defining dungeon crawler set within the elusive Underworld of Greek Mythology. The player controls the prince of this infamous world, Zagreus.Tasked with escapingto the world above, the player must utilize the many boons gifted by the Gods and Goddesses to ascend and, ultimately, kill Zagreus' father, Hades. The overarching narrative ofHadesis refreshing too, as most of the story details are told through optional dialogues with NPC’s, giving players the freedom to flesh out the lore of the Underworld as they see fit.
Each time the player dies, the game allows them to maintain some progress in the form of permanent upgrades. This makes their journey throughHades’four dungeons slightly easier with each run, despite the procedurally generated layouts, loot, and enemies that change with each death.Hadesis a highly unique entry to the ever-growing Roguelike genre and one that should be experienced by any fan of such games.
