The Best Roguelike RPGs, Ranked

Roguelikes have been a blooming genre full of opportunities these last few years, and we've gotten to see many amazing titles that have quickly become fan favorites. The replayability of these games tends to hook in many players and, even years after their releases, keep a healthy player base. What games can consider themselves the best, though? With so many new ones coming out every month, it's been a tough debate between the fans of the genre to see which one stands at the top. Gameplay, graphics, and general fun to be had are the keystones of these games.

Many roguelike games combine this gameplay with progression systems present in most RPGs, making for a great time as players slowly come to grips with how the game works while enjoying incremental increases in power with each successive victory. It can take a long while to get a hang of how these titles work, but players who finally master the game's systems will love beating down enemies and clearing areas that they were having a problem in early on when the game upped the ante regarding the overall difficulty.

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Updated November 2, 2024, by Huzaifa Haq: Roguelikes and RPGs make a great combination together. Metaprogression from the RPG side pairs particularly well with the inherent RNG and skill-centric gameplay inherent in roguelikes. Many new games have been released in recent years that fit the bill for roguelike RPGs, including the sequel to Supergiant's massive success, Hades 2. Here are a few more that are worth checking out.

18 Hades 2

Plenty of Kinks in Early Access

Hades 2 is everything fans of the first game could want it to be. It is different enough to stand on its own two feet, but there are enough similarities to appeal to the same audience that fell in love with the first installment in Zagreus' epic. There are a few more combat elements, many of the old mechanics, the same base, and a lot more lore.

New NPCs, biomes, enemies, bosses, weapons, boons, and a new main character are sure to keep fans happy while fighting to take back their Olympus. The game isn't quite complete yet, but it's well on its way to perfection, with a lot of polish to smooth the path already.

17 No Rest For The Wicked

Let The Devs of Ori Cook

Another masterpiece in the making, No Rest for the Wicked is still in early access, but has enough content to put many fully released AAA games to shame. The game is an action RPG, but it has a roguelike mode that players can access from inside the main city in the game.

The RPG elements provide a good level of metaprogression, the gorgeous graphics hook the player in, and the satisfying combat keeps the player there long enough to get them addicted to the game.

16 Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

Take No Prisoners

Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

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Released

March 1, 2023

Platform(s)

PC

Developer

Kevin Granade & community

Publisher

Kevin Granade & community

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A roguelike RPG that takes no prisoners, Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead may seem like a relatively uninteresting game. Its graphics are pretty bare bones, but this shouldn't fool players in the slightest. The game is one of the most challenging titles in the genre that fans can get their hands on, and it takes no prisoners.

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It takes a few playthroughs (and deaths) to get into the flow of things, but players will soon rule in a world ravaged by the zombie apocalypse. The sheer number of things players can accomplish in Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead is quite impressive and makes it clear why it has such a dedicated community.

15 Caves Of Qud

Simple Looks, Complex Gameplay

Even in a genre full of tough experiences, Caves of Qud takes the cake as one of the hardest games ever made. The game doesn't look all that amazing and can be rather complex, but its deep gameplay systems more than make up for the lack of visual flair.

People who get into the game and learn its complex systems will have a great time indeed. Just keep in mind that dying is a part of the process. Later playthroughs, though, are a blast after players understand what the game is all about.

14 Darkest Dungeon

Lovecraft Would Be Proud

Speaking of hard-as-nails roguelike RPGs, it would be hard to not mention Darkest Dungeon. This Lovecraftian RPG is one of the hardest yet enjoyable indie games of all time.

With its sequel out, there's no better time to get into the first game and understand its mechanics. Players who manage to get into this hardcore gameplay will have a great time uncovering the mysteries of the plot.

13 FTL: Faster Than Light

Grounded Space Adventure

While its RPG elements might be minuscule, FTL's gradual sense of progression definitely mimics this genre in some way. It's a legendary roguelike game that more people need to check out.

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FTL's sci-fi setting gets the job done, with the player trying to avoid a massively powerful force from catching up to them. After all, being caught by these ships pretty much spells instant doom.

12 Into The Breach

Time Travel Never Worked More Smoothly

Into the Breach has combined the best of roguelike gameplay and strategy turn-based RPGs, combining them to form something truly magical. Words cannot express how streamlined and accessible this experience really is.

It really is one of the best sci-fi games out there, and it's a shame that more people don't talk about this amazing game. The unique time-traveling mechanic present in this game deftly weaves the gameplay aspect of roguelikes into its narrative as well.

11 Returnal

AAA Exclusive With a Punch

For a genre that is primarily dominated by indie games, it's nice to see AAA studios also trying a piece of the roguelike pie. The most notable instance in this regard is Returnal, which marks another brilliant addition to PlayStation's exclusive library.

The riveting narrative of this game, coupled with its fast-as-nails gameplay, makes for a great time as players slowly progress through this brilliant title.

10 Wizard Of Legend

Spells and Magic to Light the Way

This 2018 game by studio Contingent99 puts players in the shoes of a powerful wizard and allows them to learn various spells and use them in coordination with others to create destructive spells. Becoming the titular Wizard of Legend is a title that players strive to achieve by completing the Chaos Trials and beating the four bosses that block their path.

The game was well received at first but, sadly, it lacks content, and players tend to get bored after a few hours. The gameplay is entertaining, and the possibilities are endless with how many spells players can unlock. However, the game itself is rather short. Fortunately, co-op mode can add an extra spice to this magic roguelike.

9 Moonlighter

Sell Wares At Your Own Risk

A few years ago, Digital Sun Games brought a game called Moonlighter. This work perfectly blends the learning curve of a roguelike with the wits needed for a business managing game. People play as the new owner of the Moonlighter, a shop that sells any kind of loot they can find deep down in the dungeons.

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With great controls that are easy to learn and hard to master, Moonlighter is easily one of the most fun roguelike RPGs around to just grab and play for a bit. Plus, it has elements like customers reacting differently if items are overpriced, which makes for a rather unique experience indeed.