Roguelikes have slowly been getting more popular over the past decade or so. This genre has been underground for a long time, and only recently has it peeked into the mainstream, offering a new, fun way to experience video games for the average gamer. With so many new releases each year, it’s no easy task narrowing the list down to only the few best roguelike games on Steam. We’ve cherry-picked the best of the best, so stay tuned to find out our choices for the best roguelike games below.
Image Source: Steam
What better way to start the list than with the game that defined the action-roguelike genre – The Binding of Isaac. Repentance is the latest Binding of Isaac DLC, released in March 2021. The DLC added a huge amount of content to an already deep and polished game, attracting many new players while keeping the longtime fans hooked.
The gameplay loop is simple – descend into the basement and fight waves of enemies to reach the boss at the end of the floor. Survive the descent long enough, and you’ll eventually encounter one of the final bosses, ending the loop and unlocking a variety of new achievements, items, trinkets, playable characters, and much more. What makes the game so addicting are the fun gameplay mechanics and a massive amount of content, keeping the game fresh and exciting after countless hours played.
Another action-roguelike, Hades, took the gaming world by storm when it released back in 2019. Developed by Supergiant Games, Hades hit the spot with an excellent blend of gameplay, narrative, and soundtrack, creating a triple-A experience that set a new standard for indie roguelike game developers.
You play as Zagreus, the Olympian god of rebirth (which fits perfectly into the roguelike narrative). On the way to reunite with your mother, Persephone, you’ll tear through some iconic Greek mythology villains and monsters and encounter the famous Greek gods on the way. With Hades 2 being in early access and already making significant improvements on many aspects of the game, the franchise’s future looks incredibly promising.
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Slay the Spire has been the gold standard for the deck-building roguelike subgenre since its early access release on Steam in 2017. It was an instant hit and was soon brought to both mobile and console platforms, cementing its place at the top of the genre’s list. With a wide variety of deck and card types, you are free to draft a deck that best suits your play style – whether you prefer aggressive, defensive, or combo-oriented setups. Combat is turn-based, putting a strong emphasis on strategy and planning, as every decision counts.
Years after its release, Slay the Spire is still considered a defining title in the genre – an example of how brilliant game design can remain engaging and offer endless hours of gameplay.
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Balatro is a deck-building roguelike inspired by poker, released in 2024. It was developed by LocalThunk, a solo developer from Canada, and following its release, it became an instant hit. Coming up with unique roguelike ideas is not an easy task with the genre’s blooming popularity nowadays, so it’s refreshing to see a small game getting recognized despite the overwhelming number of big-budget triple-A games being released.
The rules are simple yet surprisingly strategic, making Balatro easy to learn but hard to master. To get started, all you need to know are the basic rules of poker, learning the expanded game mechanics along the way. Balatro is a must-play for deck-building roguelike enthusiasts, offering a fresh take on the genre that will keep you coming back for more.
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Arguably one of the best bullet hell roguelikes to date, Enter the Gungeon has been a model example of this genre since its release in 2016. The gameplay loop can appear simple, but don’t let this fool you – after a few loops, it proves to be a challenge as it requires fast reflexes and adaptation to different enemy types and bosses. With each run, you’ll unlock new enemies, weapons, and gear, keeping you engaged after endless hours.
Enter the Gungeon is hard, but all the more addicting once you master the basics. It is insanely hectic and action-packed, so if you’re looking for some fast-paced fun, this game delivers.
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Dead Cells is a metroidvania roguelike from 2018, developed by Motion Twin and Evil Empire. You play as the Prisoner, fighting through an ever-changing island of mutated creatures to get to the final boss and complete the loop, unlocking new resources for future playthroughs. Dying in the process will also reset the loop, but with the levels being procedurally generated, each run is different and equally engaging and fun.
The combat and art style are both outstanding, and this mix, combined with the impressive gameplay mechanics and satisfying progression, is what earns Dead Cells a place among the roguelike titans of today.
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If you love Sci-Fi and roguelikes, FTL: Faster Than Light offers the perfect blend. This 2012 release offers a masterfully crafted strategy experience that remains exciting after all these years, a testament to its brilliant game design. The goal of the game is to outrun the Rebel space fleet and deliver valuable information to the Federation headquarters, captaining a small Federation ship capable of faster-than-light travel. The outcome of this war relies entirely on you.
The gameplay loop emphasizes strategy and coordinating a number of your ship’s systems and personnel, defeating enemies as you hop from one space sector to another. Each run sets you up against new challenges and encounters, making no two journeys feel the same.
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Darkest Dungeon is a grim and unforgiving roguelike suited for players seeking a hardcore experience. Red Hook released this game in 2016, introducing a demanding challenge for those ready to take it on. Beneath the dark and gloomy atmosphere, though, is a surprisingly rewarding game once mastered.
Planning and strategy are the key aspects of the gameplay, as each new descent into the dungeon brings countless enemies that can end the game in a heartbeat. Once one of your party members dies, they’re dead for good, so protecting the character you invested most resources into is a priority. Beating the game requires patience, and for those stubborn enough, Darkest Dungeon offers an incredibly immersive and satisfying experience.
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Spelunky 2 is a 2020 sequel to its critically acclaimed predecessor from 2008. It is considered to be a perfect sequel as it builds upon the foundation of Spelunky, expanding on what worked in the previous game and fixing what didn’t. Though difficult, the game is rewarding and addictive.
From the get-go, you’re thrown into a procedurally generated cave, whipping bats and snakes to uncover the mysteries of this strange world. Don’t let the high level of difficulty deter you, as beneath it is an expertly crafted challenge ready for you to take on.
Image Source: Steam
One of the most satisfying bullet hell roguelikes released in 2021, Vampire Survivors is a simple yet highly addictive pixel-art game. Although it can appear plain-looking and bland on first glance, the gameplay offers numerous hours of fun and chaos.
What makes the gameplay loop so captivating is the constant struggle to keep up with the countless waves of enemies. Collecting experience from them allows you to upgrade your abilities, making you stronger for the tougher enemies to come. Vampire Survivors will keep you glued to your screen, so pick it up on Steam for a fraction of the price of today’s blockbuster games.
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