Get ready to die and die again (and again). The allure of the roguelike genre lies in its punishing challenge and endless replayability. Each run throws unique twists and dangers your way, demanding tactical brilliance and a touch of luck. If you’re someone in the market for the best roguelike games keep reading as we talk about the most difficult of the lot right here!
List of Best Roguelike Games
Roguelike games are becoming popular, with new and unique ideas joining the fray every year. From Hades 2 to Blue Prince, this genre offers a ton of replayability. So, check out the best Roguelike games below. Make sure to check the Xbox Game Pass games list, as some of these games are already available to play there.
| Name | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Hades II | September 25, 2025 |
| Balatro | February 20, 2024 |
| Darkest Dungeon | February 3, 2015 |
| Megabonk | September 18, 2025 |
| Dead Cells | August 7, 2018 |
| Hades | December 6, 2018 |
| Blue Prince | April 10, 2025 |
| Halls of Torment | September 24, 2024 |
| The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth | November 4, 2014 |
| Slay the Spire | November 14, 2017 |
Hades II
- Release Date: September 25, 2025
- Platform(s): macOS, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, Windows
Hades II is widely claimed to be the best roguelike game in terms of mechanics. It amplifies everything good about Hades, polishing the combat and graphics further and adding so much content that you would never get bored. Although the ending of the story missed its mark, Hades II still ended up being a GOTY nomination in 2025.
Balatro
- Release Date: February 20, 2024
- Platform(s): macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Android, iOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Balatro completely reinvented the deck-building games, introducing rogue-like elements in the genre, and we couldn’t stop playing it. It is a poker-inspired deck builder game that is all about creating powerful synergies and winning big. You can combine valid poker hands and create endless possibilities, keeping you always amused and engaged.
Blue Prince
- Release Date: April 10, 2025
- Platform(s): macOS, Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Blue Prince is a completely new take on the roguelike genre where, instead of slaying hordes of enemies, you actually have to solve hordes of puzzles. The game is a heaven for puzzle solvers, constantly churning out new brain-twisting puzzles that are genuinely fun to solve. And your reward for solving a puzzle is none other than an even harder puzzle. Blue Prince is one of the best indie games I have played, and I highly recommend that you give it a try.
Megabonk
- Release Date: September 18, 2025
- Platform(s): Linux, Windows
Megabonk is one of the most fun roguelikes I have played in recent times. It is a more traditional roguelike where you have to defeat hordes of enemies, but with a fair bit of twists. First, the game use 3D environment, letting you jump, dash, climb, and slide. The game is heavily movement-based, and zooming all over the map while killing enemies can be really satisfying. Pairing it with an eccentric and funny cast of characters, like Megachad and CalciumCalcium, the game becomes a true joy to play.
Mewgenics
- Release Date: February 10, 2026
- Platform(s): Windows
Mewgenics is a new roguelike that has overthrown the peak player numbers of Hades II. What game can overthrow a game that is widely claimed as the best in the genre? A cat game, of course. Mewgenics is essentially a cat breeding game where you can create your own army of cats and fight enemies with them.
Halls of Torment
- Release Date: September 24, 2024
- Platform(s): Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Halls of Torment is a classic Roguelike game where you have to defeat hordes of enemies. The game features an incredible variety of power-ups, characters, enemies, and things to do. It is easily one of the best Roguelike games in recent times, where you can simply turn off your brain and enjoy slaying the hundreds of monsters every second.
Absolum
- Release Date: October 9, 2026
- Platform(s): Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Absolum is an outstanding game where you can play in co-op with a friend, taking on a huge variety of enemies and bosses, while trying to retake magic from Sun King Azra’s grasp. It is a sidescroller where your character gets power-ups at every level. The game’s art and aesthetics is top notch, and each character feels distinctly unique to play.
Hades
- Release Date: December 6, 2018
- Platform(s): macOS, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, iOS
I mean, what do you expect? Hades has long been known as one of the best roguelike games out there. While the recently released Hades 2 is great, the original tops it any day. Hades is more than just a dungeon crawler that offers thrilling action that keeps you hooked.
The Olympian lore game relies on Zagreus, the son of Hades as he tries to escape the Underworld. Every death, though punishing, fuels your progress and unlocks new boons for future attempts. With its addictive gameplay and rich narrative, Hades masterfully blends challenges and rewards.
Spelunky 2
- Release Date: September 15, 2020
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S
A sequel to a great roguelike, Spelunky 2 does not disappoint. This roguelike masterpiece will punish you relentlessly, but leave you begging for more. Procedurally generated levels and permadeath keep every run fresh, while the tight controls and vast array of items ensure mastery is a rewarding, never-ending quest.
Whether you crave a quick challenge or a sprawling adventure, Spelunky 2 offers an unmatched roguelike experience. There is no denying that Spelunky 2 is one of the hardest video games out there.
Slay the Spire
- Release Date: November 14, 2017
- Platform(s): Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android
Ascend the spire, outsmart foes, and forge an unstoppable deck in Slay the Spire, a roguelike that hooks you with its deceptively simple card play and explodes with strategic depth.
Every climb brings a new adventure with automatically created levels, while thrilling deckbuilding lets you craft unique combos to conquer enemies and bosses. Prepare to die, learn, and return for another addictive run up the treacherous spire.
Cult of the Lamb
- Release Date: June 10, 2022
- Platform(s): macOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Cult of the Lamb delivers a delightful one-two-punch combo. Conquer randomized dungeons to bolster your flock, then return to your base to manage your loyal followers, all wrapped in a charmingly dark aesthetic.
While the game might lack the punishing difficulty of some roguelikes, the unique blend of genres keeps things fresh and engaging. And did we tell you its by Devolver Digital?
Darkest Dungeon
- Release Date: February 3, 2015
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PS4, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
In the heart of gothic horror lies a challenge unlike any other. Darkest Dungeon grips you with its punishing but rewarding gameplay. You delve into monstrous crypts, strategize against horrifying foes, and manage the mental stress of your heroes.
While not a traditional roguelike with permadeath, Darkest Dungeon offers a deep, strategic experience that will test your resolve and leave you wanting more. Gothic vibes anyone?
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
- Release Date: November 4, 2014
- Platform(s): Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PS5, PS4, PlayStation Vita, New Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, Xbox One, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S
Descend into the depths of despair with The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, a roguelike that transforms tears into triumphs. Every run offers a unique dungeon layout and item combinations, guaranteeing a fresh challenge and an addictive scramble for survival.
With a deformed charm and endless replayability, Rebirth will keep you crying (tears of joy, most likely) for more.
Dead Cells
- Release Date: August 7, 2018
- Platform(s): Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5
Anyone who has played any of the best roguelike games will already know about classics like Dead Cells. This roguelike is equal parts frantic combat and strategic exploration. If you love the latest Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown (review) Metroidvania experience, then this is a must-try for you.
Conquer sprawling, ever-shifting dungeons with a vast arsenal of weapons and abilities. Each death unlocks permanent upgrades, pushing you to master your combat skills and unravel the prison’s deadly secrets. Dead Cells offers a vicious yet rewarding cycle of death and improvement, making it a must-play for roguelike enthusiasts.
PlateUp!
- Release Date: August 4, 2022
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Geforce Now, Windows, Xbox Series X|S
Whip up a recipe for chaos in PlateUp! a roguelike restaurant sim that includes frantic cooking and strategic kitchen design. Conquer procedurally generated kitchens, build efficient workflows with conveyor belts and upgrades, and keep a steady stream of dishes flowing to satisfy demanding customers.
With permanent progression unlocking new recipes and abilities, every culinary catastrophe becomes a delicious step towards becoming a restaurant tycoon. While PlateUp! might be one of the best roguelike games, it’s still hard to digest the fact that there are things like procedurally generated kitchens.
Don’t Starve
- Release Date: April 23, 2013
- Platform(s): Android, iOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PS3, PS4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Don’t Starve throws you into a quirky, unforgiving wilderness. With procedurally generated landscapes, permadeath, and a constant battle against hunger and the elements, every playthrough offers a unique and thrilling (or terrifying) test of your survival skills. Master crafting, appease the environment, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll last a few nights.
Enter the Gungeon
- Release Date: April 5, 2016
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PS4, Linux, GeForce Now, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Forget whimsical platformers, Enter the Gungeon throws you headfirst into bullet-ridden chaos for a gloriously punishing roguelike experience. With a vast arsenal of wacky guns, synergies to discover, and secrets to unlock, every death becomes a stepping stone towards conquering the Gungeon and mastering the art of the perfect dodge roll.
All the elements with crisp gameplay make Enter the Gungeon one of the best games on Xbox and PlayStation.
Against the Storm
- Release Date: October 18, 2021
- Platform(s): GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Thrive or perish under relentless storms! Against the Storm blends city building with roguelike thrills. Each run throws unique resources, structures, and challenges your way. Master improvisation, adapt your strategy, and conquer the elements to survive the onslaught. The feel of fantasy with all the challenging elements is a must-try for any roguelike lover.
Rogue Legacy 2
- Release Date: August 18, 2020
- Platform(s): Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4
Rogue Legacy 2 is a great sequel that has inspired recent class roguelikes such as the 2024 release The Rogue Prince of Persia (review). The game boasts tight controls, a wealth of varied classes and traits, and a satisfying progression system that unlocks new abilities and areas with each death.
Whether you master swordplay with the Knight or rain down spells as the Mage, you’ll conquer a sprawling castle filled with secrets and challenging bosses.
Noita
- Release Date: September 24, 2019
- Platform(s): Windows
Dive into the chaotic world of Noita, one of the best roguelike games on PC where every pixel is simulated, creating a destructible and delightfully unpredictable world. Craft your own spell combinations by mixing and matching wands, leading to explosive victories or hilarious self-inflicted demise.
With its ever-changing environments and deep experimentation, Noita offers a unique and endlessly challenging adventure for roguelike veterans and newcomers alike.
Now you know the best roguelike games you should try out in 2026! Have any more suggestions for us? Let us know in the comments below!
