Rogue-lite games are just freaking awesome; let’s all agree on that, yeah? Yeah, cause let’s face it: any title that gives you more to discover in subsequent playthroughs is worth checking out. Now, the dilemma here is, just which ones are the top-tier rogue-lites? That’s what we’re here to settle today. Now, then, let’s get right to it. Here we go!
Which Rogue-Lite Games Are Worth Checking Out?
The list of rogue-lite games we’re assembling today has a good even 6 slots. So, chances are that you’ll find a couple of your favorite ones on here today. However, if you’re new to the rogue-lite genre, don’t worry. One thing common in all our suggestions is that every pick is gonna offer something unique that makes them stand out from others. Now, let’s see which ones make the cut.
6.) Risk Of Rain 2
We’re kicking off the party of dope rogue-lite games with none other than Risk Of Rain 2. This delightfully entertaining game brings a level of innovation few dare to touch upon. From its picturesque cartoony graphics, to the power fantasy element that hooks players Risk Of Rain 2 exceeds all expectations. But that’s not all, because Risk Of Rain 2 surprisingly has more to offer.
You see, in Risk Of Rain 2, you have the option of completing a level or keep going as the difficulty ramps up the longer you play. The enemies scale along your levels, they rush you from all directions, but the true challenge are the epic boss fights. There’s a great deal of mix-and-match formula to help keep your character builds feeling fresh. Wanna know more? check our Risk Of Rain 2 newbie guide.
You can collect multiple items to stack up their effects, and take on multiple enemies without getting tagged once. The trick is finding them without dying in Risk Of Rain 2, a task easier said than done. This take on the rogue-lite genre of games is so simple in theory yet refreshingly brilliant because it’s rare to see its execution so well. So, yeah, check it out.
5.) Limbus Company
Question: do you like turn-based combat in your rogue-lite games? If the answer’s yes, then Limbus Company is definitely gonna be right up your alley. This game is such a one-of-a-kind gem that you’ll hardly see anything like it. You think of gacha games and instantly think cash grab, right? Well, you’d be right, except! There’s no need to purchase anything and you’ll still get the full experience.
What’s really eye-catching about Limbus Company are the anime themed visuals, and how the action feels over-the-top. The combat starts in turn-based melee but quickly delves into active time. The transition is such a smooth one, with flashy animations and colorfully imaginative projectile attacks. Limbus Company knows how to grab your attention with it’s stylish aesthetic.
There’s a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay in Limbus Company where you gotta align your character’s skill across the grid. Luck also plays a hand in the outcome of fight clashes between your characters and your enemies. The musical score is one of the major appeals of Limbus Company and it’s another factor that help it stand out among other fantastic rogue-lite games.
4.) Darkest Dungeon
If you love existential dread in your rogue-lite games, you’ll absolutely love Darkest Dungeon. Trust us, fans of horror games are in for a treat with this ambiance-heavy title, where danger doesn’t fade away but lingers on. The threats stack on your character’s sanity, and slowly eats away at their will to exist. Darkest Dungeon is not for the faint of heart, people.
The dark side of going on a journey, the parts fantasy escapism doesn’t touch upon are explored in Darkest Dungeon. It’s the depiction of the downsides that’s done so well in the game, and makes it such a must-play experience. Players must manage their team of adventurers; not only look at their HP and equipment, but mind their stress, health, and check for any diseases or curses.
The darkness is a constant threat in Darkest Dungeon, where all manner of eldritch horrors await. You’ll lose constantly, yet, begin anew with new recruits, the goal is to never give in to despair. There are multiple character classes that’ll allow you to experiment to see which combinations work. You just gotta be smart in how you do things to get good in rogue-lite games like Darkest Dungeon.
3.) Dave The Diver
Now we dive to the depths of lovecraftian horror with the halfway point on our list of awesometacular rogue-lite games. The game we’re talking about is Dave The Diver. This game’s a wonderful hybrid of exploration style adventure games while also being a restaurant management simulator. The blend of the two contrasting themes is done with a seamless transition.
Dave The Diver primarily focuses on the titular protagonist, Dave, as he dives into the ocean to discover treasure and catch fish. Be careful you don’t die; there are penalties. You served your catch to customers in the other half of the game where it’s you cooking and serving sushi to customers. Depending on the rarity of the fish, and the recpeies you use, your rewards and tips will be greater.
Use money to purchase better diving gear, weapons, and exploration equipment, or spend it on upgrading your sushi restaurant. Be careful, though, as the undersea adventures slowly turn more sinister as you encounter creatures beyond mortal comprehension. We’re not gonna lie, Dave The Diver might be a non-traditonal rogue-lite, but it borders on the territory of terrifying horror games.
2.) Hades – One of the Finest Rogue-lite Games Ever
From rogue-lite games that slowly help you become powerful to one where you start off as Zagreus, immortal heir to the underworld throne. Hades is a power fantasy done right and is among our top hack-and-slash games. The combat in Hades is both a stressful affair but also an enjoyable one. You’re always thinking on your feet, as you hack up the hostile denizens of the underworld.
The enemy variety and the type of level layouts you’ll encounter are randomized each time. But you also get more diversity and playstyles depending on your relationships with the Pantheon of Greek Gods. Speaking of relationships, you can even get into some spicy scenarios with a few of them, which also bestows you with boons. Yeah, that’s a think in Hades.
Oh, and the replay value of Hades is ginormous, no hyperbole, here, folks, we mean it. The game’s got multiple endings, but the true ending requires a whooping 10 times! Yeah, so strap in for the long haul when you’re playing Hades if you’re a completionist. On the plus side, the gameplay is so gosh-darn addictive, that we can’t get enough of Hades. It’s one of the greatest all time rogue-lite games.
1.) The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth
Okay~ so we’re gonna cap off our list of mind-blowingly top-tier rogue-lite games with The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth. This game might be old, a 2014 release, but believe us, it more than holds up today. The sheer amount of depth and surprises that are in store in The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth are staggering.
Players will evolve as Isaac gains different forms to baatke our hordes of enemies and each form has unique abilities. Still, the powerful forms only work if you avoid getting tagged by enemies. The randomization of rooms you’ll enter, and what ability you’ll unlock and which type of enemies you’ll face are such engrossing factors of The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth.
Isaac’s tears are the primary projectiles that you use to shoot at enemies, yeah it’s a little disturbing. In fact the whole premise of The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth has some eerie graphic storytelling. The integration of co-op makes life easier in the game but only by a fraction. Overall, though, if you enjoy time survival games with rogue-like elements, you’ll love The Binding Of Isaac: Rebirth.
Final Thoughts On the Best Rogue-Lite Games
Well, that’s the end of our list of exciting rogue-lite games with uniqueness and originality that sets them apart. It was a close call, but the 6 that grabbed a spot today just edged out the competition. So, then, what’s the verdict, folks? Think we nailed the hammer on the head, or have we dropped the ball big time? Either way, tell us your thoughts in the comments below; we look forward to it.
If you’re hankering for something within the same ballpark, don’t worry. We’ve got more than a handful of similar suggestions you can check out. For instance, take a gander at our favorite PS4 JRPGS; it’s got more or less the same type of gaming experience as today’s suggestions. Alright, that’s gonna do it for now but check back in soon for more lists. Until next time, take care!
