9 Best Roguelike Games to play in 2024

The roguelike genre continues to captivate players in 2024, offering a rich tapestry of gaming experiences known for their replayability and strategic depth. Here are the best roguelike games to play in 2024.

This genre offers a diverse range of experiences, from deep dungeon-crawling adventures to adrenaline-pumping bullet hell shooters. The core of these games lies in their ability to offer evolving challenges and teach players the art of resilience and strategy with each playthrough.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, our list will guide you through the best roguelike games available today.

Best Roguelike Games to Play in 2024

Returnal

A fusion of roguelike mechanics with bullet-hell action, Returnal stands out with its immersive storytelling. Players step into the shoes of Selene, an astronaut marooned on an alien planet. 

Each death reshapes the world, introducing new challenges and surprises. It’s not just about the combat; the narrative weaves Selene’s personal story into the gameplay, adding depth to each run.

The game‘s world is an ever-evolving labyrinth of alien horrors. Its blend of third-person shooting with roguelike elements demands strategy and quick reflexes. Returnal is a testament to the emotional depth and narrative richness possible in roguelikes.

Hades

This game redefines narrative integration in roguelikes. Players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, on his quest to escape from the underworld. The game combines isometric hack-and-slash action with rich storytelling, each run adding to Zagreus’ story.

What sets Hades apart is its character development. The more you play, the more you uncover about Zagreus and his Olympian relatives. Each character is beautifully crafted, with their own backstories and motivations intertwining with the main narrative.

Dead Cells 

Combining fast-paced action with Metroidvania elements, Dead Cells is a side-scrolling roguelike that thrives on player progression. Each run through the ever-changing castle unveils new paths and secrets, with a variety of ways to upgrade your abilities.

The game‘s combat is exhilarating, offering a satisfying blend of risk and reward. As you delve deeper, you accumulate gear and skills, but one wrong move can end it all. This balance keeps the gameplay challenging and engaging.

The Binding of Isaac Repentance

The Binding of Isaac takes players into a dark and twisted world. You navigate through randomly generated dungeons, facing bizarre enemies and collecting unique power-ups. The game is known for its grotesque themes and extensive replayability.

Each run in The Binding of Isaac is unpredictable, thanks to its myriad of item combinations and room layouts. The game challenges players to adapt their strategies on the fly, making each run a fresh experience.

The Binding of Isaac also stands out for its macabre art style and storytelling. The game weaves a tale of horror and survival, with a depth that keeps players engaged run after run.

Spelunky 2

Building on its predecessor’s formula, Spelunky 2 takes players on a treacherous treasure hunt through procedurally generated caves. The sequel enhances everything from new environments to characters, ensuring a fresh experience for both new players and series veterans.

The game is notorious for its difficulty, challenging players to navigate through traps and enemies while managing resources. Each run offers new discoveries, from hidden paths to unexpected interactions between the game’s elements.

Enter the Gungeon

A delightful blend of bullet hell and roguelike, Enter the Gungeon is a twin-stick shooter filled with an absurd variety of guns and items. Players navigate through dungeon floors, each packed with challenges and loot.

The game’s humor shines through its gun-themed world. From bullet-shaped enemies to guns that shoot other guns, it’s a whimsical take on the genre. This levity makes the challenging gameplay more approachable and enjoyable.

Enter the Gungeon is not just fun; it’s also deep, with layers of strategy hidden beneath its chaotic surface. The variety of weapons and synergies means there’s always something new to try, keeping each run fresh and exciting.

Risk of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2 transforms its predecessor’s 2D platforming into a fully 3D world, offering a unique blend of shooting and character development. Each run features different biomes to explore and enemies to conquer, with a diverse array of items affecting gameplay in various ways.

The game’s distinct approach to loot and character classes makes each playthrough a new experience. Its blend of action, strategy, and procedural generation makes for a captivating and replayable game.

Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is a gothic horror take on the roguelike genre. Players manage a team of heroes, exploring dark dungeons and battling formidable foes. The game’s unique stress mechanic adds an extra layer of strategy, as heroes can succumb to mental afflictions.

The game’s art style and narrative elements create a dark and immersive atmosphere. Darkest Dungeon is as much about managing resources and psychological stresses as it is about dungeon crawling, making it a deeply strategic and engaging game.

Crypt of the NecroDancer 

Crypt of the NecroDancer is a rhythm-based roguelike that blends dungeon crawling with beat-matching gameplay. Players must move and attack to the rhythm of the music, with each beat dictating the flow of combat and exploration.

The game stands out for its unique concept and catchy soundtrack. It challenges players to rethink their approach to traditional roguelike gameplay, making for an innovative and rhythmically rewarding experience.

Each game offers a distinct take on the roguelike genre, presenting a world where every run is a new adventure, and defeat is just another step towards mastery. Whether you’re looking for intense action, strategic depth, or something quirky and unconventional, the roguelike genre has something to offer every gamer in 2024.

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