The roguelite genre has evolved in recent years, with plenty of interesting titles out there for you to explore.
The roguelike genre has become a staple of gaming with plenty of titles available. But there is an audience that wants roguelike elements in a smaller package. This is where roguelites come in. Most of them are rather simplistic games with randomized elements that bring them closer to the roguelike genre. Here are some of the best roguelites that you can try right now.
Downwell
Release Date: October 15, 2015
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
With a retro look reminiscent of Atari games, Downwell is a spin on the arcade-styled games where the only direction to go is up while you dodge your way around enemies. As the name implies, your character will start every run by throwing himself into a well. You will have to make your way further down, all the while picking up various upgrades. There is a wide variety of monsters that become progressively more difficult the further you get. If you’re looking for a short and sweet time waster, Downwell is definitely one of the best roguelites out there.
Brotato
Release Date: 27 September, 2022
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Even though it’s just one of the many Vampire Survivors styled copycats, Brotato has a lot going for it. The adorably tongue-in-cheek humor and setting will put a smile on anybody’s face. But don’t let the cute graphics fool you, Brotato is a pretty difficult game until you start getting the hang of things. Countless waves of enemies will swarm you from all corners of the map, with the only salvation being your arsenal of guns. Pick up upgrades and new guns as you experiment with various builds.
Peglin
Release Date: 25 April, 2022
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Peggle is a very popular pachinko styled game where luck and skill come together to offer some breezy fun. Peglin takes that recipe and adds some roguelike mechanics into the mix. Instead of trying to clear a board, your character is faced with a gang of enemies on top of the screen. Every peg you hit will deal a set amount of damage, with certain pegs giving you special attacks like critical hits or AOE effects. And the balls you throw also have various effects, with the option of adding a new one to your repertoire after every round. Peglin is an excellent game for short gaming bursts, making it one of the best roguelite games on this list.
Luck be a Landlord
Release Date: 6 January, 2023
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
An interesting spin on the concept of slot machines, Luck be a Landlord can be extremely fun for short sessions. The main gist is that you have to gather a set amount of money to pay your lease after a limited number of spins. If you don’t, you will be evicted and it’s game over. Between each spin, you’ll get a chance to add a symbol to your slot machine. There are countless types of symbols, each with its own abilities and potential synergies. After spending a few hours with this game, I can vouch for its capacity to have you coming back for more.
Crypt of the Necrodancer
Release Date: April 23, 2015
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
If you’re looking for top roguelite games with a unique mechanic, Crypt of the Necrodancer has got you covered with a dash of rhythm game. Gameplay is the classic turn-based style of “you move, and they move” with a cool spin. There is a constant beat playing in the background. Time your attacks and movement to the beat, and you’ll keep in line with everyone else. Miss the beat, and everyone will move without you, giving them a free attack, for example. All of this makes for a pretty brutal experience until you get the hang of things, but when it all clicks it can be very enjoyable.
Dicey Dungeons
Release Date: 13 August, 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Step into a wonderful fantasy world where plenty of characters are based on dice. Starting with the heroes you take control over all the way to some of the enemies. You’ll be taking on those enemies by rolling dice and assigning those values to the items you control. Each item you can use has certain abilities and value requirements. Some weapons will need an odd number to function, or maybe a certain roll. Even though the game has a lot of chance, there is still a lot of strategy at play, with plenty of decisions to make to achieve success.
Streets of Rogue
Release Date: July 12, 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Sometimes good roguelite games can offer a surprising amount of complexity, and Streets of Rogue is that type of game. Set in a weird Sci-Fi universe, you’ll choose between multiple different types of characters, each with their starting gear and abilities. NPCs are extremely complex, having their own factions and interactions. Each level tasks you with finishing a primary mission as well as various secondary missions. But don’t take too long, since certain levels will have timed events that will end your run. For example, some levels will have a murderous robot that will constantly chase you until you leave. If you’re looking for a roguelite that combines RPG elements to achieve some great emergent gameplay, definitely give Streets of Rogue a try.
Teleglitch
Release Date: 15 August, 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Enter a post-apocalyptic world where your character has to escape a research facility in Teleglitch. Taking inspiration from games like Doom, Half-Life but with a top-down perspective, Teleglitch has plenty going for it. You’ll be exploring randomly generated levels as you try to scavenge for guns and ammo to help you take down the horrible mutants you will encounter. No run will be the same, meaning the game offers plenty of replayability.
Depending on your tastes, there’s definitely something on this list that might interest you. And if you’re curious to know more look at our roguelike vs roguelite article. Most of these games are best enjoyed in short bursts, even though some can quickly make a few hours. And all the while you’re just telling yourself “just one more run”. If you’re looking for something with a bit more complexity, definitely check out our best roguelike games list.
