Video games can be grouped into different genres based on their gameplay, story, and style. Some of the most popular genres include action, adventure, role-playing games (RPGs), sports, and strategy. Each genre offers unique experiences and challenges to players. Lately, the roguelike genre has been gaining popularity.
Roguelikes are a type of RPG that feature procedurally generated levels and permadeath, meaning when a player's character dies, they must start the game over from the beginning. These games offer a high level of replayability and challenge, as players must navigate randomized dungeons and defeat enemies to progress. Games like "Dead Cells," "Enter the Gungeon," and "Hollow Knight" have become wildly popular, and the popularity of the genre continues to grow. That said, not every roguelike is about combat challenges. Some are also about passive gameplay. Here’s a list.
8 Against the Storm
Against the Storm is a dark fantasy city-builder game set in a post-apocalyptic world where the player takes on the role of the Viceroy, appointed by the Scorched Queen, to rebuild civilization in the face of catastrophic rains. The player must lead a diverse cast of characters, including humans, beavers, lizards, and harpies, to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for the last remaining survivors.
Against the Stormoffers a unique blend of city builder and rogue-lite gameplay, with the player balancing the needs of different settlements and manufacturing resources and dealing with recurring Blightstorms. With hundreds of gameplay modifiers and five distinct biomes, every city location presents a new set of challenges for the player. The game offers a highly replayable experience as the player upgrades their resources, building blueprints and overall strategy to face the ever-evolving threats of the forest.
7 Rogue Tower
Rogue Tower is an exciting game combining tower defense elements and roguelike gameplay. Players must build, upgrade, and defend their tower in this game against a never-ending stream of enemies. The path the enemies travel is constantly expanding, making tower placement a critical aspect of the game. You must carefully consider your tower's coverage area and elevation bonuses while also making strategic decisions about which towers to place in the best spots.
The game gets more challenging as players progress, with new and dangerous enemies emerging with unique abilities. Players must think on the fly, adapting to new threats and considering the strengths and weaknesses of different towers. With its challenging gameplay, Rogue Tower is a must-play for any tower defense or roguelike game fan.
6 SHPR
SHPR is an exciting arena survival roguelike game that requires players to make strategic decisions on buying items and creating builds and synergies to defeat unique enemies and bosses. A mouse controls the game, and the character automatically shoots at the nearest enemy. The player's performance is rewarded with gold at the end of each level, which can then be used to buy new items or upgrade existing ones.
With 30+ items to choose from, players will have a lot of options to build the perfect strategy. The enemies in the game have different characteristics, making each level a new challenge. The bosses also have special abilities, adding another layer of difficulty to the game.
5 Inscryption
Inscryption is a unique game that combines deckbuilding, escape-room puzzles, and psychological horror to create an immersive and dark experience. Players must gather a deck of woodland creature cards through various means and uncover the secrets of Leshy's cabin. The game promises to be a disturbingly unpredictable journey that will challenge and test the player's resolve.
The Inscryption on the cards adds to the game's eerie atmosphere, making it a must-play for those who enjoy dark, mind-bending experiences. The game's creator, known for his work on Pony Island and The Hex, has once again crafted a self-destructing love letter to video games that will leave players in a state of shock and awe.
4 RogueSlide
RogueSlide is a unique game that combines the excitement of swiping puzzles with the challenge of dungeon crawling. Players take on the role of a hero on a quest to survive through three dangerous worlds filled with unique enemies and obstacles. The gameplay is casual, but each move requires strategic thinking as you slide tiles around the board and engage in battles, drink potions, and cast spells.
With five unlockable characters, the game offers hours of fun and adventure. You can also test your skills in the Daily Dungeon or Arena modes. Whether you are a fan of 2048 or dungeon crawlers, RogueSlide is a must-try game that will keep you entertained and challenged.
3 Dwarf Fortress
Dwarf Fortress is a complex and intricate simulation game created with depth and detail never seen before. The game is now available on Steam, and it challenges players to build a fortress and help their dwarves survive in a dynamically generated world. Each new world presents unique challenges, from dwarves with simulated personalities to geological features such as aquifers. The combat system is rich and detailed, focusing on skills, body parts, and material properties.
The game's world generation is extensive, with hundreds of animals and monsters randomly created and generated poetry, music, and dance for the dwarves to enjoy. The weather system is also dynamic, tracking wind, air masses, and humidity to create blizzards, storms, clouds, and fronts. With over two hundred rock and mineral types, losing is truly an enjoyable experience in Dwarf Fortress.
2 Dice Legacy
Dice Legacy is a unique blend of survival, city-building, and roguelike elements set in a mysterious ringworld. Players take on the role of a leader who must roll the dice to gather resources, expand their settlement, and defend it from the dangers that lurk in the wilderness.
Dice Legacy is centered around the dice rolls, which determine the fate of your realm and add an element of luck to the gameplay. With uncharted lands to discover, enigmatic factions to interact with, and an evil presence lurking in the mists, Dice Legacy offers a thrilling and challenging gaming experience for players who enjoy strategy and risk-taking.
1 The Red Lantern
The Red Lantern is an immersive and engaging game that takes players on a journey through the Alaskan wilderness. As the Musher, players must lead their team of sled dogs on a quest to find their new home. Along the way, they must care for their dogs, discover their stories, and navigate the unknowns of the wilderness.
Players must also manage their resources, learn from their failures, and make important decisions that will affect the outcome of their journey. With a focus on survival and exploration, The Red Lantern offers a unique and challenging experience that will keep players engaged and entertained.