Weapons can make or break a game. If a game only has one core weapon, it can get boring. That’s why Devil May Cry was such a hit in 2001 because it allowed players to instantly switch between swordplay and gunplay with the click of a button. As the series went on, the idea of switching between other weapons mid-combat became a staple.

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Roguelikes are one of the more challenging genres on the market and none of them have incorporated the wild gameplay that the Devil May Cry series is known for. However, there are quite a few roguelikes with interesting weapons and combinations that still help engage players. These are the standouts and it is safe to say that maybe Capcom can learn a thing or two from these examples.

8 Dave The Diver

Weapons Lead To Fish

• Metacritic Score: 91 (PS5)

Dave the Diver is an assortment of ideas wherein players must dive into the ocean during the day to get fish. Once caught, they can turn those fish into sushi to sell at their restaurant to earn money. At first, the titular Dave only has a knife and a loose harpoon gun to catch fish with.

It’s a struggle but the more money earned at the sushi bar, the better equipment he can get including air tanks so that players can dive deeper. The wealth of weapons in Dave the Diver is nicely varied too, making players feel like every upgrade is meaningful as they help with the game’s central process, catching fish, including rifles and handguns.

7 Dead Cells

Gotta Collect ‘Em All!

• Metacritic Score: 91 (Xbox One)

Dead Cells has a collectathon-like mentality akin to a platformer with its approach to weapons. When players respawn at the start of their run, they will be presented with weapons. These weapons are randomized but they are based on unlocked blueprints.

The more blueprints are discovered and made, the more weapons will become available and they run the gamut in Dead Cells from swords to whips to spears. There are sub-weapons too like shields and grenades that help keep the flow of combat fluid.

6 Enter The Gungeon

Dozens Of Guns And Then Some

• Metacritic Score: 87 (Switch)

Enter the Gungeon is a funny play on the dungeon crawler genre as players go into the “Gungeon” which is filled with guns. The enemies are even based on guns or gun-like accessories like bullets and grenades. There is a weapon bible to help players keep track of which weapons they have found.

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The great thing about these guns is that they go beyond standard weapons ideas. They can fire giant bullets, lasers, slime, bugs, bombs, and so much more. The oddball variety makes finding the next gun fun.

5 Hades

Use Weapons In Multiple Ways

• Metacritic Score: 93 (PS5)

Players can begin in Hades with a standard sword found in many roguelikes. From there, players can unlock a bow, shield, and other typical weapons. The twist comes later when players can upgrade these weapons to have secondary functions, thus changing how players fight in combat.

For example, the shield can be used for protection, or it can spin around the battlefield like a yo-yo. This secondary nature is something that the developer passed along to the sequel, Hades 2, which is still in Early Access but also has a nice wealth of weapons.

4 Moonlighter

Buying Into New Weapons

• Metacritic Score: 88 (iOS)

Moonlighter is a game all about weapons and the market value of a good dive into a dungeon. Like Dave the Diver, there are two gameplay mechanics. During the day, players can sell goods they find in dungeons at night. NPCs will buy materials, or loot that players find or craft at the smithy.

Players can craft armor and weapons and upgrade that equipment as well. Each weapon upgrade feels significant too, allowing players to dive deeper into dungeons knowing that they can deal more damage with weapons like iron fists.

3 Roboquest

A Friendly First-Person Shooter

• Metacritic Score: 85 (PC)

Roboquest is a newer roguelike that doesn’t seem to be getting the recognition it so justly deserves. The premise follows a robot, going through a valley and discovering new areas for its human master. This robot can get weird weapon attachments in Roboquest like one that fires grenades or sonar waves or gets elemental boosts.

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The visuals and quirky nature of these guns feel like an homage to the Ratchet and Clank series. It’s a good roguelike for beginnings and those who like first-person shooters which is different than most roguelikes. The shooting is solid and the variety is even better.

2 Skul: The Hero Slayer

Change Into Classes To Use New Weapons

• Metacritic Score: 80 (PC)

Skul: The Hero Slayer is a great roguelike that puts a spin on the idea of weapons. The premise follows a lowly skeleton warrior trying to help his master slay heroes who are trying to kill him. He begins with a bone club but the gameplay gimmick revolves around putting on the heads of fallen warriors.

For example, players can become a ninja and use weapons associated with that class like shurikens and twin daggers. There are dozens of heads to collect and they change the gameplay significantly with some head/weapon combos being better than others.

1 Wizard Of Legend

Spells In Place Of Weapons

• Metacritic Score: 79 (Xbox One)

Wizard of Legend also puts a twist on how weapons work in a roguelike. There are no weapons in this game. Instead, players can learn and equip various types of magic spells and enhancements in dungeons.

From shooting balls of fire to summoning gusts of wind, all elements are present in the game and are used in clever ways. It’s kind of like Bending elements from the Avatar cartoon. With a sequel on the way, it will be exciting to see how Wizard of Legend 2 will use spells next.

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