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The 10 Best Turn-Based Roguelikes Games

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Ignacio Weil

News - July 3rd 2024, 17:30 GMT+2

Slay the Spire — Slay The Spire

We have to start with one of the biggest and most well-known of all. The impressive success behind Slay The Spire is that it doesn't rely on numerous classes to choose from. In fact, it only has four, but they are so well-developed that the variety of builds you can create with different skills and their synergies with all kinds of upgrades and cards make each run addictive. But how far can you get? | © Mega Crit

Balatro

It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't played Balatro what makes the game brilliant in its simplicity. On the outside, it looks like a simple poker game, but you'll soon realize that would be very boring, and it's because it keeps adding new twists to the cards all the time. Watch out for those jokers! | © Playstack

Darkest dungeon — Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is also known as the Dark Souls of turn-based roguelikes, and I don't say that just because of the grim atmosphere. Progressing in this game is a nightmare, as you'll have to sacrifice heroes in whom you've invested a ton of points, upgrades, and weapons. And since building upgrades are permanent, it technically qualifies as a roguelike. But I warn you, your cemetery will keep growing, so don't get too attached to any of your adventurers... | © Red Hook Studios

Inscryption

Ah. Inscryption. I feel like I could talk about this game for hours. There are few titles that manage to combine horror with a simple card game, but just look at those designs! Similarly, if roguelikes are defined by constantly improving between runs by unlocking new cards, upgrades, skills, and more, you might be at risk of a heart attack with this game, and I don't mean just a simple jump scare. Get ready to lose absolutely everything! | © Devolver

Shogun Showdown

Even though it hasn't been out for long and is still in early access, Shogun Showdown has managed to win the hearts of fans of the genre. Like any good duel between samurais at sunset, this isn't a game about attacking wildly but about waiting for the perfect combination of cards to kill your enemies with a single strike of your katana. And if you fail in the attempt, well, just come back, improve, and try again. | © Roboatino

Monster Train

Do you know what's harder than a single turn-based card battle? Multiple simultaneous battles! Monster Train has us defending several carriages at the same time with a system of cards and demonic creatures that synergize with each other. And I warn you, the word "monster" also applies to its difficulty... | © Good Shepherd Entertainment

Tales of Maj Eyal — Tales of Maj'Eyal

Of all the games on this list, none brings us closer to the original "Rogue" game than Tales of Maj'Eyal. On the outside, it looks like a simple and cheap game, but there's a reason it has such high reviews. Much like Dwarf Fortress, the worse the graphics quality in these games, the more complex they tend to be. And with Tales of Maj'Eyal, not only will the world's story keep you entertained for several weeks, but the rich and extensive system of creating and perfecting your class will be enough to hook you. | © Netcore Games

Into the Breach

Into the Breach deserves a big honorable mention on this list for being a game you can have everywhere. There are mobile versions, PC versions, and you can even play it on your Netflix account. But as simple as it looks, it's also a great strategy game with mechs that will keep you entertained while discussing what movie or series to watch. | © Subset Games

Shotgun King The Final Checkmate — Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate

I like to imagine that the concept behind Shotgun King: The Final Checkmate must have been born after a frustrating game of chess. The great thing about this title is that, since your enemies are pieces from the same board game, they have to follow the same movement patterns. Armed with your shotgun and gaining upgrades between runs, you have to eliminate pawns, knights, and bishops alike. The queen, though, she will kick you where it hurts. | © PUNKCAKE Delicieux

Crypt of the Necrodancer

This might be controversial, is Crypt of the Necrodancer even a turn-based roguelike? Of course, it is, fight me, even if it's not the kind of strategy game that gives you hours to think about your next move. This is because the whole world is based on rhythm, so you have to move and attack following the tempo (or turn) of the game's music, just like the rest of the enemies. And if you jump ahead of your turn, you'll stumble over your dance steps, and you'll pay dearly for it. | © Brace Yourself Games

1-10

It's hard to pinpoint exactly where the term "roguelike" originated, but games like "Rogue" from 1980 helped cement the concept of playing the same game multiple times, with each run being different by purchasing upgrades and learning more about enemy patterns. And it was a turn-based combat game! Although nowadays we often associate this genre with all kinds of action-inspired gameplay, we want to return to the old format, even if some of these games are modern. Here are the 10 best turn-based combat roguelike games!

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It's hard to pinpoint exactly where the term "roguelike" originated, but games like "Rogue" from 1980 helped cement the concept of playing the same game multiple times, with each run being different by purchasing upgrades and learning more about enemy patterns. And it was a turn-based combat game! Although nowadays we often associate this genre with all kinds of action-inspired gameplay, we want to return to the old format, even if some of these games are modern. Here are the 10 best turn-based combat roguelike games!