Rogue-lite

The modern Rogue-lite has taken elements from the traditional Rogue-likes and translated them into platformer, action-adventure, RPG & deckbuilder genres, with features such as procedural generation, permadeath and meta-progression. These are THE BEST Rogue-lite Indie games that you can play right now!

Updated February 20, 2021

#15 Ring of Pain

Rogue-lite deckbuilders have taken off as a sub-genre, but most use the same energy system popularized by a certain title (down the list). If you’re looking for something different, check Ring of Pain out.

#14 UnderMine

UnderMine was one of the breakout hits of 2020, combining the compelling upgrade loop of Rogue Legacy with the top-down action of something like The Binding of Isaac (but melee!).

#13 Skul: The Hero Slayer

The Korean title Skul: The Hero Slayer launched out of early access in 2021 and I was impressed with the pixel art and perhaps a cameo or two.

#12 Nuclear Throne

Developer Vlambeer’s (RIP) outstanding entry from 2015 continues to hold it’s own in a crowded field.

#11 Monolith

Monolith is a criminally overlooked title that you may not have not heard of, but trust me, this bullet hell indie is not to be missed!

#10 Slay the Spire

As THE title that sparked off rogue-lite deckbuilders, the popularity of StS cannot be denied. Kudos to the team and I’m eager to see what’s next!

#9 Risk of Rain 2

Developer Hopoo Games did an amazing thing with RoR 2, successfully transitioning from 2D pixel art to a full 3D title, which is something that even Mario and Sonic had trouble with.

#8 Noita

I love pixel art titles so Noita deserves a special mention. EVERY pixel is simulated which leads to some of the best emergent gameplay moments that characterize the rogue-lite genre.

#7 Crypt of the Necrodancer

Crypt of the Necrodancer adds a rhythm and timing element into a tradition rogue-like, which is an idea that sounds simple but is so ingeniously executed. It also has one of the best soundtracks and sprite work as well!

#6 Dead Cells

The popular Dead Cells has to be mentioned in this list, being one of those breakout indie hits that feels great to play and has a compelling upgrade system.

#5 Monster Train

My pick for the rogue-lite deckbuilder is Monster Train, where you fight on multiple fronts, and the variety of playable clans offers a multitude of combos.

#4 Into the Breach

Developer Subset Games impressed me some years ago with FTL: Faster Than Light being one of those OG indie games that made an impact. They did it again with Into the Breach, a tactics title where all the information is presented to you in strategic depth.

#3 Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon is a great one with it’s art style, variety in characters and how absolutely brutal of a game it is. Also a fine example of THE BEST use of the narrator in a game.

#2 Enter the Gungeon

I like Enter the Gungeon for the sheer number of weapons and characters, with some excellent gun puns and boss designs, as well as the signature Dodge Roll mechanic which the developer is named after!

#1 Hades

Supergiant Games has been one of the most consistent indie developers out there with the widest range of design chops. So when I heard they were making a rogue-lite, of course I was in! After the 1.0 launch, that decision has proven to be the right one, winning multiple GOTY awards (including mine!).

Upcoming Rogue-lite Indie Games

See what’s coming up in the rogue-lite (like) genre!