As a game developer who specializes in roguelike games on Steam, I have enjoyed both playing and developing games in this exciting genre.
Roguelikes are famous for their tough gameplay and the element of surprise because they are different each time you play.
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite roguelike games on Steam, and I’ll also highlight some new roguelike games like “Ocean Keeper.“
The Allure of Roguelikes: What Makes Them Tick?
Roguelike games captivate with their complex systems and an element of the unknown.
Characterized by dungeon crawling through procedurally generated levels, each session presents a unique challenge to the player. These games are perfect for those who love strategy, adaptability, and above all, resilience.
Top 10 Roguelikes on Steam
Ocean Keeper
(Released planned for June, 2024)
Dive into the abyss and experience a unique blend of exploration and survival. Each journey is distinct, filled with new layouts and challenges that require fresh strategies.
At the heart of our discussion is “Ocean Keeper,” a game that takes the roguelike formula and plunges it into the mysterious depths of the ocean.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Explore and Survive: You navigate a vast underwater world in a robust robotic spider, constantly threatened by its fauna.
- Resource Management: Collecting resources to upgrade your mech is vital, enhancing your abilities to explore further and survive longer.
- Dynamic Gameplay: Each dive is different, thanks to the procedurally generated world, ensuring no two adventures are the same.
- Engaging Combat: Battle through hordes of sea monsters with a diverse arsenal, making each encounter thrilling and unpredictable.
Heat Signature
(Released September 21, 2017)
This game combines action, adventure, and strategy in a galaxy at war. Players take on the role of a mercenary who infiltrates spaceships and executes contracts using a combination of stealth and brute force, with the ability to slow down time to execute tactical maneuvers.
Rogue Legacy 2
(Released April 28, 2022)
Building on its predecessor, this game enhances the classic side-scrolling action with more weapons, biomes, and a unique heir system where each new hero is a descendant with unique traits, maintaining some progress from the previous generation.
30XX
(Released February 17, 2021)
Inspired by Mega Man X, this game offers a blend of action, adventure, and platforming with procedurally generated levels, cooperative gameplay, and a focus on exploration and combat.
Inscryption
(Released October 19, 2021)
A dark roguelike deckbuilder that combines card games, escape-room puzzles, and psychological horror. Players must navigate through a macabre card game against a mysterious opponent.
Hades
(Released December 6, 2018)
Renowned for its narrative-driven approach, this game casts players as the son of Hades, trying to escape the underworld. It features rich storytelling with reactive dialogue and changing environments that keep each run fresh and engaging.
Griftlands
(Released July 11, 2019)
This RPG deckbuilder challenges players to navigate card battles and story-rich encounters that impact the game’s outcome. Its detailed, hand-drawn art style and deep narrative elements set it apart from other roguelikes.
Wally and the Fantastic Predators
(Released August 20, 2019)
This game introduces a unique, fast-paced roguelite experience with a fox hero exploring dungeons with changing rules and gameplay mechanics that keep each run exciting and unpredictable.
Wizard of Legend
(Released May 15, 2018)
Focused on spellcasting and fast movement, players navigate through the Chaos Trials using a vast array of spells to defeat enemies and become the Wizard of Legend. It’s known for its straightforward, action-packed gameplay and cool VFX effects.
Nuclear Throne
(Released December 5, 2015)
This action-packed shoot-’em-up challenges players to ascend the throne in a post-apocalyptic world. It features intense bullet-hell combat and a roster of unique characters, each with different abilities.
These games showcase the diversity and depth of the roguelike genre on Steam, offering everything from intense tactical action to complex narrative experiences.
Each game provides a unique take on the game development and genre, ensuring that there’s something for every type of player looking for a challenge and deep, replayable gameplay.