Best Procedurally Generated Dungeon Crawlers

Highlights

Dungeon crawlers offer a satisfying structure with combat and problem-solving while combining rogue-like and RPG elements.
Procedural generation in games like Devil Spire and Mortal Sin adds variety and replay value to the gameplay experience.
Unique features like customizable robots in Cogmind and spell-casting in Noita make these dungeon-crawling games stand out.

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that these procedurally generated games have truly captivated me. The sense of unpredictability and the potential for endless replay value is simply intoxicating!

Exploring dungeons is a crucial component of numerous game designs, offering players a straightforward and engaging structure based on battles and problem-solving challenges. You’ll often encounter traps and puzzles in these dungeon explorations, although some games prioritize combat over these elements.

In many role-playing games (RPGs) and games similar to rogue-likes, you’ll find gameplay that involves exploring dungeons, a tradition dating back to tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. Some games have specially designed dungeons, but many rogue-likes create their dungeons automatically for added replay value. Whether it’s the first-person dungeon exploration in ‘Devil Spire’, or the dice-centric chaos of ‘Dicey Dungeons’, there are countless dungeon-crawling games to delve into.

7 Devil Spire

A First-Person Dungeon Crawl Inspired By King’s Field

Best Procedurally Generated Dungeon Crawlers

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2022
Developer(s): Ithiro Sumi, Lucas Perdomo, Lucas Bressan
Genre: Dungeon Crawler

In a nutshell, this retro-style dungeon explorer merges the role-playing mechanics of classic FromSoftware games like King’s Field with an automated level layout (rogue-lite structure). The unpredictable level design keeps things interesting, but what truly sets Devil Spire apart is its authentic old-school gameplay and aesthetics.

As a devotee of tactical combat, I can confidently say that the deliberate, first-person melee battles in Devil Spire might not appeal to everyone. However, if you’re among those who cherish games like King’s Field and appreciate the rogue-lite gameplay structure, this title is worth checking out. What sets it apart is an impressive collection of loot, ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique experience compared to the last. This diverse loot pool opens up numerous possibilities for character builds, making your journey through Devil Spire an exciting and customizable adventure.

6 Mortal Sin

A Psychedelic Rogue-Like Dungeon Crawler

Despite Mortal Sin’s graphic style being challenging for some, its unique psychedelic artistry is bound to captivate a niche group of players. The striking visual aesthetic is undeniably worth overlooking to appreciate the exceptional gameplay in Mortal Sin.

In simpler terms, “Mortal Sin” is a game where you explore dungeons that are different each time due to procedural generation, making every playthrough feel fresh. The main appeal lies in its immersive, gratifying close-combat fights in first-person perspective. This game offers a wide range of weapons and character classes, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.

5 Dicey Dungeons

A Turn-Based Dungeon Crawler Built Around Randomness

In the game named Dicey Dungeons, players embark on a distinct adventure through vibrantly colored dungeons teeming with eccentric adversaries. Instead of conventional weapons, they engage enemies using dice and strategically place these dice into specialized equipment slots to trigger potent skills.

One outstanding feature of Dicey Dungeons is its distinctive battle system; however, its vibrant artwork and playful mood come in at a strong second place. The game’s use of procedural generation just adds an additional layer of replayability that it might not otherwise have.

4 Noita

An Expansive Dungeon Crawler Centered Around Spell-Casting

Noita stands out as a distinct rogue-like dungeon explorer that features real-time combat based on spell casting. The player’s spells are channeled through their wands, which can be customized with various magical abilities. Interactions between the spells and the pixelated setting, where every pixel represents a physical entity, frequently result in unpredictable gameplay scenarios.

“Noita” goes beyond the typical dungeon-crawling game, but it takes time for players to uncover its hidden depths. For those who don’t manage to unlock all its secrets, Noita still provides a gratifying experience that’s rich in replayability, partly due to its use of procedural generation.

3 Cogmind

A Procedural Dungeon-Crawl With A Customizable Robot

In Cogmind, players assume the role of a tailor-made robot, capable of enhancing themselves through various distinctive components in each playthrough. Reminiscent of traditional rogue-like games, Cogmind adheres to the classic dungeon exploration format and procedurally generated levels that ensure endless enjoyment upon repeated play. Yet, what makes Cogmind truly exceptional are its innovative features, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.

In Cogmind, one key feature is the ability to customize your robot extensively, offering significant control over modifications. Yet, be ready for unexpected changes as your equipment may get destroyed quickly. This dynamic environment encourages adaptability and innovative problem-solving, rather than relying on fortunate item finds. Additionally, elements from the immersive-sim genre are incorporated, enabling players to employ hacking and stealth techniques to bypass confrontations.

2 Caves Of Qud

A Deep RPG That Expertly Blends Hand-Crafted And Procedural Content

“Caves of Qud” is a challenging and intricate role-playing game, similar to old-school rogue-likes but with user-friendly game mechanics. Despite having an unchanging overworld map and unique landmark locations, many areas within the game use procedural generation for variety. “

The realm within Caves of Qud offers a wealth of locations to discover, missions to accomplish, and people to encounter. However, delving into the caves themselves is where the real excitement lies. Though it might seem unremarkable from the outside, the game’s atmosphere and tactical combat create an immersive and frequently intense adventure.

1 Darkest Dungeon

A Rogue-Like RPG With Procedural Dungeon Crawling

In this game, players engage in turn-based battles with party combat, also managing resources as they explore diverse dungeons teeming with Lovecraftian monsters. The game’s eerie, Gothic aesthetic and dark fantasy environment create a somber ambiance that can be intense, but victories are even more rewarding.

As a passionate fan, I must admit that navigating the treacherous world of Darkest Dungeon can be merciless, particularly for novice adventurers. Yet, conquering even the smallest of dungeons offers an exhilarating sense of achievement. This game isn’t everyone’s cup of tea due to its harrowing gameplay, but I find the strategic, weighty turn-based combat and dungeon exploration in Darkest Dungeon to be meticulously designed.

2024-08-04 10:33