10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer and connoisseur of all things roguelike, I’ve had the privilege of diving headfirst into some truly captivating digital worlds. And let me tell you, my friends, these three titles have left an indelible mark on my gaming life!


Despite offering a deep sense of satisfaction, roguelike games may prove too challenging for some gamers due to their demanding nature. Each new game session requires players to start anew, which necessitates both time and proficiency in all mechanics to reach the game’s conclusion.

On the rise and boasting captivating core elements, the lighter versions of the genre known as roguelites have surfaced. These games enable players to retain some form of advancement (skills, enhancements, funds, etc.) across each consecutive playthrough.

In contrast to traditional roguelikes that have elements such as permanent death and procedural levels, this innovative take on the genre is more inviting for players due to their gradual progression and lenient learning process. As demonstrated in our list of the top 10 roguelites available on Game Pass, this approach makes these games a more appealing choice for gamers.

10 Inkulinati

Medieval Superstar

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

Inkulinati is a turn-based strategy game reminiscent of an ancient medieval text, offering a well-balanced blend of amusement and tactical depth.

As a skilled Inkulinati Master, your mission is to outwit notable historical figures like Hildegard and Dante Alighieri during skirmishes by strategically placing barriers on the battlefield, moving your drawn combatants, or detonating your forces at opportune moments – all through the art of drawing.

Consequently, Inkulinati’s stunning art serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics, since it intertwines with its gameplay mechanics. Factor in the diverse landscapes of battlefields and the unpredictable apocalyptic scenarios, and you have a distinctive roguelike experience that is not only visually appealing but also engaging to play.

9 Superhot: Mind Control Delete

Slow Motion Repetition

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

In a fresh twist on the original, Superhot: Mind Control Delete elevates the series by introducing a roguelike structure, seamlessly blending first-person shooter gameplay and puzzle-like stages.

Transforming the game by incorporating fresh adversaries, weaponry, and abilities within dynamically generated settings aligns exceptionally with the fundamental mechanics of the series. This transition into a new genre seemed organic given its thrilling action and engaging replayability, as repetition was enjoyable from the start due to its allure and appeal since the initial release.

All in all, “Superhot: Mind Control Delete” is not only among the top-tier roguelites on Game Pass, but it’s also one of its standout shooter games. For those who appreciate polished, crisp, and visually striking gaming experiences, this title is a great fit.

8 Descenders

Roguebike’s Origins

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

In “Descenders,” an adrenaline-fueled downhill freeride game, it breaks new ground in the roguelike genre by offering a non-violent gaming experience. Essentially, the objective in this game is to immerse yourself in the thrilling ride of biking.

Under the name “roguebike”, you’ll find randomly created environments, a sophisticated physics engine, and a variety of terrains for you to navigate by free-styling on mountain slopes.

Each time you play, you’ll acquire unique modifications, requiring you to adapt your strategies based on your preferred riding approach. This tailors the gameplay experience to your style, adding a touch of personalization that aligns with the game’s overall concept.

Instead of being just another rogue-like game, Descenders stands out as something unique and differentiates itself from its contemporaries.

7 PlateUp!

Overcooked Went Rogue

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

In simpler terms, PlateUp! is an engaging cooking game where you aim to establish a gastronomic empire across diverse, randomly generated settings. As you progress, you’ll unlock various upgrades, skills, and recipes to grow your culinary enterprise.

Although it’s possible to play the game on your own, it’s more enjoyable when played with friends, since its cooperative mode lets up to four chefs manage a dynamic restaurant environment that features varying maps, customers, obstacles, circumstances, and weather conditions.

Should you be able to endure working alongside unpredictable partners in your kitchen, the enjoyment offered by PlateUp! is tough to surpass. Its gameplay management and the roguelike advancement only enhance the experience, making it one of the most enjoyable choices on the list.

6 Brotato

Auto-firing Potato

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

In simpler terms, Brotato is a game that’s hard to put down due to its engaging gameplay and swift pace.

The self-firing mechanism, multitude of characters, and vast array of items create a setup that continually offers opportunities for another attempt, another quest to find the winning formula needed to endure the endless assaults by alien hordes.

Boasting an appealing design, teeming with figures and points, and packed with thrilling action scenes, Brotato embodies the kind of immersive roguelite gameplay you’d envision in your mind.

5 Roboquest

First-person Madness

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

Roboquest offers an exhilarating blend of roguelike gameplay and first-person shooting action, ensuring an adrenaline-fueled and immersive gaming adventure.

This game really shines when played cooperatively, offering the opportunity for you and a companion to synchronize your actions, working together to conquer enemies, enhance your base, and tailor your playstyle.

RoboQuest doesn’t aim to revolutionize the roguelike shooter genre, but it doesn’t have to. Instead, it delivers a straightforward, polished gaming experience, along with an excellent soundtrack. This combination is more than sufficient to place it among the top-tier roguelike shooters in the market today.

4 Neon Abyss

Procedural Bullet-hell

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

Neon Abyss stands out as an underestimated roguelike game, offering a unique blend of platforming action, a vast selection of imaginative firearms, and melee combat. Its allure stems from the enormous arsenal of weapons it provides and the formidable obstacles it presents.

The game offers an endless variety of possibilities and combinations, leading to breathtaking confrontations filled with countless bullets, laser beams, rocket attacks, adversaries, and gore, making it incredibly exhilarating.

Additionally, it boasts a unique character with exceptional visuals, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking a captivating roguelike game that offers both stunning graphics and engaging gameplay. In other words, if you’re on the hunt for a roguelike that is visually and mechanically outstanding, Neon Abyss should be at the top of your list.

3 Vampire Survivors

Snowballing Addiction

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

Vampire Survivors is a time-based game that offers simple mechanics, yet it has a knack for consuming even the final moments of your spare time, as well as your busy hours.

In this intense game, overflowing with countless creatures, it’s the escalating mechanisms that create a thrilling environment. The objective is to assemble the strongest possible mix of skills and items, providing an exhilarating experience from watching massive figures and vibrant visuals.

As a devoted player, I find myself constantly drawn back to Vampire Survivors because each run’s advancement contributes to permanent bonuses that last indefinitely. This persistent progression keeps me yearning for another attempt, transforming Vampire Survivors not just into an addictive game, but also a remarkable roguelike at an unbeatable price.

2 Deep Rock Galactic

King Of Co-op Games

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

Since its debut in 2020, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by Deep Rock Galactic, a standout title among cooperative games. A significant factor contributing to its success is its intricate, procedurally-generated cave networks that never cease to surprise and challenge me.

In this first-person shooter featuring cool space dwarves, each gaming session varies significantly due to its completely destructible surroundings. Moreover, it offers four distinct character classes and a resource-based system that results in numerous entertaining sessions lasting for many hours.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but appreciate the fact that my favorite game, Deep Rock Galactic, consistently delivers fresh content without charge. This ongoing expansion not only deepens its appeal but also keeps it feeling fresh and innovative, earning it a well-deserved reputation as an authentic treasure in the realm of cooperative and roguelike games.

1 Sifu

Mastering Perfection

10 Best Roguelites on Game Pass, Ranked

Among the top indie games currently available, Sifu stands out by embodying the key characteristics of roguelikes: it offers challenging gameplay, encourages constant improvement, invites mastery of its systems, and immerses players in a state of flow.

Though each stage remains consistent, both the characters and the players evolve over time, gaining new abilities to tackle obstacles and acquiring valuable insights about adversaries and bosses in the process.

In addition to its roguelike gameplay structure, each new session becomes progressively simpler due to the availability of shortcuts that can be unlocked for future playthroughs. By the end of the gaming journey, not only will it be easier because of the grinding completed earlier, but also because your martial arts skills will have significantly improved over time.

Due to its movie-like style, Sifu is an exhilarating experience that leaves you feeling victorious and a martial arts game masterpiece that any indie game enthusiast should not miss.

Read More

2024-10-18 21:09