7 Best Roguelikes on Game Pass, Ranked

In my humble opinion as a seasoned gamer who has traversed countless digital realms, I must say that these exceptional games truly embody the spirit of innovation and creativity within the gaming industry. Each title offers a unique blend of genres, immersing players in captivating experiences that leave lasting impressions.

In recent times, there’s been a significant surge in popularity for the roguelike game genre, particularly within independent gaming circles. Offering endless hours of fun and boasting a diverse range of styles, it has firmly established itself as a staple in the video game world, appreciated for its vast creative potential.

In a variety of gaming genres, including first-person shooters and card games, the fundamental aspects of roguelike games can be found. This is because principles like procedurally generated stages, permadeath, and an abundance of possible combinations are versatile elements that can be adapted to various game designs.

Yet, certain games among these shine brighter, and you’ll find them listed as the top seven roguelikes available on Game Pass, ranked for your convenience.

Keep in mind that this article excludes games classified as Roguelikes; however, should you be interested in a curated list of top-tier Roguelites, we’ve got you covered!

7 Dicey Dungeons

Dice-powered Roguelike

Created by the same mind behind VVVVVV and Super Hexagon, Dicey Dungeons presents a unique take on the deckbuilding roguelike genre, with constantly shifting dungeons that revolve around dice gameplay.

The game exudes a massive character, defying typical elements such as chance or unpredictability with a genuine style that leaves you feeling fantastic merely by playing it. The combination of adversaries and music gives off an incredibly high level of charm, which makes it particularly entertaining when played outside.

Regardless of not ranking at the very pinnacle, Dicey Dungeons stands out as an exceptional contribution to the genre due to its abundance of inventive ideas and unique concepts, creating a sensation that you’re playing multiple games in one.

6 Moonlighter

The Economy Is The True Rogue

Moonlighter is an exciting blend of Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) and Business Management simulator, where you play as both a valiant hero vanquishing adversaries and a shrewd merchant running your own shop.

Due to this dual nature, the game provides an engaging blend of intense roguelike gameplay and strategic resource management, creating a captivating loop where you explore dungeons for loot and then sell it off.

Playing Moonlighter requires strategic thinking as you’re tasked with both tactical battles and managing the community of Rynoka. This flexible and approachable roguelike caters to various types of gamers.

5 Darkest Dungeon

Turn-based Stress

If you enjoy experiencing intense mental pressure as you explore unfathomable terrors and illnesses, then Darkest Dungeon could be the perfect game for you.

In a twist on the traditional dungeon exploration theme, this roguelike game offers an intense, merciless experience. Through its strategic turn-based battles and survival elements, it plunges you deep into the hardships of its universe, subtly expressing themes of sadness and despair.

For individuals who appreciate deeply emotional, dark narratives and intricate, gothic hand-drawn artwork, Darkest Dungeon could offer an unmatched level of enjoyment.

4 Have A Nice Death

Hades Meets Hollow Knight

Truthfully, ‘Have a Nice Death’ stands out. The gameplay, featuring a 2D style, combines the smooth fighting and precise control of ‘Hollow Knight’ with the advancement system and enchanting appeal of ‘Hades’, resulting in an exceptional experience.

From the faultless level design to the terrific and challenging bosses, the gameplay is astonishingly clean, diverse, and incredibly replayable, thus feeling immaculate as a whole. It’s indeed a roguelike at its finest, a love letter to the genre.

The game is equally user-friendly due to its smoothly ascending learning curve, yet its thrilling hack-and-slash gameplay offers both a challenging and rewarding experience. In essence, this meticulously crafted title caters well to beginners while offering veterans an enjoyable challenge.

3 Inscryption

More Than A Roguelike

Thus far, all characters on the roster exhibit a shared trait – blending various genres; however, none can rival the exceptional total experience found in Inscryption when it comes to genre fusion.

Initially, this appears to be just another engaging card-based roguelike game. But upon closer inspection, it transforms into a chilling escape room experience drenched in psychological terror, leaving a lasting impact on your gaming journey once experienced.

Familiarity with the developer’s past projects might give you an idea of what’s coming. However, if you’re not, it offers a unique and exceptional experience, making it one of the finest roguelike games for newcomers.

2 Slay The Spire

Easy To Learn, Hard To Master

In simpler terms, Slay the Spire, a popular roguelike card game, switches the main emphasis in this genre from intense action battles to strategic confrontations, making knowledge and strategy paramount.

The game offers a rich and fulfilling experience, boasting numerous cards and artifacts that significantly enhance its play value. Moreover, it presents multiple instances where strategic thinking plays a crucial role in achieving victory.

Speaking about exceptional design, distinctive gameplay, and an abundance of options, Slay the Spire stands tall as the epitome of its genre and is unquestionably the top choice for a deck-building roguelike game.

1 Dead Cells

Roguevania Is The Way

Dead Cells skillfully combines the standout features from the roguelike, metroidvania, and soulslike game categories, resulting in an unparalleled creation that truly deserves the title of a masterwork.

As a dedicated fan, I can confidently say that Motion Twin’s masterpiece stands out among the best roguelikes on Game Pass and is seriously contending for the title of the greatest roguelike ever made. The gaming experience offers an endless wellspring of top-tier content that consistently delivers a sublime gameplay experience, keeping me engaged for countless hours.

In terms of its action-packed gameplay, randomly created levels, and blending the atmosphere and obstacles from Dark Souls with the roguevania style, Dead Cells undeniably reigns supreme in its genre.

2024-10-23 21:09