Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming experience under my belt, I must say that these four games have truly captured the essence of what makes a roguelike great – and that’s the ability to experiment with weapons!


One outstanding roguelike game that shattered conventions and boosted the genre’s popularity is “Rogue Legacy,” which was introduced in 2013. Since then, the roguelike genre has seen rapid growth. It enriched the gameplay loops by offering players enticing incentives to advance from enhancing HP to unlocking diverse character types.

Meeting new characters via class systems was great, but for some that may be too involved. They may get attached to their character and don’t want to migrate progress. That’s why a lot of games have unlockable weapons instead which help keep things fresh. Here is a good list of examples of roguelikes with weapon-based rewards.

6 Dave The Diver

A Chill Game About Catching Sushi Ingredients

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

In a relaxed, roguelike style, the game titled “Dave the Diver” stands out among its peers. It offers two distinct gameplay phases: during daylight hours, Dave embarks on underwater expeditions to catch fish using a knife and a somewhat sluggish harpoon gun. At night, players operate their sushi restaurant, earning income that can be used to purchase upgrades in “Dave the Diver”. These upgrades may include improved weapons, more powerful air tanks to allow Dave to dive deeper, or perhaps even new equipment for his underwater adventures.

As a devoted angler, I’ve found that swiftly preparing a pistol significantly expedites my fish-catching endeavors. The gameplay loop is both engaging and soothing, owing largely to the tranquil marine backdrop. Remarkably, this captivating experience has been further enriched with delightful updates, including an unexpected collaboration with the legendary Godzilla!

5 Dead Cells

Too Many Weapons To Count Or Even Try

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

In contrast to other games I’ve played, Dead Cells doesn’t let me select my preferred weapon at the start of a game. Instead, I encounter a wide variety of weapons like swords, daggers, whips, spears, grenades, and crossbows as I progress. These weapons aren’t immediately available; I need to gather materials and blueprints to unlock them. As I continue my journey through the game, these newly unlocked weapons start appearing during runs, much like how it works in many roguelike games with unlockable items.

As a diehard gamer, let me tell you, Dead Cells sets itself apart by offering a limited selection of weapons for me to pick from. What’s cool is that the game provides abilities that allow me to reshuffle my choices, giving me some control over the loot. Now, it’s random alright, but each weapon has its unique mix of strengths and weaknesses, making the weapon roulette a thrilling experience.

4 Ember Knights

Get Inflamed By The Heat Of Battle

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

Ember Knights, while not as widely known, is a game that deserves greater recognition. It’s a top-down action roguelike, beautifully illustrated with vivid pixel art. As eternal flames, players are sworn to defend their realm from invasion, resulting in numerous enemies, loot, and the inevitable – death.

In the game Ember Knights, you can buy permanent enhancements during breaks between play sessions to increase stats and obtain weapons. Initially, you’ll start with a sword; however, you’ll eventually be able to access other weapons such as a bow or a magic staff. One of the most exciting weapons, the scythe, is unlocked later in the game. Ember Knights looks fantastic, it offers a decent variety of weapons although somewhat limited, and the best part is that it features multiplayer mode with both online and local co-op for up to four players.

3 Hades

Hell Is Full Of Armaments

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

Over the past few years, Hades has become one of the most beloved roguelike games. Its success was so significant that it led developer Supergiant Games to commit to a sequel, an achievement unmatched by their previous works which were standalone titles. In both games, players initially wield only a single weapon. However, they can earn currency to unlock additional weapons within the game’s central hub worlds.

In the game Hades, players initially wield a sword, yet they’ll gradually unlock various other weapons such as a shield. These weapons can be customized, enabling them to function as multiple weapon types; for instance, one type of shield offers extensive protection while another is more aggressive. This limited assortment encourages experimentation much like in Ember Knights, whereas the array in Dead Cells might be slightly overpowering for some players.

2 Moonlighter

To Upgrade A Weapon Or To Sell A Weapon

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons

In simpler terms, “Moonlighter” is an exciting action roguelike game offering a variety of weapons that can be enhanced into multiple versions. Initially, players wield a sword and shield, venturing into a nearby dungeon. The protagonist, Will, doubles as a shopkeeper, requiring items for sale in the store, implying that gameplay extends beyond just acquiring materials for upgrades.

Players must strive to strike a distinct equilibrium, selling their resources on one hand and employing them to acquire fresh equipment or weaponry on the other. For instance, they might use a bow or colossal gloves designed for punching. The upgrade system immerses players in an extended journey, requiring them to delve into these dungeons for long periods while also engaging with the shopkeeping mini-game, reminiscent of the sushi store in Dave the Diver.

1 Oblivion Override

The Mega Man Of Roguelikes

Best Roguelike And Roguelite Games With Unlockable Weapons
  • Platforms: PC, Switch
  • Released: January 24, 2024
  • Developer: Humble Mill
  • Publisher: Paleo

2024 marked the full release of the game “Oblivion Override” in its 1.0 version, which continues to feel novel and somewhat overlooked due to less hype compared to other games. The storyline revolves around a robotic society that has crumbled due to war and internal takeovers by other robots. During their gameplay sessions, players can gather chips that grant access to various characters.

As a gamer, I’ll be gathering different types of in-game currency to access an array of unique weapons. Some of these weapons are the standard fare like spears or fists, but there are also exclusive ones, such as a baseball bat that hurls bouncing baseballs around in combat arenas. The game’s visual style is quite appealing for roguelike games and it provides two major unlockables: characters with distinct behaviors and weapons boasting alternate abilities.

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2024-10-04 10:33