Best Roguelike Games That Can Keep You Busy For Months

Best Roguelike Games That Can Keep You Busy For Months

Key Takeaways

  • Hades’ plot depth & interactions keep players engaged, aiming for multiple endings.
  • Slay the Spire’s mechanics require patience, challenge runs, & mods for extended playtime.
  • Risk of Rain 2’s co-op and looting system maintain fresh gameplay loop for lasting enjoyment.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that these games are nothing short of marvels in the realm of digital entertainment. They each possess unique qualities that keep me coming back for more, time and time again.


The roguelike genre has exploded with the rise of indie gaming, allowing developers to craft unique assets that can generate levels that feel different in every run. The fact that players will relish the idea of diving into a game even after suffering a loss is a huge part of what makes this genre so special.

In some outstanding roguelike games, the core aspects are masterfully executed to keep gamers engaged for hundreds of hours over multiple months, all while avoiding monotony. Such games impressively offer a rich diversity that maintains player interest for extended periods.

8 Hades

Hearing All The Dialogue And Exploring The Pact Of Punishment Can Take A Long Time

Supergiant Games skillfully blends storytelling with gameplay, creating an enchanting experience that leaves fans craving more. This talent is particularly evident in Hades, where each defeat offers players an opportunity to advance the plot and engage with numerous non-player characters before attempting another escape from the Underworld.

Besides having to vanquish Hades a total of ten times to reach the game’s finale, exploring the Pacts of Punishment and unraveling the storylines for the numerous NPCs can be such an engrossing process that players might spend several months striving for 100% completion in this game.

7 Slay The Spire

Ascending The Tower And Exploring The Game’s Mods Bumps Up The Playtime Considerably

In recent years, roguelike deck-building games have gained immense popularity, with many attributing the rise of this genre to the game known as “Slay the Spire“. Gamers delight in choosing a character and continuously upgrading their deck while making their way up the Spire.

In this game, death happens quite often at first as players learn its rules. While winning can feel satisfying, it’s not the sole aim. Players might engage in tougher challenges or apply numerous creative modifications to prolong the gameplay duration further.

6 Risk Of Rain 2

Multiplayer Modes And Extensive Looting Ensures That The Gameplay Loop Remains Fresh For A Long Time

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring allure that multiplayer games possess, and it’s the flawless execution of these aspects in a third-person shooter blended with roguelike elements that made Risk of Rain 2 an undeniable smash hit for me.

The new version of the game represents a significant shift from its previous iteration, yet many would concur that these modifications have been advantageous. Emphasis has been placed on acquiring loot and cooperative play, enabling players to enhance their selected character significantly while traversing an alien realm and combating adversaries across diverse ecosystems.

5 Darkest Dungeon

A Ton Of Content, Hardcore Difficulty, And Mods Ensure That Players Can Play This Game For Ages

One tough-as-nails role-playing game that gamers might want to try is called “Darkest Dungeon“. This game isn’t for the timid or weak-hearted. The eerie, Lovecraftian atmosphere of this title is second to none, and players soon discover just how merciless it can be if they overreach while delving into a dungeon, becoming greedy in the process.

As a devoted fan of Darkest Dungeon, I strongly recommend adjusting one’s strategy when venturing into the game’s dungeons. Instead of charging headlong into peril with any available warriors, it’s crucial to form a resilient squad that can survive each journey. The ultimate goal is to make substantial progress, and keeping your team alive is key to achieving this.

4 The Binding Of Isaac

A Lengthy Roguelike Title Inspired By The Legend Of Zelda With Numerous DLCs And Mods

One of the pioneers in the roguelike genre, openly influenced by Zelda, The Binding of Isaac is a unique blend of darkness and charm. This game can be quite demanding as players navigate through room after room filled with adversaries, aiming to strengthen themselves. They do this by accumulating upgrades, items, and abilities which empower Isaac, enabling him to make significant strides in the game.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that this game is bursting at the seams with a plethora of content, and the DLCs only serve to enhance the experience by introducing new adventures and challenges. To top it off, the vibrant modding community ensures a never-ending stream of user-generated content, making it possible for me to immerse myself in this game for months on end without ever exhausting its potential.

3 Caves Of Qud

An Open-World Roguelike That’s Hard Yet Engrossing At The Same Time

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for an often overlooked gem in the open-world roguelike genre – the captivating Caves of Qud. The intricate mechanics within this game never fail to keep me engaged, offering a sense of joy with each interaction.

As I delve deeper into this game, I can see myself growing stronger as my character, but death could strike at any moment for the unfortunate or hasty. The graphics might seem basic at first glance, but if you’re willing to look beyond the surface, you’ll find a roguelike experience that’s packed with quality and multiple playthrough possibilities.

2 Dwarf Fortress

One Of The Most Popular Colony Management Games Where Each Playthrough Can Take Ages

Dwarf Fortress, renowned as one of the greatest roguelike colony simulators ever made, continues to captivate its enthusiasts. Games like RimWorld were motivated by this exceptional game, in which players aid a group of dwarves in surmounting countless obstacles as they strive to build a prosperous community.

This game, particularly “Dwarf Fortress,” is challenging for newcomers due to its steep learning curve. It may take some time for beginners to grasp the intricacies of the game’s mechanics. However, once they do, players often find themselves spending extended periods trying to perfect their colony and anticipate potential risks.

1 Crypt Of The NecroDancer

Players Who Want To Get Perfect Scores In Every Level Will Spend A Ridiculously Long Time With This Title

Individuals seeking a casual exploration of rhythm-based gameplay offered by Crypt of the NecroDancer will undoubtedly appreciate the unique features it presents. The music, an enjoyable aspect, adds to the experience as players master their moves and vanquish foes in a seamless, fulfilling way.

Players who strive for perfect scores in every level and aim to master the All Zones Mode without error may dedicate several months to honing their reflexes and synchronizing their brains with the unique rhythm-based mechanics of the game, known as Crypt of the NecroDancer. The broad appeal of its gameplay, which caters to both casual and dedicated players, played a significant role in the unexpected success of this title.

Read More

2024-11-25 11:04