10 Most Addictive Roguelike Games You Must Play in 2025

You might feel bored when games replay the same levels. You crave new challenges each time. Fact: roguelike games use procedural generation to build fresh maps every run.

This guide lists ten hit roguelike and roguelite titles to try in 2025. It shows deckbuilding gems like slay the spire, dungeon crawler fights in dead cells, and action in vampire survivors.

We cover games for computer and console play. Keep reading.

Key Takeaways

• The guide lists 10 top roguelike hits, from Into the Breach (Feb 27, 2018) to Hades II (Supergiant Games; early access May 6, 2024; full release in 2025).
• Each game uses procedural generation to craft fresh maps every run and features permadeath or high-stakes loops.
• Players can play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, or mobile; Risk of Rain 2 (Hopoo Games) even supports four-player co-op.
• Deck-building fans can try Slay the Spire (MegaCrit; Jan 23, 2019), while action lovers can slash through Dead Cells (Motion Twin; Aug 6, 2018).
• Studios like Supergiant, Hopoo, poncle, and Housemarque use vivid art, tight combat, and dynamic sound (e.g., Returnal’s DualSense feedback) to hook you.

Hades II

Hades II turns every escape run into a thrilling sprint through hellish halls that fight back. You’ll laugh when a giant hound scorches you, cheer as you slice a boss, and stay on your toes thanks to procedural generation on computer and console.

Developer: Supergiant Games (Hades II)

Supergiant Games made Hades II to shake up roguelike games. It hit early access on May 6, 2024, with a full release set for 2025. The team blends procedurally generated levels and arcane lore.

You slash with divine weapons and dodge fierce bosses on every run.

The studio built a custom engine for fast, tight combat and vivid art. This dungeon crawler rewards skill, strategy, and quick reflexes. Fans of dead cells or slay the spire will spot familiar thrills here.

Every playthrough feels fresh and full of surprises.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch (Hades II)

Hades II appears on all top systems. You must defeat Chronos, god of time.

• Desktop rig: It runs every roguelike at high frames like clockwork. This personal computer handles procedural generation in Hades II. You dodge blasts faster, and you strike Chronos hard.
• Sony console: PlayStation 5 DualSense thumps each blow. Haptic feedback sinks into every chamber as you climb out of Tartarus. This unit packs depth on another level while you hunt Chronos.
• Microsoft box: Xbox Series X nails crisp lighting. Game Pass streams most roguelike games on launch day. Hades II runs at 120 hertz as you aim to defeat Chronos.
• Nintendo handheld: Nintendo Switch 2 goes with you. It hosts Hades II alongside Dead Cells and The Binding of Isaac. You swap roguelike runs in line at the coffee shop while hunting Chronos.

Risk of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2 pits you against relentless hordes on alien passages. Developed in Unity, it puts procedural generation and co-op firepower front and center.

Developer: Hopoo Games (Risk of Rain 2)

Hopoo Games launched Risk of Rain 2 on August 11, 2020. The indie studio used Unity to craft a sci-fi roguelike game. It thrusts you onto a strange planet. You race against a timer, face waves of creatures, and gather gear through procedurally generated levels.

You can team up in four-player co-op on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch.

Fans of roguelike games praise its fast combat, rare item builds, and endless challenge loop. Mod support on Steam adds new content and fresh maps. The shift from pixel art to 3D boosts immersion.

The title blends shooter action and roguelites mechanics to keep you hooked run after run.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch (Risk of Rain 2)

Risk of Rain 2 runs on most major consoles. It brings fully 3D action to roguelike games.

1. PC: delivers 4K on Windows; shows off full 3D worlds built with procedural generation; fits mods that tweak loot and enemies.
2. PlayStation 4/5: uses DualSense on PS5 for trigger feedback; joins players via crossplay; keeps runs tight.
3. Xbox One/Series X|S: resumes sessions fast with quick resume; scales challenge with dynamic difficulty; holds steady 60 fps.
4. Nintendo Switch: goes handheld or docked with no lag; adds local co-op at home; stores saves via cloud.

Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors pits you against endless hordes, as power-ups rain down in retro streaks. Procedural generation makes each run feel fresh, and the game shines on handheld and desktop devices.

Developer: poncle (Vampire Survivors)

Poncle is a small indie studio. It launched Vampire Survivors on October 20, 2022. The roguelike game climbed the charts fast. It runs on PC, consoles, and mobile. It mixes pixel art with dungeon crawler action.

Procedural generation sends a fresh layout each run.

Players face wave after wave, dodging claws and spells. The dev used a light engine and simple code to craft tight loops. Fans praise its addictive play and quick runs. This indie gem draws on roguelike games roots.

An engine tool lets the team push updates fast.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile (Vampire Survivors)

Vampire Survivors runs on many platforms. Fans can chase endless hordes on any device.

1. PC: Players can get started on Windows PCs via Steam and itch.io. It runs at 60 FPS, supports fan mods, and shows procedurally generated levels in crisp detail.
2. PlayStation 4 and 5: It joins top roguelike games on Sony consoles via the PlayStation Store. You get big-screen action and stable frame rates.
3. Xbox One and Series X: Fans of indie games can grab it on Xbox consoles with Game Pass perks. Quick Resume lets you pause and jump back in.
4. Nintendo Switch: It moves to handheld play with docked mode support. Joy-Con controls suit auto battles and Castlevania aesthetics.
5. Smartphones: Android and iOS users can drop into short runs lasting 15 to 30 minutes on the go. Automatic attacks and a dungeon-crawler twist fit small screens.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells shakes up Metroidvania action with sharp pixel art brawls. It uses procedural generation to keep each run fresh and intense.

Developer: Motion Twin (Dead Cells)

Motion Twin built Dead Cells. The game dropped on August 6, 2018. It blends hack and slash with roguelike games. It uses procedurally generated levels to shape fresh dungeons. The pixel frames shine like a comic strip.

The audio track hits like a punch.

Players jump, slash, and dodge in tight arenas. They hunt new swords, guns, and shields. Each escape feels like a rush on roller skates. This title stands tall among Rogue Legacy 2 or Slay the Spire fans.

It fuels the fire in any gamer.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile (Dead Cells)

Dead Cells spans PC, consoles, and phones. You can access this roguelike dungeon crawler anywhere.

• Desktop play on Windows or Mac delivers the full roguelike experience with mods and Steam Workshop.
• PlayStation owners on PS4 or PS5 slash through procedurally generated levels with tight controls.
• Xbox fans on One or Series X|S stream quick runs and swap gear in pixel art halls.
• Switch players take the action on the go, firing traps from café tables to commute.
• Smartphones on Android or iOS turn your commute into a chaotic jump-and-slash session.
• Regular patches bring 35 major updates that tweak enemies, weapons, and biomes for fresh runs.
• Five DLC add new bosses, deadly biomes, and secret gear to challenge even veteran squad members.

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire fuses roguelike runs with deck-building flair, crafting fresh combos at each climb. You face foes on a computer via Steam, shifting your card strategy on every turn.

Developer: MegaCrit (Slay the Spire)

MegaCrit launched Slay the Spire on January 23, 2019. The team built it in Java with the LibGDX engine. They mixed deck-building and card game mechanics in a roguelike game. It packs procedurally generated levels and pulse-pounding challenges.

Reviewers hailed its fresh take on rogue deck-building.

Fans praise MegaCrit’s clear art style and tight design. Daily streams show players mastering each run. Speedruns top leaderboards. Card synergy drives wild combos. The game set a high bar for indie roguelikes.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Mobile (Slay the Spire)

Slay the Spire lands on every screen. Readers can carry it from desk to couch to park.

• PC: You grab it on Steam or Epic Games Store. The roguelike game uses procedural generation to keep each climb fresh. Card game mechanics mix with rpg style for deep tactics.
• PlayStation: You find it on PS4 and PS5 via PlayStation Store. The title rewards trophy hunters and couch co-op fans. It runs fast over PlayStation Network.
• Xbox: You buy it on Xbox One and Series X and S through Xbox Live. Quick Resume gets you right back to the fight. The controller feels tight in hand.
• Switch: You download it on Nintendo eShop. It shifts from docked TV to handheld without a hiccup. You tap and drag cards on the touch screen for quick drafts.
• Mobile: You install it on Android or iOS via Google Play or App Store. The small display still shows every card detail. It packs big replay value in your pocket.

Spelunky 2

Mossmouth’s platformer uses procedural generation to build new caverns each run. You face brutal permadeath, but the urge to try again hooks you for deeper surprises.

Developer: Mossmouth (Spelunky 2)

Mossmouth joined forces with BlitWorks to build Spelunky 2. The team released it on September 29, 2020 for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. It uses procedural generation to craft fresh caves each run.

The studio wrote tight code that feels solid under every jump and trap. Players dart through levels, chase gold, and risk it all in this roguelike games hit.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch (Spelunky 2)

Spelunky 2 lands on gaming rigs, Sony consoles, Microsoft consoles, and hybrid consoles. It packs expanded areas, secret rooms, and tough traps.

• Gaming rigs tap into Steam on Windows 10 with fast loads and mod support. Players enjoy procedurally generated levels at full HD.
• Sony consoles add cool haptic effects via DualSense on big screens. They reveal hidden secrets in expanded areas with fierce, challenging gameplay.
• Microsoft consoles deliver stable frame rates and quick resume. They fuel dungeon crawler thrills in the roguelike genre.
• Hybrid consoles pack handheld runs with docked options. Fans get indie games vibe and risk of rain 2 style speed.

Returnal

Returnal hurls you across shifting alien ruins with procedural levels that twist like a cosmic maze. It drives you on, with the DualSense rumbling every burst and crash.

Developer: Housemarque (Returnal)

Housemarque burst onto the scene with Returnal on April 30, 2021. It blends sci-fi roguelike elements with third-person shooting. You battle alien horrors on a shattered world. The game runs on PlayStation 5 and PC.

It uses adaptive triggers for crisp feedback. It boasts procedurally generated levels that shift each run. Fans of roguelike games will feel the adrenaline. Each death loops you back in time.

Devoted players praise tight gunplay and shifting arenas. They love the eerie soundtrack and mystery drops. The story unspools in shards, like a puzzle box. Unreal Engine tools deliver sharp textures and lighting.

Housemarque carved a bold path for indie action. It turned roguelike genre tropes into a manic ride.

Platforms: PlayStation, PC (Returnal)

Returnal blends sci-fi themes with hectic combat. Bullet hell mechanics keep players on edge.

• PlayStation 5 hosts this AAA production with crisp visuals. Haptic feedback on the DualSense brings each battle to life. Soundscapes drive the narrative forward. Runs stay stable at 60 frames per second. Gamers can also access VRR support.
• PC setups unlock ultra settings for clear detail. High-end graphics cards drive frame rates past 120 FPS. Fans of roguelike games can tweak shaders and effects. Keyboard and mouse combos add precision. Mods can enrich each run with fresh content.

Darkest Dungeon II

Darkest Dungeon II drags your party through grim skirmishes, and a stress gauge tests every nerve. It uses Unity to craft endless underground halls, and you can grab it on Valve’s storefront.

Developer: Red Hook Studios (Darkest Dungeon II)

Red Hook Studios builds on a hit dungeon crawler. The team released the sequel for PC on May 8, 2024. It blends turn-based fights with permadeath risk. The design sits at the crossroads of roguelike genre and grim art.

Developers craft procedurally generated levels for fresh maps. Hard choices and stress meters test every adventurer. Grim palettes and tense soundtracks ramp up fear. Fans of darkest dungeon and dungeon crawler titles thrill at its punishing loops.

Platforms: PC (Darkest Dungeon II)

Darkest Dungeon II haunts PC users with dark art. It blends turn-based RPG fights and procedurally generated levels.

1. Official PC launch arrived in October 2021 via Steam Early Access, letting fans of Darkest Dungeon II, developed by Red Hook Studios, tackle dread-filled dungeons in this indie roguelike.
2. Requires Windows 10 or newer, 8 GB of RAM, a GeForce GTX 960 or Radeon RX 560, and 20 GB of storage for optimal play.
3. Integrates DirectX 11 and Vulkan graphics APIs, so players can tweak texture detail, shadow quality, and frame timing.
4. Offers Steam Workshop compatibility, so users can download and install custom mods that revamp heroes, monsters, and gear.
5. Supports point-and-click commands, keyboard options, and most controllers, including Xbox Series X pads, to match each gamer’s preference.
6. Includes colorblind filters and UI scaling options, helping those who need bright icons or large fonts for health and stress bars.
7. Provides manual save slots alongside quick checkpoints, letting you revisit risky choices in this turn-based roguelike game.

Into the Breach

Into the Breach pits mechs and giant bugs in tight, turn-based fights on desktop and handheld consoles. It serves fresh maps each play, thanks to procedurally generated levels that keep you on your toes.

Developer: Subset Games (Into the Breach)

Subset Games built Into the Breach for personal computers and Nintendo systems. The team shipped it on February 27, 2018. The game merges roguelike games with turn-based strategy. Procedural generation shapes each map, so no run feels the same.

Pilots guide mechs to fight giant bugs and save cities. You see clear pixel art and a thumping soundtrack. Critics praise its tight design and deep tactics. Fans of The Binding of Isaac and Risk of Rain 2 will love its roguelike spark.

Platforms: PC, Switch (Into the Breach)

Into the Breach blends turn-based tactics with a sci-fi roguelike twist. It uses time travel mechanics and a steep learning curve.

• PC Version: It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux via Steam, with cloud saves and mod support.
• Switch Version: It arrives on the Nintendo eShop, offering docked play and handheld mode at 60 FPS.
• Storefront Access: PC players use Steam while Switch owners use the in-console shop, both tools deliver fast updates.
• Design: Procedural generation tweaks each map, keeping threats fresh across runs.
• Mechanics: Grid battles force you to protect civilians and upgrade mechs before each rewind.
• Theme: A sci-fi roguelike set in 2047 sends you back in time after every mission.
• Challenge: A steep learning curve demands careful planning, turning each defeat into a lesson.

Rogue Legacy 2

Rogue Legacy 2 pushes platformer heroes through procedurally generated dungeons with permadeath for real tension. You can tweak skill trees between runs and grab it on any digital store or subscription service.

Developer: Cellar Door Games (Rogue Legacy 2)

Cellar Door Games launched Rogue Legacy 2 on April 28, 2022. The indie studio blends Metroidvania fun with rogue legacy charm. It uses procedural generation to shape a new castle each game.

Each heir brings odd perks that spice up runs. Hardcore players call it a top roguelike game for its wild keepsake system.

The fresh pixel art pops on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. You unlock skill trees that boost spells, gear, and health. Many compare its dungeon crawler feel to Dead Cells and Slay the Spire.

It nails bite-size runs that keep you coming back for more. Fans rave about its deep upgrade path and replay value.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch (Rogue Legacy 2)

Rogue Legacy 2 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. It blends metroidvania flair with roguelike grit.

1. PC: This indie gem runs on Microsoft Windows via Steam and Epic. Rogue Legacy 2 ranks high among indie games, dungeon crawlers, and roguelike titles. It uses procedurally generated levels and expanded traits for fresh runs. A stable 60fps gives silky gameplay.
2. PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5: The dungeon crawler art pops in 4K on PS5. Quick loading cuts wait time. Metroidvania flow meets roguelike grit.
3. Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S: Smooth action at 120fps thrills on Series X. Quick Resume zaps you back to battle. High stakes meet lively humor in each run.
4. Nintendo Switch: Handheld mode puts castle raids in your bag. Charming pixel art adapts to small screens. Every castle layout feels wild and alive.

Bonus Mention: Loop Hero

Loop Hero fuses card game systems with random level design for endless runs. Retro visuals and cycle-based combat keep you hooked.

Developer: Four Quarters (Loop Hero)

Four Quarters made Loop Hero. It hit Steam on March 4, 2021. The studio wrote code on Unity, using procedural generation and card game mechanics to shape each path. Players set tiles around a lone hero, adding monsters or treasure as they stroll.

This loop picks you up by the collar and tosses you into endless runs.

Loop Hero appears on PC and Nintendo Switch. Players can grab it on Steam or eShop, then jump right into the loop. Fans of roguelike games like dead cells, slay the spire, and rogue legacy 2 will grin at each fresh run.

Platforms: PC, Switch (Loop Hero)

Loop Hero works on computer and portable system. The indie studio mixed loop gameplay, procedural generation, and unlockables to hook players.

• Computer installs run on most modern operating systems, with smooth graphics and open mod support; it hooks roguelike fans with dungeon crawler loops, deck tactics, and new relics to unlock.
• Portable system play lets you spawn adventures on the go, with mid run save spots, full deck shuffles, and surprise unlockables from the indie studio.

Key Features That Make These Games Addictive

Procedural generation churns new paths on the fly. An RNG system inside your game engine spawns wild surprises.

Procedural generation for endless replayability (Key Features)

Random map systems keep you on your toes. They tuck loot in odd corners, shift enemy packs, and swap room patterns. Risk of Rain 2, Dead Cells, and Loop Hero bank on this map generator to lock in a fresh feel.

It cuts boredom off at the pass and sends you right back to the screen.

Pacific Drive rolled its Endless Expeditions update on March 10, 2024, to shake up its world with new random layouts. Slay the Spire, Vampire Survivors, and Rogue Legacy 2 also use that dynamic level engine.

Each play gives you fresh biomes, new traps, and split-second gambits.

Challenging gameplay with high stakes (Key Features)

High stakes ramp up the thrill in roguelike games. Games like Dead Cells and Slay the Spire push players to adapt fast. They punish mistakes with permanent death. Procedural generation creates new maps each run.

Balatro shows how number manipulation raises tension.

Each failure offers a lesson. Designers use Unity Engine tools to build tense battles. Risk of Rain 2 and Rogue Legacy 2 test skill under pressure. They blend luck and strategy like poker high stakes.

Unique art styles and immersive soundtracks (Key Features)

Dead Cells, Slay the Spire, and Vampire Survivors stun with vivid sprites and bold hues. Algorithmic layout, or procedural generation, boosts replay chances. Music in Crypt of the NecroDancer links footstep timing to drum hits.

Sound design in Returnal and Hades II taps FMOD and Unreal Engine to craft dynamic tracks. Each pairing of art and music feels immersive and alive.

Spelunky 2 mixes pixel art with fluid motion. Darkest Dungeon II paints a grim world with gothic panels. Into the Breach uses neat grids and simple blocks for clear vision. Scores blend chiptune beats and symphony hits in Rogue Legacy 2.

Risk of Rain 2 warns of oncoming threats with tense sound cues.

Tips for Maximizing Enjoyment in Roguelike Games

Shake up your builds, mash buttons or tap keys, lean on meta-progression and procedural generation to keep every run fresh. Tweak your input settings to match your style, then watch each escape light up with new risks and rewards.

Experiment with different strategies (Tips)

Mix weapons and perks in dead cells. Try new relic combos in risk of rain 2. Add damage boosts in vampire survivors. Switch hero builds in rogue legacy 2. Give each run a twist like a roller coaster.

Use procedural generation as your playground. Embrace perma-death to sharpen skills fast. Share odd tips with pals on a chat app. That practice fuels steady growth.

Learn from each failure to improve (Tips)

Each wipe in Dead Cells or Risk of Rain 2 shows a new pattern. You learn from each failure to improve your path, your build, or your timing. Darkest Dungeon 2, with its communal stress mechanics, spotlights weak links in your roster.

Swap that jester or equip a healer to shift the tide. Procedural generation kicks in every run, so you adapt faster.

Rogue Legacy 2 mixes traits and skills. A flawed heir teaches you which upgrades matter most. That crash on the boss run helps you tweak a loadout, and next time you surge past the gate.

These roguelike games shine when you treat every loss like a lesson and every run like a chance to level up.

Focus on progression rather than immediate success (Tips)

Roguelike games like Hades II rely on procedural generation and high risks. You earn permanent progression elements and new story scenes after each run, even if you die. This slow build helps you spot patterns, notch up weapons, and feel real growth.

Focus shifts from quick wins to steady upgrades. Slay the Spire, Dead Cells and Risk of Rain 2 reward players who chip away at goals, not the ones chasing a giant score. You learn fresh tactics, stash better relics, and inch closer to epic victories with each try.

Takeaways

These ten hits prove random dungeon style games keep us coming back. You will face new twists each run, thanks to algorithmic worlds. Each title adds its own card tactics, platform challenges or shooter flair.

Keep learning with every try, gain new skills, and enjoy the ride on desktop and console.

FAQs

1. What are roguelike games?

They use procedural generation to craft new maps. These procedurally generated levels change each run. You die, you learn, you try again. This loop feels like a fun crash test.

2. Which roguelike games top the list in 2025?

The action platformer, Dead Cells, brings swift hits. Slay the Spire tests your deck with fresh threats. Enter the Gungeon sprays bullets in tight rooms. Rogue Legacy 2 passes on traits, keeps you curious. Risk of Rain 2 ramps up the chaos. Cult of the Lamb charms and bites.

3. Are there sci-fi roguelikes to play?

Yes, the sci-fi roguelike FTL: Faster Than Light sails through space dangers. Caves of Qud dives into odd, alien ruins. Vampire Survivors zaps wave after wave of foes.

4. Do roguelike games use card game mechanics?

Many do. Slay the Spire, Loop Hero, Dicey Dungeons, Hand of Fate all lean on card game mechanics to shuffle your run. You draw cards, you play cards, you adapt on the fly.

5. What are top dungeon crawler roguelikes?

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth creeps through dark halls. Darkest Dungeon tests your nerves in grim cells. Hades 2 races you through mythic gates. Each dungeon crawler hides fresh threats.

6. Which indie games in the roguelike genre should I try?

Indie games shine here. Cadence of Hyrule syncs music with dungeon steps. Streets of Rogue lets you craft your own path. Don’t Starve throws you to wild survival. Shiren the Wanderer walks a lone quest.