The Best Roguelikes and Roguelites on PC Right Now

5 February 2025

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about roguelikes and roguelites. Whether it’s the pulse-quickening thrill of permadeath, the "just one more run" temptation, or the sheer joy of overcoming insane odds, these games have carved out their own unique corner of the gaming world. If you're into high-stakes gameplay and procedurally generated chaos, roguelikes and roguelites have got you covered. So, grab a snack, settle in, and get ready to dive into the best roguelikes and roguelites you can play on PC right now.

What’s the Big Deal with Roguelikes and Roguelites?

Before we dive headfirst into the list, let’s quickly unpack what makes these genres tick. "Roguelike" refers to games inspired by the 1980 classic Rogue. They typically feature permadeath, turn-based gameplay, and procedurally generated levels. On the other hand, "roguelites" keep the core ideas but sprinkle in progression systems so your character gets stronger over time. Think of roguelikes as ultra-classical music and roguelites as the jazzy remixes—both are brilliant, just with different vibes.

Alright, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get to the good stuff—games that’ll have you saying, "Just. One. More. Run."

1. Hades

Let’s kick things off with a certified masterpiece. If you haven’t played Hades yet, what are you even doing with your life? Developed by Supergiant Games, this roguelite puts you in the shoes (or should I say sandals) of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as you attempt to escape the fiery depths of the Underworld.

The gameplay? Chef’s kiss. The combat is fast, fluid, and endlessly satisfying thanks to a wide arsenal of weapons and upgrades. But what really sets Hades apart is its storytelling. Even in failure, you’re rewarded with juicy new dialogue and character interactions. Think of it as the roguelite equivalent of being handed a consolation cupcake after dropping your ice cream cone.

2. Dead Cells

Dead Cells takes the roguelite formula and slathers it in buttery-smooth action-platforming and pixel art so gorgeous it might make your eyes water. In this game, you play as a blob of sentient goo controlling a decapitated corpse. Yes, it’s as weird and awesome as it sounds.

The combat is fast-paced and rewarding, and each run feels fresh thanks to randomized weapons, levels, and enemies. Plus, it has that secret sauce—progression mechanics that make you stronger the more you play. It’s like hitting the gym, but instead of lifting weights, you’re dodging fireballs and slicing up skeletons.

3. Slay the Spire

Cards and roguelikes—a match made in gaming heaven. Slay the Spire revolutionized the deck-building genre by combining it with the roguelike formula. Instead of wielding swords, you’re slinging cards, crafting the perfect deck to conquer procedurally generated floors filled with monsters, traps, and treasures.

But be warned—this game will mess with your brain. Every card you pick, every encounter, every upgrade feels like a life-or-death decision. One bad choice can send your entire run spiraling into disaster. And yet, you’ll come crawling back, because Slay the Spire is as addictive as a bag of chips.

4. Returnal

Okay, so technically Returnal isn’t a PC-native game (yet), but with the announcement of its future PC release, it absolutely deserves a shoutout. This PS5 masterpiece by Housemarque takes the roguelike format to cinematic new heights.

You play as Selene, an astronaut trapped on a hostile alien planet in a time loop. Every time you die, you’re thrown back to the beginning, but you get a little stronger, a little wiser. The game blends bullet-hell-style combat with a hauntingly beautiful sci-fi setting. Honestly, it’s like playing a Christopher Nolan movie.

5. Risk of Rain 2

Remember how the original Risk of Rain was a 2D sidescroller? The sequel blew everyone’s minds by taking that same roguelite formula and translating it into a fully 3D experience. Spoiler alert: it totally works.

Risk of Rain 2 throws you onto alien planets crawling with enemies, and survival hinges on your ability to collect items and stack insane power-ups. By the end of a run, you’ll either be an unstoppable god or… well, dead. It’s chaotic, it’s intense, and with friends, it’s absolute carnage (in the best possible way).

6. Enter the Gungeon

Love guns? Love puns? Then Enter the Gungeon is right up your alley. This top-down roguelike puts you in a literal dungeon filled with (you guessed it) guns. Everything in the game is gun-themed, from the enemies to the bosses to the items—you’ll even find guns that shoot smaller guns!

The gameplay combines bullet-hell chaos with tight, skill-based mechanics. It’s tough, but in a way that makes you want to keep coming back for more punishment. And hey, if you’re not laughing at the absurdity of it all, are you even playing Gungeon right?

7. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

We can’t talk about roguelikes without mentioning The Binding of Isaac. This game has been around for over a decade, yet it’s still the gold standard in the genre.

You play as Isaac, a child who dives into a horrifying basement to escape his fanatically religious mother. The gameplay mixes twin-stick shooting with dungeon crawling, and every run is packed with wild items that radically change how you play. One minute you’re spitting blood tears, the next you’re firing laser beams from your eyeballs. Random? Yes. Addictive? Absolutely.

8. Darkest Dungeon

Prefer your roguelike experience dripping with gothic horror? Look no further than Darkest Dungeon. This game isn’t just about surviving physically—it’s about surviving mentally. As you lead your party of heroes through cursed dungeons, their stress levels will skyrocket. Eventually, they’ll go mad, and trust me, that never ends well.

The turn-based combat is brutally difficult, and the resource management between runs is just as stressful as the battles themselves. But if you’re into games that make victory feel like a hard-fought war, then Darkest Dungeon is a must-play.

9. Spelunky 2

If you’ve ever wanted to go treasure hunting Indiana Jones-style, Spelunky 2 has got your back. At first glance, this game looks cute and inviting with its charming art style and quirky characters. But don’t be fooled—underneath the surface lies a game ready to crush your soul.

Every run feels like a high-stakes puzzle, where one wrong move can send you plummeting into a pit of spikes. But the randomness, the secrets, and the sense of discovery? They’re unmatched. Spelunky 2 is like an onion—you’ll keep peeling back layers and finding more and more hidden within.

10. Noita

Ever played a roguelike where literally everything can be destroyed? Enter Noita. In this game, you play as a wizard exploring procedurally generated caves filled with enemies, treasure, and danger at every turn.

The twist? Every single pixel in the game is simulated, which means you can blow up walls, burn down structures, or drown entire rooms with water. The spell-crafting system is ridiculously fun, too. Want a wand that shoots exploding fireballs? Sure. A laser beam that freezes water? Done. The possibilities are endless, and every run feels refreshingly different.

Conclusion

Roguelikes and roguelites are some of the most rewarding (and brutally punishing) genres out there. They’re not for the faint of heart, but the sense of accomplishment you get from beating the odds is second to none. Whether you’re into fast-paced action, brain-busting strategy, or beautifully crafted narratives, the games on this list have something for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, embrace the chaos, and don’t forget—it’s not about how many times you die, but how many times you keep coming back for more.