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Rogueslites are one of the most dynamic gaming genres. Procedurally generated, permadeath-enabled, and high on replay value — the elements that really bring pain to a gamer. No other genre can challenge a player quite as well. In 2024, the best roguelike games continue to push the boundaries with innovations in gripping stories and their addictive gameplay loops. Our list of the best roguelites fits every bill, from dungeon crawlers to action-packed shooters.
If you're confused by roguelike vs roguelite, you're hardly alone. Though both share common traits — like randomized levels, permadeath, and unforgiving difficulty — they aren't the same. The distinction really just comes down to one thing: progression. That is, in roguelikes, death wipes everything, completely resetting your progress. In contrast, roguelites let you carry certain upgrades over from run to run, making each attempt easier.
A roguelike sticks closer to its namesake: the classic 1980 game Rogue. Grid-based movement, turn-based combat, much variety, and permadeath — meaning each die reset all progress. Examples include NetHack and ADOM — rigidly traditional and brutally punishing.
A roguelite takes these core concepts but eases the pain by allowing players to maintain upgrades or abilities after dying. Games like Hades and Dead Cells exemplify this with their incremental character progression. With each death, you grow stronger, inching closer to victory over time. This genre has become more approachable and widely popular among modern players.
In this article, we'll dive into the best roguelite games in 2024 and why they’re redefining the gaming experience.
Let's explore some of the top roguelite games. These titles skillfully mix tough gameplay with clever mechanics, making each run fresh and rewarding. Whether you are a seasoned fan or new to these types of games, here are some that should make it onto your list.
Leading the pack is The Unliving, a unique blend of RPG, action and strategy. You play as a powerful necromancer, raising the dead to fight your battles. Its addictive loop of permadeath and progression makes it one of the standout roguelite games on PC. The pixel art style and intricate combat mechanics keep players engaged as they master the art of undeath.
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The sequel to the wildly successful Hades, Hades 2 brings back its signature hack-and-slash action with a fresh storyline and more gods to meet. Every run feels rewarding, even when you fail, thanks to its narrative depth and character progression. If you loved the original, you’ll find Hades 2 perfect for both newcomers and veterans of the genre. With more powerful weapons and gods to aid your journey, it stands tall among the best roguelite games this year.
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After captivating PlayStation players, Returnal arrived on PC with its intense bullet-hell combat and roguelite mechanics. You play as Selene, an astronaut trapped on a hostile alien planet, forced to repeat her journey upon each death. Its atmospheric world and relentless difficulty make it one of the most challenging yet satisfying roguelite games. The combination of story, exploration, and tough combat creates a gripping experience that stands out in 2024.
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Vampire Survivors took the world by storm with its deceptively simple yet super-addictive gameplay: being overwhelmed by endless hordes of enemies and using any weapon and power available to survive for as long as possible. Almost endless progression in this game ensures each playthrough is different. Regular updates and expansions kept this indie darling at or near the top of most best-of lists for the roguelite genre and remain one of the top roguelite games to play in 2024.
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The sequel comes out with awesome-looking hand-drawn visuals and a much more polished gameplay system. Each run means a different heir with different traits, so the gameplay is unique and interesting each time. This is a classic dungeon crawler, also boasting a rather deep progression system that lets players enhance their character over time. From its platformer-combat combination, Rogue Legacy 2 stands out among the roguelites games available in 2024.
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Cult of the Lamb combines fast-paced combat with village management in a roguelite setting. Players will be thrown into the role of a cult leader, searching for resources in procedurally generated dungeons while taking care of an ever-growing amount of followers. Cult of the Lamb is actually one of the best roguelites for its charming art style, which contrasts with its dark themes. The title is also highly engaging in terms of mechanics and gameplay; thus, this is a game that definitely should be played in 2024.
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Spelunky 2 takes everything fans loved about the original and adds even more depth and complexity. The game’s procedurally generated levels ensure that no two runs are the same, while the tight platforming and clever traps keep players on their toes. Exploration is at the heart of Spelunky 2, with hidden treasures and secrets lurking around every corner. Its challenging gameplay, combined with its rich mechanics, secures its spot as one of the most iconic roguelite games today.
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30XX brings the fast-paced action of platforming with roguelite mechanics, taking clear inspiration from classic Mega Man games. Featuring procedurally generated levels, each run offers something new, with enemies and abilities changing every time. The cooperative multiplayer mode allows players to team up and tackle levels together. With its vibrant pixel art and addictive gameplay, 30XX stands out among the best roguelite games for fans of action-platformers in 2024.
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Darkest Dungeon II is a dark, atmospheric roguelite that brings players into a world of horror and despair. Players must lead a team of adventurers through dangerous expeditions, facing both physical and psychological challenges. With its turn-based combat and brutal difficulty, Darkest Dungeon II is one of the most unique and punishing roguelites available. The mental toll on characters adds a new level of depth to the gameplay, making each decision critical for survival.
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Though most of the games on this list are for PC, Shiren the Wanderer is one of the best 3DS roguelite games. This game features traditional roguelite mechanics with procedurally generated dungeons and permadeath, but it stands out for its challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Despite being released in 2016, Shiren the Wanderer remains one of the best 3DS roguelite games and offers a classic experience for fans of the genre.
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The best roguelite games in 2024 offer a wide variety of experiences, from fast-paced platformers to dark, strategic dungeon crawlers. Whether you’re looking for challenging combat, complex progression systems, or endless replayability, our list has something for everyone.
Games like The Unliving and Hades 2 push the genre forward, while classics like Spelunky 2 and Rogue Legacy 2 continue to define what makes roguelites so addictive. With both new releases and beloved titles, 2024 is an exciting year for roguelite fans.
