The best roguelike games right now are Hades II, Hades, Balatro and Slay the Spire, followed closely by Risk of Rain 2, Vampire Survivors, Returnal and The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. If you have never played the genre, start with the original Hades: it is forgiving, story-driven and teaches the loop better than anything else.
Below you will find what each pick does best, who it suits, which ones have co-op and how to choose between them.
Roguelike vs roguelite: what is the difference?
A roguelike is built around runs: levels, rewards and enemies change every attempt, and when you die you start over. A roguelite keeps some progress between runs, such as new weapons, upgrades or story beats, so every failure still moves you forward. Most modern hits, including Hades, are technically roguelites, but players and stores use both words for the same group of games, and so do we in this guide.
The 8 best roguelike games
1. Hades II
Supergiant's sequel left early access in September 2025 with a new heroine, Melinoë, a darker Underworld and a magic system layered on top of the original's fast combat. It is the deepest action roguelike on this list. On PC (Windows and macOS) and Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Best for players who finished Hades and want more.
2. Hades
The 2020 original is still the ideal entry point. Every escape attempt advances the story, there is an optional God Mode that makes the game easier after each death, and the controls are simple to learn. Available on PC, Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. Best for newcomers.
3. Balatro
LocalThunk's 2024 deckbuilder turns poker hands into a scoring puzzle, with Jokers that break the rules in ever more absurd combinations. You do not need to know poker to enjoy it. It runs on almost anything, including PC, consoles and phones. Best for short sessions and players who like numbers going up.
4. Slay the Spire
Mega Crit's 2019 classic defined the deckbuilding roguelike: you climb a tower, add cards and relics after each fight, and plan your route on a branching map. It is turn-based, so it rewards thinking over reflexes. On PC, consoles and mobile. Best for strategy fans.
5. Risk of Rain 2
A third-person shooter in which difficulty rises with time, so you must balance exploring for items against moving fast. Stack enough items and runs become gloriously chaotic. It supports online co-op and is on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch. Best for groups of friends.
6. Vampire Survivors
poncle's 2022 hit is the easiest game here to pick up: you only move, and your weapons fire on their own while hundreds of enemies close in. Runs last around half an hour and there is local co-op for up to four players. Best for relaxed play after work.
7. Returnal
Housemarque's third-person shooter mixes bullet-hell patterns with a psychological sci-fi story. It is the most demanding pick and the one with the strongest production values, with two-player online co-op. On PS5 and PC. Best for players who want a challenge.
8. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
Edmund McMillen's dungeon shooter has hundreds of items that change how your character looks and plays, and expansions have kept it alive for over a decade. Its dark themes are not for everyone, but few roguelikes offer as much to discover. Best for completionists.
How to choose the right roguelike for you
- New to the genre: Hades, then Hades II.
- Prefer strategy to reflexes: Slay the Spire or Balatro.
- Playing with friends: Risk of Rain 2 online, or Vampire Survivors on the couch.
- Want a hard, cinematic shooter: Returnal.
Common mistakes when starting a roguelike
The biggest one is treating a failed run as wasted time. Early deaths are how you learn enemy patterns and unlock upgrades. The second is sticking to one build: experimenting with weapons, cards or items you would normally skip is how you find the combinations that carry a run. Finally, read item descriptions. In games like Balatro and Isaac, one overlooked effect can change everything.
FAQ
Do I need to play Hades before Hades II?
No. Hades II has a new protagonist and works on its own, but the first game is a gentler introduction and makes the sequel's references land better.
What is the best co-op roguelike?
Risk of Rain 2 for online groups, Vampire Survivors for local play on one screen and Returnal for a two-player online challenge.
Are roguelikes too hard for casual players?
Not anymore. Hades, Balatro and Vampire Survivors all make steady progress feel natural. If you enjoy run-based challenge and exploration, our guides to the best Metroidvania games and the best soulslike games are good next steps.
Platforms and store details were checked in October 2026 on each game's official store page, such as the Hades II Steam page. Prices change often, so check your platform's store before buying.
