6 Roguelike Games Hades Fans Need to Try

Supergiant Games gave an update on Hades II in Sept. 2023, letting fans know the game’s Early Access will come out in Q2 of 2024 (sometime between May and August). They’ll have more details about the launch date, price, and system requirements closer to that time. Every Hades fan should check out these roguelikes beforehand. 

Slay the Spire 

• Developer/Publisher: Mega Crit Games/Humble Bundle
• Game Release Date: January 23, 2019
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S 
• Price: $24.99 
• Metascore: 89

We’re starting the list with an all-time favorite: Slay the Spire. Mega Crit Games merges card-building and roguelike elements, making a unique experience for players everywhere. Players must collect cards to battle through a spire of procedurally-generated floors. Slay the Spire is perfect for the strategist who adores card games, collectibles, and a good challenge.  

Darkest Dungeon 

• Developer/Publisher: Red Hook Studios
• Game Release Date: January 19, 2016
• Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
• Price: $24.99 on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, $4.99 on PlayStation 4 until Dec. 21 (then it’s $24.99) 
• Metascore: 84

Gamers who want a darker spin on the roguelike genre should check out Darkest Dungeons. Players not only have to beat terrifying enemies, but they’ll also face stress, paranoia, fear, and other internal struggles that heroes face while on their journey. With the team's sanity and health at stake, players must plan their actions wisely. 

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth 

• Developer/Publisher: Nicalis, Inc. and Edmund McMillen
• Game Release Date: Nov 4, 2014
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S
• Price: $14.99 
• Metascore: 88

Those looking for something more unsettling than Darkest Dungeon should get The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. The action roguelike follows Isaac’s quest to escape the clutches of his deranged mother. Players must fight disturbing creatures, find treasures that give Isaac powers, and discover secrets during the journey. With 20 challenge runs, over 500 hours of gameplay, and more than 450 items to find, roguelike lovers won’t want to miss out on this title.  

Halls of Torment

• Developer/Publisher: Chasing Carrots
• Game Release Date: May 24, 2023
• Platforms: PC
• Price: $4.99 on PC
• Metascore: N/A

Halls of Torment takes players back to the 90s with its retro graphics. The goal is to survive hordes of heinous enemies for as long as possible and defeat formidable bosses. Players have several playable characters to choose from, allowing many playstyles. Different traits, abilities, and items can enhance character abilities and make combat a sinch with the right build.

Vampire Survivors

• Developer/Publisher: poncle
• Game Release Date: March 31, 2021
• Platforms: PC, MacOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS
• Price: $4.99 on PC, MacOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and free with in-app purchases on Android and iOS
• Metascore: 87

Like Halls of Torment, Vampire Survivors is a survival game where players must defeat hordes of enemies. Players must annihilate foes created by Bisconte Draculo in the gothic fantasy action roguelike, which isn't easy. Luckily, they can unlock useful items and earn gold to upgrade characters and gain abilities. Vampire Survivors’ gameplay is simple yet so addictive that gamers won’t want to give up on it.

Dead Cells 

• Developer/Publisher: Motion Twin
• Game Release Date: Aug 6, 2018
• Platforms: PC
• Price: $24.99 on PC
• Metascore: 89

Motion Twin combines modern rogue-lite and older Metroidvania aspects to create “Roguevania” in Dead Cells. The nonlinear gameplay makes each run as riveting as the last, and secret unlockable areas make exploration exciting. Absent checkpoints and brutal combat make Dead Cells a contender for players who live for difficult gameplay.

Honorable Mentions

We can’t cover all the best roguelikes in extensive detail, but players shouldn’t miss out on these. Here are some honorable mentions gamers may want to check out:

• Ship of Fools
• Cult of the Lamb
• Skul: The Hero Slayer
• Children of Morta
• Wizard of Legend