Top 10 Best Roguelike Games Across All Platforms

Roguelike games are built around short, repeatable runs. Each run teaches you something new, unlocks new content, or pushes you to try a new strategy. Some prioritize fast action, others on planning, and some even experiment with idle mechanics.

Other roguelike games reward long-term progression in unique ways. Regardless of the gaming style, the best roguelike games will make you keep coming back.

Top 10 Roguelike Games of All Time

In this list of the best roguelike games, we’re looking at titles that defined the genre. These games set the standard for replayability. Our handpicked titles aren’t just popular choices; they’re the top roguelike games that players still play years after release.

Meanwhile, you can check out our separate coverage of the 10 best PC games in 2026.

10. Balatro

Balatro turns simple poker rules into a hooking deckbuilding experience. Special Jokers, modifiers, and risky gambles can send your score into the millions. Among modern releases, it stands out as one of the best roguelike games, especially for fans of strategy-focused runs.

9. Risk of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2 is a fast-paced third-person shooter. Each run helps you unlock new items, characters, and abilities, and beating the final boss is just the beginning. It just keeps pulling you back, proving why it belongs among the top roguelike games of all time.

8. Darkest Dungeon

Darkest Dungeon needs players to step up their combat while managing resources efficiently. This title can feel punishing, but planning your moves and proper preparation make completing the challenges rewarding. The long-term progression earns it a place among the best roguelike games.

7. Enter the Gungeon

Enter the Gungeon offers several weapons, synergies, and chaotic combat. The game demands skill instead of depending on heavy meta-progression. While some optional content feels underdeveloped, the core gameplay loop is strong, making it a fun and rich addition to popular roguelike games.

You can also check out our separate coverage on the best FPS Games in 2026 if you are more of an action lover.

6. Spelunky

Spelunky has no permanent stat progression; the only thing that improves is your skill. Every death upskills you, and every run is winnable from the get-go. This skill-based progression is what makes it one of the top roguelike games to have ever been made.

5. Dead Cells

Dead Cells earned a reputation globally for its combat and build variety. Difficulty spikes can feel discouraging, but for players who enjoy fast-paced action roguelike games, it’s still a top recommendation. Dead Cells is a top entry among the best roguelike games in the action category.

4. FTL: Faster Than Light

FTL might feel challenging initially, but learning how its systems work is rewarding. Each ship has a slightly different playstyle. Runs can often be frustrating, but the challenge and depth make it one of the most respected roguelike games ever made. It might be a contender for being one of the best PC games of all time.

3. Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire is a deck-building roguelike where you climb through battles and events. You shape your deck as you go, but if you die, you start over. You can’t force the perfect deck, but adapt to what the game gives you. It’s easily among the best roguelike games for strategy-based players.

2. Hades

The controls are easy and responsive in Hades. Each run has you fighting through rooms, picking up random upgrades, and getting stronger over time. Even when you die, the story progresses. It can get repetitive, as you revisit the same areas and bosses in order. Overall, it’s polished, addictive, and easily one of the top roguelike games for action fans.

1. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

Isaac is simple at first, but the number of items, synergies, and unlocks makes every run feel different. You will slowly learn, unlock new content, and a “basic” run turns into something completely broken and overpowered. It’s the kind of game you can sink hundreds of hours into without even noticing. The endless action makes it one of the best roguelike games you can play.

Ranking Factors

The ranking factors we considered for this specific listicle are quite different from traditional analysis pieces. These were the main determinants that helped us rank the best roguelike games.

1. Replayability: The primary factor that we considered is how much the games force players to keep returning to them.
2. Mechanics: The game mechanics, when smooth, provide an enjoyable experience. Hence, it was an important determinant for us.
3. Popularity: Game reviews alongside other forms of community feedback affect the popularity of certain titles. We ensured to add all the popular choices of the community.

If you liked this listicle, consider checking out our recent coverage of the best single-player PC games. This was all for our best idle roguelike games.