8.Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead
While it’s more roguelike than not,Cataclysm: Dark Days Aheaddescribes itself as a turn-based survival game.
The setting is a post-apocalyptic wasteland, so if you’ve always wanted a little moreFalloutorWastelandin your roguelikes, this one may be for you.
This is a recent game, but the hardware requirements are extremely minimal. People have played it on netbooks and even LEGO robotic kits, but you’ll need more RAM if you want to use a graphical tileset.
7.Tangledeep
Much more accessible than many of the other games on this list,Tangledeepis a blend of roguelike and 16-bit RPGs.
While it can be plenty punishing and offers a mode not unlike traditional roguelikes, it also has an Adventure mode that isn’t as punishing should you meet your untimely end.
WhileTangledeepis available for the PC, it’s also available on the Nintendo Switch should you want roguelike action on the go or on your TV.
Related:Is Humble Store Legit? Why I Buy My Games There Now
6.Tales of Maj’Eyal
Ask around for roguelike recommendations, and it likely won’t be too long before someone mentionsTales of Maj’Eyal.
This is a relatively recent release, as it was first released in 2012. While it eschews ASCII in favor of primitive tile art, it’s just as deep and complex as the games it draws inspiration from.
Tales of Maj’Eyalis freeware, supported by donations, but it is also available for purchase on Steam and GOG.
5.Caves of Qud
Many roguelikes have settings that are rooted firmly in the past.Caves of Qudmay have a name that evokes that same feeling, but this game is set far in the future. That’s not the only way this game is unlike many of the other games on this list.
For example,Caves of Qudisn’t even officially out yet. It’s in Early Access and currently has a release date of later in 2020. The game is planned for several platforms including PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
4.Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup
Dungeon Crawl Stone Soupmay look like it was released alongsideNethackorAngband, but it’s actually much newer.
This game was first released in 2006 as a successor of the 1997 roguelikeLinley’s Dungeon Crawl. While still punishing when it comes to careless decisions, this is more accessible than some older roguelikes.
This game is open source, and has both graphical and ASCII modes. Unlike the other games on this list, you can also play it online without downloading it first.
3.Ancient Domains of Mystery
Another popular roguelike with roots dating back pretty far,ADOM(orAncient Domains of Mystery) was first released in 1994.
While many of the original roguelikes are known for being complex,ADOMcan be more so. It also has a deeper focus on story than many of its peers.
This one is a little strange in that it’s available for free, but is also available commercially on both Steam and GOG. Both ASCII and graphical versions are available.
2.Angband
If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, the nameAngbandmight ring a bell. WhileNethacklets you play as a tourist,Angbandis a more serious fantasy dungeon-crawling experience, with roots datings back toMoria.
This game was originally released in 1990, but is still updated frequently and is available for all major operating systems. LikeNethack, it is available in the original ASCII or with tile-based graphics.
1.Nethack
While it draws not only fromRogue, but later games likeHackandMoria,Nethackis probably the game most often brought up when people mention roguelikes.
The game is arcane and punishing, but also quirky and fun, with a strange sense of humor. You’ll die. A lot. But you’ll have fun doing it.
Nethackis free and open source, plus it’s available on tons of different platforms. You can play with the original ASCII graphics, or use an optional tileset to bump up the graphical fidelity.
Roguelikes Are Super Retro
As I mentioned at the top, there are people who care very much about what is and isn’t a proper roguelike.
Those people will find fault with some of the games I’ve listed here, especially the last one. That’s largely on purpose, as roguelikes can be tough on newcomers.
Read next:Why we prefer retro games over modern games
