Roguelike
Ongoing coverage on Roguelike.
Latest coverage
Interview: Developing the Roguelike CRYMELIGHT
FuRyu producer and director Takumi discusses the development of CRYMELIGHT, a new roguelike entry in a series previously known for action RPGs. The shift to roguelike was chosen to better reflect the game's core theme of 'time repeating itself.' The game will feature Alice in Wonderland-inspired aesthetics and mechanics, and will launch on November 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC with adjustable difficulty options.
It's a little too easy to get obsessed with the auto-battler Oaken Tower
Oaken Tower, an auto-battler roguelike with asynchronous PvP, has entered Early Access on PC, achieving a Very Positive user rating. The game features a deep item synergy system and over 120 unique items, with players building towers to battle others. It is also noted to work well on Linux via Proton.
Dwarf Fortress-Inspired OfMiceAndMechs Launches Steam Page
Solo developer MarxMustermann has launched the Steam page for OfMiceAndMechs, a roguelike, base builder, and factory builder inspired by Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld. The game, which has been in development for nine years, throws players into a dystopian open world where survival depends on strategic planning and adaptability, with features including dungeon exploration, automated production chains, and base fortification.
Saros Players Record 6.63 Million Hours and 13.13 Million Deaths in Its First Month
In its first month, Housemarque's roguelike bullet hell shooter Saros has seen players record 6.63 million hours and 13.13 million deaths on PlayStation 5. The Smart Rifle emerged as the most popular weapon, and the game's challenging yet approachable design is credited for its strong player engagement.
“Chaos Zero Nightmare” Reveals New Galactic Disaster Season 3 Story, “A Girl’s Nightmare”
Smilegate announced a new update for the dark fantasy roguelike RPG Chaos Zero Nightmare, featuring the "A Girl's Nightmare" story, the second chapter of Season 3. The update introduces a new defensive Combatant named Adelheid and her partner Clara, alongside improvements to the roguelike content "Sortie" and the addition of Auto-Combat for Chaos gameplay. The game is available for free on PC, iPhone, and Android.
Paradox Tower announcement - Auto-battler RPG for PC/Switch - May 27th
Tsukumogami Software has announced Paradox Tower, an auto-battler RPG focused on resource management and deterministic combat. Players guide a young witch through a 12-labyrinth tower, upgrading stats and strategically overcoming challenges. The game is slated for release in Q4 2026 or Q1 2027 for PC and Nintendo Switch.
The Cave Diver – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
The Cave Diver is a punishing physics-based horror game where players use arm movements to navigate claustrophobic underground passages and solve puzzles. The game features roguelike elements where failed attempts become waypoints for future runs. Beta sign-ups are now open.
Demos and Freebies
Once a Pawn a King is an asymmetric turn-based roguelike available on Steam for PC. Players assemble a party of chess pieces to battle across fractured boards, with the game described as a unique take on the chess genre.
Kidbash: Super Legend announced for Nintendo Switch 2, Switch
Kidbash: Super Legend, a roguelike action-platformer from Indonesian studios Authentic Remixes and Fat Raccoon, is slated for release in early 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The game features a claymation-style aesthetic, weapon mixing inspired by Kirby, and village building elements. Acclaim is publishing the title, with director Marc Anthony Rodriguez praising its unique style and gameplay.
Review: Drop Duchy – Complete Edition (Nintendo Switch)
Drop Duchy - Complete Edition for Nintendo Switch offers a unique blend of Tetris-like puzzle mechanics and roguelike deck-building elements. While the game boasts an intriguing concept, pleasing visuals, and ample replayability, it suffers from significant level grinding and a slow progression that can lead to player apathy. The game is best enjoyed on a TV due to small text in handheld mode.
River City Saga: Journey to the West getting Nintendo Switch physical release in Asia with English support, pre-orders open
River City Saga: Journey to the West will receive a physical release in Asia for the Nintendo Switch, featuring support for English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese languages. While the western release will be digital-only, the Asian physical version can be imported and played on any region-free Nintendo Switch. The game is described as a roguelike action title where players grow stronger with each run, featuring characters from the River City series.
Kidbash: Super Legend Is a Roguelike Action-Platformer Coming to PC and Consoles
Kidbash: Super Legend is a new roguelike action-platformer with a claymation art style, developed by Authentic Remixes and Fat Raccoon, and published by Acclaim. The game is set to release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series in early 2027, featuring a weapon mixing system inspired by Kirby 64 and randomized mods for replayability.
Experience Chess Like Never Before in this Asymmetric Roguelike
Clover Bite and indie.io announced that the turn-based strategy roguelike Once A Pawn A King will leave Early Access on June 15th for PC. The game reimagines chess with asymmetric gameplay, dynamic party building, and randomized boards, requiring players to rescue the Black King from the White King.
Check out the demo for Topdeck Automat, blending autobattlers and deck-builders
Topdeck Automat, a new game from Ludokultur that combines autobattler and roguelike deck-builder mechanics, has released a demo with native Linux support. The game features over 200 cards with a free-form upgrade system, over 100 modules, 50 enemy types, and 30 unlockable characters. The developer has also overhauled the combat UI and added new features since the last playtest.
Rolling Gun – Open Beta | Alpha Beta Gamer
Rolling Gun is a fast-paced roguelike top-down shooter where players control a wheelchair-bound warrior navigating post-apocalyptic arenas filled with robotic enemies and environmental hazards. The game features unique wheelchair movement controls, a shop system for weapon upgrades, and prestige levels for increased challenges. An open beta is currently available for players to sign up for.
Wrong Elevator – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
Wrong Elevator is a new horror game where players must scavenge resources to maintain and upgrade their elevator while descending through abandoned facilities. The game features round-based progression, unpredictable encounters, and no checkpoints, demanding careful resource management and creative solutions to bypass unique entities. Beta sign-ups are now open.
Rune Dice launch trailer – deckbuilding and dice-rolling roguelike heads to Nintendo Switch
Rune Dice, a deckbuilding and dice-rolling roguelike developed by Smart Raven Studio and published by Kwalee, has launched on Nintendo Switch. The game features physics-based dice throwing with magical merge mechanics, 8 hero classes, and challenging boss encounters.
CRYMELIGHT interview with producer and director Takumi Isobe – roguelikes, Alice in Wonderland, and sins
FuRyu has announced the roguelike action game CRYMELIGHT, with producer and director Takumi Isobe discussing the game's inspirations. Isobe touched upon the development process, the influence of Alice in Wonderland, and the game's themes of sin.
Enter the Chronosphere Early Access Preview - All the Time in the World
Enter the Chronosphere is a real-time turn-based tactics roguelike that has launched in Early Access on Steam. The game features deep buildcrafting with diverse hero abilities, weapons, and gadgets, set against a psychedelic art style and pumping soundtrack. While the combat and build variety are praised, the preview notes a lack of narrative depth and a need for improved boss encounters and shorter run times.
Wanted Shadows: Unchained Out June 8th!
Indie studio Conradical Games announced that Wanted Shadows: Unchained will be released on Steam on June 8th, 2026, with later releases planned for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. This standalone reimagining of the 2023 game features dual weapon combat, compact arenas, a deeper progression system, and a living hub world. Owners of the original Wanted Shadows on Steam will receive a 50% discount on Unchained.