Roguelike
Ongoing coverage on Roguelike.
Latest coverage
How an indie spy game made turn-based tactics relentlessly exciting
Invisible Inc. masterfully blends turn-based strategy with stealth, demanding precision timing and risk assessment without relying on traditional percentages. Players control espionage agents infiltrating corporate facilities, balancing information gathering with the escalating alarm level. The game offers Roguelike replayability through procedurally generated missions and a focus on efficient decision-making, creating a suspenseful heist-like experience.
Ratatan launch trailer – new Nintendo Switch game from Patapon creator
Ratatan, a new rhythm roguelike action game from Hiroyuki Kotani, the creator of Patapon, has released its launch trailer for the Nintendo Switch. The game features online co-op for up to 4 players and combines rhythm-based gameplay with side-scrolling action.
Cult of the Lamb coming to Nintendo Switch 2
Cult of the Lamb is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on October 22, 2026, with developer Massive Monster confirming the release date. Owners of the original Nintendo Switch version will receive a free upgrade. The game is a cult-building simulator where players build a community and explore diverse regions.
The pleasures of Double Fine's Thank You Bus Driver are not in the destination, nor the journey, but in slapping my disobedient passengers
Double Fine's Thank You Bus Driver is a chaotic three-hour public transport simulation that focuses on player interaction with unruly passengers. The game encourages players to physically discipline passengers, with success measured by 'Thank Yous.' Despite its comedic elements and engaging gameplay loop, the article notes a potential for cynical design choices and a lack of long-term replayability.
How Star Wars: Galactic Racer kept the core team small and sustainable through "distributed development"
Fuse Games' CEO Matt Webster discusses the success of Star Wars: Galactic Racer, attributing its achievement to a small core team and a "distributed development" model. This approach involved leveraging external providers and co-development partners, allowing the studio to maintain a lean team of under 75 people while scaling capacity and knowledge. The game's innovative roguelike racing mechanics and narrative elements, inspired by Formula 1's Drive to Survive, have been well-received by critics and players.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for October 19 to 23
This weekly feature highlights new games launching on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between October 19 and 23. Titles include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE, Shoresy: Legends of the North, and numerous other indie and genre titles.
Floppy-Ear Chaos Unleashes Rabbit Rampage On Xbox And Play Anywhere
Floppy-Ear Chaos, a fast-paced comedy brawler roguelike developed and published by SCRAPIEDEE SRL, is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC for £10.74. The game features vibrant, comic-book-style arenas where players control a rabbit using exaggerated attacks and random upgrades to defeat enemy waves.
Gloomgrave receives Nintendo Switch release date, new trailer
Gloomgrave, a roguelike dungeon crawler with a retro pixel aesthetic, will be released on Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2027, for $6.99. Developed by Flynn's Arcade and Netmancer, the game previously launched on PC. Players can upgrade their "Gloomcrawler" with perks and experiment with builds in randomly generated dungeons.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World details online features, Battle Arena, Wrangler’s Gauntlet
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World will feature extensive online modes including Joint Battles with cross-platform play, Ranked Matches, and Private Matches. The game also includes an offline Battle Arena and a new roguelike mode called the Wrangler's Gauntlet, which challenges players to win 50 consecutive battles with randomized monster selections. The title is set to release on Nintendo Switch on December 3, 2026.
Chained Beasts Turns Co-Op Combat Into A Gladiatorial Game Pass Circus
Chained Beasts, a four-player co-op gladiator roguelike developed and published by Featherweight Games, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. The game features players chained together, requiring intense teamwork to survive deadly arenas and challenging bosses.
Monumentally expansive roguelike Caves of Qud is getting even bigger in December with an early access expansion that lets you play as messed up dogs and trees
Freehold Games announced that the roguelike Caves of Qud will receive its first expansion, Diaspora, in early access on December 9th. This expansion introduces playable plant and animal characters, new mutations, and improved world generation. The developer is opting for early access to allow community testing of the complex new systems.
Free Play Days – NBA 2K27, Crusader Kings III, The Alters, Bus Simulator 21, Soccer Story and Ravenswatch
Xbox Game Pass members can enjoy several games for free during Free Play Days, including NBA 2K27, Crusader Kings III, The Alters, Bus Simulator 21 Next Stop, Soccer Story, and Ravenswatch. The Alters also offers a 3-hour timed trial for all players. Specific dates and times vary for each title.
Finally: Our favorite roguelike for sickos will let me play as a sapient tree
The roguelike Caves of Qud is receiving a new expansion, Caves of Qud: Diaspora, which will enter early access on Steam on December 9. This expansion introduces playable sapient trees and mutated animals as starting characters, alongside new creatures, artifacts, and features like mountable saltback tortoise steeds.
Keep The Beat, Command The Army – Ratatan Is Out Now!
Ratatan, a rhythm-based roguelike where players command an army by keeping the beat, has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Developed by Ratata Arts and published by Game Source Entertainment, the game features colourful creatures, catchy music, and large-scale battles, with a Standard Edition priced at £29.24 and a Deluxe Edition at £33.49.
ShackStream: Indie-licious Episode 216 - Poly Fighter
This week's Indie-licious livestream will feature an early access look at Poly Fighter, a single-player roguelike fighting game from HeartLoop Games. The game entered Steam Early Access on October 13, 2026, for PC, offering players a challenging experience with character progression through new moves and upgrades.
Roguelike Mining Game Dome Keeper Arrives on Mobile!
The roguelike mining game Dome Keeper has been released on mobile platforms. The game combines digging mechanics with base defense elements.
Castlebound gets Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 release date, new trailer
Ogre Pixel has announced that Castlebound, a co-op 2D action platformer, will be released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on November 11, 2026. The game features fast-paced combat, roguelike progression, and multiple playable heroes.
Titanium Court heading to both Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch
Fellow Traveller and AP Thomson have announced that Titanium Court will be released on October 29, 2026, for both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. The game combines match-3 and tower defense gameplay with surreal writing, featuring runs of seven battles. Play time is estimated between 6 to 30 hours.
Fast-Paced Roguelike Kingdom Builder 9 Kings Arrives on Mobile!
The fast-paced roguelike kingdom builder game 9 Kings has officially launched on mobile platforms. The game combines elements of roguelike progression with kingdom-building mechanics.
Pokemon RPG fans made their own Wordle: Daily Red lets you beat Pokemon Gold and Silver with a random team every day, if…
A fan-made game called Daily Red offers a daily challenge for Pokemon Gold and Silver players, randomizing the final battle against Red with a team of level 100 Pokemon from the first three generations. While requiring a download and setup, the game provides a unique strategic challenge with a focus on RNG and player skill.
