Roguelite
Ongoing coverage on Roguelite.
Latest coverage
Marathon's experimental PvE mode is live, immediately tripling its daily player count
Bungie has launched the experimental Vault Breaker PvE mode for Marathon, which has reportedly tripled the game's daily player count. This new mode offers a roguelite progression system where players loot Vault Data for persistent upgrades, distinct from the standard extraction loop. The update also includes improvements to the Cradle system and new moderation tools to combat in-game chat toxicity.
Controversial ex-blockchain MMO Soulbound Online has officially entered early access
The controversial blockchain-adjacent MMORPG Soulbound Online has officially launched into early access. Developed by SpiderWare, the game is described as a pixel-art action roguelite with 3-player co-op dungeons and an open world for farming and crafting. The launch follows controversy surrounding its origins as a crypto-focused game, with some players accusing the developers of misleading their original community.
Out today, Die or Dive is a promising roguelite scuba sim that basically turns Darkest Dungeon into Ecco the Dolphin
Dive or Die, a 2D roguelite scuba simulation game from Drop Rate Studio and Dear Villagers, is now available. The game challenges players to explore underwater ruins for resources while avoiding mutated creatures and a looming squidgod known as the Rainmaker. Similar to Darkest Dungeon, player characters are fragile and can develop afflictions, with each run having a countdown until a final tsunami.
The next major moment for Marathon arrives today with a new update and the debut of its PvE mode, Vault Breaker
Bungie has launched "Vault Breaker," an experimental, time-limited PvE roguelite mode for its game Marathon, available for two weeks starting today. This mode operates separately from the main game and allows players to upgrade their "Sponsored Kit" using Vault Data currency, with the potential to earn rewards for the main game. Bungie is also working on a more integrated PvE mode for Season 3.
Splatoon Raiders: What Busy Adults Need to Know Before July 23
Splatoon Raiders, a new exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2 launching July 23, removes competitive multiplayer in favor of a treasure-hunting loot game experience. Players take on the role of a mechanic hired by Deep Cut to explore islands, battle Salmonids, and collect loot, with a focus on accessible gameplay and persistent progression. The game will cost $49.99 digitally and $59.99 physically, and while it supports online co-op, it lacks split-screen functionality.
Wind Runners – Beta Demo (Update) | Alpha Beta Gamer
Wind Runners is a high-speed bullet-hell dogfighting roguelite where players pilot resistance fighters against an oppressive regime. The game features distinct pilots, strategic target selection, and challenging boss encounters. Permanent upgrades and between-run improvements contribute to the overall liberation effort.
Realm of Ink Review | TheXboxHub
Realm of Ink is a new roguelite inspired by Chinese mythology, featuring hand-drawn visuals and fast-paced combat similar to Hades. While its Ink Relic system and Ink Pet evolution offer unique mechanics and encourage build variety, the game's level design is criticized for being generic and lacking environmental interaction. Despite these shortcomings, the combat and boss encounters are praised for their challenge and elegance, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.
Game Demos
Appulse is an intense top-down shooter roguelite for PC that incorporates pinball mechanics. Players must master precise shooting to protect their mothership from waves of enemies.
Marathon's 'experimental' PvE mode will only be playable for 2 weeks when it goes live in July, full rollout expected to happen sometime in Season 3
Bungie has announced that Marathon's new 'experimental' PvE mode, Vault Breaker, will initially be available for a limited two-week period starting July 21st. The full rollout of this roguelite PvE experience, which introduces unique Sponsored Kits and a new currency system, is planned for Season 3, beginning September 22nd. This limited-time approach aims to gather player feedback before a wider release.
Marathon's experimental PvE roguelite mode is, bafflingly, only around for two weeks when it drops next week
Bungie's upcoming mid-season update for Marathon, arriving next week, will introduce an experimental PvE roguelite mode called Vault Breaker. This mode will be available for a limited two-week period, running from July 21st to August 4th, and will feature players infiltrating vaults to collect Vault Data for upgrades. The update also includes icon refreshes for implants and a new evolution system for The Cradle.
We Build Below – Beta Sign Up | Alpha Beta Gamer
We Build Below is a roguelite factory building game for one to three players that combines automation mechanics with tower defense. Players construct underground facilities on an alien planet, collect and process rare resources, and defend against parasites attracted to industrial pollution. Beta sign-ups are now open.
Ares Interactive and AMC Global Media Unleash the Walker Hordes in The Walking Dead: Aftermath
Ares Interactive and AMC Global Media have launched The Walking Dead: Aftermath, a new free-to-play roguelite survival game available on the App Store and Google Play. Developed by Swift Games, the title features real-time combat, base-camp management, and progression systems, allowing players to embody iconic characters like Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, and Michonne.
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X coming to Nintendo Switch 2, major update announced
BlazBlue Entropy Effect X is set to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 13, 2026, featuring enhanced visuals and exclusive content. A major free update will also launch on the same date, adding a new character, Platinum, an upgraded training space, and new branching routes.
Blackout Jack Announced
Blargis has announced Blackout Jack, a new roguelite deckbuilding adventure game. The title aims to bring a fresh take to blackjack mechanics, similar to how Balatro approached poker. Blackout Jack is available to wishlist on Steam.
Oversee a Bustling Kingdom in ‘The King is Watching,’ Coming to Consoles July 29
The roguelite kingdom builder 'The King is Watching' is launching on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on July 29 for $14.99 USD. Developed by Hypnohead Studio and published by tinyBuild, the game tasks players with inspiring subjects to work while avoiding their natural laziness. The console release will include new maps, enemy races, and modifiers.
Realm of Ink Review (PS5) – A Beautiful Roguelite That Finds Its Own Identity | Invision Game Community
Realm of Ink is a PlayStation 5 roguelite that distinguishes itself through its unique ink-wash art style and engaging narrative about a character trapped within a story. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, its stylish presentation, solid combat, and interesting companion system make for an enjoyable experience. The game runs smoothly on PS5, though its balance can lead to players becoming overpowered.
Dragon is Dead Now Available Physically for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch
Meridiem announced that the 2D dark fantasy hack and slash roguelite action platformer, Dragon is Dead, is now available physically for PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Team Suneat and published by PM Studios, the game features customizable skill trees and legendary equipment, with death being a mechanic that allows players to return stronger with their gear intact.
KAZ Review
KAZ is a compelling roguelite arcade game that challenges players with fast-paced keyboard action and score-chasing mechanics. Players navigate grids, defeat enemies, and meet score targets to progress through various themes, each offering unique avatars, abilities, and music. Despite its simple premise, the game demands quick reflexes and strategic decision-making to build high scores and overcome increasing difficulty.
Demon Lord: Just a Block Review
Demon Lord: Just a Block is a comical roguelite RPG where players control the resurrected head of a Demon Lord seeking revenge. The game features hybrid turn-based combat on a grid, a soul-based upgrade system, and a variety of weapons. While boss battles can be inconsistent and progression sometimes feels slow, the game offers a charming and fresh experience with its unique premise and build variety.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok Review – Here We Go Again
The Endless Ragnarok expansion for Granblue Fantasy: Relink introduces new endgame content, including higher difficulty quests and a roguelite mode called Conflux. While the story offers little development, the expansion focuses on engaging gameplay with new playable characters and a weapon "Transcendence" system. The new Chaos difficulty quests and challenging boss fights provide a significant step up in difficulty, making the game feel more complete.
