Looking for the next Roguelike

[Roguenar]

Hello.

I recently discovered this forum and would like some help with finding new rougelikes that fit my preference. 6-7 years ago I discovered the genre and fell in love with it, today I have played through about 50-60 rougelike games (both traditional and action) and consider it one of my hobbies.

So i'm looking for a new roguelike it can be a traditional, deckbuilder or action roguelike, doesn't matter I just want the rogue elements as a concept. Clean runs is an absolute necessity for me (unlocking content that can be found in dungeons are OK). I prefer a wide variety of items and powerups to make each run unique. I also prefer it to be in a medieval/fantasy settings but it's not a dealbreaker.

Here's some of the games that I have enjoyed the most and suits my preference best:

Enter the Gungeon
Caveblazers
Vagante
Slay the Spire
Mana spark
Forward Escape the fold
Shattered pixel dungeon

And these are some games that I find dissapointing and gave up on. I have tried to like them but I just don't find them enjoyable.

Nuclear throne
The binding of Isaac
Spelunky
Risk of Rain 1 & 2
Rogue legacy 1 & 2
Hades
Moonlighter
Dead cells

I would appreciate if you could recommend some games to me, I might be a bit picky and I can't really put a precise judgement why I enjoy some games more than others. I have given up on some big titles with good reviews, that I kind of feel like would be enjoyable but it just doesn't cut it for me. Feel free to ask questions to narrow it down if that would help.

Please let me know what titles you recommend and why.

Thanks in advance
/Rougenar

[getter77]

Triangle Wizard and Catacomb kids might stoke your intrigues with the former and further develop your appetites whetted by the latter.

[Roguenar]

Thanks, I do own Catacomb kids already. I will look up Triangle wizard.

[WraithGlade]

Your (OP's) criteria are a bit broad/vague, but here's a few of my own favorites that might fit that you may like:

• Spirits Abyss (similar to Vagante, but more whimsical... I like Spirits Abyss more overall)
• Infra Arcana (perhaps my favorite horror-themed roguelike, elegant and compelling)
• The Last Stand: Aftermath (actual 3D roguelike game, closest to procedural Resident Evil I've found)
• 1-bit Survivor (feels like a very tight and minimalistic turn-based Resident Evil)
• 868-Hack (best ultra-minimalistic roguelike I've played perhaps, quick game sessions too)
• Moonring (interesting mist theme that reminds me of the setting (world theme) of Legend of Legaia (a PSX game), but as a roguelike)
• Brogue (awesome color effects and gameplay, traditional fantasy but imaginative and polished)
• Curious Expedition 1 (not 2 though, personally) (an awesome strategy game with wonderful pixel art and very fun)

These are all fun ones and I bet you'll love at least one of them, but probably more than one.

I hope that helps! Have fun! 

[ericrobert23]

Hi Rougenar,

Based on your preferences (clean runs, strong rogue elements, medieval/fantasy preferred, wide variety of items), here are some recommendations you might enjoy:

1. Tangledeep – Turn-based with traditional roguelike roots, great variety of loot, skills, and class customization. Fantasy setting.

2. Orb of Creation – More of an idle/incremental roguelike twist, very satisfying progression and discovery, fantasy-themed.

3. Cursed to Golf – While not fantasy, it’s a clean-run roguelike with unique mechanics and good item variety.

4. Dungeons of Dredmor – Classic roguelike with humor, deep item/powerup variety, and strong fantasy setting.

5. Brogue – Pure roguelike, very clean design, deep gameplay without meta-progression bloat.

6. Chronicon – Diablo-like ARPG with roguelite elements, loads of loot, deep build crafting.

7. Into the Breach – Sci-fi setting but extremely tight design with clean runs. Tactical, rewarding.

You might be picky, but your taste is clear — clean design, strong variety, and meaningful choices. Let me know if you want recommendations based on specific mechanics or platforms!

Cheers!