This list is completely subjective, in no particular order, and is based only on the games that I have personally played. What is a roguelike? It is a genre of video game that usually has turn based gameplay, procedurally generated elements, and permanent death of your playable character. Once you die you have to start all over again from the beginning. You may be able to keep some money, unlock things for new runs, or bring over buffs from previous runs. Note, these games are also available on other platforms but the portability for these types of games makes it better. This list will just be going over the “card and deck” based roguelikes.
Slay the Spire- turn and card based gameplay where you must climb up a 3 floored tower that gets progressively harder while you defeat enemies and bosses. The 4 playable characters have completely different decks and playstyles. The 100s of relics can change up everything from energy count to base strength. There are tons of random encounters that can give relics, increase HP, upgrade cards, or give curses that can make the game way harder. There is a daily mode where you start as a predetermined character with 3 good/bad modifiers. it’s very fun to try and figure out new techniques to win on higher ascensions.(also on PS4, Xbox, PC, Mobile)
Rougebook – a turn card based game that’s very similar to Slay the Spire but you play as 2 characters. The base gameplay is the same but the cards and relics have completely new mechanics like rage that builds up and allies that deal damage every turn. Traversing the world is very unique: it has a map that you use a brush and ink to lead the way and open paths. You collect pages each run that you can use to permanently upgrade starting stats for each of the 4 characters (also on PS4, Xbox, PC)
Dicey Dungeons – turn based gameplay where you need to roll dice to activate attacks/spells, lots of strategy in what offensive/defensive spells to choose among the 6 characters who all have special moves. These special moves can make your dice all sixes, roll extra dice, or just use a powerful attack. Each of the 6 character have 6 episodes with different special moves, enemies, starting gear, and other gimmicks. Beating enemies gives you xp to level up and gold to spend in shops for new spells. This game has creative and colorful enemies, bosses,and NPCs, 2 free level packs, and multiple variations for each playable character. (also on PS4, Xbox, Mobile, PC)
Balatro – turn based poker gameplay where you just have to reach a minimum point amount with a limited amount of turns, but they get WAY higher and you need to use jokers with new abilities to multiply the amount of points. You can upgrade cards, get over 150 types of jokers that all do drastically different things, use 15 different deck types, and Just got new free crossover DLC with other indie games like Vampire Survivor and Among Us that adds some new card skins.(also on PS4, Xbox, PC)
My next article will cover some Action based roguelikes, most of which are not turn based and are more fast paced.
