The roguelite genre has seen a resurgence in recent times. However, this is not limited to just the indie scene. Even AAA studios have turned to roguelite inspirations with offerings like Sony’s Returnal. With its growing popularity, new players are sure to be drawn in to see what the deal is all about.
However, the roguelite genre is known for its steep challenge level, which can be a disadvantage for beginners. Let’s take a look at some beginner-friendly titles that should be easy to play in 2023.
The best beginner-friendly roguelites to play this year
1) Hades
One of the most popular indie roguelite games of recent times, Hades was originally released in 2018 for PC via early access. Players control the prince of the underworld, Zagreus, as he tries to escape the domain of his father, the great ancient Greek god, Hades. This perilous journey takes players through different layers of Tartarus as they make their way to the mortal world on the surface.
Armed with an arsenal of varied weaponry, Zag takes on the monsters and legends of ancient Greek myths in an isometric flashy hack and slash battle that developer Supergiant Games is known for. It also has different progression systems that help the player to gradually become stronger.
However, unlike other entries in the genre, Hades emphasizes narrative and characters, making it a unique, must-play game for newcomers.
Hades is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch. A sequel titled “Hades II” will also be released through early access at an unspecified date in the future.
2) Crypt of Necrodancer
Developed and published by Brace Yourself Games, Crypt of the Necodancer is an innovative hybrid of the genre rhythm and roguelite. Players control Cadence, whose heart has been stolen by the evil Necrodancer, as she braves his dungeons to retrieve it while uncovering the mystery behind the magical lute.
Combat is top-down on a 2D grid as players move to the beat of the music as they defeat varied enemies across different zones. The inclusion of rhythm elements makes the experience engaging as players learn each enemy’s attack pattern.
Crypt of the Necrodancer is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita and Nintendo Switch. It is also available on iOS and Android platforms.
3) No one saves the world
An action RPG with roguelite elements, Nobody Saves The World is an interesting take on dungeon crawlers from Guacamelee developer Drinkbox Studios. Players control the titular Nobody, who is given a magical wand that allows him to transform into various creatures.
From animals to mythical creatures like mermaids and dragons, or oddballs like zombies or bodybuilders, players must experiment with each as they take on varied procedurally generated dungeons. Gameplay is a bullet hell with challenging enemies that keep players on their toes at all times. Their transformation ensures that players can tackle each scenario by following different strategies.
Nobody Saves The World is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.
4) Streets of Rogue
The developers of Streets of Rogue describe the game as a hybrid between Nuclear Throne, Deus Ex and GTA. With over 40 unique characters to choose from, this roguelite sandbox offers no shortage of gameplay freedom. From a banker and shopkeeper, to a wrestler and werewolf, players have distinct powers, abilities and activities to engage in.
Taking place in a procedurally generated city with unique NPC AI behavior, players can pursue their own methods of solving objectives and missions. Gameplay and playstyle change drastically depending on which class is chosen, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Streets of Rogue is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.
5) Vampire Survivor
Released last year for consoles, PC and smartphones, Vampire Survivors has grown in popularity recently. Players can control a unique hero against endlessly spawning hordes, collecting EXP gems dropped by enemies to level up. They can use the collected gold for new upgrades, such as regenerating HP, which help them survive better with each race.
Vampire Survivors is available on PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. It can also be found on iOS and Android as a free game.
