Roguelikes, alongside Metroidvanias, have become a breeding ground for innovation in gaming. Their randomly generated levels and gameplay offer endless replayability, hooking players with that addictive “one more run” feeling. Forget cutting-edge graphics; these games on Xbox Series X deliver pure, unadulterated fun. From retro-inspired shooters to strategic deck-builders, the roguelike genre has blended with almost every gameplay style imaginable. So, if you’re looking to dive into a world of endless possibilities, check out our picks for the best roguelikes on Xbox Series X. And while you’re at it, take a peek at the upcoming Xbox Series X games to see what exciting adventures await on the horizon.
Vampire Survivors: Simple Yet Surprisingly Deep
Don’t let the retro-inspired visuals fool you; Vampire Survivors offers a surprisingly deep and engaging experience. The gameplay is deceptively simple: move your character and let the auto-attacking weapons do the work. As you level up, you acquire a diverse arsenal of upgrades and attacks, transforming your character into an unstoppable force. The roguelike element lies in the randomized upgrade selection on each level, offering endless build possibilities. With tons of unlockables and challenges, Vampire Survivors delivers an addictive power fantasy that keeps you coming back for more.
Vampire Survivors – Early Access Trailer
Hades: A Modern Roguelike Masterpiece
Hades stands out as one of the best modern roguelikes, setting a high bar for the genre. As Zagreus, son of Hades, you must fight your way through the underworld, seeking aid from the Olympian gods. Unlike many roguelikes, Hades boasts a compelling narrative, with each god offering unique dialogue and personality. Multiple weapons, upgrades, and difficulty modifiers add layers of replayability, ensuring every escape attempt feels fresh and exciting.
Hades – v1.0 Gameplay Showcase
Brotato: Chaotic Potato-Based Fun
Brotato might look like a meme game, but its quirky premise hides a surprisingly addictive top-down shooter. You play as a potato, armed to the teeth, fighting off waves of enemies in a frantic bullet-hell experience. Like Vampire Survivors, shooting is automatic, making it easy to pick up and play. However, Brotato offers deeper character customization and progression, allowing you to create unique potato builds and conquer increasingly challenging waves.
Brotato – Demo Trailer
Balatro: Poker Meets Roguelike
Balatro ingeniously blends poker with roguelike elements, creating a uniquely addictive experience. Using a standard 52-card deck, you form poker hands, strategically manipulating the deck with game-changing Jokers. Its simple premise belies a surprising depth of strategy, offering countless possibilities for each run. Balatro’s innovative gameplay and approachable design earned it widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Balatro – Official Launch Trailer
Slay the Spire: Deck-Building Excellence
Slay the Spire remains the gold standard for deck-building roguelikes. Each character boasts a unique starting deck, allowing for diverse playstyles. As you ascend the spire, you’ll acquire new cards, upgrade existing ones, and strategically craft a powerful deck. Turn-based combat with visible enemy intentions adds a layer of tactical depth. With challenging Ascension modes, Slay the Spire offers endless replayability for those seeking a true test of skill.
Slay the Spire – Official Launch Trailer
Streets of Rogue: An Immersive Sim Roguelike
Streets of Rogue offers a unique blend of immersive sim and roguelike gameplay. Each stage is a dynamic ecosystem of characters, factions, and monsters, reacting to your actions and choices. Despite its simple visuals, the game boasts a surprising level of depth and complexity. With a sequel on the horizon, now is the perfect time to experience the original and discover its rich, emergent gameplay.
Streets of Rogue – Launch Trailer (coming March 10th)
Monster Train: Tower Defense Meets Deck-Building
Monster Train puts a unique spin on the deck-building roguelike formula, incorporating elements of tower defense. You combine two deck types to create a powerful army of monsters, strategically placing them on different floors of your train to fend off invading enemies. With branching paths and tactical combat, Monster Train provides a compelling blend of strategic decision-making and exciting battles.
Monster Train Release Trailer
Rogue Legacy 2: Inheritance and Metroidvania Elements
Rogue Legacy 2 builds upon its predecessor’s innovative permanent progression system. The unique inheritance system, where you choose a descendant with inherited traits (both beneficial and detrimental), adds a compelling layer to each run. Combined with Metroidvania-inspired exploration and a robust class system, Rogue Legacy 2 offers a rewarding experience for those seeking long-term progression and diverse gameplay.
Rogue Legacy 2 – Early Access Trailer
