exa.ai + chatgpt-4o-mini asked "best roguelikes of 2025"

readme.md

Here are some of the best roguelike games to play in 2025:

1. Hades II

   • Sequel to the critically acclaimed Hades, it promises new mythological settings and characters while maintaining the same fast-paced, responsive combat. Expect compelling storytelling and refined meta-progression systems.

2. Slay the Spire

   • A classic in the roguelike deckbuilding category, where players ascend a spire filled with battles, events, and unique card synergies. Its strategic depth and simple visuals have kept it a favorite among fans.

3. Balatro

   • A unique blend of poker mechanics within a roguelike structure where players build runs based on creating powerful poker hands. The strategic aspect revolves around synergistic Jokers.

4. The Binding of Isaac: Repentance

   • A foundational title in modern roguelikes, featuring vast item synergies and a dark, surreal atmosphere. Its procedural generation ensures high replayability.

5. Dead Cells

   • This "roguevania" combines fast-paced action and roguelike elements. Players explore an ever-changing landscape filled with fluid combat and meta-progression systems.

6. Risk of Rain 2

   • A 3D roguelike that retains the charm of its 2D predecessor. With unique survivors and item stacking mechanics, it offers intense gameplay, especially in co-op mode.

7. Enter the Gungeon

   • A bullet-hell dungeon crawler focused on precision shooting and dodging. It features a diverse arsenal and quirky pixel art style.

8. Cult of the Lamb

   • This game blends action roguelike mechanics with base-building simulation as players manage a cult in a dark yet quirky world.

9. Spelunky 2

   • A challenging platformer roguelike that emphasizes environmental interaction and learning through failure. Its co-op mode adds an element of chaos.

10. FTL: Faster Than Light

    • A spaceship simulation roguelike that involves managing a crew and ship systems while navigating through randomly generated space sectors.

11. Darkest Dungeon

    • Unique for its psychological challenges and stress mechanics, players bear the burden of leading flawed heroes into perilous dungeons.

12. Returnal

    • An AAA roguelike game that interweaves intense action with a compelling narrative about time loops and exploration in a mysterious alien world.

13. Vampire Survivors

    • A minimalist roguelike with an addictively simple gameplay loop, players survive increasing swathes of enemies while collecting experience to level up.

14. Caves of Qud

    • A deeply complex roguelike known for its science-fantasy setting and emergent gameplay mechanics involving character mutations and comprehensive world-building.

15. StarVaders

    • A newer title blending elements of deck-building with tactical combat, where players fend off waves of aliens using unique mechs and strategies.

These titles represent a diverse range of experiences within the roguelike genre, whether you prefer deep strategy, action, or narrative-driven gameplay.