Roguelike deckbuilders have carved out a niche that combines strategic depth, replayability, and the thrill of the unknown in unique and engaging ways. As we step into 2024, the genre continues to flourish, offering a variety of titles that appeal to both hardcore fans and newcomers alike. From the pioneering classics to the latest innovations, here are the best roguelike deckbuilders to play right now.
1. Slay the Spire
Starting with a game that needs no introduction, Slay the Spire by MegaCrit set the standard for what a roguelike deckbuilder could be. Blending card game mechanics with roguelike progression, it offers a compelling gameplay loop that is easy to learn but challenging to master. Players ascend a spire, battling enemies and bosses through turn-based combat, using a deck that evolves over the course of a run. The game's brilliance lies in its balance of risk and reward, encouraging players to experiment with different card combinations and strategies. With its vast array of cards, relics that grant unique abilities, and multiple characters with distinct playstyles, Slay the Spire remains a cornerstone of the genre, showcasing depth, diversity, and endless replayability.
2. HELLCARD
HELLCARD is a cooperative roguelike deckbuilder developed by Thing Trunk, where players descend into the depths of hell itself. It builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, introducing a unique cooperative gameplay element that allows players to team up and face the hordes of the underworld together. This addition of multiplayer aspects brings a new layer of strategy and camaraderie to the genre, as players must not only manage their own decks but also coordinate with their teammates to overcome challenges. The game's stunning art style, combined with its deep mechanics and variety of cards, ensures that each run through its infernal landscapes is both a challenging and visually captivating experience. HELLCARD is a testament to the genre's potential for innovation and community-driven gameplay.
3. Across the Obelisk
Dreamsite Games' Across the Obelisk stands out for its blend of RPG elements with roguelike deckbuilding mechanics. In this game, players embark on an adventure across a fantasy world, engaging in strategic battles using decks of cards that represent different abilities and attacks. What sets Across the Obelisk apart is its emphasis on character progression and story, allowing players to delve into the backstories of their heroes and make choices that impact the game's world. With its cooperative multiplayer mode, players can join forces, sharing resources and strategies to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. The game combines a rich narrative with engaging gameplay, offering a deep and immersive experience that appeals to both deckbuilding aficionados and fans of role-playing games.
4. Monster Train
Shiny Shoe's Monster Train adds a unique twist to the roguelike deckbuilder genre by setting its battles on a train journeying through hell. The game layers its card-based combat with a strategic positioning element, as players must defend multiple floors of their train from invading forces. This spatial component demands careful planning and foresight, adding a rich layer of strategy to the deckbuilding mechanics. Monster Train is celebrated for its high replay value, thanks to the diverse factions, powerful card synergies, and random events that ensure no two runs are the same. Its vibrant art style, combined with a compelling loop of upgrading and adapting your deck, makes Monster Train a captivating and challenging experience for players looking for depth and innovation in their games.
5. Heretic's Fork
In Heretic's Fork by 9FingerGames, you're Hell's Manager, tasked with solving hellish overpopulation. This darkly humorous game blends deck-building with tower defense, where you deploy towers dealing Holy, Unholy, and Hellfire damage to punish sinners. Choose a demon subordinate, protect the rift from escaping heretics, and cooperate with Hell's circles to maintain order. Success in punishing sinners expands your deck and increases your wages, reflecting your managerial efficiency. This unique roguelike deckbuilder offers a strategic, immersive experience with a macabre twist, inviting players to innovate within a meritocratic underworld system, all while enjoying a shared dark sense of humor.
6. Cobalt Core
Lastly, Cobalt Core by Azure Games marks an exciting evolution in the genre, blending cyberpunk aesthetics with classic deckbuilding gameplay. Players assume the role of hackers, navigating through cyberspace to take down a powerful corporation. The game innovates with its dynamic deckbuilding system, where cards can be modified and upgraded in numerous ways, reflecting the hacking themes of adaptation and ingenuity. The strategic depth is further enhanced by the inclusion of a unique energy system that simulates the risk and reward of delving deeper into the digital world. Cobalt Core not only offers a refreshing thematic shift from the more common fantasy settings but also introduces mechanics that challenge players to think on their feet and adapt their strategies in real-time. The game's vibrant neon visuals, coupled with a pulsating soundtrack, immerse players in its dystopian universe. Azure Games has crafted a compelling narrative that unfolds through the player's encounters and choices, adding a layer of depth that elevates Cobalt Core beyond a mere card game to an engaging story-driven experience.
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