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What are the best roguelikes on PC?

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Brogue vs Cataclysm Dark Days Ahead vs Caves of Qud

 vs Dungeons of Dredmor vs Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup vs ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) vs Cogmind vs Yodanji vs HyperRogue vs Soulash vs STRAFE: Millennium Edition vs Pagan Hope

Specs

Genre

Roguelike

Controller Support

No

Co-Op

None

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

Survival / Roguelike / Open World

Controller Support

No

Co-Op

No

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac

Multi-Player

No

Single Player

Yes

VR Support

No

Developement Status

Beta

Campaign Length

Endless

Replayability

Yes, endlessly

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

Roguelike

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

Single Player

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

-

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

-

Controller Support

None

Co-Op

-

Platforms

Windows, Linux, Mac, Android

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

barbs

File Size

19MB

Required Android Version

2.3 and up

In App Purchases

None

Content Rating

Everyone 10+

Immersive Mode

No

Genre

-

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

-

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

Roguelike, Role-Playing, Strategy

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

Windows, Nintendo Switch

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

-

Controller Support

None

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

Very Positive

Publisher

Zeno Rogue

File Size

10M

Required Android Version

2.1 and up

In App Purchases

None

Content Rating

Unrated

Immersive Mode

No

Genre

-

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

-

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

Mostly Positive

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Genre

-

Controller Support

-

Co-Op

-

Platforms

-

Multi-Player

-

Single Player

-

VR Support

-

Developement Status

-

Campaign Length

-

Replayability

-

Steam Rating

-

Publisher

-

File Size

-

Required Android Version

-

In App Purchases

-

Content Rating

-

Immersive Mode

-

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Easy to get into, hard to master

The gameplay itself is quite straightforward, making for mechanics that can be picked up within a few minutes of playing. Of course the challenge of the game is a whole other mater as like most roguelikes, this game can be quite challenging.
Comment

Pro
 Free to download and play for anyone

Doesn't cost a dime as the game is free to download and play. Which is great as there is no obstacle to one trying the game out.
Comment

Pro
 Can be played on persons preferred platform

It can be played on Mac OS X, Windows, or Linux, and on mobile devices running iOS or Android.
Comment

Pro
 Good graphics that are easy on the eyes

The game's dark, modern graphics help to make the game playable and look good even if you have very sensitive eyes.
Comment

Pro
 Perfectly balanced rather than filled with features

The balancing is done quite well, as there is just enough elements to the gameplay to keep one interested without being overly complex or heavy weight.
Comment

Pro
 Simple and easy to understand design

The graphics of the game consist entirely of ASCII characters which keeps the design simple and easy to understand.
Comment

Con
 No classes

While not having any classes for the main character means that any item can be equipped it does make for less replayability due to not having different classes to try out on multiple playthroughs.
Comment

Pro
 Open world

C:DDA is a sandbox game that takes place in post-apocalyptic New England. The lack of fixed sections (traditionally, roguelikes were in a multi-level dungeon) and not having a strictly defined goal make the game particularly unique among roguelikes.
Comment

Pro
 Tons of depth

From the amount of items in the game to the variety of monsters as well as professions there is quite a lot of depth to be experienced in the game.
Comment

Pro
 Easily build and use vehicles

Comment

Pro
 Actively developed and open-source

The game is still in active development meaning there are devs responsible for adding features as well as fixing bugs. This is on top of the fact that the game is completely open-source meaning anyone can help with the development as well as use the code for their own projects.
Comment

Pro
 Graphics can be used instead of ASCII, for those that would enjoy something more visual

Not supported on every version of the game, but you can have a graphical experience if you want by using a graphical tileset for the game. This will need to be done manually.
Comment

Pro
 Super involved gameplay that allows the user to dive deep into the mechanics of the game

Everything from weather to crafting to martial arts are accounted for in Cataclysm. You can spend hours mastering the depths of this games systems that allow you to play however you want.
Comment

Pro
 Being in constant active development allows the game to constantly grow

Experimental releases drop a few times in a single day. Many people are working on finding bugs, and developers are quickly fixing them and adding new features. This makes for a situation where the game is constantly growing and improving.
Comment

Pro
 Free for anyone to download and try, which leaves no one out

The game is free of cost as well as open-source, meaning that anyone can download the game, install it and play it.
Comment

Pro
 Open source and very moddable, making for a game that anyone can change to their liking

The mod community is pretty active on this game, and you can create some really cool things with the tools they already provide. This way anyone can change their game to how they like.
Comment

Pro
 Easily change difficulty settings

While playing if you feel the game is too tough the difficulty can be changed in order to make it behave in the manner to ones liking.
Comment

Con
 Difficult to learn at first

This could be a pro for some but for many this will turn them away from the game.
Comment

Con
 Base game is limited

The base game only offers minimal sound and effects, if a user wants better quality sounds they will need to download and install an external package.
Comment

Con
 Not all aspects are explained

Meaning that there can be scenarios that result in death, this can be frustrating as the cause may not be known until after death making it impossible to avoid the first time.
Comment

Con
 Difficult to install on Linux

Comment

Pro
 Immersive experience

Unique and luscious world brought to life with evocative prose.
Comment

Pro
 Tons of customization

Mutations are one of the biggest parts of Caves of Qud. Want to be a two-headed beguiling spider-thing? A four-armed flying plant-man? You can. There's also lots of armor, weapons, and equipment, which can be found enchanted, as well as a bunch of "spells" (mental mutations) and skills.
Comment

Pro
 Over 60 factions

Befriend or become enemies with dozens of different factions—crabs, turtles, robots and even trees to name a few.
Comment

Con
 Can be difficult to get started

The beginning of the game explains little, depending on what attributes you put points into in character creation will have a high level of impact at the start of the game. This is not explained to the player, so if you do not put 18 points into "toughness" without having a very particular build in mind that will have some way of dodging or avoiding attacks, the result will just be plenty of death with little advancement.
Comment

Pro
 Several community mods were bundled as a free official expansion pack

In a testament to the quality of the Dungeons of Dredmor modding community, one official expansion pack consists almost entirely of user-created content. It was released for free, since they're not total capitalist jerks.
Comment

Pro
 Configurable difficulty accommodates both casual and hardcore play

In addition to basic difficulty adjustment, the player can choose whether death is permanent (in classic roguelike style) or merely resets the current level. There is also a mode called "No Time to Grind" where experience points are increased from all sources, but in compensation, levels are smaller.
Comment

Pro
 Combines punishing roguelike game mechanics with silly and satirical humor

The core mechanics of Dungeons of Dredmor are roguelike, but added on top of that is a silly humor that creates an endearing atmosphere.
Comment

Pro
 Skill-based class system improves replay value

A character has seven selected skills, which effectively define that character's class: they have access to every skill selected, and no others. The base game contains dozens of skills, with many more available through both mods and official expansions.
Comment

Con
 Minor interface issues

The interface feels very unintuitive. Even basic aspects such as changing the default action feels overly complicated and unnecessary.
Comment

Pro
 Simple character creation with different classes

There are a few different classes available at character creation, each one has it's own abilities that are different from the others. Creating one is quite simple, which makes for a fast way to get into the game and start playing.
Comment

Pro
 Gold Standard for roguelikes

The controls and replayability have been refined over the years. Whether the player chooses to play with Tiles (graphics) or console (ASCII) the game works well even when choosing online or offline play. Either way there is just enough interface to play the game.
Comment

Pro
 Really, really deep

The game has been around for a dozen years or so, most of that time went into adding and expanding features. There are lots of ways to play the game, and you can dive into it literally for years and still be surprised by unexplored options.
Comment

Con
 Generic and plain setting and story

About as generic fantasy as you can get.
Comment

Pro
 A true classic

It's one of the four games that really defined the genre, and it still is relevant today. A great addition to any roguelike fans' library.
Comment

Con
 Complex interface

A common complaint is that there are a lot of commands to learn, although the devs have been working hard to simplify and streamline the interface (both graphical and ASCII)
Comment

Pro
 Deep story

No two runs are usually the same.
Comment

Pro
 Lots of different ways to play

You can play as a tank, you can play stealth, you can be the long range you can be short range, you can excel at hacking, the list goes on...
Comment

Pro
 Traditional turn based system

This is really nice if you're in a situation where you need to quickly start and stop playing a game without it wrecking the game. Also gives you time to think up more strategy.
Comment

Pro
 Educates you about the Yokai of Japanese folklore

All of Yodanji's playable characters are Yokai - supernatural beings that appear in many types of Japanese folklore. This includes Yuki-onna (snow woman), Kamaitachi (sickle weasel), Nekomata (a possessed two-tailed cat), and many others. Each Yokai has background info at the character selection screen, providing insights into that Yokai's origins and supernatural origins. This gives you a chance to learn interesting tidbits about Japanese culture while playing the game.
Comment

Pro
 Suspenseful atmosphere

While Yodanji's supernatural premise and eerie sound effects could've been enough to create a tense atmosphere, the limited vision makes it very suspenseful. You can only see enemies directly in your line of sight, so you'll only notice an enemy right after turning a corner. This also allows them to ambush you, since just looking into a room won't inform you of anyone hiding in that room's corners. It's a simple mechanic, but it makes exploring a lot more intense, since one wrong move can lead to your death.
Comment

Pro
 Solid roguelike gameplay

Yodanji is a good mix of RPG, roguelike and dungeon crawling elements. You explore a dungeon, battle enemies, level up and learn new skills, and find useful items while avoiding traps, finding secrets, and enduring sudden ambushes. There's even a hunger mechanic, adding a bit of a micro management aspect when you're not fighting. All of this creates an enjoyable experience that can satisfy most players looking for a good roguelike game.
Comment

Con
 The soundtrack can get repetitive easily

As you're exploring the dungeon in Yodanji, you'll be accompanied by a simple tune, consisting primarily of a string instrument and a flute with some ambience mixed in. While the audio quality is great and the tune sounds nice, it's only about 15 seconds long and loops endlessly. As a result, after playing for a couple of hours the tune might start to become unbearable, causing it to even feel distracting.
Comment

Con
 Very basic visuals

Aside from the nicely drawn character pictures, every other visual in Yodanji is very basic. Environments, items, and even character sprites are very pixelated, lack detail, and have a very limited color to them. While the developer might've gone with this retro-esque style intentionally, it probably won't impress players looking for more impressive visuals.
Comment

Con
 Strange visual choices

One of the selling points of the game is also one of its biggest weaknesses. For some, it's simply headache inducing to look at.
Comment

Pro
 A variety of mechanics

Comment

Pro
 Unique geometry

HyperRogue takes place in the hyperbolic plane. The grid of hexagons and heptagons and the straight lines which seem to be parallel diverge and never cross and many more unique and unusual geometric shapes.
Comment

Pro
 Turn-based roguelike or local coop roguelite

Can be played both as a turn-based roguelike, and as a roguelite with smooth time. Local coop is available in the roguelite mode.
Comment

Pro
 Easy to get into

A bit like in chess, the basic mechanics are based purely on movement, so no keys to learn. There are no stats, and most creatures are killed with a single hit -- the same is true for the player, but like in Chess, moves which would immediately lead to being killed are forbidden, so the game is over only when you are checkmated. Advanced parts of the game world include lands based on more complex mechanics, and magical orbs which give temporary special powers.
Comment

Pro
 Many different areas

Many areas based on various themes (R'Lyeh, Desert, Overgrown Forest, Living Cave, Palace, Carribean, etc.)
Comment

Pro
 Big open world

The game is not played in a dungeon, but most of the action is done in the overworld.
Comment

Pro
 Easy to get into

Even though there are ASCII graphics that represent objects in the game, everything can be looked at and descriptions are displayed in modern tooltips. UI is graphical, which makes it easier to navigate the game systems.
Comment

Pro
 Multiple ways to play

There's more ways to play with how you decide to build your character with certain abilities of your choice, makes for some fun replayability.
Comment

Pro
 Crafting & unique item system

All items that can be found in the game, can also be crafted. All enemies drop exactly what they use when fighting you and almost all items will break when used for some time.
Comment

Pro
 Moddable

A lot of editors to add custom content.
Comment

Pro
 Great design

The particle effects, the pace, the timing of the game in general bring a lot of fun and excitement.
Comment

Pro
 "slim" game files music and graphics are not bad at all for 35MB

Comment

Pro
 It is pure walk and kill, a little bit of strategy involved but nothing too complex

Comment

Con
 You can die very easy and very fast (is written in the game description too, but still...)

Comment
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