7 Best Rogue-lite RPG Games in 2023

Rogue-lite RPG games have made a solid mark in the gaming world, blending unpredictable rogue-lite elements with story-rich RPG features. In 2023, we see a bunch of new titles that promise many hours of engaging gameplay. In this article, we’ll explore 7 best of them that have caught the eye of gamers. Let's dive into these games to see what they offer.

1. The Unliving (2023)

Developer: RocketBrush Studio | Release Date: 2023 | Steam Page

In the ominous realm of The Unliving, players step into the sinister storm threatening to shatter the tranquility of the mortal world. Embrace the mantle of a formidable Necromancer, a harbinger of death leading legions of the undead against the fragile sanctuary of the living. The game's meticulously crafted pixel art weaves a haunting yet enthralling atmosphere, seamlessly melding with the somber theme of necromancy. It's a thrilling venture into challenging the natural order, unearthing the forgotten secrets of necromancy in a rogue-lite RPG game.

Game Features:

• Undead Army Creation: Every foe vanquished can be resurrected to join your undead army, each victory a stride towards amassing an indomitable legion. Harness unique abilities like the Necromancer, cursing the very souls it once blessed.
• Unlock Necromancy's Mysteries: Delve into the enigmatic realm of necromancy, interacting with a diverse cast, interrogating your cult, or engaging with your phylactery to piece together the scattered memories of the Necromancer.
• Resist the Living: The living are not mere bystanders; while some may fall easily, others will rally and retaliate. As the Necromancer, it's your duty to obliterate all who dare defy the reign of the undead.
• Explore Dynamic Territories: Embark on dangerous journeys through randomly generated landscapes, each teeming with foes, treasures, secrets, and traps. From raiding secluded villages to battling in murky swamps, every expedition is a unique narrative.
• Face Formidable Bosses: Confront the shadowy bosses, each with distinct combat styles and abilities, demanding a strategic approach to prevail in these intense confrontations.
• Embrace Death & Resurgence: Death is but a mere pause; learn from every downfall, ensuring your foes remain forever in fear, unable to exploit the same weakness twice.

The Unliving transcends the common necromancer game; it's a definitive venture into necromantic realms, setting a gold standard in the genre. RocketBrush Studio has indeed elevated the narrative of necromantic experiences. Take the chance to delve into this captivating title on Steam.

2. Cult of the Lamb (2022)

Developer: Massive Monster | Release Date: 2022

Cult of the Lamb is a rogue-lite game that propels players into a possessed lamb's dark yet whimsical role, spared from destruction by a mysterious figure. To repay this debt, you're tasked with establishing a loyal following in his name amidst a land of false prophets. Venture into varied and enigmatic territories to foster a devoted community of woodland followers, spreading your doctrine to become the ultimate cult.

Game Features:

• Build Your Flock: Utilize collected resources to erect new structures, execute dark rituals for divine appeasement, and deliver sermons to bolster your flock's faith.
• Destroy the Non-Believers: Traverse a vast, randomly generated world, fend off enemy hordes, and defeat rival cult leaders to assimilate their power, cementing your cult's supremacy.
• Spread Your Word: Train your disciples and set forth on a mission to unveil the mysteries of four enigmatic regions. Purify the non-believers, disseminate enlightenment, and conduct mystical rituals on your journey to ascend as the mighty lamb deity​.

The whimsical tone and dark humor of Cult of the Lamb offer a unique blend of innocence and ominous ambiance, enticing players to delve deeper into its rogue-lite RPG adventures. This title presents a captivating narrative intertwined with engaging gameplay mechanics, making it a notable entry in the rogue-lite RPG genre.

3. Rogue Legacy 2 (2022)

Developer: Cellar Door Games | Release Date: 2022

In Rogue Legacy 2, the saga continues with a genealogical twist, making every death a new beginning. As you step into the ever-evolving halls of a mysterious castle, each demise brings forth a unique descendant to continue the family’s legacy. Unlike typical adventurers, your heirs come with their own traits.

Game Features:

• Unique Succession System: Every time you die, your children succeed you. Each child is unique, offering a different set of abilities and challenges.
• Randomized Runs: Delve into the castle with randomized runs, ensuring no two adventures are the same.
• Persistent Upgrades: Unlock upgrades that last through generations, aiding your family in unraveling the castle's secrets.
• Diverse Characters: Encounter various characters that unveil the rich narrative tying together your family’s legacy and the rogue-lite RPG mechanics.

With its blend of rogue-lite mechanics and a rich familial narrative, Rogue Legacy 2 offers a captivating adventure that ties your actions to the unfolding story. The game challenges your skills and tells a tale of legacy, making each attempt stride toward unraveling the family’s history. Through the eyes of each unique descendant, delve deeper into a rogue-lite RPG adventure filled with unexpected challenges and discoveries​.

4. Voidigo (2023)

Developer: semiwork | Release Date: 2023

Embark on a vibrant adventure in Voidigo, a rogue-lite RPG indie game breaking away from the often grim aesthetics of the genre. In a world threatened by an endless void, players must confront ferocious bosses amidst ever-changing, colorful environments. The objective is to shatter the cycle of the eternal void menacing the realm. With many weapons to choose from and unpredictable challenges awaiting, Voidigo brings a fresh and exhilarating rogue-lite shooter RPG experience to the table.

Game Features:

• Diverse Weaponry: Discover a vast array of weaponry that will keep the combat engaging and unique each time.
• Dynamic Boss Fights: Face off against formidable bosses in evolving arenas, ensuring no two fights are the same.
• Vibrant Environments: Traverse through vibrant, procedurally generated environments that keep the adventure fresh with each play.
• Endless Void Threat: Battle to break the cycle of the endless void, with each victory bringing you closer to saving the world.

Voidigo is not just about battling menacing forces; it's an invitation to a captivating, colorful world that juxtaposes light-hearted humor with the relentless challenge posed by the rogue-lite mechanics. The game's distinct art style and engaging gameplay make it stand out in the rogue-lite RPG indie game scene.

5. Vampire Survivors (2022)

Developer: poncle| Release Date: 2022

Immerse yourself in the dark yet thrilling world of Vampire Survivors, where your survival hinges on your ability to face a relentless onslaught of foes. In this rogue-lite RPG indie game, you are not merely a passive participant but a formidable vampire bent on mastering new skills and abilities with each victory. As you navigate through the grim surroundings, the rogue-lite mechanics ensure a fresh and challenging experience every step of the way, placing it among the best rogue-lite RPG games.

Game Features:

• Endless Progression: With every battle, gain new skills and abilities, enhancing your vampire's capabilities to stand against the odds.
• Fast-paced Combat: The combat is anything but mundane. Engage in action-packed battles that will keep you on your toes.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The game stands out with its retro-style arcade aesthetic blended with thrilling bullet hell mechanics, creating a captivating gameplay experience​.

Vampire Survivors is more than just a survival game; it's a test of skill, a challenge to grow stronger with each encounter, and an invitation to explore a game world that keeps evolving. The game doesn't just stop at survival; it entices you with the promise of becoming a mightier entity amidst a dark, foreboding setting. The game’s narrative and unique gameplay mechanics make Vampire Survivors an engaging venture for those seeking a rogue-lite RPG indie game experience.

6. Mortal Sin (2023)

Developer: Nikola Todorovic | Release Date: 2023

Mortal Sin transports players into a realm of horror and danger, challenging them to hack and slash through a relentless nightmare. This rogue-lite game is anything but ordinary, with each encounter pushing players to their limits. The game's rogue-lite mechanics underscore the dark narrative and intense combat scenarios, which guarantee a unique experience with every playthrough.

Game Features:

• Hack, Slash, Survive: Combat is brutal and fast-paced. Every stroke of your weapon, whether it's steel or magic, leaves a mark on the horrifying enemies you face​.
• Death Is Not The End: In the sinister world of Mortal Sin, dying only brings you back to the start of an endless nightmare, pushing you to learn and adapt​.
• Randomized Environments: The game's landscapes are as unpredictable as they are dangerous, with every playthrough offering new challenges to overcome​​.
• Horrific Foes: The enemies in Mortal Sin are not just terrifying to look at, but each one presents a unique challenge that tests your combat skills to the max​4​.

Mortal Sin has garnered positive reviews, with a Metacritic score of 89%, highlighting its engaging gameplay and captivating dark themes. This rogue-lite game is not for the faint-hearted but for those ready to face the horrors that await. It's one of the titles demonstrating the thrilling potential of rogue-lite RPG indie games, offering a blend of intense action, strategic gameplay, and a chilling narrative. This title has rightly earned its place in the list of best rogue-lite RPG games of 2023.

7. Crafty Survivors (2023)

Developer: Flannel Bear Games | Release Date: 2023

In Crafty Survivors, players find themselves in a realm where all heroes have succumbed to corruption. The unique objective is to unlock a variety of crafty professionals, each with distinct skills, to form personalized builds. As you traverse the game, your mission is to defend your home by annihilating hordes of monstrous adversaries. The gameplay encourages players to gather materials, rebuild their village, and craft their way to unveil the root of the evil curse that has befallen the land.

Game Features:

• Diverse Cast: Unlock various crafty professionals with unique skills to form your builds.
• Defend Your Home: Face off against hordes of monsters to defend your home.
• Gather and Rebuild: Collect materials to rebuild your village, enhancing your abilities and resources.
• Craft Your Way: Craft necessary items and resources to progress through the game and uncover the source of the curse.

With a mixture of action, roguelike elements, and crafting, Crafty Survivors offers a fresh take on the rogue-lite game genre. The developers' continuous engagement with the community through the Early Access platform suggests a promising evolution for the game, aligning with player feedback to enhance the gaming experience further. The game's unique theme of overcoming corruption by unlocking a diverse cast of characters, defending one's home, and delving into crafting mechanics makes it one of the notable mentions in the best rogue-lite RPG games of 2023

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