It's official: 2025 has been the year of the roguelike. Before God and the good readers of Ars Technica, I have a problem - I love them. If there's even a whisper of a hot new roguelike on Steam, I'm there. You may call them arcane, repetitive, or maddeningly difficult; I call them heaven.
In all seriousness, 2025 has been an embarrassment of riches for fans of the genre. With the release of several high-quality games, it's no wonder that many are finding themselves unable to put down their consoles and PCs. The second best part of video games is taking a puny little character and over 100 hours transforming them into a god of destruction. The best thing about video games is doing the same thing in under an hour.
The roguelike formula has proven to be surprisingly versatile, allowing developers to create a wide range of experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences. From the procedurally generated levels of Hades II to the chaotic gameplay of Megabonk, there's something for everyone.
One of the standout features of many modern roguelikes is their ability to seamlessly integrate online multiplayer and co-op modes. Deadzone Rogue and Clover Pit are two excellent examples of this trend, offering a fresh twist on the traditional roguelike formula.
Of course, not all games in the genre can be considered "serious" or "polished." 9 Kings, for example, is still in Early Access and may not have the same level of production values as some other titles. However, its simplicity and addictive gameplay make it a compelling experience nonetheless.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, it's clear that roguelikes are here to stay. With their unique blend of exploration, strategy, and luck, they offer a gaming experience that's both challenging and rewarding.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just looking to try something new, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of roguelikes. So why not give one a try? You might just find yourself falling in love with the thrill of the unknown - and the satisfaction of emerging victorious from even the most daunting challenges.
In all seriousness, 2025 has been an embarrassment of riches for fans of the genre. With the release of several high-quality games, it's no wonder that many are finding themselves unable to put down their consoles and PCs. The second best part of video games is taking a puny little character and over 100 hours transforming them into a god of destruction. The best thing about video games is doing the same thing in under an hour.
The roguelike formula has proven to be surprisingly versatile, allowing developers to create a wide range of experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences. From the procedurally generated levels of Hades II to the chaotic gameplay of Megabonk, there's something for everyone.
One of the standout features of many modern roguelikes is their ability to seamlessly integrate online multiplayer and co-op modes. Deadzone Rogue and Clover Pit are two excellent examples of this trend, offering a fresh twist on the traditional roguelike formula.
Of course, not all games in the genre can be considered "serious" or "polished." 9 Kings, for example, is still in Early Access and may not have the same level of production values as some other titles. However, its simplicity and addictive gameplay make it a compelling experience nonetheless.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, it's clear that roguelikes are here to stay. With their unique blend of exploration, strategy, and luck, they offer a gaming experience that's both challenging and rewarding.
Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just looking to try something new, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of roguelikes. So why not give one a try? You might just find yourself falling in love with the thrill of the unknown - and the satisfaction of emerging victorious from even the most daunting challenges.
they're like the ultimate test of skill and luck, you know? i love how each run is unique and unpredictable, like youre never gonna win or lose in the same way twice... it's so satisfying when u finally beat a tough level or boss after like 20+ tries 
anyway i think what im most excited about is how the genre has evolved with online multiplayer and co-op modes - its like taking the challenge to a whole new level 
The ones that really stand out to me are the ones that add online multiplayer, like Deadzone Rogue - it's a whole new level of strategy and teamwork 
. But at the same time, I also appreciate the smaller indie games that might not have all the bells and whistles but still pack a punch 
. 9 Kings is one example that's definitely got me hooked (even in Early Access) 
. The roguelike formula just keeps getting more interesting and diverse, which is what makes it so addictive! 
and yeah, online multiplayer makes it even more fun to play with friends 
gotta try deadzone rogue tho, heard great things about it 
I'm so down for all this new roguelike action on Steam! They're like, the ultimate test of endurance and skill 
But seriously, it's great to see devs pushing the genre in new directions with co-op modes and all that jazz 
), but that just adds to the charm, right? 
. All in all, roguelikes are the future of gaming, and I'm hyped to see what's next 