You don’t need to suffer each new run alone.
But, there are plenty of roguelike shooters out there that stand far above a crowded field.
Updated January 19, 2025 by Jacob Whaling: We’ve added even more roguelike shooters to this list.
24Roboquest
Roboquest is a first-person roguelike shooter with a fast-paced playstyle.
23Deadlink
Deadlink is a cyberpunk FPS with roguelite elements and some seriously stylish combat.
22Returnal
Returnal is a roguelike shooter with hefty amounts of both sci-fi and horror.
Returnal feels and plays like a frenetic bullet-hell game mixed with the enticing nature of a roguelike game.
Most roguelikes are in third-person, but these titles prove that the genre can work well in first-person too.
The most immediately striking thing about Returnal is how the game blends intense third-person shooting action with light exploration.
Plus, the gun-bang out weapons fire neon-drenched bullets, lasers, and energy balls.
Neon Abyss blends platforming action, melee combat, and plenty of guns.
The creative sci-fi and cyberpunk-inspired weaponry in this game is simply a blast to use.
Each new run provides new weapons to try out.
The “EXTREME” nature of that period is literally measured by how much blood you spill.
Is it over the top?
Yes, but it’s meant to be.
Is Strafe as good asDoomorQuake?
Absolutely not, but it’s a good time regardless of its non-classic status.
Terrible Posture Games developed this game to be seven floors of randomly generated chaos.
Tower of Guns dives into what it’s trying to be, and it doesn’t apologize for it.
18Prey: Mooncrash
First and foremost, Prey: Mooncrash deserves to have more attention.
Released in 2018 by Arkane Studios, this DLC presents a fascinating take on first-person shooter roguelikes.
This additional content to an already solid title perfects the core mechanic.
You will feel a spark in your creativity as you problem-solve in each attempt.
These games are an extra challenge with their roguelike modes.
The decisions that you have to make for each run provide a true sense of investment in your planning.
We arrive at these games to enjoy some old-school shooter fun wrapped in a fun new package.
16Ziggurat
Ziggurat has the distinctive label of being a fantasy-based roguelike shooter.
It also allows the player to shoot spells so fast it would make Gandalf’s hat spin.
It’s a unique take on the genre, albeit a short one.
However, the strength of its execution and style will make you want to come back for more.
This game is a love letter to early attempts at a dark fantasy first-person shooter series.
The dungeon-crawling aspect of this shooter even manages to conjure memories of the classics like Diablo 2.
Ziggurat is a gem that any fantasy fan can get a kick out of for hours.
15Void Bastards
Void Bastards delivers a first-person roguelike experience in a cell-shaded comic book style.
A decent explanation would be a cross between The Fifth Element,Alien, andXIII.
You never know what kind of prisoner you’re going to try and hop across the map.
Planning your next step is crucial, and the odds of your survival can take a nasty turn quickly.
