- #1 The Ouroboros King
97% matchVery Positive80% of 569 reviews2023
Dev: Oriol Cosp Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.8 hrsMean: 6.0 hrs≥1hr: 60%
The Ouroboros King combines the strategic depth of chess with the build variety and replayability of roguelikes. Assemble a formidable army, discover powerful relics, and buy surprising gadgets to defeat the Coven.
Why similar: Chess 50.3% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 10%, Roguelike 9.8%, Roguelite 9.3%
Why You'll Like It: It shares the core DNA of Shotgun King by combining chess pieces with roguelike deckbuilding and tactical army management.
- #2 Shogun Showdown
96% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 7,002 reviews2024
Dev: RoboatinoPub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 12.0 hrs≥1hr: 63%
Shogun Showdown is a turn-based combat game with rogue-like and deck-building elements. Position yourself and attack at the right time, upgrade your tiles and combo them to get ready to face the Shogun!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 27.3%, Roguelike 21.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 15.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.4%, Roguelite 11.4%
Why You'll Like It: It offers a similar focus on turn-based tactical positioning and anticipating enemy moves in a minimalist, high-stakes environment.
- #3 Pawnbarian
96% matchVery Positive89% of 895 reviews2021
Dev: j4nw
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 5.7 hrs≥1hr: 90%
Pawnbarian is a quick-playing, turn-based puzzle roguelike. Play cards to move your hero like a chess piece, and conquer challenging dungeons full of cunning monsters!
Why similar: Chess 54.3% ★, Roguelike 12.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.5%, Roguelite 7.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game elegantly distills chess movement into a tight, puzzle-like roguelike experience where every move on the grid is critical.
- #4 Rack and Slay
95% matchVery Positive91% of 610 reviews2024
Dev: LudokulturPub: 2 Left Thumbs
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 5.2 hrs≥1hr: 52%
The roguelike dungeon crawler where you're a billiard ball! Push monster balls into holes or traps in randomly generated levels. Stack up countless game-changing items to create broken builds. Find combos to create your own synergies and customize your playstyle. Rack and Slay!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 21.1%, Roguelike 18.6%, Action Roguelike 15.1%, Roguelite 13.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 12%
Why You'll Like It: Much like Shotgun King reimagines chess, this game transforms billiards into a satisfying, physics-based dungeon crawler.
- #5 Into the Breach
94% matchVery Positive94% of 22,217 reviews2018
Dev: Subset Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 32.2 hrs≥1hr: 83%
Control powerful mechs from the future to defeat an alien threat. Each attempt to save the world presents a new randomly generated challenge in this turn-based strategy game.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 33.4%, Roguelike 17.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 15.3%, Strategy 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%
Why You'll Like It: This is the gold standard for grid-based tactical roguelikes, requiring the same level of foresight and spatial awareness as Shotgun King.
- #6 Fights in Tight Spaces
94% matchVery Positive90% of 3,928 reviews2021
Dev: Ground ShatterPub: Balor Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 13.8 hrs≥1hr: 70%
A stylish blend of deck-building, turn-based tactics, and thrilling animated fight sequences in classic action-movie settings. Learn to balance your hand, momentum, and positioning to overcome the odds to defeat your adversaries. Build your deck, control the space and live to fight another day.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 23%, Turn-Based Tactics 22.1%, Strategy 20.6%, Roguelike 17.9%, Roguelite 8.8%
Why You'll Like It: It combines deckbuilding with grid-based tactical combat, emphasizing positioning and environmental awareness in a way that feels very similar to chess.
- #7 Chessplosion
93% matchVery Positive96% of 154 reviews2021
Dev: C.T. Matthews
Windows
Median: 2.0 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 67%
Chessplosion is an arcade action puzzle game where you drop chess piece bombs to create chain reactions and trap opponents. Defeat enemies and bosses in Adventure Mode and the roguelike-inspired Dungeon Mode, break targets with limited bombs in Puzzle Mode, or fight friends and AI in Battle Mode.
Why similar: Chess 41.4% ★, Tabletop 13.1%, Action Roguelike 9.3%, Roguelike 7.9%, Arcade 6.7%
Why You'll Like It: This arcade-style game turns chess into a chaotic, bullet-hell experience that keeps the board-game theme while adding intense action.
- #8 Passant: A Chess Roguelike
92% matchMostly Positive80% of 369 reviews2025
Dev: Marc Makes Games
Windows
Median: 3.0 hrsMean: 6.4 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Passant is a chess roguelike that changes all the rules. Progress through challenging rounds while collecting powerful pieces and game-changing items to seize victory.
Why similar: Chess 54.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 11.6%, Roguelike 9.8%, Strategy 7%, Tabletop 5.1%
Why You'll Like It: A direct thematic successor that leans heavily into the chess-roguelike genre with unique character upgrades.
- #9 Gambonanza
91% matchMostly Positive76% of 1,636 reviews2026
Dev: BlukuléléPub: Sidekick Publishing
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.2 hrsMean: 5.3 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Gambonanza is a tactical roguelike that sets chess pieces on a tiny board. Forget traditional chess and embrace the chaos of breaking the balance! Spend your money on rule-bending upgrades, board tiles and pieces. Experiment with illegal combinations and face off against iconic bosses!
Why similar: Chess 43.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 12.3%, Roguelike 8.7%, Roguelite 6.5%, Arcade 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: This title builds upon the chess-roguelike foundation by adding deckbuilding elements and high-replayability mechanics.
- #10 Slice & Dice
90% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,562 reviews2024
Dev: Tann
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.1 hrsMean: 20.7 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Tactical dice-rolling roguelike combat. Take control of 5 heroes, each with their own unique dice. Fight your way through 20 levels of monsters and try to take on the final boss. If you lose a single fight you have to start over so be careful (and lucky!).
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 32%, Roguelike 22.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 15.3%, Roguelite 15.2%, Pixel Graphics 10.3%
Why You'll Like It: This tactical roguelike uses dice to represent unit abilities, creating a deep, turn-based strategic loop that rewards clever planning.
- #11 Dicey Dungeons
91% matchVery Positive89% of 11,830 reviews2019
Dev: Terry Cavanagh
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 5.5 hrsMean: 13.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Become a giant walking dice, explore dungeons and defy Lady Luck in this dice powered roguelike! Now featuring "Reunion", a free DLC with six brand-new episodes!
Why similar: Roguelike 33.8%, Roguelite 31.3%, Cartoon 18.9%, Strategy 16%
Why You'll Like It: It features a similar blend of turn-based strategy and roguelike progression, where managing your limited resources is key to survival.
- #12 Once a Pawn a King
89% matchMixed60% of 57 reviews2026
Dev: Clover BitePub: indie.io
Windows
Chess is broken. Gather the Black Army, build a party of chess pieces, and battle through fractured boards in this asymmetric turn-based roguelike. Empower your army, adapt your strategy each run, and unravel the mystery behind a world trapped in an endless match.
Why similar: Chess 51.6% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.4%, Roguelike 11.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 7.7%, Roguelite 5.7%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the same core loop of navigating a chess-based board while managing roguelike power-ups and enemy encounters.
- #13 Balatro
88% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 197,432 reviews2024
Dev: LocalThunkPub: Playstack
Windows · Mac
Median: 20.5 hrsMean: 48.0 hrs≥1hr: 95%
The poker roguelike. Balatro is a hypnotically satisfying deckbuilder where you play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers, and trigger adrenaline-pumping, outrageous combos.
Why similar: Roguelike 27.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 15.8%, Roguelite 14.1%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Strategy 10.6%
Why You'll Like It: It captures the same 'twist on a classic' energy by taking poker and injecting it with deep, roguelike synergy mechanics.
- #14 The Rookery
89% matchVery Positive95% of 103 reviews2024
Dev: Glyder Games
Windows · Mac
An exciting and fast-paced chess roguelite, full of ridiculous abilities! Explode your opponent's pieces, spawn queens all over the board, move twice in a row... But watch out for the bosses, who have crazy powers of their own!
Why similar: Chess 56.5% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 13.5%, Roguelite 8.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.3%, Roguelike 7.3%
Why You'll Like It: A tactical roguelite that utilizes chess-inspired movement and positioning to create challenging combat scenarios.
- #15 Peglin
87% matchVery Positive84% of 17,635 reviews2024
Dev: Red Nexus Games Inc.
Windows · Mac
Median: 9.8 hrsMean: 24.8 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Peglin is a Pachinko Roguelike - Fight enemies by collecting special orbs and popping pegs to deal damage. Acquire special relics that radically change the game and ensure no two runs are the same. Aim carefully to survive in this unique turn-based RPG!
Why similar: Roguelike 31.5%, Roguelite 23.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Strategy 13.6%, Retro 11.7%
Why You'll Like It: It takes the familiar mechanics of Pachinko and turns them into a roguelike, mirroring the 'classic game with a twist' appeal of Shotgun King.
- #16 Yes, My Queen
86% matchVery Positive85% of 54 reviews2025
Dev: Wall Spaghetti
Windows · Mac
The chess roguelite. Play game-changing cards, bend the rules, save your Queen, and escape from the dungeon.
Why similar: Chess 53.6% ★, Roguelike 10.7%, Tabletop 10%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.6%, Roguelite 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game integrates chess tactics into a roguelike framework, emphasizing difficult decision-making and strategic army building.
- #17 WizardChess
86% matchMostly Positive77% of 92 reviews2024
Dev: TwoPM StudiosPub: 2 Left Thumbs
Windows · Mac
What if chess was invented by silly cosmic wizards? WizardChess is a turnbased roguelite where all the pieces have insane abilities that came to us in a shamanic vision. Fight chaotic-yet-tactical encounters with magic powers out of a fever dream! Defeat the FaeQueen and Claim Your Wish!
Why similar: Chess 58.8% ★, Roguelike 10.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.6%, Roguelite 8.9%, Strategy 6.1%
Why You'll Like It: It blends traditional chess pieces with deckbuilding, allowing for creative strategies that go beyond standard board-game rules.
- #18 Card Hog
85% matchVery Positive94% of 553 reviews2023
Dev: SnoutUp
Windows
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 4.6 hrs≥1hr: 79%
Card Hog is a pig-based dungeon crawler with roguelike and deck building elements. Take the role of an adventurous hog and interact with more than 100 cards of dangerous enemies, powerful weapons and exciting spells!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 38.5%, Roguelite 23.2%, Tabletop 17.8%, Roguelike 14.3%, Strategy 5.4%
Why You'll Like It: A grid-based roguelike that uses cards to represent enemies and items, offering a compact and highly strategic experience.
- #19 King of the Bridge
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive95% of 1,757 reviews2024
Dev: Finn Schuuring
Windows · Mac
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 2.4 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Face off against the bridge troll in his bizarre game of chess! Decrypt, Twist and Enforce the rules as your devious opponent attempts to break them in King of the Bridge!
Why similar: Chess 79.8% ★, Strategy 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.2%, Top-Down 4.1%, 2D 2.2%
Why You'll Like It: It focuses on the puzzle aspects of chess, presenting unique scenarios that require clever, non-traditional solutions.
- #20 5D Chess With Multiverse Time Travel
84% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 8,962 reviews2020
Dev: Conor Petersen
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.7 hrsMean: 5.9 hrs≥1hr: 62%
It's the first ever chess variant with spatial, temporal, and parallel dimensions. It's 5D Chess With Multiverse Time Travel! Move pieces back in time to create branching timelines. Send a rook to a parallel dimension. Protect your kings in the present and in the past!
Why similar: Chess 82.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 9.5%, Turn-Based Tactics 4.3%, Strategy 3.3%
Why You'll Like It: For those who love the complexity of chess, this game adds a layer of time-manipulation that pushes the boundaries of the original game.
- #21 SNKRX
83% matchVery Positive94% of 4,337 reviews2021
Dev: a327ex
Windows
Median: 4.0 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 78%
SNKRX is an arcade shooter roguelite where you control a snake of heroes that automatically attack nearby enemies. Combine different heroes to unlock class bonuses and create unique builds, and steer your unstoppable party as they ravage through endless waves of enemies.
Why similar: Action Roguelike 25.2%, Top-Down Shooter 22.3%, Roguelite 16.3%, Arcade 12.1%, Shooter 11.5%
Why You'll Like It: While it plays differently, the tactical positioning of units in this auto-battler roguelike requires the same spatial logic as chess.
- #22 Luck be a Landlord
82% matchVery Positive93% of 11,522 reviews2023
Dev: TrampolineTales
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 15.2 hrs≥1hr: 84%
Luck be a Landlord is a roguelike deckbuilder about using a slot machine to earn rent money and defeat capitalism. This game does not contain any real-world currency gambling or microtransactions.
Why similar: Roguelite 27.3%, Roguelike 27%, Strategy 17.4%, Pixel Graphics 16%, Retro 8.3%
Why You'll Like It: This game focuses on strategic resource management and synergy building, providing a similar 'just one more turn' addictive quality.
- #23 Desktop Dungeons
82% matchVery Positive84% of 2,358 reviews2023
Dev: QCF Design
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 1.5 hrsMean: 7.9 hrs≥1hr: 57%
Each step into the unknown heals you and reveals new obstacles as you guide fresh heros to glorious retirement or ignominious death. Master tactical spells, appease ancient gods and get rich through taxidermy in this award-winning quick-play puzzle-roguelike.
Why similar: Roguelike 83.5%, Roguelite 10.2%, Top-Down 3.7%, 2D 2.6%
Why You'll Like It: A classic puzzle-roguelike that forces you to manage resources and movement on a small grid, mirroring the intensity of a chess match.
- #24 Backpack Hero
81% matchVery Positive86% of 8,491 reviews2023
Dev: JaspelPub: Pretty Soon
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 6.8 hrsMean: 21.3 hrs≥1hr: 83%
The inventory management roguelike! Collect rare items, organize your backpack, and vanquish your foes!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 28.7%, Roguelike 22.4%, Choices Matter 16.2%, Roguelite 16.2%, Strategy 11.2%
Why You'll Like It: The inventory management system acts as a puzzle, requiring the same kind of careful planning and positioning found in chess-based games.
- #25 Tabulo
80% matchVery Positive92% of 61 reviews2026
Dev: Noah Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Position your pieces carefully to max out your score in this Balatro-inspired chess roguelike. Enhance your pieces, purchase powers, and win bonuses from optional challenges, but be careful - your board only has so much room.
Why similar: Chess 26.3% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 19.4%, Roguelike 15.9%, Strategy 8.8%, Roguelite 8.4%
Why You'll Like It: A card-based strategy game that utilizes a grid to simulate tactical combat, feeling very much like a modern chess variant.
- #26 Chess Survivors
81% matchVery Positive85% of 162 reviews2023
Dev: Aarimous
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 42 minMean: 2.6 hrs≥1hr: 38%
Chess Survivors is a grid based, quick-turn, roguelike where you outmaneuver and destroy an ever growing horde of chess based enemies. Combine abilities, upgrades, and relics to create game-breaking builds. Think fast, die, learn, repeat!
Why similar: Chess 52.8% ★, Action Roguelike 12.2%, Roguelike 10.1%, Roguelite 9%, Strategy 4.9%
Why You'll Like It: A bullet-hell take on chess that emphasizes real-time movement and survival against overwhelming odds.
- #27 Flick Shot Rogues
79% matchVery Positive88% of 359 reviews2025
Dev: Butter By The FishPub: Noodlecake
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 64%
Plan, Aim, Shoot! FLICK SHOT ROGUES blends the tactile satisfaction of flicking stuff across a table with the strategic depth of your favourite turnbased roguelikes. Chain together ridiculous combos, unlock characters, items and skills to conquer the island!
Why similar: Tabletop 25.4%, Turn-Based Strategy 23.6%, Roguelike 15.6%, Roguelite 13.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 12.7%
Why You'll Like It: It uses physics-based movement in a turn-based strategy setting, offering a unique tactical challenge.
- #28 FPS Chess
77% matchVery Positive84% of 43,896 reviews2022
Dev: Meta ForkPub: DigiPen Institute of Technology
Windows · Linux
Median: 48 minMean: 2.8 hrs≥1hr: 41%
Battle a friend in this fast paced 1v1 class-based first-person shooter. Chess takes a back-seat to FPS as you win duel after duel and capture the opponent's pieces until you've beaten their king and won the game.
Why similar: Chess 48.6% ★, Tabletop 18.1%, Turn-Based Strategy 14%, Shooter 8.9%, Strategy 6.1%
- #29 Voidigo
76% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,893 reviews2023
Dev: semiwork
Windows
Median: 2.3 hrsMean: 8.5 hrs≥1hr: 65%
A vividly animated action roguelite focused on boss hunting. Unleash an array of diverse weapons and powerups to combat the corruption of the Void.
Why similar: Action Roguelike 24.2%, Roguelike 19.6%, Top-Down Shooter 19.2%, Roguelite 13.8%, Pixel Graphics 8.9%
- #30 Chess Ultimate
77% matchVery Positive88% of 291 reviews2024
Dev: Jesse Lugassy
Windows · Mac
Chess just got an upgrade! Chess Ultimate, where precision strategy meets colorful chaos. Build your team from a roster of unique, quirky characters to defend your King while plotting your opponent’s downfall. Easy to pick up, endlessly fun to master, and a fresh take on the classic game of wits.
Why similar: Chess 27.5% ★, Tabletop 22.6%, Turn-Based Strategy 16.4%, Strategy 10.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 9.2%
- #31 Dark Chess
78% matchMostly Positive76% of 213 reviews2023
Dev: Tall Troll Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
THIS IS NOT CLASSIC CHESS! Dark Chess is an asymmetric puzzle-strategy game featuring fog of war. Survive a story-driven campaign filled with custom boards, traps, and rule-breaking Kings and Queens of the past. Stealth, calculated risks and outsmarting the unknown are your only ways to win.
Why similar: Chess 52.3% ★, Tabletop 17.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 14.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 8.3%, Strategy 5.6%
Why You'll Like It: A variant that introduces fog-of-war mechanics to chess, forcing players to rely on strategy and deduction rather than just board visibility.
- #32 Hyper Chess
75% matchVery Positive92% of 346 reviews2025
Dev: Grouch
Windows
Median: 24 minMean: 1.6 hrs≥1hr: 31%
There are NO TURNS in this wild version of Chess! Pieces move across the board in real-time, so you'll need to think fast to protect your King!
Why similar: Chess 69.4% ★, Arcade 8.5%, Strategy 8.1%, Tabletop 7.7%, Retro 3.3%
- #33 Chessaria: The Tactical Adventure (Chess)
79% matchMostly Positive75% of 127 reviews2018
Dev: Pixel Wizards
Windows · Mac
Median: 4.3 hrsMean: 6.2 hrs≥1hr: 81%
Experience a 4K graphics strategy game with tactical depth, breadth, and challenge like nothing you have played before: the perfect mix of Chess, tactical setups and quests inpired by classic RPGs
Why similar: Chess 63.4% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 14.1%, Strategy 7.9%, Turn-Based Tactics 7.6%, Tabletop 7%
Why You'll Like It: This game adds a narrative and tactical layer to standard chess, making it a great bridge for fans of the original game.
- #34 Die in the Dungeon
73% matchVery Positive92% of 3,523 reviews2026
Dev: ATICOPub: HypeTrain Digital
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.9 hrsMean: 10.2 hrs≥1hr: 80%
Fight your way through a mysterious dungeon in this deck-building, turn-based roguelike game where you don't use cards, but dice! Deal with enemies by combining powerful dice on your board, boost their effects with magical relics, and risk it all hoping for a good roll on unexpected encounters.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 28.2%, Roguelike 24.4%, Roguelite 17.8%, Strategy 12.3%, Pixel Graphics 12.1%
- #35 Just King
76% matchVery Positive89% of 1,488 reviews2023
Dev: VISH
Windows
Median: 3.2 hrsMean: 4.8 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Just King is an action auto-battler with roguelike elements. Assemble your party to venture into different lands fighting fearsome kings and their deadly armies. Use your loot to hire and upgrade mighty heroes... or the bard.
Why similar: Action Roguelike 24.6%, Roguelike 23.4%, Roguelite 21.3%, Strategy 13.3%, Pixel Graphics 9.3%
- #36 Stacklands
75% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 30,157 reviews2022
Dev: Sokpop Collective
Windows · Mac
Median: 5.3 hrsMean: 11.8 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Stacklands is a village builder where you stack cards to collect food, build structures, and fight creatures. 🃏 For example, dragging a Villager card on top of a Berry Bush card will spawn Berry cards which the villagers can eat to survive. 🃏 Play your cards right and expand your village!
Why similar: Tabletop 44.3%, Roguelite 31.1%, Strategy 18.2%, 2D 6.4%
- #37 Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers
74% matchVery Positive82% of 3,528 reviews2024
Dev: Purple Moss CollectorsPub: Yogscast Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.8 hrsMean: 7.7 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Battle your way through a seedy tavern filled with gambling addicted townspeople in this Blackjack Roguelike Adventure. From aces and face cards to tarot cards, business cards and more, create your unique deck to beat the house.
Why similar: Roguelike 39.5%, Roguelite 24.2%, Strategy 19.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.8%, 2D 5.7%
- #38 Gigachess
78% matchVery Positive82% of 96 reviews2015
Dev: Drixxel Soft
Windows
Median: 3.5 hrsMean: 3.7 hrs≥1hr: 93%
Gigachess is a hero defense puzzler on a chess board. Command your party of Knights, Rooks & Bishops against the relentless Pawn onslaught!
Why similar: Chess 42.7% ★, Tabletop 20%, Turn-Based Strategy 10.4%, Strategy 7.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 6.3%
Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, fast-paced take on chess that strips away the complexity to focus on pure, arcade-style tactical decision-making.
- #39 Sol Cesto
71% matchVery Positive91% of 5,013 reviews2026
Dev: TambouillePub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows
Median: 4.5 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 87%
Sol Cesto is a tactical and frantic roguelite where mastering your luck is key. Choose a hero, upgrade them using cursed teeth and magical items, and descend to the bottom of an ever-changing dungeon. In this dark world, every action has consequences…
Why similar: Roguelike 34.5%, Roguelite 19.4%, Strategy 14%, Choices Matter 13.7%, Atmospheric 13.6%
- #40 Heretic's Fork
73% matchVery Positive85% of 4,109 reviews2023
Dev: 9FingerGamesPub: Ravenage Games
Windows
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 9.1 hrs≥1hr: 89%
Dear candidate, we are pleased to invite you to take up the position of manager of Hell. You will punish sinners by using our deck-building computer system to construct hellish towers capable of keeping the endless hordes of the underworld in check. Best of luck!
Why similar: Roguelike 21.9%, Roguelite 18.1%, Arcade 15%, Strategy 12.6%, Pixel Graphics 11.9%
- #41 StarVaders
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 4,335 reviews2025
Dev: PengonautsPub: Joystick Ventures
Windows · Mac
Median: 3.4 hrsMean: 9.4 hrs≥1hr: 71%
Pilot a powerful mech to fight off the alien invasion in this ULTIMATE fusion of deckbuilding and grid-based tactics. Discover game-breaking combos, rewind time to alter your fate, and protect the future of humanity in this endlessly replayable roguelike.
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 24.7%, Roguelike 18.4%, Turn-Based Tactics 16.1%, Roguelite 15.5%, Retro 12.3%
- #42 Patch Quest
71% matchVery Positive94% of 2,784 reviews2023
Dev: Lychee Game LabsPub: Curve Games
Windows
Median: 1.2 hrsMean: 8.4 hrs≥1hr: 54%
In a labyrinth surrounded by vicious monsters, Explorers must rely on their Lasso to survive! Capture and tame ANY monster to leap, glide, surf, tunnel and websling through a treacherous, patchwork maze. This roguelike/metroidvania seems cute, but it’s a deceptively difficult bullet-hell challenge!
Why similar: Action Roguelike 31.3%, Roguelite 24.1%, Roguelike 21.3%, Arcade 17.3%, Action 6.1%
- #43 Pawn of the Dead
74% matchVery Positive91% of 55 reviews2021
Dev: Aslan Game Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Experience a dark twist on classic chess where your captured pieces are infected and rise to join the undead army! Adapt to asymmetrical battlefields, protect the White Kingdom, and lead King Leonard against his greatest, most sinister enemy yet: His own reflection.
Why similar: Chess 68.8% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 17%, Turn-Based Tactics 7.4%, Strategy 6.8%
- #44 Despot's Game: Dystopian Battle Simulator
72% matchVery Positive84% of 3,351 reviews2022
Dev: Konfa GamesPub: tinyBuild
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 7.6 hrs≥1hr: 74%
Guide puny humans through Despot's Game - a rogue-like tactics army battler. Equip your team and sacrifice them through procedural dungeons as you fight enemies, and other players!
Why similar: Roguelike 27.8%, Turn-Based Tactics 17.8%, Roguelite 16.7%, Pixel Graphics 15.2%, Strategy 10.5%
- #45 20 Minutes Till Dawn
70% matchVery Positive90% of 29,063 reviews2023
Dev: flanne
Windows · Mac
Median: 6.0 hrsMean: 13.5 hrs≥1hr: 88%
20 Minutes Till Dawn is a survival roguelite where endless hordes of creatures lurk from the dark. Craft an array of overpowering builds and eradicate waves of Lovecraftian nightmares. Will you be able to survive the night?
Why similar: Action Roguelike 31.2%, Top-Down Shooter 24.3%, Roguelite 17.5%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Strategy 10.5%
- #46 Void Bastards
73% matchVery Positive86% of 5,433 reviews2019
Dev: Blue Manchu
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.9 hrsMean: 10.5 hrs≥1hr: 69%
Inspired by BioShock and System Shock 2, Void Bastards is a revolutionary new strategy-shooter that will test your wits as well as exercise your aim. Can you lead the misfit prisoners of the Void Ark through the derelict spaceships and myriad dangers of the Sargasso Nebula?
Why similar: Action Roguelike 27.3%, Roguelike 22.4%, Shooter 15.2%, Roguelite 12.1%, Strategy 10.3%
- #47 Last Call BBS
71% matchVery Positive92% of 1,590 reviews2022
Dev: Zachtronics
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 14.9 hrs≥1hr: 76%
Boot up your Z5 Powerlance and dial into Last Call BBS, the last game from Zachtronics! The Barkeep’s loaded up his retro computer with a full set of puzzle games for you to download and play. No need to worry about copy protection, they’re all fully cracked and ready to enjoy!
Why similar: Retro 41.9%, Pixel Graphics 26.7%, Arcade 24.2%, 2D 7.1%
- #48 Revita
72% matchVery Positive81% of 2,429 reviews2022
Dev: BenStarPub: Dear Villagers
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 13.4 hrs≥1hr: 60%
In this fast paced twin-stick roguelite platformer, you play as an unnamed child ascending an ominous clocktower in pursuit of their lost memories. Harvest and sacrifice souls to grow your power in order to challenge procedural encounter rooms and intimidating bosses!
Why similar: Action Roguelike 29.6%, Roguelike 20.6%, Roguelite 18.3%, Pixel Graphics 11.8%, Retro 10.9%
- #49 Cobalt Core
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 4,367 reviews2023
Dev: Rocket Rat GamesPub: Brace Yourself Games
Windows · Mac
Median: 7.2 hrsMean: 14.8 hrs≥1hr: 90%
A sci-fi roguelike deckbuilder with a deep new single-axis spin on tactics games! Dodge missiles, line up your cannons, and blast 'em out of the sky... Then get to the bottom of these time loops, before it's too late!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 32.6%, Roguelike 25.3%, Turn-Based Tactics 17%, Strategy 12.8%, Pixel Graphics 12.2%
- #50 shapez
70% matchOverwhelmingly Positive96% of 15,812 reviews2020
Dev: Tobias SpringerPub: tobspr Games
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 2.7 hrsMean: 14.6 hrs≥1hr: 66%
shapez is an easy-going, minimalistic factory building game about the automation of shapes through extraction and satisfying production lines. Adapt to increasingly complex shapes and grow your factory across an infinitely expanding map. Your only limitation is your creativity!
Why similar: Strategy 77.5%, 2D 22.5%
- #51 Below the Crown
67% matchVery Positive94% of 108 reviews2026
Dev: Misfits Attic
Windows
Explore the dungeons Below the Crown, in this love letter to Roguelikes, Dungeon Crawlers, and Chess. Prepare for strategy, game-changing spells, psychological tests, and challenges from your fellow players. From the award-winning creators of Duskers & A Virus Named TOM.
Why similar: Chess 41% ★, Tabletop 13.8%, Turn-Based Strategy 11.9%, Roguelike 8.6%, Turn-Based Tactics 7.4%
- #52 Baba Is You
69% matchOverwhelmingly Positive98% of 24,514 reviews2019
Dev: Hempuli Oy
Windows · Mac · Linux
Median: 4.2 hrsMean: 14.1 hrs≥1hr: 86%
Baba Is You is a puzzle game where the rules you have to follow are present as blocks you can interact with. By manipulating them, you can change how the game works, repurpose things you find in the levels and cause surprising interactions!
Why similar: Pixel Graphics 55.2%, 2D 17.9%, Retro 8.7%, Top-Down 7.6%, Strategy 6.1%
- #53 Ballionaire
67% matchVery Positive85% of 2,593 reviews2024
Dev: newobjectPub: Raw Fury
Windows
Median: 2.4 hrsMean: 5.0 hrs≥1hr: 70%
BALLIONAIRE is a fast-paced, kinetic roguelike where strategy meets physics to create outrageous wealth! Find and exploit game-breaking synergies as you theorycraft your way to victory. Welcome to the autobonker genre!
Why similar: Turn-Based Strategy 23.6%, Roguelike 21.6%, Roguelite 15.8%, Choices Matter 13%, Strategy 10.5%
- #54 Checkmate Showdown
69% matchMostly Positive80% of 239 reviews2023
Dev: BadRez GamesPub: ManaVoid Entertainment
Windows
Median: 1.0 hrsMean: 1.9 hrs≥1hr: 48%
Chess meets Fighting games. Crush your opponents in the arena and on the chessboard in this online multiplayer competitive tactical fighting game that mixes the strategic elegance of Chess with the fast-paced execution of fighting games.
Why similar: Chess 65.9% ★, Turn-Based Strategy 12%, Turn-Based Tactics 7.5%, Stylized 4.7%, Strategy 3.5%
- #55 Atomicrops
68% matchVery Positive92% of 6,315 reviews2020
Dev: Bird Bath GamesPub: Raw Fury
Windows
Median: 1.9 hrsMean: 22.8 hrs≥1hr: 58%
A twin-stick, bullet-hell, roguelite where you must cultivate and defend the last farm in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Farm mutated crops, upgrade your weapons, marry townsfolk, and kill every mutant creature that tries to invade your homestead! Yee-haw!
Why similar: Action Roguelike 29.9%, Roguelike 28.5%, Roguelite 19.9%, Pixel Graphics 14.5%, Action 7.3%
- #56 Spin Hero
68% matchMostly Positive72% of 1,092 reviews2024
Dev: Sphere StudiosPub: Goblinz Publishing
Windows
Median: 1.3 hrsMean: 11.9 hrs≥1hr: 55%
Spin Hero is a roguelike deckbuilder, where you spin the reels to decide your fate. Collect powerful symbols for your inventory, adapt and evolve your strategy, learning from defeats to unlock new possibilities and synergies.
Why similar: Roguelike 32%, Choices Matter 21.5%, Strategy 14.5%, Pixel Graphics 14.2%, Roguelite 13.8%
- #57 Wulin Chess
68% matchMostly Positive75% of 489 reviews2024
Dev: LameCat StudioPub: East2west Games
Windows
Wulin Chess is a turn-based strategy game set in a captivating dark fantasy world. Employ diverse characters across various boards/battlefields, and devise strategic thinking for victory. Strengthen your heroes by collecting equipment and enhancing attributes to face the challenges that lie ahead.
Why similar: Roguelike 23.3%, Turn-Based Strategy 19.7%, Roguelite 16.5%, Retro 14.9%, Strategy 11.6%
- #58 Mate'Morphosis
64% matchVery Positive96% of 57 reviews2026
Dev: WiseMonkeESPub: Wise Monke Entertainment Studio
Windows · Mac · Linux
Mate'Morphosis is a pixel art, chess-inspired puzzle game built around the concept of becoming the piece you capture. Outsmart each board, adapt to evolving mechanics, and hunt down the rival king across every stage.
Why similar: Chess 80.5% ★, Strategy 6.9%, Pixel Graphics 4.2%, Stylized 3.3%, 2D 2.9%
- #59 Tales & Tactics
66% matchMostly Positive78% of 2,229 reviews2024
Dev: Table 9 StudioPub: Yogscast Games
Windows
Median: 4.4 hrsMean: 19.3 hrs≥1hr: 73%
Roguelike Squad-based Autobattler in a Tabletop RPG setting. Draft your army, carefully equip and position your units, make important choices, and meet a colorful cast of characters as you make ready for the Grand Tournament.
Why similar: Tabletop 37.4%, Roguelike 22%, Turn-Based Tactics 19.1%, Strategy 12.9%, Atmospheric 8.7%
- #60 Bad North: Jotunn Edition
67% matchVery Positive93% of 14,176 reviews2018
Dev: Plausible ConceptPub: Raw Fury
Windows · Mac
Median: 2.5 hrsMean: 6.8 hrs≥1hr: 70%
Bad North is a charming but brutal real-time tactics roguelite. Defend your idyllic island kingdom against a horde of Viking invaders, as you lead the desperate exodus of your people. Command your loyal subjects to take full tactical advantage of the unique shape of each island.
Why similar: Action Roguelike 30.7%, Roguelike 26.1%, Roguelite 19%, Strategy 12.8%, Stylized 11.4%