Top 10 Strategy Games Featuring Roguelike Elements

As a gamer with years of experience, my journey into the realm of strategy games was not immediate. My roots lie firmly planted in platformers, making the transition to titles like Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy Tactics feel monumental. However, once I embraced strategy games, I discovered a newfound appreciation for their complex mechanics and engaging narratives.

Yet, like many players, I noticed the longevity of numerous strategy games waning over time. Fortunately, a refreshing trend has emerged: the integration of roguelike elements into modern strategy titles. While this subgenre may not appeal to everyone, its presence undeniably enhances replayability and depth.

This article highlights some captivating strategy games rich in roguelike features. Whether you prefer tactical grid-based challenges or immersive RPGs fraught with peril, these selections will compel you to adapt and evolve your strategies to succeed.

10 Crowntakers

A Medieval Fantasy Adventure

Platforms

PC

Publisher

Cassette Games

Genre

Strategy

Release Date

November 7, 2014

In Crowntakers, chaos reigns as the king has been kidnapped. Players must race against time to rescue the monarch in a procedurally generated world, allowing for unique maps with each playthrough. Assemble a team of mercenaries, facing charming aesthetics despite the absence of high-end graphics. A personal hurdle arises for me with the hexagonal grid layout, which necessitates thinking multiple moves ahead and can lead to sudden demise if one is not careful.

9 Tyrant’s Blessing

From Monarchs to Tyrants

Platforms

Mobile, PC, Nintendo Switch

Publisher

indie.io

Genre

Strategy, Turn-based tactics

Release Date

August 8, 2022

Inspired by classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, Tyrant’s Blessing seamlessly merges strategic gameplay with roguelike intensity. In a land seemingly devoid of conflict, the real challenge lies in dealing with hordes of undead brought forth by the tyrant’s curse. Players embody one of the last living warriors, making every tactical decision critical as they navigate battles that could lead to becoming another thrall of the tyrant.

While the game offers a steep challenge, the balancing issues might require players to invest considerable time before they can successfully overthrow the tyrant.

8 Evertried

A Moody Afterlife

Platforms

PC, Mac, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Publisher

DANGEN Entertainment

Genre

Isometric strategy

Release Date

October 21, 2021

For those seeking a formidable challenge, few titles match Evertried. My personal experience found me struggling to progress past the second boss after countless hours of gameplay. Its stylish presentation and compelling mechanics compel players to keep trying, as enemies only act after your moves, offering strategic depth. However, the rising intensity creates a sense of urgency under which players must navigate carefully to avoid being cornered.

7 Star Renegades

Survival Against the Imperium

Differing from the other grid-based titles mentioned, Star Renegades presents a unique twist on turn-based gameplay infused with roguelike elements. The player controls a team of heroes, reminiscent of classic RPGs, facing an unforgiving enemy known as the Imperium. The game features an innovative mechanic where failures are logged by a robot companion, aiding subsequent attempts.

The game is praised for its stunning visuals, though players should brace for significant difficulty spikes, particularly during challenging boss encounters that often involve massive mechanized foes.

6 Plunge

Sliding Into the Depths

Platforms

PC, Nintendo Switch

Publisher

Spooky Buns Games

Genre

Strategy

Release Date

August 23, 2019

In a fascinating blend of strategy and puzzle-solving, Plunge invites players to navigate challenges within a mega prison. While ice puzzles may not traditionally appeal to many, this game presents them in a way that feels seamless. Players assume the role of a prisoner working to escape, gradually unlocking a diverse roster of characters, each with distinct abilities as the narrative unfolds.

While the game flows smoothly under standard conditions, it can quickly shift into chaotic territory during over-the-top boss battles.

5 Inkbound

Take the Train to Atheneum

From the creators of Monster Train, Inkbound delivers a tactical roguelike experience that brings the written word to life in dangerous settings. Players engage in turn-based mechanics while balancing swift attacks and strategic pacing. The game offers an assortment of unique character classes to customize gameplay as you progress.

What sets Inkbound apart is its cooperative gameplay, allowing players to join friends in traversing the perilous realms derived from stories.

4 Loop Hero

Ouroboros Tactics

Loop Hero, a standout title from Devolver Digital, uniquely incorporates strategy elements into a rogue-like framework. Players assume the challenge of battling a lich who has entrapped the land in a perpetual loop. The mechanics allow players to place resources and allies strategically using mystical cards, progressively unlocking powerful advantages that may influence outcomes.

However, patience is required, as unraveling this temporal knot can be a formidable task.

3 Darkest Dungeon

Can You Withstand the Shadows?

In contrast to many strategy games primarily focused on combat, Darkest Dungeon challenges players to manage health and sanity alongside physical battles. This intricate balance, compounded with the unpredictable nature of roguelike mechanics, amplifies the difficulty of each quest as players confront eldritch horrors and stress levels that can jeopardize their heroes’ missions.

The game maintains a reputation as a masterfully crafted dungeon crawler, demanding strategic planning and resilience to survive amidst the grim odds.

2 Shogun Showdown

Deckbuilder Meets Ancient Japan

Perhaps lesser-known than some other titles, Shogun Showdown emerges as a recently released gem that combines deckbuilding mechanics with strategic gameplay set in ancient Japan. Each action matters, as players draw from their decks to execute moves, which can leave them vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Unlock new weapons and classes as you plan and execute your plays, reinforcing the necessity for careful, deliberate tactics throughout the game.

1 Into the Breach

Save the Future

Among the impressive array of strategy titles featuring roguelike mechanics, Into the Breach stands out as a pinnacle of design and challenge. Players are tasked with piloting a squad of heroes to combat menacing alien creatures known as Vek while safeguarding humanity’s remaining cities.

Every mission offers varied objectives, and the gameplay excels at showcasing potential attack outcomes, adding layers of tactical depth. However, prepare for a steep learning curve as the game can result in swift failures.

With a diverse range of pilots and mechs boasting unique abilities, mastering these elements can mean the difference between survival and loss in a fight for the future.

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