Roguelike Games With Horror Elements

Roguelike gaming is a huge part of the indie market, allowing developers to use resources wisely while letting players slowly become good at a game that felt frustrating early on. Most roguelike games embody elements of other genres to keep players intrigued, and the horror genre is no exception.

Some of the best roguelike games are pretty horrifying and force players to steel their nerves before making progress. The horror vibes of these titles are incredible and do a great job of immersing players in these unique titles.

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8

World Of Horror

Perfect For Fans Of Junji Ito’s Twisted Work

World of Horror is the perfect game for players who want to check out a roguelike game with unique horror inspirations. With Junji Ito becoming a household name, it’s easy to see why an indie developer was inspired by this artist’s work to create something special.

There’s no denying that World of Horror is a challenging game, but players can always reduce the difficulty to enjoy the game without feeling like they’ve hit a brick wall every single time. The Lovecraftian horror is a huge part of what makes World of Horror such a special title. Many fans will also be amazed to know that the entirety of the game’s amazing art was made in MS Paint.

7

Inscryption

Spooky Without Relying On Cheap Jumpscares

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Inscryption

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Released

October 19, 2021

Developer(s)

Daniel Mullins Games

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

One of the most experimental and rewarding roguelike games, it’s clear from the get-go that there’s something sinister lurking beneath the surface of Inscryption. Leshy places himself as an antagonist who won’t let the player leave until they beat him, only for the title to evolve into something else entirely.

The unique storytelling chops of Inscryption, coupled with its sinister vibes, make it clear why players have a great time with this game. Its many surprises will shock and awe players as they experience a deckbuilding roguelike that embodies elements from many other genres to great effect.

6

Darkest Dungeon

Eldritch Horror Runs Amok

Darkest Dungeon is one of the hardest roguelike turn-based RPGs players can get their hands on. The title is no joke and will beat players into submission if they try to bite off more than they can chew, which happens more often than not.

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Losing adventurers to the game’s many eldritch horrors is something players must ready themselves for. Building up a strong party member is a must to survive some of the game’s toughest encounters. The dark and brooding vibes of Darkest Dungeon may make it seem all the more intimidating, but patient players will eventually clear a few dungeons and become more confident at dealing with the game and its many threats.

5

The Binding Of Isaac

Disturbing Themes That May Be Too Much For Some

The Binding of Isaac was one of the earliest roguelike hits that has become an indie phenomenon. The gameplay is inspired by The Legend of Zelda series, but the same can’t be said for its disturbing story.

The religious themes in this title, coupled with Isaac’s struggles to run away from his deranged mother, make it clear why The Binding of Isaac was such a major hit. The many DLCs for this game expand on the story and add scarier bosses for players to deal with across a host of varied rooms.

4

Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

Death Awaits The Player At Every Corner

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Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead

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Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead manages to be one of the scariest roguelike games despite its simplistic graphics. The mere thought of losing a character whom players have built from scratch is terrifying enough for players to second-guess everything they do in this game.

The best part of Dark Days Ahead is the amazing progression that players enjoy once they become more adept at playing this game. Zombies and other threats become more manageable with better offensive tools, reinforced bases, and vehicles that can run over monsters without any problems.

3

Cult Of The Lamb

A Cute Game About Worshipping An Ominous Deity

Not all horror games need to be disturbing affairs with a ton of scares. Sometimes, the most disturbing acts in most horror games are presented in such a disarming manner that players don’t know how to react.

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This is why Cult of the Lamb was such a major success when it came out. Players loved how cute this title was despite the many messed-up actions players take. Sacrificing cult members and performing other heinous tasks to appease a divine being feels eerier when dressed up with such charming visuals, and that’s what makes Cult of the Lamb an absolute gem.

2

Buckshot Roulette

A Roguelike Take On Russian Roulette

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Buckshot Roulette

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Released

December 28, 2023

Developer(s)

Mike Klubnika

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Buckshot Roulette is perfect for fans of Inscryption who want the deckbuilding gameplay to be replaced with a twisted game of Russian Roulette. Players must push the odds in their favor and use the items at their disposal to survive no matter what, which is easier said than done.

Death arrives at a moment’s notice and forces players to try and try again until they succeed. The game is quite atmospheric and embodies a sense of creepiness that unsettles players whenever they’re forced into another game of Buckshot Roulette.

1

Fear & Hunger

A Nightmarish Title That Can Be A Pain To Get Into

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Fear & Hunger

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Released

December 11, 2018

Developer(s)

Miro Haverinen

One of the hardest roguelike games players can get their hands on, Fear & Hunger is not for the faint of heart. The imagery can be a bit too disturbing after a point, with the punishing gameplay forcing players to try and figure out a way to avoid threats and make as much progress as they can in a tough-as-nails title that takes no prisoners.

The horrific machinations going on behind the scenes in Fear & Hunger can add to the game’s tense nature, as players attempt to move from room to room without dying or losing a limb. It’s an engrossing title that players will have a great time with once they adjust to the brutal difficulty.

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