Summary
Roguelikemodes create a whole new way to play your favorite games. They offer a greater challenge that has you working with minimal supplies while working your way from zero to hero. While this may mean a slow start, once you start upgrading your weapons or abilities, the pace quickens and becomes a satisfying gameplay loop.
Roguelike modes aren’t exclusive to games within the genre. At times, they are even included in other titles as a way to spice things up. So if you’re looking for a challenge, here are ten roguelike modes in non-roguelike games.
10The Spider’s Thread
Ghostwire: Tokyo
How many floors can you make it through before you die?Ghostwire: Tokyoblends itssupernatural gameplaywith the elements of a roguelike as you fight enemies and complete objectives before moving on to the next stage.
Depending on how well you do, you are rewarded with XP that can be used to upgrade your Spirit Skills. Spend them wisely and take the time to complete any optional objectives, as they will grant you even more XP to make yourself the strongest supernatural warrior.
9Ethan Must Die
Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7got a fresh new roguelike mode in its DLC season called Ethan Must Die. Armed only with a knife, you will need to tackle enemies and navigate through a series of traps. If you die, you need to start all over again.
You can find plenty of useful items that can help make the run easier. However, you won’t always find the same items in the same spots. There are also crates of different rarities that contain high-quality items if you get lucky.
8Forgotten Saga
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Assassin’s Creed Valhallais already one ofthe longest gamesin the series. During the DLC season, it also got a free roguelike mode titled Forgotten Saga. As it has individual dungeons and permanent death, you will need to use all of your assassin skills to survive.
Forgotten Saga is all about choices. Which weapons and armor will you pick up and which will you leave behind? There are plenty of different playstyles to go with giving the mode plenty of replayability, but remember, if you die, you lose it all.
7Prey: Mooncrash
Prey (2016)
Prey: Mooncrash is a DLC game mode that adds a roguelike experience to theouter space horror title. This time, you’re going to a Moon base that has become infested with Mimics. These mimics could be hiding anywhere and transform into anything, so watch out.
While the map remains the same during each of your runs, enemies, loot, and hazards are constantly changing. Unlike the main game, you can choose from five different characters with their own abilities to help you tackle the challenges ahead in different ways.
6No Return
The Last Of Us Part 2 Remastered
The Last of Us Part 2takes advantage of its iconic cast of characters to deliver a roguelike game mode that adds just enough twists to make the gameplay interesting. While each character has their own unique starting loadout, you will need to master them and upgrade them properly to stand a chance.
The mode also includes plenty of customization, from difficulty levels to game mechanics that can be toggled on and off in Custom Runs. At the end of each route, you will encounter a boss that will test your limits.
5Descent
The Division 2
The Division 2’s Descent expansion adds a roguelike mode to the third person shooter. Rather than using the loot you collect throughout the main game, this mode starts you off with nothing as you work your way from rags to riches.
There is one twist that will have you panicking. You are infected and that puts a clock over your head. Unless you find something to calm down the infection, your death is guaranteed, adding a whole new layer of difficulty. This keeps the game moving forward as you shoot, loot, and extract.
4RogueRunner.exe
Ghostrunner 2
Ghostrunner 2has its own roguelike game mode in the form of RogueRunner.exe. Blending the signature gameplay of Ghostrunner with roguelike elements, RogueRunner.exe is a fast-paced experience that will leave you shaking.
While there are plenty of upgrade options, the main hook of the game is the blade gameplay. Hack and slash through enemies quickly as you progress through each stage. In some cases, you will even need to master your wingsuit as you fly through obstacles to get over gaps.
3Valhalla
God Of War: Ragnarok
God of War: Ragnarokreceived a free update that finally sees Kratos reach the legendary Valhalla. It acts as an epilogue to the main game and sees plenty of nostalgic moments and enemies from Krato’s long journey, including himself.
Unlike other roguelike modes, Ragnarok lets you permanently upgrade your character so you’re able to tackle the gauntlet more easily. You also get more options the further you get, giving you an extra bit of flexibility in how you tackle rooms. There is also a mystery to uncover as to why Kratos finds himself in this gauntlet.
2Freelancer
Hitman 3
Hitman 3is consideredthe ultimate stealth experience. After the events of the base game, Agent 47 goes freelance and can take on a number of new jobs. These jobs fall into the roguelike category but do allow you to keep some weapons for your collection.
Be on the lookout, if something goes wrong while trying to kill your target, whatever loadout you brought with you will be lost. So be sure you are properly prepared and confident before tackling the challenges in Freelancer.
1The Virtuous Cycle
Mortal Shell
If you have the DLC and make enough progress in the game, you will be able to access the roguelike mode forMortal Shell, called The Virtuous Cycle. Here, you will need to collect items and pay fees to access bosses. When enough bosses are defeated, you can complete the cycle and move on to the next.
There are a combination of permanent and temporary upgrades, but the most important aspect is to perfect your Riposte skills. This will allow you to heal, which is a rare opportunity in the mode and only strengthens the challenge.
