Roguelite games
Random levels and runs that reset on death, but every attempt leaves something permanent behind.
What is the roguelite genre?
Roguelite is the take on roguelike that softens its harsh rules. The map is still regenerated every run and you lose the run when you die, but some of what you earn is permanent. New weapons unlock, permanent upgrades are bought and your starting conditions improve. So even a failed run is an investment in the next one.
This design opened the genre to a very wide audience, because the player never feels they played completely for nothing. And since it moves in short runs, it is well suited to playing one run in a sitting and putting it down.
What defines it?
Death ends the run, but part of the upgrades you earned stays with you.
A run usually takes between half an hour and an hour.
Abilities found along the way change your play style in ways unique to that run.
New weapons, characters and areas unlock as you play.
Landmark games
Well-known examples often used to explain the genre. For the list on our site, see the games section below.
At a glance
Roguelite games (5)
Frequently asked questions
Do roguelite games have an ending?
Most have a finale and an ending story. But the design is meant to be played after the ending too; difficulty layers and new builds extend the game.
What should I look at when choosing between a roguelite and a roguelike?
If you like starting from zero and relying entirely on your own knowledge, a roguelike. If you want to see yourself get a little further with every attempt, a roguelite suits you better.