10 Roguelike Deckbuilders That Everyone Should Try!

[@S0LISL0ST]

My current favorite Roguelike Deckbuilder is One Step From Eden. Its fast, frantic, and brimming with personality.

[@primomacloff]

Yeeess, OSFE is a great game, and kinda underrated too

[@borz8328]

agreed! never thought I would find others who enjoyed!

[@mangckyatmamon]

Reminds me a lot of the Megaman Battle Network Games, one of my favorite GBA titles.

[@Nothinwrongwithbasic]

Yes

[@another1118]

b r u h - definitely a rogue one i mean rogue difficulty :D

[@morzathoth919]

Fights in Tight Spaces is pretty cool. Elevator pitch is Slay the Spire meets Into the Breach with Superhot aesthetics.

[@slushguy8398]

Roguebook is amazing! It’s the first time I’ve been this hook on a game since Slay the Spire.

[@MudLogic]

This game is very fun!!! it surprised me for sure!

[@ianrice4331]

just to throw another option out there Across the Obelisk is in early access right now, but has an amazing amount of diversity with four character slot, and four classes and multiple characters for each, each hosting a different selection of traits to create builds around. a branching story filled with funny dialogue, and a new fully random map choice makes for tons of replayability, and built in multiplayer makes things that much more fun. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a classic roguelite deckbuilding RPG.

[@ZamWeazle]

Been keeping my eye on this. Looks awsome. Could do with a bit of a polish graphically but stellar looking otherwise! 👍

[@turntsnaco824]

I finally caved and bought Vault of the Void...it's just incredible. I could feel the dopamine surging through my veins during even the first run. The general consensus among my friends who have played it, and many reviews on Steam, is that it's basically just "Better Slay the Spire", and I tend to agree. Don't get me wrong, StS is fantastic, but it has its flaws - and Vault of the Void seems like it was seriously designed entirely on the mantra of: "What are the weakest aspects of StS, and how do we make those better?" Extra mana at the end of your turn? Carries over to next. Spending extra mana to play pointless cards that don't help you at all, simply because you didn't draw better? Either keep cards for next turn where they might be useful, or discard them to get more mana and an extra draw your next turn. Tired of sacrificing all your gold and bonuses to just remove cards from your deck because that's what's "optimal"? Just always have 20 cards in the deck, and take nothing but rewards the entire run without ever bloating your deck. And the list just keeps going. There are so many opportunities for variance and deck modification with very little room to get screwed by RNG. At the same time, despite a few basically identical features, it has enough new mechanics and keywords to feel entirely like its own fresh experience and not just a soulless retreading of games you've already played. And part of the beauty of that is that it still leaves reason to go back and play Slay the Spire. It isn't so close it makes it obsolete. Just close enough that it will feel familiar and fill that same void. Seriously couldn't recommend it enough, glad to see it right after StS and Monster Train, because I truly believe that's right where it belongs.

[@revimfadli4666]

Also, knowing which bosses and elites you're gonna fight, so you can pursue the awesome combos you want without having to worry about suddenly getting hard countered by Nob or Time Eater

[@elnogal9298]

I'm really glad that you added Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale in this list, is a fantastic game that went under the radar for most of people, but the game is so great and its devs really listen to their community. I always hoped Rhapsody to pick this one up and make a series on it but sadly he never really even did a video on it, always thought he would have enjoyed it a lot haha

[@natedogg890]

Im surprised Dicey Dungeons isnt on this list, I found it to be the biggest breath of fresh air in the genre

[@m3nthalone]

Thank you! You've opened a lot of games for me. Hope to see another episode of your deck builder saga :)

[@oscarpalm4863]

Roguebook, very surprised to not see it on this list. It is, imho, one of the best rogue-like deckbuilders out there.

[@s_carpadakis]

Fantastic list! Another I would definitely recommend checking out is Trials of Fire. I think it also handles party mechanics in a brilliant and unique way.

[@maxixvi3735]

Trials of Fire

[@ZamWeazle]

Another one I'm looking forward to when it comes to Switch.👍

[@LilDroov]

agreed!

[@jerrepy650]

That list had a lot of my favourite deckbuilding games in it. Im glad that im not the only one that appreciates them that much

[@deathseeker754]

look into Night of the Full Moon, it is one of the best card roguelikes out there and it plays even better than it looks! lots of difficulty levels to unlock, replayability, and tons of characters (they are like a dollar each or you can just buy the full game and unlock pretty much everything. worth every penny.)

[@edybittar]

A love Night of the Full Moon. But I tried to buy of for PC and it bug with giant enemies with tons of HP :/ For mobile is perfect

[@till9738]

Thanks for that - Meteorfall is a gem I had never heard of before. That being said I feel like "Trials of Fire" should have made the list - it's my favourite party based deckbuilder and a shame that it was forgotten so quicky.

[@waldezurbe]

i know most, wishlisted some, but missed one step from eden. it's one of the most unique roguelike deckbuilder mechanically. and it's true ring of pain deserves more love.

[@adiloncu8107]

For the ones who likes slay the spire I recommend pirates outlaws. It is very similar to slay the spire and there are a lot of characters to play with. Also it has different maps with different enemies which makes the game even more fun and interesting imo.

[@ragragrec1]

Love the summary at the start. Tainted grail looks the best similar to DD

[@lisastormo5803]

My favorites are Inscryption (you got me), and slay the spire. Ive been trying a bunch, and the roguelite genre has really become one of my favorite genres overall now… With card/turnbased ones at the top. The list had a few suggestions I wanna try; especially the last one. I love rats, and I love kingdom two crowns. Looking forward to it :D

[@kennethgray7020]

Inscryption looks wild as hell! I watched a video about it the other day and I think it looks super cool and unique. I'd love to give it a try even though card games aren't really my thing. I think I could get into that one though.

[@turntsnaco824]

Oh my god, Tainted Grail right after Vault.....my man. Tainted Grail is sooooOoOoOooo good. The atmosphere and music is phenomenal, and it has some of the most mind-wrenching, thought demanding turn contemplation I've experienced in a deckbuilder which I love love love. It's like the complete opposite of StS, where you just blast through encounters....instead every encounter feels like such an ordeal. It's such an overused trope but it really does feel like the Dark Souls of deckbuilders. I can't tell you how many times I just misread or neglected one debuff or variable and suddenly died and was like WTF WHAT HAPPENED. And I know that'll be a turn off for some people, I've seen people complain about it being imbalanced or unfair, but IMO that's completely untrue - it's just freaking hard. And any time I've lost I felt like it was my fault and I just needed to gt better. And thank god for that, more games need to be a real challenge. And I just want to put it out there for anyone who tries it and feels iffy about it - the first/"tutorial" class was alright, but it REALLY took off for me when I unlocked another class, the Summoner. It plays so uniquely and was so engaging to me. It's the kind of thing where I couldn't stop thinking about it at work, and was so excited to finish one run and start the next, not because of some sort of progression I was after, but because I was just having that much fun and just wanted to get back on the ride again.

[@ascf1]

You should try Ruff Ghanor, recently released. great story, great mechanics and awesome deck building options.

[@mrclean2022]

Ended up getting Monster Train because of this list and it's awesome! Was a great pick up for sure

[@belian5928]

Actually didn’t know about Meteor Fall… And Ring of Pain deserves to be on the list because it fits the style, if not the “deck”, of the other games. What makes it fit here more than different styles of Rougelike games is that your equipment slots are basically a “deck” you manage and the fights are Turn-based puzzles (not action). Your equipment choices are even more important than most deck builders due to the limited slots. Honestly deserves a different name, but I can’t think of any other “equipment builder Rougelikes” that would fit with it. Everything close is action based, only has 3-4 slots available, an “equipment treadmill” based on stats (vs every piece potentially change your run/current play style), etc.

[@ZamWeazle]

I adore it too!! For me, however I think of it as a Dungeon Crawling, Relic builder!

[@silenttiger2038]

My favorite deck builder as a board game is Core Worlds with the Galactic Orders expansion from Stronghold Games. It does a really good job with draft mechanics and becoming more complex the more you play. You might need a learning game first, but it does really well with its theme and being mechanically sound. I think someone was working on a electronic version of it.

[@StarBeam500]

Wildfrost is an amazing rouguelike deckbuilder. Each run isn't long, but every encounter is important, and the game just feels good to play. It's got tons of replayability, and the music absolutely slaps. If you just want to see how it plays, a guy named Zips has been playing the game almost exclusively for a while, and he's pretty good.

[@matthias720]

It's not exactly a "deck" builder, but Luck Be a Landlord is addicting as all get out, as Wander knows well.

[@WanderbotPrime]

Luck Be A Landlord is fantastic, for sure! I'll definitely include it in another video like this one sometime in the future, probably for weird roguelikes that are hard to classify (IE: Roll, Luck Be A Landlord, DemonCrawl, etc...)

[@nbkredspy3726]

I second the recommendation of Ratropolis. It is fantastic.

[@cass9373]

I'd love to see a settlement/city builder list! :D

[@nomorenames5568]

Such a good comilation, this deserves way more views considering how massive the genre is.

[@matthuck378]

Deep Sky Derelicts is really good, IMO.

[@calebbroaddus3337]

I sure at least 10 other people have recommended it by now but Breach Wanderers is in open beta for $10 on mobile. Not sure if its on steam but it is absolutely fantastic

[@DKM80]

Fantastic summary of some of the best deckbuilders (imho) right now :) Great work

[@akiwoo5205]

Absolutely loved Ratropolis. I haven’t seen a game like it.

[@Schar007]

Don't forget about Across the Obelisc :D

[@blueSkies777]

After Slay the Spire I hunt new card builders like a rash, Ratropolis is one I've not heard of before thanks for the vid.

[@silentrocco]

Great video, you‘re a fantastic narrator! I‘m only a mobile gamer, and there Dark Mist (also available for PC) is my absolute favorite deckbuilder with its unique 'your deck is your health' system, creative card mechanics and classic fantasy art. Looking forward to checking out your future videos. Cheers!

[@Vijay-tg7hf]

Lol here I was wondering if I’ll see something new and I realize I’ve played about 90% of these. I’m just glad I’m already up to date with rogue like card games. Great video and great suggestions :)

[@carril54]

Great list, I absolutetly love Slay the Spire, has to be one of my fav of all time. Good to see other similar suggestions. Gordian Quest is really cool too, bkth the rogue and the campaign mode.

[@lttle_eclipse]

i'm not sure if it counts as a deckbuilder but i absolutly love the "hand of fate" game series basicly, you create your deck, with events and story pieces than, you start your adventure, travel thouh them, while getting your main character better and stronger gear if you love some of those old bedtime stories or at least the style of that, you will also love this game, because the entire story pieces are writen like that but not only how it shows itself it nice in my opinion it is also how it plays because if you start, you have a little figurine placed on a starting card and then, you most of the time have a bigger board of cards were you can travel though so most of the time, you can make your own choices if you want to explore more, to better gear up or get some stuff that you may need for progess or if you just want to survive the first one of the 2 hand of fate games, was sadly less polished while i'm still able to find some bugs here and there, but mostly only within the combat parts (that are real time, if you encounter them) but where the first one, lacks in depth and content (and polishing) the second does well and expanded this while sticking to the original style

[@silk3887]

Thanks Wander, a lot of the cool games I learn about is via your channel!

[@razielsonofkai]

Haha Wander is basically my main source of info on new games :)

[@caseycoker1051]

For some reason I've been eyeing guild of dungeoneering for years but have never picked it up. The next time I have the chance I'll probably scoop it up. A possible recommendation from me - Card Hunters. It's a free to play game with some in game transactions and a subscription service, but it's super fun. I wouldn't consider it not even remotely a roguelike deckbuilder, but you get to move around dungeons taking turns with your party and each of the characters has cards they use to fight monsters. These cards are dictated by their gear, so each character's deck is a collection of cards from each of their gear slots.

[@generalbacon7476]

I figured Inscription would be somewhere on the list casue of how cool it is. Still really solid list

[@WanderbotPrime]

The actual roguelike mode for Inscryption is very barebones and rough IMO, so I figured I'd wait till Daniel Mullins is done with Kaycee's mod before including it in a recommendation video.

[@Dracobyte]

More videos like this please but with Metroidvania, Roguelikes and Strategy Games!

[@briarshard2871]

9:25 wasn't expecting the random nod to FFIV

[@Aint1S]

I just got into this genre on Switch! DungeonTop was the one that got me hooked and then onto slay the spire. Both games with the warrior class really force you to require a couple of specific cars to survive the game in tact. STS it's really fun with the warrior, but the other two are really boring to me... I do like DungeonTop a lot though and it's dirt cheap too! I mean a dollar usually and it's a full grid battle taking place between you with one boss as well as both sides minions duking it out.

[@admiralspunky]

I'm from two years in the future, and I came back to tell you to try Cobalt Core, Spellrogue, and Lonestar.

[@SundararajanSrinivasan]

This is amazing, thanks!

[@shadekatz6958]

Technically you could consider your inventory as a "Deck" in Ring Of Pain since you're more or less adding or removing your "Cards" to try and survive the ring

[@ShinoaburameX3333]

Void tyrant is a fun mobile deck builder that uses a number system

[@revimfadli4666]

The blackjack combat is brilliant, though having 2 separate card systems kinda seem clunky. And the bosses mess with your deck a bit too broken

[@weycool4681]

Monster Train is definitely the best one I've tried so far. Breach Wanderer is very fun too. Monster Train just has such great music!!!!

[@quizzer]

Has anyone ever told you that your voice sounds like CGP Grey? The quality of your videos is superb, I don't know how you only have 10k subs. Keep at it bro, you will be 1m+ in no time.

[@Rainbowhawk1993]

Bought Spay the Spire and Monster Train a few weeks ago and I can’t stop playing them on my phone that I’m taking longer breaks at work.

[@ZamWeazle]

Great list I play 3 of these fairly regularly. I'm also looking forward to playing Roguebook in February when it hits the Switch. 👍

[@yumithehunter6292]

Number 1: slay the spire Number 2: slay the spire Number 3: slay the spire Number 4: slay the spire 2 Number 5: slay the spire Number 6: slay the spire Number 7: slay the spire

[@turntsnaco824]

This is a bit of an unusual one, but as a big fan of half this list, I'm going to have to ask people to trust me. I HAVE to recommend a deckbuiler on Android called Rogue Adventure. On the surface it looks like a cheap, dinky game with less than spectacular visuals, but it's the epitome of a book you can't judge by its cover. It has phone game graphics, but a deep system of mechanics that rivals the best deckbuilders out there. I have probably played it at least as much as StS over the years, obviously being able to play it on the toilet is an advantage. But that's the thing - I've even played basically StS clones on the phone that were decent. In fact when I first got Rogue Adventure, I also played a StS clone that was pretty competent called Dungeon Tales, and it _looked_ so much better than Rogue Adventure...you'd think it would have been the game that stuck. But no, I got over it real quick. Played each class a couple of times and felt like I'd seen it all. Meanwhile, I've literally played Rogue Adventure for YEARS, and the last time I played had some synergy so cool and powerful I was taking screenshots to show my friend. It has 9+ classes to unlock, they're all VERY unique and have their own starting cards and PASSIVE ABILITIES that make for completely different playthroughs. There is so much progression to chew your way through, so many unlocks. SO many cool relics and really insane synergies; it has some of the most fun, run-defining synergy opportunities in any deckbuilider I've played - relics with effects that directly stack with powerful cards in your deck. And there's so many ways to modify and enhance your deck/run at shops, there's literally 3 scrolling pages of different options - a whole list of cards, a whole list of relics, and options like remove or duplicate cards IN EVERY SHOP. The whole game is just like deckbuilder crack. The one thing I will say is that the visuals are definitely its weakest point. Last I played there was almost zero feedback when you played cards, in that way it doesn't "feel" as good as other games do, there's not as much "visceral" about it. But on the purely mental end of the spectrum, it's as psychologically fulfilling as you could want a game like it to be. Anyone who enjoys deck builders and likes having games on their phone to waste a few minutes with here and there, there's not anything I would recommend more. Also, when I started playing it had a lot of ads, but I paid $5 to get rid of them forever and never looked back or regretted it in the slightest.

[@revimfadli4666]

I really like how despite using the same cardpool, the class passives & starters recontextualize the cards and make them feel very different from one another. Kinda like Pirates Outlaws, except each class' runs are much less samey

[@joewilson3393]

I love the essays!

[@brajuhani]

Really surprised to not see Roguebook on this list.

[@ThePDOG9]

i really can recommend: Steam World Quest, Hand of Gilgamech ! awesome visuals with a nice story and special niche tricks

[@Pumpka_boo99]

Across the obelisk is a game I recently got into and it's very fun to play!

[@Ben_from_the_forest]

Excellent video

[@vinceshefford8912]

Inscyption is also incredible. that being said, I've put plenty of time in ploughing through slay the spire and griftlands. great list!

[@MeiaLuaDeCompasso]

More of a genre bender, but Peglin mixes deckbuilding with Peggle/Pachinko and it's definitely a good deckbuilder-adjacent roguelike.

[@treeskier802]

Slay The Spire is such an awesome game. I couldn’t get into Monster Train. Not sure what it was about the game. Graphics maybe. But it get such good reviews-I wish I had liked it.

[@ArseneLouis]

Bought Meteor Fall from winter sale, the art is so good I hope Rogue Book is in next video:)

[@LolaliciousSmiley]

Slice & Dice. I recommend this especially for fans of Dicey Dungeons.

[@revimfadli4666]

I really like that there are so many good roguelike deckbuilders nowadays, that Dicey Dungeons and One Step from Eden couldn't even make the list lol

[@leixo]

Night of the full moon is one of my favorites

[@MinuHex]

Might I suggest Arcanium? It's a bit of an odd one, having multiple decks and an upper card limit in each one, but it's a fun game. I would also suggest Roguebook as well, that game is beautiful and the ink mechanic is pretty cool.

[@WanderbotPrime]

Im waiting for Arcanium to come out 1.0 since they recently reduced their roadmap and broke the game pretty hard IIRC. Its one of my favorites, but I want to make sure it's in a good state before I recommend it.

[@MinuHex]

@@WanderbotPrime Very fair judgement, Wander. Hopefully it will stay a favourite, and 1.0 comes in a flash.

[@ZamWeazle]

@@MinuHex It's on mobile netflix service. It's also been updated a ton but I've yet to play since way back. Looks awsome though. Just waiting for the Switch port which the dev has said will come eventually. Also not many are mentioning Roguebook that's been updated a bit since EA too. Also its getting a new mode and a new character. Also no mention of Trials Of Fire. That looks awsome also but doesn't get mentioned much other than great reviews.

[@meepswag35]

while not really a deckbuiler, backpack hero is an amazing game people who are fans of deckbuilders should try

[@cyrushawkins4234]

Honestly my favorite is "Night of the Full Moon", you can play as the knight for free on ios idk what it's all on but I bought it on my phone and there's like 6 or 7 classes now. Each has 7 difficulties you have to get through and each character different decks, just the enemy's stay the same.

[@novadriftgame]

Thanks for this. I don't have time to keep up anymore, and I can't wait to try some of these. Also, just a reminder: check out Dawncaster!

[@WanderbotPrime]

I did and it really messed up my productivity this week. That game is actually too good for my own good.

[@valestivale4711]

Monster Train is my favorite of all. Ive sunk so many hundreds of hours into it over multple systems. 430 hours just on steam just as of writing. Also, PLAY MIDNIGHT SUNS

[@TheFulger321]

now exist a coop mode on slay the spire

[@viktormizak7054]

loop hero is a fun and laid back one.

[@saulvalledor4040]

I'm surprised you didn't mention inscryption. So much personality, for me a masterpiece. And the less I tell the better. If you trust my opinion I've been playing card games for decades

[@freemoney8844]

Slay The Spire + Monster Train + Ring of Pain = TOP

[@MarvAway]

Ever heard of OverDungeon ? Kinda unique twist on the regular StS formula, not in the exploration phase (multi-splitted path with shop, elite, etc) but in the battle phase where you play in real time : you can play all your cards from your hand but two, and there’s also a battlefield when you drop your creatures, they move and attack the opponent… very unique style, very spectacular and fun to play and watch. You should check it out ! 😁 love your channel, btw, just subscribed !

[@danielj3277]

I recommend everyone give monster train a try i couldnt find anything that could top it

[@Hybban]

Really great list, I'm glad I suggest it last time. The only game on that list I don't get is The Last Train. I don't enjoy that "Tower Defense" gameplay. Otherwise, that list has definitely awesome bangers!

[@vitormelo22]

Monster train is my favorite.

[@realmiltonbradley8365]

Love Inscryption and Cobalt Core !

[@mobilemobilegames6578]

A great rogue like deck builder game for beginners is steamquest! Helped me get used to the whole management and build system. Can be easy at times and forgiving but fun nonetheless

[@Elcnar]

Etherlords 1( homm 2 with cards), Etherlords 2(kings bounty with cards), Spacewolf (wh 40000), Dark quest 3(not really a deackbuild), Book of demons(diablo 1 with cards).

[@Toothmother]

Great vid just subbed ty

[@criminalchip2772]

wheres inscryption

[@frankieparsons1030]

I pretty much agree with the first five as the best "traditional deckbuilding roguelikes" but Vault of the Void, although really good, is still Early Access... so I would replace this with Roguebook.

[@justinwhite2725]

I'm. Happy tainted grail made the list. Its an amazing game both gameplay and story (its a warped and twisted interpretation of Authurian mythology) Edit: Gordon quest is another that I'm happy is on this list. Actuslly I agree with the whole list except for the one game q haven't played (and probably should now)

[@xkarea2]

Roguebook (Theme is the world of the game Faeria)

[@epicway2play85]

Would like to see you run Roguebook more please

[@fulldork]

I loved Ratropolis! Was super bummed they made Ratopia, which just feels like 100 orehr games instead of more Ratropolis which seems to be a one of a kind tower D meets deck builder. I’m constantly looking for another game to replace StS (played soooo many hours) and Ratropolis but they just don’t seem to make them. StS2 next year FINALLY, can’t wait.

[@TheSAguy]

Hey Wanderbot Prime, great video. Sounds like you know your Deckbuilders ;) I was wondering if you could recommend / make a video on Open-world/Explorer Deckbuilders. One of my favorite games of all time was Shandalar (MTG MicroProse 1997) and hoping to find something new. Thanks.

[@caiotulli468]

I'm sure Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale is the best ever, from the graphics to mechanics. I've never played anything like it, it's just sad the slothwerks decided that they've reached their objective and had to move on to Bramble Royale :/ I hope they change of mind, revisit and release updates to Krumit's Tale over the next years. I highly recommend it and I still playing it since the first time I tried, and it feels so enjoyable yet! Inscryption: was the second best game (just behind Krumit's Tale), I think the graphics matters a lot to me, is an immersive experience, I really enjoyed playing it, each animal have damage and hp, and some of them has special abilities and sigils that makes it so cool to play, it's just a bit hard I guess too. * my opinion has changed after finishing the first act, got so disappointed, now is the worst from the list, lost the best features that made it so awesome to play at the starts. Ring of pain: I thought it was going to be a cool game, but it's so hard to progress, I've abandoned after some weeks playing. Slay the spire: I'm just disgusted by the graphics, I can't even give it a chance (Krumit's Tale is so superior in every aspect) Pirates outlaws: it's now my second best, after Inscryption turned out to disappoint me, graphics are so good, the gameplay is so fun, such a high replayability. I surely recommend it! just hope they don't drop the ball as Slothworks did with Krumit's Tale, and keep bringing new updates and fresh air to the game. Nadir: is the third best I've tried, also recommend it, the system of blue/red cards and charges makes it fun, but some bosses are brutally strong, making it really hard to win, there are some problems with text when you hover it, but they are leaving the beta, so I guess things will get better soon.

[@samsamasam]

this is so nice and helpfull

[@TheYulice]

i suggest "breach wanderers"

[@vipersniperpiper6093]

Hey, during the beginning part of tainted grail conquest,the positives for the game showed the slay the spire pluses instead of its own.

[@chainjail4834]

9:27 it's actually about 6.50 dollars here. 20 dollars for a mobile game is kinda ridiculous, but I'm glad it got cheaper

[@chainjail4834]

Too bad the game's dead

[@switjive17]

I'm sad that Rogue Adventure isn't in this list

[@PandaStyle07]

Just a few that were not mentioned, Beneath Oresa, Diceomancer and Crossblitz

[@TheMrIndestructable]

Very surprised nobody seems to have mentioned Breach Wanderers, its a much better version of slay the spire in my opinion. And its free on mobile.

[@imonyourside8376]

Monster Train is amazing

[@kingdomkeygirl]

Since you liked Vault of the void, you should check out Malice & Greed

[@LEWIS1992]

Only 2 of these are available on Playstation though :/