Roguelike Games: A Guide for Beginners and Experts
If you are a fan of video games, you may have heard of a genre called "roguelike". Roguelike games are a subgenre of role-playing games that feature procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and high difficulty. They are named after Rogue, a game from the 1980s that popularized these elements. Roguelike games have been around for decades, but they have gained more popularity and variety in recent years, thanks to indie developers and modern technology. In this article, we will explain what roguelike games are, what makes them unique and challenging, and how to play and enjoy them.
What are roguelike games and why are they popular?
Roguelike games are a type of video game that simulates a dungeon crawl through randomly generated levels. The player controls a character that explores the dungeon, fights enemies, collects items, and tries to reach the end or complete a goal. However, unlike most video games, roguelike games have permadeath: if the character dies, the player has to start over from the beginning, losing all their progress and items. This makes roguelike games very challenging and unpredictable, as the player never knows what they will encounter or how long they will survive.
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Roguelike games are popular because they offer a unique and rewarding gaming experience. They test the player's skills, strategy, creativity, and adaptability. They also provide endless replay value, as no two runs are ever the same. Roguelike games can be very satisfying when the player manages to overcome a difficult obstacle or achieve a rare feat. They can also be very frustrating when the player loses a promising run or makes a fatal mistake. Roguelike games appeal to gamers who enjoy challenge, variety, discovery, and experimentation.
What are the main features and challenges of roguelike games?
While there is no definitive definition of what constitutes a roguelike game, there are some common features and challenges that most roguelikes share. These include:
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Random environment generation
Roguelikes use procedural generation to create their levels. This means that the layout, enemies, items, traps, and events of each level are randomly determined by an algorithm. This ensures that each run is different and unpredictable. The player cannot rely on memorization or repetition to succeed. They have to explore carefully and react quickly to whatever they encounter.
Permadeath
Roguelikes have permadeath: if the character dies, they stay dead. The player has to start over from scratch, losing all their progress and items. This makes roguelikes very challenging and unforgiving. The player has to be careful and cautious, as any mistake can be fatal. They also have to accept and cope with failure, as losing is inevitable and frequent.
Turn-based and grid-based gameplay
Roguelikes are usually turn-based and grid-based. This means that the game is divided into discrete units of time (turns) and space (tiles). The player and the enemies take turns to perform actions, such as moving, attacking, using items, etc. The player can only move or act on adjacent tiles, and the enemies follow the same rules. This creates a strategic and tactical gameplay, as the player has to plan their moves carefully and anticipate the enemies' moves.
ASCII graphics and high fantasy setting
Roguelikes traditionally use ASCII characters to represent the graphics of the game. ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, and it is a set of symbols that can be displayed by any computer. Roguelikes use these symbols to create simple but effective visuals, such as @ for the player, . for the floor, # for the walls, D for a dragon, etc. This allows the player to use their imagination and focus on the gameplay rather than the graphics.
Roguelikes also typically have a high fantasy setting, inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, Tolkien, and other sources. The player usually controls a hero who explores a dungeon full of monsters, magic, treasure, and secrets. The dungeon often has multiple levels or branches, each with a different theme or challenge. The goal of the game may vary, but it often involves finding a powerful artifact or defeating a final boss.
How to distinguish between roguelike, roguelite, and rogue-like games
As roguelike games became more popular and diverse, some variations and deviations from the original formula emerged. These games are often categorized as roguelite or rogue-like games, depending on how closely they adhere to the roguelike features. Here is a brief explanation of these terms:
Roguelike
Roguelike games are games that follow the Berlin Interpretation strictly. The Berlin Interpretation is a set of criteria that define what makes a game roguelike, based on the features of Rogue and its early successors. These criteria include random environment generation, permadeath, turn-based and grid-based gameplay, ASCII graphics and high fantasy setting, as well as other factors such as complexity, resource management, identification, exploration, etc. Some examples of roguelike games are Nethack, ADOM, Angband, Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, and Brogue.
Roguelite
Roguelite games are games that use some but not all of the roguelike features, often with permanent progression or other genres mixed in. Roguelite games usually have random environment generation and permadeath, but they may not have turn-based or grid-based gameplay, ASCII graphics or high fantasy setting. They may also have elements such as metagame progression, where the player can unlock new abilities or items that persist across runs; or genre fusion, where the game combines roguelike elements with other genres such as platformer, shooter, puzzle, etc. Some examples of roguelite games are Spelunky, The Binding of Isaac, FTL: Faster Than Light, Dead Cells, and Hades.
Rogue-like
Rogue-like games are games that are inspired by or similar to Rogue, but do not necessarily have any roguelike features. Rogue-like games may have some superficial resemblance to Rogue or its descendants, such as having a dungeon theme or using ASCII graphics; but they may not have any of the core features such as random environment generation, permadeath, turn-based or grid-based gameplay, etc. Rogue-like games may be influenced by Rogue in terms of aesthetics, mechanics, or theme, but they are not considered part of the roguelike genre. Some examples of rogue-like games are Diablo, Minecraft, Terraria, and The Legend of Zelda.
How to play and enjoy roguelike games
Roguelike games can be very fun and rewarding, but they can also be very hard and frustrating. They require a lot of patience, skill, and luck to succeed. Here are some tips on how to play and enjoy roguelike games, whether you are a beginner or an expert.
Tips for beginners
If you are new to roguelike games, you may feel overwhelmed or discouraged by the difficulty and complexity of the genre. Here are some tips to help you get started and have fun:
- Start with easy or accessible roguelikes. Some roguelikes are more beginner-friendly than others, either because they have lower difficulty, simpler mechanics, better tutorials, or more appealing graphics. Some examples of easy or accessible roguelikes are Pixel Dungeon, Brogue, Tangledeep, and Slay the Spire. - Learn from your mistakes. Roguelike games are all about trial and error. You will die a lot, but you will also learn a lot. Every death is an opportunity to improve your skills, knowledge, and strategy. Try to figure out what went wrong and how to avoid it next time. Don't give up easily; keep trying until you succeed. - Experiment with different strategies and items. Roguelike games offer a lot of variety and customization. You can choose different characters, classes, skills, items, weapons, etc. to suit your playstyle and preferences. You can also try different combinations and synergies to create powerful effects. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you. - Have fun with the randomness and unpredictability. Roguelike games are full of surprises and emergent gameplay. You never know what you will find or encounter in each run. Sometimes you will get lucky and find amazing items or allies; sometimes you will get unlucky and face deadly enemies or traps. Sometimes you will have hilarious or epic moments that you will remember for a long time. Enjoy the thrill and excitement of the unknown.
Tips for advanced players
If you are already familiar with roguelike games, you may want to challenge yourself further and explore the depth and diversity of the genre. Here are some tips to help you advance your skills and enjoyment:
- Try harder or more complex roguelikes. Some roguelikes are more challenging or intricate than others, either because they have higher difficulty, richer mechanics, deeper lore, or more content. Some examples of harder or more complex roguelikes are Nethack, ADOM, Angband, Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, and Cogmind. - Challenge yourself with different modes or modifiers. Many roguelikes offer different modes or modifiers that change the rules or conditions of the game. These can make the game easier or harder, depending on your preference. For example, you can play with permadeath on or off, with more or fewer enemies or items, with special objectives or restrictions, etc. You can also create your own challenges by setting your own goals or limitations. - Explore the lore and secrets of the games. Roguelike games often have rich and detailed worlds that are full of history, culture, secrets, and easter eggs. You can learn more about the games by reading the manuals, wikis, forums, or blogs; by talking to NPCs, examining items, or finding notes; or by discovering hidden areas, events, or features. You may be surprised by how much depth and lore the games have to offer. - Compete with other players or yourself. Roguelike games are often single-player, but they can also have a competitive aspect. Many roguelikes have online leaderboards, where you can compare your scores or achievements with other players. You can also participate in tournaments, challenges, or speedruns, where you can compete with specific rules or objectives. Alternatively, you can compete with yourself, by trying to beat your own records or goals. Conclusion
Roguelike games are a fascinating and diverse genre of video games that offer a unique and rewarding gaming experience. They are characterized by random environment generation, permadeath, turn-based and grid-based gameplay, ASCII graphics and high fantasy setting, as well as other features and challenges. They can be classified into roguelike, roguelite, and rogue-like games, depending on how closely they follow the original formula. They can be played and enjoyed by beginners and experts alike, with different tips and strategies to help them succeed.
If you are interested in roguelike games, here are some recommendations for you to try:
Game
Genre
Description
Brogue
Roguelike
A modern and accessible roguelike that stays true to the core features of the genre. It has simple but elegant graphics, intuitive controls, and rich gameplay.
Hades
Roguelite
A stylish and addictive roguelite that combines hack-and-slash action with Greek mythology. It has stunning visuals, fluid combat, and engaging story.
Minecraft
Rogue-like
A popular and influential rogue-like that blends sandbox building with survival and exploration. It has pixelated graphics, infinite worlds, and endless possibilities.
FAQs
What is the origin of the term "roguelike"?
The term "roguelike" comes from Rogue, a game from the 1980s that introduced the main features of the genre. Rogue was inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and other tabletop role-playing games. The term "roguelike" was coined in the 1990s by fans of the genre to describe games that were similar to or derived from Rogue.
What are some of the best roguelike games of all time?
This is a subjective question that depends on personal preference and taste. However, some of the most acclaimed and influential roguelike games of all time are Nethack, ADOM, Angband, Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, and Cogmind. These games are considered classics and innovators of the genre, and they have influenced many other games.
What are some of the best platforms to play roguelike games on?
Roguelike games can be played on various platforms, such as PC, console, mobile, or web. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the preferences and needs of the player. Here are some of the pros and cons of each platform:
- PC: PC is the most common and versatile platform for roguelike games. It offers the widest range of games, the best graphics and performance, the most customization and modding options, and the most online features and community support. However, PC also requires the most hardware and software requirements, the most installation and maintenance, and the most space and power consumption. - Console: Console is a convenient and comfortable platform for roguelike games. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, a large and high-quality screen, a smooth and stable gameplay, and a relaxing and immersive experience. However, console also has a limited and expensive selection of games, a lower graphics and performance quality, a lack of customization and modding options, and a dependence on internet connection and subscription fees. - Mobile: Mobile is a portable and accessible platform for roguelike games. It offers a quick and easy way to play games anytime and anywhere, a touch-based and intuitive control scheme, a casual and bite-sized gameplay, and a free or cheap price tag. However, mobile also has a small and low-quality screen, a limited and simplified gameplay, a lack of online features and community support, and a reliance on battery life and data usage. - Web: Web is an alternative and experimental platform for roguelike games. It offers a fast and hassle-free way to play games without downloading or installing anything, a browser-based and cross-platform compatibility, a diverse and creative gameplay, and a free or donation-based cost. However, web also has a low graphics and performance quality, a lack of offline features and save options, a dependence on internet connection and browser compatibility, and a risk of security issues or data loss.
What are some of the benefits of playing roguelike games?
Roguelike games can have various benefits for the player, both in terms of entertainment and education. Some of these benefits are:
- Fun: Roguelike games can provide fun and enjoyment for the player. They can stimulate the player's curiosity, imagination, creativity, - Challenge: Roguelike games can provide challenge and satisfaction for the player. They can test the player's skills, strategy, adaptability, and perseverance. They can also reward the player with achievements, progress, and feedback. - Variety: Roguelike games can provide variety and replay value for the player. They can offer different characters, items, enemies, levels, modes, and genres to choose from. They can also generate different scenarios and outcomes every time the player plays. - Learning: Roguelike games can provide learning and improvement for the player. They can teach the player about game mechanics, logic, math, probability, etc. They can also help the player develop their memory, attention, problem-solving, decision-making, etc. How can I create my own roguelike game?
If you are interested in creating your own roguelike game, you will need some tools and resources to help you. Here are some steps to follow:
- Choose a platform and a language. You will need to decide what platform you want to create your game for (PC, console, mobile, web, etc.) and what programming language you want to use (C++, Python, Java, etc.). You will also need to choose an engine or a framework that supports your platform and language (Unity, Unreal, Godot, etc.). - Learn the basics of roguelike development. You will need to learn how to implement the core features of roguelike games, such as random environment generation, permadeath, turn-based and grid-based gameplay, ASCII graphics and high fantasy setting, etc. You can find tutorials, guides, books, videos, etc. that teach you how to do this online or offline. - Create your prototype. You will need to create a basic version of your game that has the essential elements and mechanics of your game. You can use placeholder graphics and sounds for now. You should test your prototype frequently and fix any bugs or errors that you find. - Add more content and polish. You will need to add more content and polish to your game to make it more complete and appealing. You can create more levels, enemies, items, skills, etc. that fit your game's theme and genre. You can also improve your graphics, sounds, music, interface, etc. to make your game more attractive and user-friendly. - Publish and share your game. You will need to publish and share your game with others to get feedback and exposure. You can upload your game to online platforms, such as Steam, itch.io, Game Jolt, etc. You can also promote your game on social media, forums, blogs, etc. You can also participate in events, such as game jams, contests, festivals, etc. to showcase your game. 44f88ac181
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