The most relaxing Roguelikes

Roguelike isn't exactly known for relaxing. In fact, the constant threat of eventual death and the accompanying loss of progress may be one of the most stressful mechanisms in the industry as a whole – there's a reason scammers like Hades so popular that they help players swallow the cure for their constant death along with the sweet goodness of meta-progression.

However, despite their often complex mechanics and unforgiving gameplay loops, roguelikes can offer players a uniquely peaceful experience. In this case, it comes down to art direction, sound design, music, and (mostly) accessible gameplay.

8 Good luck being a landlord

An exciting experience without much effort

• Platform(s): PC, mobile
• Released: January 6, 2023
• Developer(s): Trampoline tales
• genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder

Good luck being a landlord is an accessible, unique roguelike deck builder that uses bag building as its core mechanic. In this game, players are tasked with paying an ever-increasing rent by winning on a custom-designed slot machine by filling the slots with various game-changing symbols to increase their odds.

The dull, chunky pixel art, chiptune music, and slot machine gameplay create an immersive experience, drawing the player into spin after spin. Good luck being a landlord it's not the most difficult roguelike out there, and players will naturally replay wounds due to bad luck, but its distinctive gameplay can be relaxing.

7 In the breach

A tactical puzzle game with low pressure and high stakes

In the breachdeveloped by Subset Games (the same studio behind FTL: Faster Than Light), may have some mild meta-progression in the form of unlockables, but it remains essentially a roguelike; turn-based combat, random generation, complex scenarios, and perma-death should appeal to many roguelike fans.

This unique mech-themed indie game offers players a variety of crunchy tactical puzzles to solve throughout each run. The puzzle-like nature of the gameplay is elevated by the abundance of information In the breach offers its players, allowing them to stay one step ahead of the game. As a result In the breach able to provide a low-pressure environment while still maintaining the same high stakes as other roguelikes.

6 Frost

A deck builder with a gorgeous art style and a boundless sense of whimsy

Its gameplay, sometimes, is far from relaxing, but Frost succeeds with his winning charm and absolute sense of whimsy. This is primarily seen in his fantastic art direction, which focuses on the style of 2D cartoons such as Adventure time with its unique subtleties, details and nuances.

Boiling pot Wildfrost exceptional artwork, pleasant sound and a whimsical soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere. However, for now Frost can be a suitably chilling experience, the frustrations of its design and occasionally challenging encounters can add a bitter sting to the mix.

5 For the king

Easy to learn and easy strategy game with great co-op

Part RPG, part roguelike, part board game, For the king is a unique and strategic title that combines turn-based combat, dungeon crawling and overworld gameplay. All of this results in an experience that is rich in variety, but For the king manages to remain easy to learn. Colorful low-poly visuals, fantastic music, and an immersive world combine to create a relaxing atmosphere that's perfect for relaxing — especially when playing online co-op.

Each passage For the king sees the player and two other people control one or more of the three heroes. Together (or individually), players march on objectives and battle monsters while traversing a hexagonal world and fighting their way through dark, dangerous dungeons. The addition of co-op adds a lot of replay value to the game, offering players a casual environment that is undemanding at best.

4 Caves of Kud

A deeply atmospheric world with a stunning soundscape

While the threat of permanent death is always present, at least outside of RPG mode, Caves of Kud it makes for an amazingly relaxing experience. All this thanks to the calm color palette, minimalist art direction and, most importantly, the atmospheric soundtrack.

Caves of Kuda biggest strength is its richly crafted world, lovingly crafted with a careful balance of handcraft and procedural content. Exploring this world is made all the more rewarding by its diverse curiosities, quirky characters, and engaging text. Learning how to play can take a little time and a lot of frustration Caves of Kud successful, especially for newcomers to the genre, but once in his grasp, this rogue can be very calm.

3 Dungeons and Gamblers

A minimalist Deckbuilder with impressive environments

• Platform(s): PC
• Released: August 8, 2024
• Developer(s): Collectors of purple moss
• genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder

Although its gameplay is somewhat repetitive, it is based on the casino game, Blackjack, Dungeons and Gamblers manages to do a lot with a little. While it may not offer as much variety and/or strategy as its distant cousin, Balatro, Dungeons and Gamblers elevated by the breathtaking setting and overall feel of the place.

Thanks to the subtle but completely competent art direction, players take a journey through different pits Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers' the tavern/casino is always relaxing; the enchanting soundtrack, the crisp old-school sound effects, and the brilliant simplicity of the game itself make for an experience that's strategic yet unassuming.

2 Cobalt core

Roguelike deck building with cozy pixel art and a magical soundtrack

• Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch
• Released: November 8, 2023
• Developer(s): Games rocket rats
• genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder

Cobalt core is a rogue-like deck builder cozying up to tier one, putting players in command of a spaceship and its crew of three. Gorgeous pixel art, a magical soundtrack, and quirky characters work together to build a world that's rewarding and often relaxing, even when an enemy threatens to blow up the player's ship.

The gameplay of this deck builder isn't bad either, with the ship's crew used as a sinkhole for the game's card mechanics, with each character represented by their own cards. There's also a tactical twist, as players can maneuver their ship to bob and weave while avoiding enemy attacks while knocking out their own guns. The gameplay is also varied, offering players eight playable characters to create their team.

1 Balatro

A trance-inducing deckbuilder full of style

Channeling the atmosphere of a casino table and slot machine in equal measure, Balatro is a roguelike deck builder that's packed with minimalist style. Its combination of crisp pixel art, visual effects, and a trance-inducing soundtrack create a magical backdrop for the game's addictive strategic gameplay. This trance can be quite relaxing, especially if the run is going well, as the gameplay, while strategic, requires minimal input.

The step-by-step nature of Art Balatro also works in its favor as a relaxing piece of software, allowing players to mull over every move they make for as long as they like. like a game Balatro succeeds with detailed strategies and a careful balance of skill and luck, but its amazingly immersive atmosphere and soothing soundscape make for the perfect getaway.