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    10 Best Roguelike Deck Builders

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    By on THENEXUS
    10 Best Roguelike Deck Builders

    Roguelike deckbuilders is one of the most popular genres of indie games, with games like Balatro and Kill the Spire dominating him. Of course, it's such a popular genre for good reason, as the engaging gameplay, unlocking of new cards, and often incredible visuals have helped cement its place at the top of the “once again” games category.

    In fact, some of the best roguelike deck builders are also the best indie games of all time. They are worth playing both for newcomers to the genre looking for a great starting point and for those who have played practically every game in the genre. However, there are too many roguelike deck builders to play them all, so it's important to narrow down the selection. Happily, There's a Top 10 Roguelike Deck Builders Everyone Should Check Out.

    10

    Roguebook (Abrakam Entertainment SA)

    A Roguelike deckbuilder from the creator of Magic: The Gathering

    Roguebook is the perfect affordable deck builder for newcomers to the genre, thanks in large part to its easy-to-learn synergies, captivating characters, and exciting exploration on a procedurally generated map. There is a lot to interact with in Roguebook unlike other deck builderslike its dynamic map that unfolds as players continue to venture through its hexagonal spaces or its 200 cards with stunning artwork.

    This also helps Roguebook was a collaboration between Magic: The Reunion creator Richard Garfield and the developers of Faériawhich has made it one of the most compelling roguelike deckbuilders available. With six characters to choose from, a wide variety of DLC to help flesh out the game even further, and more than enough cards to unlock to get the game to the one hundred hour mark, Roguebook is a great roguelike deck builder.

    9

    Wildfrost (Gaziter, Deadpan Games)

    An icy Roguelike deckbuilder from Chucklefish

    Wild ice is a very colorful roguelike deck builder that manages to keep things fresh despite the genre seeming incredibly oversaturated. It does this primarily with its setting, which sees players building the town of Snowdell between runs before venturing out into the bitter cold to rescue characters that appear in Snowdell, as well as finding creatures to help fight alongside them.

    It also introduces a unique counter mechanic that indicates how many turns it will take until a card automatically activates its ability. or attack. This means that players not only need to strategically position their cards so that their tactics are executed perfectly, but they can also act against their opponents' cards, knowing exactly when they will all activate. It's an interesting twist and one that helps make Wild ice an incredibly compelling roguelike deck builder.

    8

    Cobalt Core (Rocket Rat Games)

    FTL Meets Roguelike Deck Builder

    Cobalt Core is basically a roguelike adaptation of the wonderful deckbuilder FTL as players command a crew and their ship as they try to take down enemy ships using their deck of cards. Each card is an order for a crew member, and each crew member has their own unique quirks and play styles. For example, players can choose to target a specific part of the enemy ship, or alternatively, raise their own shields to avoid being hit.

    There are plenty of crew members to choose from, though players can only bring three at a time, so it's crucial to understand how they best interact with each other. Cobalt Core It's perfect for those who are tired of fantasy-focused roguelike deckbuilders and want something a little more sci-fi. The visuals, the soundtrack and the writing help to make Cobalt Core a phenomenal roguelike deck builder it's worth checking out.

    7

    Shogun Confrontation (Roboatino)

    A Samurai Roguelike deck builder

    Shogun Clash is, once again, another unique twist on the roguelike deckbuilder genre, as it places a much greater focus on creating combos and taking out multiple enemies at once. In every battle, the player will face multiple enemies, and it's up to them to try and stack attacks so they can unleash them all at oncethus eliminating all targets at once. It's an incredibly engaging cycle that makes players want to perfect each encounter.

    Of course, like any good roguelike deck builder players can upgrade their cards, explore a procedurally generated map with branching paths, and constantly improve with each run. Shogun Clash It also has the added bonus of a phenomenal setting elevated greatly by the gorgeous pixel art. For fans of roguelike deck builders and Feudal Japan, Shogun Clash it's the perfect combination.

    6

    Monster Train (shiny shoe)

    Roguelike Deckbuilder with Vertical Twist

    Monster Train changes things up by adding even more layers to each battle, something no other roguelike deck builder has managed to achieve so successfully. In every battle, players will have to defend three separate lanes, making combat a much more complex task as there is a larger pool of enemies to defeat and characters to defend. It's a significant twist on the core formula that never feels like a gimmick, which makes it one of the most unique roguelike deckbuilders available.

    There are also 220 cards to choose from, with players first choosing which clan they would like to be a part of and then unlocking the cards associated with it. With so much variety, as well as a really fun multiplayer mode, Monster Train is an incredibly replayable experience that deckbuilder enthusiasts can sink hundreds of hours into if they so desired.

    5

    Griftlands (Klei Entertainment)

    From the creators of Don't Starve

    Griftlands It's truly like no other roguelike deck builder thanks to its greater focus on narrative. Unlike most deck builders where players explore randomly generated maps from encounter to encounter, Griftlands features three different stories, each with its own protagonist, set in a handcrafted world with choicesmain and secondary missions and very well written narratives that intertwine.

    While Griftlands could have suffered from repetition – since whenever the player loses, they must start the story from scratch – there is enough randomization per race, as well as multiple stories to avoid it. It's also a beautiful game that utilizes Klei Entertainment's trademark art direction. to make each scene and character stand out. For those who want more of the roguelike deck builder's stories, Griftlands It's the ideal experience.

    4

    Zet Zillions (OTA IMON studios)

    A deckbuilder about destroying planets

    Zet Zillions comes from the wonderful minds at OTA IMON Studios who created one of the best independent RPGs, Wolf step. It's an extremely creative game with incredible aesthetics, fun characters and an engaging loop all about matching cards. Players start with a rather pathetic deck, but can merge useless cards to create much more effective and powerful cards, at the cost of losing the original effect.

    This mechanic alone helps charge Zet Zillions. However, the addition of attacking and colonizing planets to beat helps make each encounter feel incredibly fresh. There's a lot of strategy to be found in Zet Zillionsbut By far its strongest asset is its unique art style and well-written characters. Zet Zillions It's easily one of the best-looking roguelike deck builders, and it's also an incredible performer.

    3

    Registration (Daniel Mullins Games)

    A Horror Roguelike Deck Builder Like No Other

    In many ways, the less said about Enrollment better. There really isn't any game like it out there. as its mix of deck-building roguelike gameplay, blood-curdling horror, and unexpected surprises create a unique experience that will constantly shock players. Sure, it's an exceptionally strong roguelike deck builder, with beautifully designed cards and lots of room for strategy.

    Enrollment It won't be for everyone thanks to its focus on psychological horror, but for those who can get through it without closing their eyes the entire time, it's an incredibly rewarding game that offers an experience like no other.

    However, what does Enrollment So great is its unique approach to storytelling, as well as its otherworldly visuals that it will linger in the player's mind long after the game is over. Frankly, Enrollment won't be for everyone thanks to its focus on psychological horror, but For anyone who can get through it without closing their eyes the entire time, it's an incredibly rewarding game that offers an experience like no other.

    2

    Balatro (LocalThunk)

    One of the most engaging deck builders

    Balatro is a ridiculously popular and successful roguelike deckbuilder that has taken the world by storm and even scored a GOTY nomination at the 2024 Game Awards. Of course it deserves all its success as Balatro offers one of the most immersive and immersive gameplay loops ever created. It's specifically designed to attract gamers and maintain their interest, with people more than capable of putting potentially thousands of hours into it.

    Balatro is a poker-based roguelike deck builder in which players must create poker hands from their cards to achieve their desired score. However, they can collect Joker cards that modify the score obtained based on a number of unique factors. It's up to players to capitalize on these synergies to get the most points and watch the score counter soar to the top. Balatro is an amazing roguelike deckbuilder worth checking out for the five people who haven't played yet.

    1

    Kill the Spire (Mega Critical)

    The best Roguelike deck builder available

    Of course, the best roguelike deck builder ever made is Kill the Spire. It's the source of inspiration for many of the roguelike deckbuilders released since, thanks to its phenomenally well-crafted gameplay loop. It's a perfectly balanced game with great encounters, amazing cards, and the potential to create endlessly satisfying synergies that are immensely fun to pull off.

    If people are going to choose just one roguelike deckbuilder to play, it should definitely be Kill the Spire. There is also a sequel that promises to greatly improve the experience, so players must beat the first game before starting. Of course, for those who have the time to invest in more than just Kill the SpireAll the best roguelike deckbuilders are worth playing, especially those that put an interesting spin on the genre.

    Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube, Raw Fury/YouTube

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