If Hades left you addicted to its fast-paced action, unforgettable characters, and endless replayability, you’re probably on the hunt for your next adventure. Look no further! While nothing quite matches the magic of Hades, several indie roguelikes are bringing the heat with heart-pounding combat, mythological twists, and addictive progression systems that will keep you coming back for more.
Ready to dive into the next chaotic journey? Let’s explore the best indie roguelike games like Hades that are set to dominate 2026!
Closest Gameplay & Combat: Mirror Hades’ Action-Oriented Combat
If you love Hades for its action-packed, isometric combat, these roguelikes will scratch that same itch. They feature similar room-clearing loops, dodging mechanics, and high-intensity battles that will keep you coming back for more.
SWORN (Early Access)
A high-fidelity “Hades-like” currently in early access, SWORN swaps Greek mythology for Arthurian legend. It offers a similar boon system where players accept upgrades from legendary figures like Merlin and Arthur, while also supporting 4-player co-op for added fun. If you’re a fan of Hades’ combat system and love mythology, SWORN offers a great alternative.
- Why it’s like Hades: Isometric combat, progression mechanics, and mythological influences.
- Platform: PC (Early Access)
Curse of the Dead Gods
Curse of the Dead Gods offers polished isometric combat with a unique curse mechanic that increases difficulty as you progress. Like Hades, the combat is all about dodging and parrying, but this game is more methodical and punishing, demanding strategy with every action.
- Why it’s like Hades: Fast-paced combat with a tactical twist and a constant risk/reward loop.
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Ember Knights
Ember Knights offers a fast-paced action roguelite with fluid combat and a rewarding progression system. It’s similar to Hades in that the gameplay revolves around fast, satisfying combat and dynamic co-op multiplayer. The game’s vibrant art style also makes it a visual treat, much like Hades’ clean and bold aesthetic.
- Why it’s like Hades: Action-focused combat with cooperative gameplay.
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Warm Snow
Warm Snow is a dark Chinese fantasy brawler that features story items players collect to unlock true endings, providing a sense of discovery similar to Hades’ lore-building. With intense combat and strategic progression, this game blends mythological themes with addictive combat mechanics.
- Why it’s like Hades: Mythological elements, combat-driven progression, and a deeper lore-driven experience.
- Platform: PC
Story-Driven Roguelites: For Those Who Love Narrative Depth
If the character relationships and storytelling in Hades were your favorite part, then you’ll love these games, which focus on integrating narrative into their roguelike loops.
Children of Morta
Children of Morta follows the Bergson family and their journey to protect the world. Each family member has a unique playstyle, and the narrative unfolds between runs, adding emotional weight to the action. The family ties and character development are deeply integrated into the gameplay loop, offering a rich narrative experience much like Hades.
- Why it’s like Hades: Character-driven progression and a deeply integrated narrative.
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Cult of the Lamb
Blending dungeon crawling with base-building and follower management, Cult of the Lamb offers character-driven interactions through the cult’s followers. The combat system is simpler than Hades, but the hub-world engagement and narrative make it a great pick for players who love the story-driven elements of Hades.
- Why it’s like Hades: Character-driven gameplay and building relationships with cult followers.
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Dreamscaper
In Dreamscaper, you experience a dual-loop system: relationship-building by day and dungeon crawling by night. Players develop emotional connections with other characters, which affect their abilities in the dungeon. The fluid animation and character development make it a perfect choice for fans of Hades’ narrative depth.
- Why it’s like Hades: Day-to-night loops and character development.
- Platform: PC
Top-Rated Action Roguelikes: Must-Play Indie Leaders
If you’re looking for action and replayability, these indie roguelikes are essential for fans of Hades.
Dead Cells
A 2D roguevania game, Dead Cells is widely considered one of the best roguelikes for its tight combat and massive variety of weapons. It combines platforming with roguelike mechanics to provide endless replayability. The variety of environments and boss fights make it a must-play for fans of Hades.
- Why it’s like Hades: Fast combat, weapon variety, and challenging boss encounters.
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Returnal
Returnal is a third-person sci-fi shooter that mirrors Hades’ commitment to a high-production narrative and meta-systems. It’s immersive and enigmatic, blending action and exploration in a way that will satisfy any Hades fan who loves a strong narrative combined with tight gameplay mechanics.
- Why it’s like Hades: High-production value, sci-fi themes, and roguelike progression.
- Platform: PS5
Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon is a bullet-hell dungeon crawler featuring room-based encounters and an arsenal of wacky weapons. The action is fast-paced, with plenty of secrets and unlockables. It’s a great option for fans who want a pure action-focused roguelike.
- Why it’s like Hades: Bullet-hell combat, room-based encounters, and intense action.
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
How to Choose the Right Indie Roguelike Game Like Hades
Not sure where to start? When hunting for the best indie roguelike games like Hades, consider what excites you most—whether it’s fast-paced combat, narrative depth, or challenging progression loops. Each of these games brings something unique to the table, ensuring that you’ll find the right fit based on your gaming preferences.
If you love high-intensity action, Ember Knights or Curse of the Dead Gods will keep you on the edge of your seat. For those who crave story-driven experiences and deeper character connections, Children of Morta or Cult of the Lamb might be more your style. Whatever your preference, the choice is yours—so jump in and start exploring!
Key Takeaways
- Best indie roguelike games like Hades include Dead Cells, Enter the Gungeon, and Curse of the Dead Gods for fans looking for randomized content, tight combat, and rewarding progression.
- Story-driven roguelites like Children of Morta and Cult of the Lamb offer emotional depth and character-driven narratives.
- Co-op multiplayer and varied combat systems in games like SWORN and Ember Knights add extra dimensions of replayability and fun.
There is a game on this list that is ideal for you, regardless of your preferences for deep meta-progression, narrative-driven gameplay, or fast-paced action. So grab your mouse or controller and start playing these amazing roguelikes like Hades!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Recovery time varies, but taking breaks and practicing self-care can help you recover within a few days to a few weeks.
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Conclusion
As we wrap up, it’s clear that the best indie roguelike games like Hades are more than just games—they’re thrilling journeys of discovery, strategy, and non-stop action. From mythological realms in Curse of the Dead Gods to the pulse-pounding chaos of Ember Knights, these games deliver the same addictive loops, fierce battles, and heart-pounding progression that made Hades unforgettable.
So, whether you’re dodging, slashing, or building your own story, one thing’s for sure: these roguelikes will keep you coming back for more, just like the Underworld did. Ready to dive into your next adventure? The chaos awaits!