Hades was one of the most phenomenal games released in 2020. A perfect roguelike game that didn't lose favor from its repetitive nature, this dungeon crawler continues to keep players coming back for more, even after they reach the gates of Olympus.
But supposing one requires something fresh after slicing and slashing their way from the depths of Tartarus? The realms of Hades are still a delight, but a change of venue wouldn't be a bad idea. Fortunately, there are dozens of dungeon crawlers out there to scratch that itch, some of which even inspired this infernal title. All one has to do is choose.
10 Diablo Series
When it comes to dungeon crawlers, one can never go wrong with this isometric classic. The Diablo series is practically the cornerstone on which many games in the genre are founded and with a fourth entry in the series on the horizon, it might be time to head back to Sanctuary.
Hades wears its Diablo-inspired motif on its sleeve, but to call it a clone would be absolutely unfair and wrong. Still, it's nice to learn from the masters.
9 Children of Morta
On the other hand, Children of Morta is indeed a Diablo clone, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing, not by a long shot. This game takes the roguelike and dungeon crawler motifs but throws in a complex narrative to give the game story structure as well.
Similar to how one chooses a weapon in Hades, one must choose a member of the Bergson family to face off the Corruption of Morta. It has a repetitive nature, but new characters allow for flexibility and diverse playthroughs.
8 Hammerwatch
Hammerwatch takes more from Gauntlet than it does anything else, but there's something very Hades-esque about its combat. True, the weapon supply is severely reduced, but there's still something oddly familiar in the gameplay.
Ignoring the top-down approach, this dungeon-crawler definitely has a similar mapping to its environments to the realms of the underworld. Not exactly a perfect match, but players will still feel at home. Now, if only Cerberus were a companion in this game.
7 Sparklite
Imagine if A Link to the Past became a roguelike and that pretty much describes Sparklite. Stepping away from the realms of dark fantasy for a moment, this steampunk dungeon crawler goes all the way in its retro-inspired motifs, but also offers quite the challenge for those unfamiliar with the roguelike formula.
Death has more of a consequence in this title. Unlike Hades, they will have to go out and find powerups and items instead of hoarding them. Still, what's wrong with a little extra effort?
6 Darkest Dungeon
Sparklite requires a little extra effort in its gameplay, but Darkest Dungeon requires not only effort, but serious attention to character conditions, combat, and location as well. This Lovecraft-inspired horror show is not for the faint of heart, but it's perfect for die-hard dungeoneers.
Forgoing the hack-and-slash action for something more turn-based, players lead a party of adventurers into caverns and dungeons full of horrific monsters and treacherous fates. Death is unavoidable, and it'll take more than standard RPG skills to survive.
5 Wizard of Legend
Take Hades and smoosh it together with a touch of Gauntlet and the result is Wizard of Legend. This title is remarkably similar to Hades, but with a more traditional fantasy setting.
Players take up the role of a wizard, able to cast a multitude of spells against enemies. Fans of Hades will be familiar with the use of weapons, spells, and upgrades to get past certain spots. Flexibility is a big part of the game, and that's always a plus for roguelikes.
4 Hyper Light Drifter
Not a roguelike, but this action-packed dungeon crawler definitely deserves a place alongside the likes of Hades. The mix of using different weapons and styles is easily comparable to the combat in the roguelike title, but the visuals and story are something all their own.
The story is a bit enigmatic, but the gameplay is ideal for any dungeon crawler fan. Especially if they've got a yen for a Zeldalike as well.
3 Dead Cells
More of a Metroidvania, but there are dungeons full of monsters for the player to explore. The roguelike is strong with this one, as players will run the dungeon dozens of times over before reaching the endgame.
Dead Cells is a mix of action-platformer and dungeon crawler with fluid combat and momentum that, like Hades, will keep players running through again and again.
2 Scourgebringer
It might not look like the same vein as Hades, but the gameplay in this sci-fi roguelike has all the trappings of a dungeon crawler that simply cannot be ignored. Does the following sound familiar?
Players play a character descending into a dark dimension of randomly-generated rooms, have to kill all enemies and bosses to proceed, and death means starting the gauntlet completely over. It might have a more platformer-styled aesthetic, but this definitely fits the Hades mold.
1 Bastion
If Hades has worn out its welcome, why not pop in a throwback to the game's spiritual predecessor, Bastion? The title contains all the tropes from Supergiant Games but removes Hades's roguelike elements in favor of a complete story.
Like Hades, the game features an isometric, hack-and-slash style of gameplay with a tongue-in-cheek narrator, a multitude of weapons, and an overall experience that is equal parts fun and engaging. Perfect for playing before or after one escapes the underworld.
Next: Best Hades Builds - Best Weapons And Boons To Beat The Final Boss