Welcome to another look at upcoming games for 2021 and beyond! Today I’ll be highlighting a handful of roguelikes and roguelites that are set to release next year. This is one of my favorite genres and 2020 saw some great installments to it and 2021 is not set to disappoint. Make sure to check out the articles for Metroidvania and strategy games.
Darkest Dungeon 2 – Red Hook Studios
Darkest Dungeon was a brutal roguelite with Lovecraftian themes. It was an absolute hit and when word came out about Darkest Dungeon 2 you can believe how excited many people were. Set within the same world, but having its own thematic identity, Darkest Dungeon 2 is set to show how the apocalypse has distorted the world beyond the estate. Promising a tuned up turn-based combat and upgraded graphics, this is a title you do not want to miss. Darkest Dungeon 2 will begin early access on the Epic Games store in 2021.
Aquamarine – Moebial Studios
Aquamarine is a game that sets to combine old-school roguelikes and survival mechanics with exploration and puzzle-solving of classic point and click adventures. Alone and marooned on a tiny island in an endless alien ocean. Your underwater journey to your crashed spaceship will uncover the history of the planet and the reason how and why you ended up here. Aquamarine is set for a spring 2021 release and can be wish listed on Steam.
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer’s Legacy – Ludomotion
Unexplored 2 is a roguelite action-RPG and sequel to the critically acclaimed indie gem, Unexplored. In Unexplored 2 you will be leaving the dungeons behind and heading out into a beautiful, vast, and wondrous world. Your quest is to destroy the mysterious Staff of Yendor. This game looks amazing and a huge improvement upon a great game. Unexplored 2 is set to release in 2021 on Epic Games Store.
Ultimate ADOM: Caverns of Chaos – Thomas Biskup
After 25 years ADOM is finally getting a sequel. Ultimate ADOM is a modern take on the traditional roguelike. It brings Endless procedurally generated dungeons, countless monsters, crafting, and massive skill trees to allow for the ultimate replayability. Ultimate ADOM will also be bringing a fresh new isometric 2.5D look to what was a flat over the top look in the past. This fresh take has me particularly excited and cannot wait to get my hands on the game. Ultimate ADOM is set for an early 2021 release and can be wishlisted on Steam.
Orbital Bullet – SmokeStab
Orbital Bullet is touted as a fast paces 360° action-platformer with roguelite elements. The game takes place on a circular map very reminiscent of Resogun. Fight through procedural planets and utilize body modifications, crafting, and heavy weapons to complete your objective. Orbital Bullet is set for a spring 2021 release and is available to wishlist on Steam.
With this genre being a favorite of mine this was incredibly hard to choose just 5 options for this. with so many cool-looking roguelikes and roguelites heading to consoles and PCs next year it was incredibly difficult to choose. Let me know down below what you’re looking forward to and keep your eyes peeled for the next installment in the “upcoming games” series of articles.
