If you’re looking for a classic, challenging and rewarding roguelike, then there’s no better place to start than Spelunky. Spelunky is an action-adventure indie game that first released on PC in 2008. Despite its age, Spelunky has become an incredibly popular and well-loved classic. If you’re looking for a similar fix of thrilling dungeon crawls, then you’re in the right place. Here are 10 games like Spelunky that are sure to keep you on your toes.
1. Celeste
Celeste is a classic 2D platformer with some roguelike elements. Although Celeste is much more story-heavy than Spelunky, the control mechanics are very similar. Players control the same character—Madeline—as she tries to reach the summit of the Celeste mountain. Much like Spelunky, Celeste is full of secrets to unlock and upgrades to find. The main difference between these two games is that Celeste has an overarching story with a more definitive ending.
2. Hades
Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler that released in 2020. In Hades, players take control of Zagreus, the son of the god Hades, as he tries to escape the underworld. Much like in Spelunky, players can find upgrades, special items, and otherworldly weapons. The biggest difference from Spelunky is the combat system, which is much faster paced and involves a lot more button-mashing.
3. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is a 2D roguelike-metroidvania hybrid. Players control a prisoner who has been cursed inside the tower of a castle. As the player progresses through the levels, they collect items and upgrades to enhance their character. Dead Cells has less of an emphasis on exploration than Spelunky, but its fast-paced combat and dark atmosphere are sure to keep players on their toes.
4. The Binding of Isaac
The Binding of Isaac is another classic roguelike that released in 2011. It follows the story of a young boy called Isaac as he attempts to survive against monsters and demons. Much like Spelunky, The Binding of Isaac is full of secrets, weapons, upgrades, and wildly different levels. Players will have to battle against their own reflexes in order to survive.
5. Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon is a 2D roguelike-bullet hell hybrid. Players take control of one of four different characters as they explore the ever-changing Gungeon. Much like Spelunky, Enter the Gungeon is full of secrets and upgrades to find, as well as a host of dangerous enemies to battle. The main difference between these two games is the bullet-hell elements, which make the combat much more intense and fast-paced.
6. Crypt of the Necrodancer
Crypt of the Necrodancer is another roguelike with a strong emphasis on rhythm and music. Players take control of Cadence, a necrodancer, as she attempts to make her way through the crypt. Crypt of the Necrodancer has all the same elements as Spelunky—secrets, upgrades, puzzles—but it also has an extra layer of complexity due to the rhythm-based combat.
7. Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy is a 2D roguelike-metroidvania hybrid. Players take control of a different character each run, with different classes and abilities. Much like in Spelunky, players can explore the castle in order to find upgrades and items to help them on their journey. The main difference between these two games is the character system, which adds an extra layer of complexity and replayability.
8. The Swords of Ditto
The Swords of Ditto is an action-adventure game with some roguelike elements. Players take control of a young hero as they attempt to defeat the evil Mormo. Much like in Spelunky, players can explore dungeons in search of secrets and upgrades. The main difference between these two games is the co-op mode, which allows two players to team up and take on Mormo together.
9. FTL: Faster Than Light
FTL: Faster Than Light is a real-time roguelike-space sim hybrid. Players take control of a spaceship as they explore the galaxy and attempt to complete their mission. Much like Spelunky, FTL has a lot of randomized elements and unpredictable ups and downs. The main difference between these two games is the scale—FTL is much more expansive, with more possibilities and a greater range of consequences.
10. Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based rogue-lite dungeon crawler. Players take control of a team of adventurers as they battle their way through dungeons and dungeons. Much like in Spelunky, players will have to make difficult choices in order to survive. The main difference between these two games is the turn-based combat, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Conclusion
Spelunky is a timeless classic that has become a fan favourite over the years. But if you’ve already mastered it, then the games listed above are the perfect way to keep the challenge going. Each of these games has its own unique twist on the classic roguelike formula, and you’re sure to find something you love. So don’t wait any longer—it’s time to jump into a new adventure!