Many traditional roguelikes are mucheasier played with a mouse and keyboard, even if they support controllers. This is due to the fact that they’re often easier to play with hotkeys due to the amount of potential interactions that players can have with the user-interfaces of these games. Furthermore, many of these hardcore roguelikes feature extensive mouse support nowadays, which is usually the most intuitive way to play these traditional, old-school games.
Deck-building roguelikes are very similar, as it’s much more intuitive to control these games with a mouse, though games such asSlay The SpireandBalatroare perfectly playable with a controller. In fact, both ofthese deck-builderswork great on the Steam Deck. Action roguelikes in particular, however, tend to be much more intuitive and easier to play with a controller. At the end of the day, this all comes down to preference, but each of these examples feature fantastic controller support that allows fans of controllers to enjoy the game just as much as they would with a mouse and keyboard.
7Undergrave
An Intuitive Grid-Based Tactics Game
This turn-based tactics game tasks players with managing their limited stamina as they dash and jump their way through and into various enemies.Undergrave’s simple, grid-based approach to tactical gameplay allows it to be an accessible roguelike, and its full controller support only improves this.
The turn-based, grid-based movement and variety of movement abilities are perfectly suited to the controller. This is due to the limited, simple, and intuitive input commands thatUndergraverequires, freeing players from complex controls and allowing them to focus more on their overall strategy.
This hardcore dungeon crawler has players delving into randomly generated caves packed with deadly hazards and creatures. From snakes and spiders to hidden arrow-traps and one-hit spikes, there are plenty of obstacles that players must overcome to stay alive.
Despite this level of difficulty,Spelunkyis remarkably easy to learn and intuitive to control thanks to its elegant design. As a result,Spelunkycan be a lot more fun when played with a controller, as there are very few controls to learn. This is all the more true when players useSpelunky’sauto-run feature.
AlthoughJupiter Hellis a traditional turn-based roguelike, it features extensive controller support that makes it a joy to play even without a mouse and keyboard. This works perfectly withJupiter Hell’sfast-paced, action-oriented combat.
A spiritual successor toDRL (Doom, The Roguelike),Jupiter Hellis a combination ofDOOM’sfast-paced shootingand traditional turn-based roguelike gameplay.Jupiter Hellstands out with its stark, 3D presentation and excellent turn-based gunplay.
Thiselegant action roguelikefeatures a wonderfully minimalist, stark visual style that makes the action easy to read at all times. The fast-paced gameplay and simple loop makeDownwella superbly addictive roguelike, despite the lack of complexity in its systems.
Downwellis perfectly playable with a mouse and keyboard, but it’s arguably a more tactile experience with a controller.Downwell’sexcellent controller support makes it easy to maneuver through its constantly moving action. As a result, players used to using controllers will likely have more chance of success using one.
One Step From Edenis an action roguelike that requires constant focus. The game’s combat plays at a breakneck pace, forcing players to dodge enemy attacks and time their own, all while managing a cycling deck. This challenging real-time combat requires fast-thinking, constant input commands, and strategy. As a result, the game is arguably much easier (and less painful) when played on a controller, though some may find a keyboard more precise.
Like all action roguelikes,One Step From Edendoesn’t fitthe strict definition of the genre, as it ditches turn-based gameplay in favor of real-time action. Though, by this logic, every roguelike without ASCII graphics doesn’t fit the definition, either. However, the semantics don’t preventOne Step From Edenfrom being relevant here, especially due to its lack of permanent progression;One Step From Edenoffers a handful of meta-game unlocks that increase the game’s variety, but these don’t directly influence the player’s power.
This action-packed roguelike dungeon crawler features real-time action gameplay and spell-weaving. Over the course of several runs, players can unlock new spells to combine with each other, creating their own unique play-style as they progress.
While this deviates from the roguelike formula somewhat, these upgrades provide more variety than they do power — unlike games that drift closer tothe roguelite genre. Regardless,Wizard Of Legend’sintuitive controls work great on a controller, making it a perfect fit for roguelike fans that prefer to use one.
Streets Of Rogueis a unique combination ofimmersive sims such asDeus Ex, sandbox actiongames such asGrand Theft Auto, and roguelikes such asNuclear ThroneandEnter The Gungeon. The game follows a roguelike structure with an objective-based gameplay loop that encourages players to think of creative solutions that require the least resources.
AlthoughStreets Of Rogueworks perfectly well with a mouse and keyboard, it also features full controller support. SinceStreets Of Roguefeatures a solid aim-assist system and an action-oriented gameplay loop, fans of controllers should definitely consider playing with one.
Once players are more experienced with aiming weapons inStreets Of Rogue, they should consider disabling the aim-assist. Although this option can be useful in co-op for reducing the likelihood of friendly fire, aim-assist can frequently cause the player to shoot something (or someone) they didn’t intend to.
