If you’ve logged onto Steam, Nintendo’s eShop, or another digital game distribution platform in the last year or so, chances are you’ve seen this descriptive phrase a time or two: “roguelike deckbuilder.” This video game subgenre, which marries roguelike gameplay mechanics with card-like deck-building, is having a bit of a renaissance. The niche’s more recent blockbusters, like Slay the Spire (2019) and Balatro (2024), have helped pave the way for a new class of roguelike deckbuilders to dominate the landscape.
We can’t stop playing these addictive and rewarding roguelike deckbuilders, and whether you’re new to the niche or not, these fresh indie titles on Steam are sure to satisfy even the most seasoned card-slinger. We do, however, suggest clearing out your calendar before starting — once you get goin’, you might not be able to stop!
Death Howl
“Master the grid, defy death. Enter a grim Spirit Realm in this open-world deck builder. Craft lethal decks from 160+ cards, claim powerful Totems, and defeat foes in tactical grid combat. Fight as the desperate hunter Ro to bring her son back from beyond the veil.” Pick up Death Howl on Steam today.
Dogpile
“Dogpile is a roguelike deck builder about merging cute dogs into bigger dogs. Play dogs, get money, customize your dogs with special Traits, refine your deck, PLAY MORE DOGS! DOGS!” Add Dogpile to your Steam library today.
My Card Is Better Than Your Card!
“Become the coolest kid of the playground in this playful roguelike deckbuilder. Craft every card yourself with adorable stickers and wow your rivals in tug-of-war card battles full of wonder!” Add My Card Is Better Than Your Card! to your Steam wishlist.
RogueJack21
“RogueJack21 is a Blackjack-inspired deckbuilder where you build and upgrade your deck to battle your opponents. Navigate through procedurally generated casinos and take revenge on The House, the ruthless mafia ruling Noir City that stole everything from you.” Don’t forget to add RogueJack21 to your Steam wishlist!
PUPAI
“A roguelike deckbuilder where you master dominoes. Form strategic chains, defeat bosses that change rules and reach infinite levels. Easy to learn, impossible to master. How many levels can you conquer?” PUPAI is out now in Early Access, so check it out today!
Wrangle Ranch
“Wrangle Animals, grow your herd, and discover game breaking combos in this fresh, farm-to-desktop, roguelike barnbuilder!” Download a free Wrangle Ranch demo on Steam and add this indie “barnbuilder” to your wishlist today!
