Top 7 Indie Roguelite/Roguelike Games on Nintendo Switch
Wizard of Legend is my favorite roguelite on the switch, and I've sunk many hours into it. Play as a light-footed wizard running around slinging spells. The pixel art is amazing, the relic synergies are fun, and the spells are fluid and quick. Not going to lie, this is a hard game. SPOILER: I've only beaten it by using a certain relic/cape combo that heals you a bit as you play. Though with a boatload of spells, you feel like Aang running around. There's also 2 player local co-op (co-operative [run through the dungeon together] & competitive [wizard battles]). This is a great game if you don't mind a bit of challenge. There's also a Wizard of Legend 2 out, though on Steam only.
Developer: Contingent99, Publisher: Humble Games
Hades is a master-class roguelite that other games have to try really hard to beat. It's no wonder why this game tops many people's lists. Mixing fun, quick paced combat with a story set in Greek mythology, each run has you making your way through the underworld. Try out different weapons to find out which ones work best for you, and give the different power-ups a try as you can see which ones build up on each other best, and which ones turn out to be your favorite. As I played, each run got me closer and closer to finishing, and as I built up my skills, learned the enemies patterns, and learned my top synergies, I've been able to get to the end of every run I play. After each run, you can upgrade your moves, and decorate the palce so it doesn't look like too much of a hell hole. Hades 2 is also just around the corner!
Developer & Publisher: Supergiant Games
Roguelites are my favorite genre of games to play, and I'm excited when I hear of new ones coming out. Roguelite is a flexible term, though generally these types of games have procedurally generated levels with enemies and loot/items, synergies you build upon, and you sometimes carry over some progress making each attempt feel productive as you build both your strength and game knowledge. I may use roguelite & roguelike interchangeably.
Dead Cells - has an absolute ton of content!
Rogue Legacy 2 - Better than the original
Astral Ascent
Cult of the Lamb - Start a cult, now with co-op!
Shotgun King - Roguelite Chess??
One Step from Eden - Similar to Megaman Battle Network
Orbital Bullet - Often on sale for $1.99
Shogun Showdown
Monster Train First Class - Deck building
TMNT Splintered Fate - Similar to Hades, though with TMNT!
Dreamscaper
Spiritfall - Similar style to Super Smash Bros. (though I struggled with this game)
Lost in Random: Eternal Dice
Shoot enemies with your tears, look for gold coins in poo, and avoid being stomped to death by your mum. This game is nuts. It's a bit dark & twisted, though it adds to its charm. This is a one of my favs, and it's a very fun one. It can be a bit challenging at times, though sometimes you get the right synergies between collected items and you are kicking butt all around. I'd recommend giving this one an honest effort. Note that I had to use an app that helped me identify the power-ups, as they don't say the names & what they do in-game before you grab'em. (Not sure if this has been updated or not). May not be a good fit for kids!
Developer & Publisher: Nicalis
Balatro's a real fun one. You make poker hands each round, and try your best to gain points and multipliers. It took me a little while to get the hang of it, though once I did I started winning more consistently (Sometimes the rewards for skipping the ante's are worth it!). It can feel a bit daunting reaching the point goals at first, though you'll get on board pretty quick! Once you have the right combos of jokers, you'll feel unstoppable round after round.
Developer: LocalThunk, Publisher: Playstack
Slay the Spire is a deck-building rougelite, where you climb a spire with enemies, elite monsters, & random events. Each card that you add to your deck (and remove) alongside relics you pick help shape your run. Each turn, your opponents moves are telegraphed so you have a better idea of what you need to do to plan ahead. There's 4 different heroes to play as, so you can change up your strategy and style of play as they each play different roles. I believe the sequel may be coming out for this game as well! There's also a fantastic board game that they made, though it's a tad bit expensive.
Developer: Mega Crit, Publisher: Humble Games
Honestly, I haven't beat a run in Shovel Knight Dig yet, though I've definitely tried. This is a hard one, though I feel like I just need to get a bit better at the game. The gameplay is fun, as you dig your way down into the depths. It has me always feeling, "I can do it this time!" though I have a hard time avoiding the baddies at times. Through a mix of power-ups you buy in shops on the way down, enemies to bounce off of, and quick-paced gameplay, you'll want to keep on digging. I'll add more once I finally beat it! Though it's worth checking out (alongside the other Shovel Knight games!)
Developer: Nitrome, Publisher: Yacht Club Games
Little Noah: Scion of Paradise is a little-known (I think) gem of a roguelite on the e-shop. I found it on sale one day, decided to give it a shot, and got sucked in. It has a fun approach where you collect up to 5 baddies, and use each one for an attack in your 5-attack combo chain. You can change their order to get it just right, and run around kicking butt.
Developer: Grounding, Publisher: Cygames
Appreciate your taking the time to look through this list! I hope you find one that fits you. Roguelites can be challenging, though once you get the hang of it, you can really do some damage. I've included a list of some more games that might be a fit for you! I haven't beat all of these, though I've played and enjoyed them. Check them out and see if you might want to give them a try.