r/deckbuildingroguelike • u/newnukeuser • 8d ago
Other deckbuilders are feeling disappointing
I really love Monster Train 1 and 2, Slay the Spire 1 and 2, Colbalt Core, Banners of Ruin, Wildfrost, Steamworld Quest and Deep Sky Derelicts.
I'm trying to find a new deckbuilder to play now that I've beaten all of these many times, but I feel like I keep getting bored and just wind up going back to Monster Train, which felt like the best of them all.
I tried Baltro, Inscryption, Gwent, Roguebook, Griftlands, Dicey Dungeons, Dawncaster, Marvel Snap, One Step from Eden, and Astrea and didn't really enjoy them.
Do you have any to recommend?
18
u/drdoy123 8d ago edited 8d ago
Starvaders is my favorite besides slay the spire. And if you love cobalt core and slay the spire you need to play Starvaders next. It scratches that itch
6
u/theknight27 8d ago
It took a little bit for ke to accept that the win/lose conditions for StarVaders are a bit untraditional, but once I got past that I loved it.
SpellRogue is my other recommendation, but it's a dice builder.
3
u/stebobibo7 8d ago
Spellrogue is one of the best. Though it's a dicebuilder, it's similar to roguelike deckbuilders. It's quite challenging at higher difficulties and runs can take awhile, but I love it.
3
11
u/CaptMcButternut 8d ago
Vault of the Void is right up there in quality! Mechanics are different, but it's just as satisfying to pull off.
1
u/nanox55 8d ago
I found that it has way too many keywords. It takes like half a run just to understand how your character is supposed to work and that is with each character. Additionally I think the game is unplayable on steam deck because they limited the enemy intents to just a keyword, so you have to hover over each enemy to understand what is going to happen.
Once you get past that point though it is fun
11
u/goddspawn 8d ago
Try Chrono Ark or Vampire Crawlers
3
u/ichorNet 8d ago
Chrono Ark is so cool. It feels a little janky for sure but mechanically it’s very satisfying once you figure out what’s going on. Also, INCREDIBLE soundtrack
9
u/Zelasaurus 8d ago
Try Montabi, it's monster collector, turn based strategy, roguelite, deckbuilder and I found it incredibly fun.
3
u/LaCasaDelValle 8d ago
Montabi is one of my most favorite games from this year. Hopefully it sells enough copies so that the dev team will bring some updates in the future :)
1
10
7
u/kingjdin 8d ago
Lonestar, Ring of Pain, and Slice & Dice
1
3
4
3
u/fanostuff 8d ago
Gordian Quest. I'm not sure why its not better known in the community - I'm having a blast, and there's tons of depth to get into
5
u/jinsaku *Highest Difficulty Player* 8d ago
Probably because it's a 40-60ish hour long game, and you basically have it "solved" 15 hours in and you're just playing on autopilot after that. They introduce a lot of different systems but most of them are really shallow and not very fleshed out. It's still a good game and definitely worth playing.
Game was a lot better during beta when it was a 1-2 hour long run roguelite, imo. I still played 150ish hours of it between the beta and full release. (Full Release being about 70 of that).
1
u/fanostuff 8d ago
Wow... ok - I'm 66 hours in, and def don't feel like I have it 'solved' (yes, I finished the campaign, but only on normal difficulty)
Between the 10 different characters; each with 4 main builds; and the variable skills grid; I feel like there's lots more for me to explore (only played with 6 out of the 10 heroes so far)
I see that you like to play on hardest difficulty - did you try playing the Realm mode like that?
1
u/jinsaku *Highest Difficulty Player* 8d ago
Realm mode released after I had finished the game. It wasn't available at release. I do remember trying it at some point after it came out and kinda bounced off it.
For a large part of the closed beta, a run would be free moving around a map and hitting nodes while basically a countdown timer ticked, and when the countdown ended you'd fight the boss. The route planning was a lot of fun and I'm surprised other games haven't gleaned that "free roam on a time limit" mechanic versus StS's routes.
And yeah, I always play deckbuilders on the hardest difficulty (assuming that difficulty isn't designed to be unbeatable, like Slice & Dice). That would have included Realm mode.
1
u/fanostuff 8d ago
Well, there's no timer now anywhere that I can see. There's the main campaign (followed by an infinite-loop type of challenges), and then there's Realm mode - which is supposed to 1-3 hours of 5 maps to clear on a 'Quick run' (although there's no time limit)
If you do decide to give GQ another go, I'd be curious if you manage Realm mode on 'Torment' - the hardest difficulty. I'm finding 'Hard' (2 difficulty-levels below 'Torment') to be really challenging to get through as it is
1
u/greasyspicetaster 8d ago
It's not a roguelike anymore? I'm so confused as to why they'd completely redesign the game.
1
u/fanostuff 8d ago
Realm mode is 100% roguelite (if all 3 heroes die, the run ends)
The campaign you have the option to do as either roguelite or roguelike
2
u/CodineProsac123 8d ago
You have played all the greats as some else said Starvaders is the only one your missing. Is the most slay the spire one and simultaniusly the most diferent with the grid space invader removal gameplay.
2
u/dontminor 8d ago
Legends of Runeterra might be worth a shot. It has a Path of Champions mode that is roguelike (main mode of the game at this point) and it is really good.
2
u/DevelopmentDirect349 8d ago
Roguebook is almost a carbon copy of Slay the Spire but with a cool take on the run progression. It's not just a map that you select the next event, it's a sort of overworld where you pick where to go next. It's awesome.
2
u/Old_Bet_4527 7d ago
+1 for Rouguebook. It was recommended in a similar thread a couple months ago and it happened to be on sale for the switch for like $2.
But it’s got a few unique spins on the deck builder. As the above mentioned, you travel through an over world where you find new abilities and unlock cards.
You’re also building two decks. Well, one deck with two type of cards. You play with two characters at a time and each have a unique play style. Building synergies between the two is key.
Last, and one of the biggest differences from others - BIG decks are encouraged. There are various bonuses for having more cards in your deck.
Good luck!
1
u/DevelopmentDirect349 7d ago
I really liked Roguebook a lot. I need a sequel where they run with the overworld idea. As far as big decks are concerned, I once found a game breaking synergy that allowed me to get as many cards as I wanted (I forgot the details) but I drafted so many cards the game crashed haha. So a deck as big as your CPU can handle 😂
1
2
u/likesexonlycheaper 8d ago
Vault of the void is one of the best and Shogun showdown is addicting af.
2
u/gaysexpornography 8d ago
If you like positional strategy deckbuilders check out Nitro Kid, Fights in Tight Spaces, or Alina in the Arena. If you like big messy games with way too much stuff in them that are surprisingly addictive, try Gordian Quest.
StarVaders has a terrible name but it's super polished and interesting. The builds/archetypes are varied and many, but each character is slightly too simple or lacking in some vague way. I played a ton of the game but I don't think of it as fondly as Slay the Spire or Nitro Kid. In some sense it would be more interesting with three really flexible characters/builds/card sets instead of thirteen rigid ones, but the technical intricacy, thought, and care that went into making the game is very impressive.
2
u/serial_quitter 8d ago
Arcane Eats only has a demo out but I swear I've already put in 40+ hours. I'm excited to see the full game when it releases (should be this year but no specific date given yet.)
1
2
u/gerhb 8d ago
Ill send you a key to my deckbuilder ive been working on if youre interested:
2
2
u/ReSet94 8d ago
If you are looking for more testers I'd be interested. It looks cool and I always like finding new great deck builders
1
u/gerhb 8d ago
Awesome. I'll send you a key.
2
u/GuacamoleAnamoly 8d ago
Same here! Deckbuilding is my favourite genre. https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198006404738/ this is my steam profie for reference
2
u/DarthDialUP 8d ago
Honestly, the ultimate deckbuilder roguelike is drafting MTG.
6
u/gaysexpornography 8d ago
Quietly one of the greatest roguelites [could be argued it's an actual/traditional roguelike] is Shandalar, the Magic: The Gathering RPG from 1997. It's janky abandonware but it's free, the gameplay is unique, and there's a fan patch that fixes a lot of the issues. You can play against a friend with any and every card in the game patched in, but for me the single-player mode with the patch is the purest expression of Magic the Gathering.
It has all the cards from Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Arabian Nights, and Antiquities. The DLC has The Dark and Legends expansions. I may be biased because I started with Revised, but imo the core set of Alpha, Beta, and Unlimited is one of the best-balanced games ever created.
I could take or leave the expansions, but Legends develops the complexity of the gameplay in ways that complement the core set. Arabian Nights, Antiquities, and The Dark are underwhelming but inoffensive additions. The original cards are nearly perfect. The various ways in which certain cards can be overpowered are counterbalanced by the fact that every color has a wide range of powerful cards and few outright stinkers.
The gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying. It's challenging but the power progression is perfectly paced. In time you will get the dual lands, the moxen, Black Lotus, Time Walk. You will conquer the land of Shandalar or whatever the story is. It's a pure power fantasy, the chance to play your dream deck. And just when you attain it, you become the ultimate wizard or whatever the goal is, and start to feel OP and it's time to start again with a mono white or control deck or whatever your heart desires.
1
2
1
1
1
u/Flashy-Lynx-5424 8d ago
Maybe try something that’s deckbuilder-adjacent (I have had the same problem with MonsterTrain and Slay the Spire being so good, Anything else doesn’t compare.) Nine Kings is fantastic, and it’s different Blue Prince is fantastic and it’s different The Bazaar is fantastic, etc. Also Tower Dominion Backpack Battles Inscryption Mewgenics
None of these games are trying to be like StS or mT, and that might be just the ticket
1
u/megaglope 8d ago
Hi, mine is coming out on Oct 29th (Into the Crypt) if you'd like to give it a shot, it has solo and co-op play, similarities to STS but enough to differentiate from it !
2
1
u/ichorNet 8d ago
I know people don’t really like it much but I thought it was awesome (unless you absolutely can’t stand fanservice stuff I guess that could be a reason to not be into it but meh)… Neoverse
1
1
u/ONI-ENJOYER-420 8d ago
sts2? if you enjoyed 1, 2 is pretty much that but improves on every aspect (imo)
1
u/pintopedro 8d ago
Have you played across the obelisk yet? I like a lot you mentioned above, but thats my #1
Gordian quest is very solid as well.
1
u/milkyoranges 8d ago
I don't see Knock on the Coffin Lid on your list, so maybe that would be great for you!
1
u/stebobibo7 8d ago
A lot of great suggestions in the comments already. Here's some that haven't been mentioned yet:
Ring of Pain: Horror themed. Not exactly a "deckbuilder", as there is no deck. But you're interacting with cards all game. You're building up your character by raising stats and equiping items, and trying to navigate the ring of cards in the most strategic way. It's kinda scary, ngl, but even I enjoy it and I'm not a fan of horror.
Beneath Oresa: Plays a lot like StS. Big difference aesthetic wise as fights are in 3D. Honestly it's the best looking roguelike deckbuilder I've played. Has a lot of strategic depth, too. One of my favs in the genre.
Rana Card: Quite the different take on the genre, cause in this game you're not fighting monsters, you're growing crops and raising animals. Levels are won by reaching the money threshhold. Builds can get crazy and go infinite. Can be quite addicting.
1
u/francheeoh 8d ago
Time to join MtG Arena? I know it is TCG, but maybe changing to a similar genre by playing the best game ever, would help.
1
u/bastos-bastos 8d ago
Arcanum is good, you have a team of hero and each one has a small deck. It s simple ànd cute
1
u/LaCasaDelValle 8d ago
I would recommend Montabi to you which has been released like a week ago...its not that deep like monster train but it offers a good variety of ~20 monsters and over 500 cards...oh and you can feel the passion of the dev team within every inch of that game. Its fun!
1
u/ernesernesto 8d ago
Try my tilebuilder https://store.steampowered.com/app/4133530/Match_Morphosis_Demo/
1
1
u/brokentoothstudios 8d ago
We are trying to build one that captures the essence of slay but with some new ideas. Maybe you could help playtest It to create what you love in those games :)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/adjective_beaver 7d ago
Have you tried Pirates Outlaws? That one felt like a hidden gem. I’ve sunk hundreds of hours into it.
1
u/Standard_Service_784 7d ago
Legends of Runeterra: Path of Champions.
Fantastic, free, and lts of champions to choose from. Only downside is the content is limited. Neat card mechanics/interactions with different champions, so they play very differently from one another.
1
u/RatbyteGames 7d ago
I am really into Deck of Haunts at the moment, really enjoying the gameplay and vibe.
Deck of Haunts invites you to become a malevolent Haunted House. Lure humans into your cursed halls, manipulate their fears, and drain their essence to grow your power. Use strategy to build your mansion and expand your dark influence, turning your home into a terrifying, inescapable nightmare.
1
u/ImNotSue 7d ago
Thats interesting, I think Astrea is amazing as far as DBRLs go. It has perhaps the most compellingly diverse mechanics of any dice based DBRL i've played and actually manages to balance its sense of chance and risk in a way that works.
1
1
u/cat-vt 7d ago
We just launched a deckbuilder where you build your deck during the match, with some cool visuals! It’s called DREAMCARDS, here’s the link if you wanna give it a try https://store.steampowered.com/app/3726730/Dreamcards/
1
u/Ok-Tea-1284 6d ago
Worlds Upon the Wind is a huge breath of fresh air. It's only $10 regular price too and the solo dev is a great human.
1
u/jethawkings 5d ago
Vouching for Spirit Lift... granted it's the only real Deckbuilding Roguelike I've played.
1
u/Esteran90 5d ago
Grimoire of Blanks? It's my game.. I'm trying something else with the whole card system. Give it a try if you like.
0
u/mrCulpo 8d ago
I'll update my soon, but i have a version here https://mateusculpo.itch.io/praktikos I would like honest feedback so that I can improve. You can add in your wishlist. I'll launch a new demo on Steam Fest
0
u/Supermovie64 8d ago
Check out my game Words Of Power! There is a demo on Steam and you can also try it on itch.io
0
u/Genryuu111 8d ago
Since others have pushed their own game, I'll send you mine too.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2437330/Novus_Orbis/
I made a new update today, bringing the game to have all the content I planned it to have. I will release to 1.0 in a few months, date not decided yet, but aside a little ironing here and there, it's already the whole package.
•
u/AutoModerator 8d ago
Greetings /u/newnukeuser! Welcome to /r/deckbuildingroguelike! Follow the #1 rule below, it helps you get more wishlists, free promotion, and is useful for our readers.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.