Even three months after its release, Slay the Spire 2 continues to command significant playtime, with frequent balance patches from developer Mega Crit keeping players engaged. The game's immense quality, however, has led some players to seek out titles that can match its depth and addictive nature, especially for those new to the deckbuilding roguelike genre.
This exploration avoids the more commonly cited titles like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, and Monster Train 2, focusing instead on lesser-discussed games that offer comparable experiences or intriguing variations on the core mechanics.
Dice and Decks
Rune Dice, released on May 19 by Smart Raven Studio, offers a novel approach by replacing cards with dice. Players combine dice by shooting them at each other to deal damage and trigger bonus effects. While the core combat differs from Slay the Spire 2, the roguelike progression through a branching map requires similar strategic decision-making regarding paths and rewards. The satisfaction of rolling a six into another six provides a unique dopamine hit.
Just a week prior to Rune Dice's launch, on May 12, Mi'pu'mi Games released Black Jacket. This title shares more DNA with games like Balatro and Inscryption but is included for its compelling narrative. Black Jacket is a blackjack-themed deckbuilder, but its distinguishing feature is a surprisingly engaging and well-written story that enriches the gameplay experience.
Established Developers, Underappreciated Gems
Klei Entertainment, known for titles such as Mark of the Ninja and Don't Starve, has released another strong contender with Griftlands. While perhaps not as mechanically deep or time-consuming as Slay the Spire 2, Griftlands offers a solid 30-hour campaign with significant replayability. A standout feature is its integration of card battles into conversations, alongside combat, creating a uniquely paced and engaging experience.
Marvel's Midnight Suns, despite being a AAA title from Firaxis Games and a well-known IP, was a commercial disappointment. However, it blends the turn-based tactics of XCOM with a deck-building formula, replacing roguelike elements with Mass Effect-style RPG systems. This fusion resulted in a unique deckbuilding game that has seen little imitation.
Genre Blending and Unique Mechanics
Sad Socket's 9 Kings presents a peculiar mix of deckbuilding roguelike, real-time strategy, and autobattler, all wrapped in an isometric pixel art style. Gameplay involves placing buildings from a hand of cards and letting troops engage in automated battles. The game is notably accessible, with developers designing it to be easy to create powerful decks. A recent multiplayer update makes it an opportune time to try the early access title.
Fights In Tight Spaces offers a satisfying blend of tight card balancing, crisp animations, and tactical positioning inspired by games like Into the Breach. This combination adds a puzzle-like layer to its combat. The recently released sequel, 2 Fights in 2 Tight Spaces, adds multiplayer support, though it notably removes the ability to control a dog in combat.
Chrono Ark, a debut title from Al Fine, presents a unique fusion of deckbuilding elements with RPG Maker-style gameplay. Despite a steep initial learning curve due to a lack of tutorialization, the game becomes a significant time sink. Its early 2000s 2D JRPG-inspired art and morose story complement the engaging gameplay loop, with well-balanced party progression that avoids making the player feel overpowered or weak.
Across the Obelisk offers a cooperative deckbuilding experience that directly mirrors Slay the Spire 2's mechanics, including similar synergies and enemies, but allows players to control multiple characters and their decks simultaneously. While initially overwhelming, mastering its systems is highly rewarding. The base game offers substantial playtime without requiring its extensive DLC.
A Story-Driven Exception
Inscryption, while a more obvious recommendation, warrants inclusion for those who may have missed it. It stands as a potential exception to the claim that no roguelike matches Slay the Spire 2's level. Inscryption diverges by being story-focused, emphasizing single-card buffs over large deck synergies, and featuring a more morbid tone. Its roughly 30-hour runtime is packed with brilliant writing and surprising mechanical shifts across its acts, earning its place among the genre's greats.