roguelite
Permadeath with progression
A roguelite is a video game that borrows elements from roguelikes—procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and high difficulty—but softens the formula with persistent progression between runs.
Where traditional roguelikes reset completely when you die, roguelites let you carry forward upgrades, unlocks, or currency: I've been grinding the roguelite to unlock new weapons.
The term emerged as these games proliferated in the 2010s, distinguishing them from stricter genre definitions.
Irreversible character termination
- proceduralFollowing set steps
- randomizationIntroducing chance systematically
- unlockablesContent earned through play
- progressionSequential forward movement
runs · builds · synergies · loadouts · powerups · perks · upgrades · currency
Greek afterlife realm
- IsaacHebrew patriarch name
- indieProduced outside majors
- twin-stickTwo-joystick control scheme
- platformerLeap-based video game
Extremely taxing or severe
- unforgivingShowing no leniency
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
- demandingRequiring great effort
- intenseExtreme in degree
grueling · hardcore · difficult · tough · relentless · merciless · taxing · risk-reward
Tendency to change
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- masteryComplete skill or control
- learningGaining knowledge gradually
improvement · strategy · highscore · endless · sessions · diversity · optimization · randomness
permadeath
Irreversible character termination
- proceduralFollowing set steps
- randomizationIntroducing chance systematically
- unlockablesContent earned through play
progression · runs · builds · synergies · loadouts · powerups · perks · upgrades · currency · artifacts
Hades
Greek afterlife realm
- IsaacHebrew patriarch name
- indieProduced outside majors
- twin-stickTwo-joystick control scheme
punishing
Extremely taxing or severe
- unforgivingShowing no leniency
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
- demandingRequiring great effort
intense · grueling · hardcore · difficult · tough · relentless · merciless · taxing · risk-reward · attrition
variability
Tendency to change
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- masteryComplete skill or control
learning · improvement · strategy · highscore · endless · sessions · diversity · optimization · randomness · unpredictability
dungeon
Subterranean prison chamber
floors · biomes · zones · boss · miniboss · enemies · traps · secrets · loot · chests
- video gamesvideo games, gameplay, Fortnite, mobile game, arcade
- roguelikespermadeath, procedural generation, runs, restart loop, random loot
rogue, rogues, roguish, roguishly, roguishness, roguery, lite, light, lighter