Best Roguelike Deckbuilders, Ranked
A deckbuilder makes the changing set of tools you assemble part of the challenge. Our reviewed deckbuilding category covers card battles, poker-inspired scoring and dice-based variations; the comparison keeps their existing global ranks.
Reviewed games, ranked
Only published, complete five-dimension reviews qualify. Scores and global ranks come directly from the full rankings; equal displayed scores retain their shared rank. These are site scores out of 100, not user votes or similarity scores.
| Game | Global rank | Score / 100 | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
 Slay the SpireReview & evidence ↗ | #1 | 90.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategy |
 Monster TrainReview & evidence ↗ | #8 | 85.5 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 BalatroReview & evidence ↗ | #9 | 85.0 | Dice & chanceDeckbuilderTurn-based strategy |
 Vault of the VoidReview & evidence ↗ | #11 | 83.8 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategy |
 Monster Train 2Review & evidence ↗ | #14 | 83.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tacticsCo-op adventure |
 Cobalt CoreReview & evidence ↗ | #16 | 83.0 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 Slay the Spire 2Review & evidence ↗ | #18 | 81.8 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyCo-op adventure |
 DiceomancerReview & evidence ↗ | #30 | 79.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyDice & chance |
 Astrea: Six-Sided OraclesReview & evidence ↗ | #31 | 79.0 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyDice & chance |
 WildfrostReview & evidence ↗ | #31 | 79.0 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 Alina of the ArenaReview & evidence ↗ | #34 | 78.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 InscryptionReview & evidence ↗ | #34 | 78.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 Across the ObeliskReview & evidence ↗ | #39 | 77.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tacticsCo-op adventure |
 Drop DuchyReview & evidence ↗ | #47 | 76.3 | Strategy & tacticsDeckbuilder |
 DecktamerReview & evidence ↗ | #51 | 76.0 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 He is ComingReview & evidence ↗ | #55 | 75.5 | DeckbuilderStrategy & tactics |
 RoguebookReview & evidence ↗ | #58 | 74.8 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategy |
 PeglinReview & evidence ↗ | #72 | 72.3 | Dice & chanceTurn-based strategyDeckbuilder |
 ArcaniumReview & evidence ↗ | #74 | 71.8 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
 Sol CestoReview & evidence ↗ | #82 | 63.3 | DeckbuilderTurn-based strategyStrategy & tactics |
Cards can solve very different problems
Slay the Spire combines a deck assembled during a run with encounters and relics. Monster Train brings deckbuilding to multiple vertical battlegrounds. Cobalt Core adds ship positioning on a single axis, and Alina of the Arena connects cards to movement on a hex grid.
Balatro uses poker hands and Jokers rather than the same combat structure. Astrea substitutes dice for cards. If what you enjoy is assembling interactions, these are relevant neighbors; if you specifically want Slay the Spire-style combat, start with its comparison guide.
What this ranking can tell you
The overall score combines five dimensions. It does not count the number of cards, equate a large card pool with good decisions, or import Steam approval percentages. Open each game’s evidence to see what supports its score.
Some games blend deckbuilding with other genres, so the catalog label is an inclusion rule rather than a strict genre boundary. Unreviewed records stay in the library and do not acquire a score simply to fill the list.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include dice builders?
Yes, when our catalog also tags them as deckbuilders and they have a complete published review. Astrea is one example: it builds a dice pool rather than a conventional card deck.
Which list should a Balatro fan use?
Start with Games Like Balatro for alternatives selected around changing odds and combinations. That guide explains where the resemblance ends, instead of treating every card game as the same experience.
How are these games scored?
Core gameplay and builds each carry 25%; replayability and randomness/fairness each carry 20%; polish carries 10%. Only complete published reviews enter the rankings. The initial ratings use AI-assisted source research, not hands-on playtesting, and external review scores are kept separate.
Sources and scope
Game mechanics are paraphrased from publisher descriptions. Recommendations about fit are our interpretation. Scores and review evidence are linked separately in the comparison; current availability and features should be checked with the developer.
- Slay the Spire — publisher description ↗
- Monster Train — publisher description ↗
- Balatro — publisher description ↗
- Vault of the Void — publisher description ↗
- Cobalt Core — publisher description ↗
- Diceomancer — publisher description ↗
- Astrea: Six-Sided Oracles — publisher description ↗
- Wildfrost — publisher description ↗
- Alina of the Arena — publisher description ↗
- Roguebook — publisher description ↗
- Peglin — publisher description ↗