Roguelike action games remain a genre that gamers hold dear, but this year has been particularly generous with standout releases. With Hades 2 leading the charge as a contender for Game of the Year at The Game Awards, we've also seen titles like Absolver, which masterfully blends side-scrolling combat with roguelike elements to earn a 'Very Positive' rating, and the Korean-developed Shape of Dreams. There are plenty of other gems that capture that specific joy of stacking synergies to obliterate enemies. In that spirit, this week's [Game Recs] rounds up some of the most highly-rated roguelike action titles to drop this year.

First up is a Korean indie title released in April, currently boasting a 'Very Positive' rating on Steam (4,018 reviews, 92% positive): Sephiria. The hype was palpable leading up to its release, as it comes from Team Horay, the folks behind the indie cult classic 'Dungreed'. You play as a charming rabbit living in a village atop a tower, embarking on a descent to save a crumbling world.

The game’s standout feature is its 'Stone Tablet' progression system. It’s not just about hoarding loot; you have to treat your inventory like a game of Tetris. How you arrange these tablets and artifacts dictates your performance, with adjacent items triggering powerful synergies and unique effects—perfect for those who love min-maxing their builds. Wrapped in a deceptively dark story hidden behind cute animal interactions, the intuitive combat of dodging and counter-attacking makes it a top-tier experience.

Released on Steam just this November 18th, 'Forestrike' is a side-scrolling action roguelite that makes you feel like the lead in a wuxia epic. You step into the boots of the martial artist 'Yu' on a quest to rescue the Emperor from a villainous general. It’s not just mindless button-mashing; it’s a deliberate dance of reading enemy patterns and trading blows, which has earned it a 'Very Positive' rating (271 reviews, 92% positive).

As the title suggests, the 'foresight' system is the heart of the experience. You can simulate fights before engaging, but even with the perfect plan, the game’s tension ensures that a single slip-up with your inputs leads to a swift game over. By choosing between various martial arts styles like Fallen Leaf, Frozen Eye, or Storm, you can pivot between evasion and defense, keeping each run feeling fresh as you master your craft.

Star Fire: Eternal Cycle launched this September, this title is for anyone who just wants to clear rooms without getting bogged down in overly complex systems. As a sci-fi warrior wielding spears, gauntlets, and bows, you’ll tear through enemy lines in a fast-paced, side-scrolling romp. With intuitive controls and snappy movement, it has secured a 'Very Positive' rating (671 reviews, 91% positive).

The real thrill lies in the 'elemental synergy' system, which provides both visual spectacle and mechanical satisfaction. Collecting gear from eight elements, like Lightning or Earth, triggers flashy effects that fill the screen. Earth builds, for example, sprout vines from the floor, and certain setups summon clones to turn the battlefield into a wreck. It perfectly nails that hack-and-slash satisfaction of watching a well-built character reduce everything to dust.

Released on PC and consoles this January, Heroes of Hammerwatch 2 is at its best when you’re playing with mates. Currently sitting at a 'Very Positive' rating (4,830 reviews, 83% positive), it offers the classic hack-and-slash roguelike loop: pick one of seven classes (Warrior, Paladin, Ranger, Wizard, Rogue, Warlock, Sorcerer), hunt monsters, and hoard loot. With support for up to 4-player co-op, the joy of coordinating roles with your friends is genuinely infectious.

What stands out is that there’s a concrete goal beyond just clearing dungeons: 'Town Reconstruction.' You use resources gathered in dungeons to upgrade blacksmiths and shops, granting permanent stat boosts. Even after a game over, your efforts leave a lasting mark, making your next run that much smoother. It’s a deep, rewarding loop that keeps you coming back for more.

Finally, we have Hell Clock which hit Steam in July and holds a 'Very Positive' rating (2,628 reviews, 82% positive). You play as a gunslinger fighting back the forces of darkness. With over 52 passive skill trees to explore and combine, it feels like a roguelike take on Path of Exile.

Beyond the passives, the looting is a highlight. You can use 'Tools' to upgrade gear tiers or even corrupt them to gain a mix of powerful curses and blessings. This gambling element adds a layer of tension to your character builds. If you’re after a gritty story rooted in historical tragedy combined with the thrill of vaporizing enemies with your own custom build, this comes highly recommended.