The upcoming indie roguelike dungeon-crawler, Rogue Loops, is generating buzz for its striking similarities to the acclaimed game Hades. With its art style and gameplay loop echoing the popular title, Rogue Loops adds a fresh twist to the genre's traditional formula. While an official release date remains under wraps, the game is slated for a PC launch in early 2025. Eager fans can dive into the experience now with a free demo available on Steam.

The roguelike genre has surged in popularity, spawning a variety of games from third-person action shooters like Returnal to classic dungeon-crawlers such as Hades and its sequel, currently in early access. Rogue Loops draws significant inspiration from Hades, featuring a repeating dungeon with randomly generated loot and ability upgrades presented in a top-down perspective. The game's Steam trailer and free demo have fueled comparisons, yet it distinguishes itself with a unique mechanic: ability upgrades that come with distinct downsides, altering gameplay dynamics.

Rogue Loops Offers Roguelike Action With Hades-Inspired Mechanics

This innovative mechanic mirrors the Chaos Gates in Hades, where players receive powerful upgrades at the cost of temporary detrimental effects. In Rogue Loops, these "curses" play a more central role, featuring a broader range of effects that can last an entire run, depending on player choices.

The narrative of Rogue Loops centers on a family trapped in a deadly time loop. Players must navigate through a series of dungeons across five floors, facing different enemies and bosses. As with most roguelikes, each run offers opportunities to unlock procedurally generated upgrades, enabling players to craft unique builds using the buffs and debuffs from their acquired boons.

While the exact release date for Rogue Loops on Steam is yet to be confirmed, the game's store page indicates a launch in the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, fans can explore the free demo, which grants access to the game's first floor. For those looking to pass the time, other roguelikes such as Dead Cells and Hades 2 offer engaging alternatives until Rogue Loops fully launches.