By Trevor Wells, Assistant Editor, Level Up

Roguelike LitRPG is a sub-genre of LitRPG in which elements of the story and the game system focus on death or starting over in some way. The narrative focus relies on the tension of what happens if the character dies — yes, death isn’t final, but do they lose their items or stats? Do they start from the beginning? Are they transported into another world? A great storyteller will tease this out over the narrative with plot devices and dialogue. The game system and the spirit of a roguelike video game must be present in order to be defined as a roguelike LitRPG. (I’ll battle you in combat if you don’t agree otherwise — because — I am going roguelike).  

The term roguelike is derived from a subgenre of video games and the term was coined in 1993 from Usenet Newsgroup, a very precocious discussion forum within the early internet. Although the genre of games has been around since Beyond Apple Manor (1978). These video games much of the time are procedurally generated levels in which death is permanent. The player starts the game over again; sometimes with power ups and stat boosts, but it is not a requirement. In fairness the exact definition of the term roguelike in the video game industry remains a point of contention. However, in the LitRPG community roguelikes perhaps may be confused with LitRPG time loop novels (a list for another day). Also, it is important to note a roguelike is not necessarily where the protagonist is the class of a rogue within the game system or story.

In essence, roguelike LitRPG stories are a sub-genre of LitRPG in which the narrative elements pay homage to roguelike video games. The protagonist may die many times over or start from the beginning in some way. There are many creative ways to do this, but I will say that pulling off a good roguelike LitRPG is not an easy feat. At least not without letting the story go off the rails or having a story that stagnates in some way. I salute each writer who partakes in this endeavor.

Why are Roguelike LitRPG books a good read?

Firstly, the pool of books that are published in this genre is low compared to most LitRPG genres. I feel that it is still a genre ripe for exploration, however, it is a difficult genre to write. The reasoning behind the difficulty most likely is due to giving the protagonist a compelling reason to die or start over without making the narrative boring or random. Because most roguelike games are procedurally generated this is almost impossible to pull off in a linear story. When an author pulls it off well; these stories are suspenseful and thrilling to read. They leave you on the edge or your seat engrossed in every page. The excitement to see the protagonist try out different builds and strategies is captivating. The character is not beholden to just one build within the story. Consequently, should the character die or start over on purpose to maximize their strategy? The possibilities are thrilling! Here at Level Up we have five solid stories to satiate your roguelike needs.

What are great Roguelike LitRPG books?

Roguelike: A LitRPG Novel (Tower of Gates)

Paul Bellow

Follow Alex as he enters a roguelike that is nested inside the Tower of Gates VRMMORPG in search of the Amulet of Yendro. Alex must make his way out of the roguelike by avoiding another untimely death. He took a chance by going into a roguelike, but was that a mistake for Alex? He will need to fight his way out for glory and further riches and epic magic items — or will Alex be trapped forever? Never rejoining his companions again.

Roguelike is the closest story you will find that is the novel equivalent to Rogue and Nethack. Capturing the nuances of procedurally generated RPGs and spinning them into a cohesive narrative is only something a veteran writer can do. Paul does this in a masterful way and the story is a fun ride. Yes, Roguelike is a Tower of Gates story, but this novel is a stand-alone story. It is a super quick read but it’s not without its faults. The story embodies the spirt of a roguelike so well that the narrative is sacrificed in the process. This simply means that having procedurally generated rooms makes it difficult to tell a linear story with cohesion. Honestly, Paul is a vastly gifted writer because he not only makes it work — but — it’s impeccably done

Respawn (Lives 1-5)

Arthur Stone

Rock doesn’t remember anything, not even his name. He finds himself immersed in the world of S.T.Y.X where he is no one — level zero — with all memories stripped from his brain. He finds himself dying again and again, his life counter clicking lower and lower. With limited information Rock can only hope that luck is on his side. Or perhaps find a vulnerability within the system and cheat. Maybe that’s the only way to win the game — to survive.

Respawn is a fun and creative adventure that explores a system in which the protagonist dies repeatedly. The tension of not giving the reader information is well-done because the protagonist nor the game creators know. I admittedly dislike amnesia stories however, Arthur does this with class. The roguelike elements are here; there are no procedurally generated rooms or maps, but the story doesn’t need it. A qualm I have is a personal one; I wish the RPG aspects were a little crunchier. Consequently, what Arthur did with this series cannot be understated, because the series currently has six books in total thus far.

Galactic Fist of Legend

Scottie Futch

When prompted to become a champion to play a bizarre game of life and death Scott chose yes. With humanity at the brink of extinction Scott must defeat the Grand Emissary or be bound by the chains of a new alien race. Can Scott become the Galactic Fist of Legend or be enslaved forever.

Okay, so hear me out, while this pick does not primarily focus on death like the others on this list — the roguelike nature of this story comes in the form of the protagonist changing game systems. I will say that in this series there is a whole system based on Dark Souls, thus making this pick on the list (perhaps a bit of a stretch) but it works. The story is well-written and a fun satire of the genre. However, I will say that the amount of pop culture refences overstay their welcome, similar to Ready Player One.

Alpha Test Subject #3435: (A Roguelike LitRPG Adventure)

Adam Myhr

Frank needs cash and needs it now! He agrees to be a test subject for a highly secret corporation that puts Frank in a simulation. Now trapped in the simulation Frank must find his way out or face dying repeatedly — forever!

I will say that this is the only turn-based roguelike title on here because it is the only book that I know of taking a massive and difficult creative risk. It’s also the reason the novel is on this list. As someone who has created a turn-based game system in a LitRPG story — turn-based game mechanics are difficult to pull off and even more difficult to keep the reader invested in. Not only that but Adam infuses it with a roguelike system. A truly herculean task. It’s well-written but not perfect by any means. Because of the parameters Adam creates; this story is potentially the weakest on this list. However, it vastly holds true to the genre with full intent.

Roguelike LitRPG FAQ

What is Roguelike LitRPG?

A sub-genre of LitRPG that holds the values of roguelike video games.

Is Roguelike LitRPG popular?

As of this writing, it is not a popular genre. The difficult nature of writing a linear roguelike narrative is not an easy feat. I would love to see more authors dive into this genre.

What is the inspiration for roguelike LitRPG?

Roguelike video games of course! LitRPG Reads has written a wonderful History of Roguelikes article; I used to reference in my essay.

Is there a roguelike LitRPG community?

Looking to talk about roguelike LitRPG? In my research I found a thread on Reddit. Feel free to add to that discussion. The LitRPG Forum | Facebook is also a good place to talk about roguelike LitRPG stories.