Best Perma Death games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated perma death games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free perma death games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Duck Paradox
Shoot bouncing bullets in this roguelike precision platformer killing corrupted ducks while searching for Dr. Paraducks’ beloved pet throughout the multiverse! To return to safety you’ll need to tackle difficult-to-master trials, run after run, earning upgrades, while maintaining your sanity!
Until Dawn™
Rebuilt and enhanced for PC – Until Dawn invites you to relive the nightmare, and immerse yourself in a gripping slasher horror where every decision can make the difference between life and death.
9th Dawn Remake
Rediscover the magic of the 9th Dawn series with this complete re-imagining of the original game. Venture into a massive 2.5D open world. Explore 45 new dungeons in single-player or online/local co-op, craft weapons, raise pets, play a deck-building card game, and take down the Castle of Maltyr!
Utopia Must Fall
Defend humanity's last surviving metropolis from mysterious alien machinations in this challenging base-defense arcade shooter. Featuring rapid upgrade progression, procedurally generated attack waves, dark humor and laser-sharp aesthetics.
Peglin
Peglin is a Pachinko Roguelike - Fight enemies by collecting special orbs and popping pegs to deal damage. Acquire special relics that radically change the game and ensure no two runs are the same. Aim carefully to survive in this unique turn-based RPG!
LOCKDOWN Protocol
A first person social deduction game, combining real time action and communication, 3 to 8 players. While most players will do their best to complete objectives and ensure victory, a small portion of dissidents will try to stop them at all costs, without getting caught.
Corpse Keeper
Corpse Keeper is a very challenging action-strategy roguelite. You'll need to lead a squad of three corpses to explore the grim and dark medieval world within limited time, build a powerful army of the living dead, and finally kill the demon lurking in the deep end of the cathedral.
Rack and Slay
The rogue-like dungeon crawler where you're a billiard ball! Push monster balls into holes or traps in randomly generated levels. Stack up countless game-changing items to create broken builds. Find combos to create your own synergies and customize your playstyle. Rack and Slay!
Cluckmech Oasis
Cluckmech Oasis, a top-down shooting Roguelike tower defense game. Play as the Warcluck and lead your team of animal heroes in a fight for survival. Collect, build and upgrade defenses, and engage in intense battle against waves of plant enemies.
Path of Achra
Path of Achra is a dark fantasy roguelike of the ancient earth, with a focus on streamlined controls and rapid hero customization. A "broken build sandbox." Fight through the deadly lands of Achra to reach the horrors of the Obelisk, and discover what lies beyond...
Nordic Ashes: Survivors of Ragnarok
Nordic Ashes: Survivors of Ragnarok, is a challenging Norse inspired roguelite-survivor game, where you’ll have to survive hordes of creatures that come your way.
Aliya: Timelink
The player connects to a girl in distress in space thousands of years later? How will they resolve the crisis and discover the truth? Through the mechanism of real-time synchronization, the game breaks through the dimensional wall and creates an immersive dialogue across time and space.
SILENT BREATH
Unpredictable horrors lurk around every corner, forcing you to find the missing people while desperately clinging to survival. In this experience even your own mind can become your enemy. Stay vigilant and keep your voice hushed, or risk becoming another victim of the forest's darkness
Lost:Antinomy
With just a swipe to the left or right, you can make all kinds of decisions. So, please embark on your own unique adventure tale through the continent of Astra!
Slice & Dice
Tactical dice-rolling roguelike combat. Take control of 5 heroes, each with their own unique dice. Fight your way through 20 levels of monsters and try to take on the final boss. If you lose a single fight you have to start over so be careful (and lucky!).
Raw Metal
Infiltrate the depths of an exoplanet mining facility to scavenge for gear and challenge a corrupt megacorporation. Utilize gadgets and equipment in high-stakes stealth, and hone your fighting skills in breakneck combat in this stylish stealth-action dungeon crawler.
FROM ASHES, BLOOM
A minimalist rogue-like tower defense where you protect Earth against humanity.
Spell Disk
Build unique synergy spell combos to destroy the hordes of monsters and bosses in this rogue-lite action game.
Windowkill
Windowkill is a twin-stick shooter, but the game window itself is constantly closing in on you. Shoot the window edges to push it around your screen as you fight and dodge enemies and bosses in their own windows.
Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens
Lady Tallowmere's kittens have been acting strange. Still, the dungeon's rituals must be carried out. Despite the unusual circumstances, how many rooms can you clear?Most played perma death games on Steam
Take a look at the top perma death games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Realm of the Mad God Exalt
Embark on an exhilarating journey into the pixelated Realm of the Mad God! Join, an action-packed, free-to-play MMO bullet hell game. Discover a world with danger, challenges, and hidden treasures as you battle through waves of enemies. Team up with players and conquer dungeons to become a legend! Realm of the Mad God Exalt is a pixel graphics, mmorpg and free to play game developed by Wild Shadow Studios and Deca Live Operations GmbH and published by Deca Live Operations GmbH. Released on February 20th 2012 has received 46,407 reviews of which 38,595 were positive and 7,812 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played perma death game, thanks to its 1,556 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
38,595
7,812
1,556
players
2. Spelunky 2
Spelunky 2 builds upon the unique, randomized challenges that made the original a roguelike classic, offering a huge adventure designed to satisfy players old and new. Meet the next generation of explorers as they find themselves on the Moon, searching for treasure and missing family. Spelunky 2 is a platformer, 2d platformer and difficult game developed by Mossmouth and Blitworks and published by Mossmouth. Released on September 29th 2020 has received 20,283 reviews of which 18,867 were positive and 1,416 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. While seeing 381 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among perma death games based on player count.
9.1
18,867
1,416
381
players
3. Tales of Maj'Eyal
Tales of Maj’Eyal is a roguelike RPG, featuring tactical turn-based combat and advanced character building. Play as one of many unique races and classes in the lore-filled world of Eyal, exploring random dungeons, facing challenging battles, and developing characters with your own tailored mix of abilities and powers. Tales of Maj'Eyal is a traditional roguelike, rogue-like and turn-based game developed and published by Netcore Games. Released on December 12th 2013 has received 6,675 reviews of which 6,349 were positive and 326 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 148 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among perma death games based on player count.
9.2
6,349
326
148
players
4. PUMPKIN PANIC
COME TO THIS COZY FARM! Plant crops, take care of the plants, go fishing, or whatever you prefer, but have a good time! But be carefull, they say that strange things are happening in the area... PUMPKIN PANIC is a free to play, horror and agriculture game developed and published by Bilalaika. Released on October 30th 2024 has received 1,557 reviews of which 1,494 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played perma death games.
9.1
1,494
63
79
players
5. Heads Will Roll: Reforged
Hardcore survival RPG with non-linear story that lets you play as a young medieval soldier who over the course of battles and adventures becomes the most formidable and respected knight of his era. Or, if he’s not lucky enough, perishes in the chaos of the Hundred Years' War. Heads Will Roll: Reforged is a replay value, war and dark game developed by 1917 Studios and published by Valkyrie Initiative. Released on October 04th 2023 has received 922 reviews of which 806 were positive and 116 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.3
806
116
38
players
6. ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery)
ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) is one of the most successful roguelike games ever created, boasting a brilliant mix of story, RPG, exploration, and intensely strategic & flexible combat. The Steam version adds various features like achievements, difficulty level customization & play modes. ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) is a traditional roguelike, crpg and dungeon crawler game developed by Thomas Biskup, Jochen Terstiege, Zeno Rogue, Krzysztof Dycha and Lucas Dieguez and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on November 16th 2015 has received 1,523 reviews of which 1,290 were positive and 233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.1
1,290
233
34
players
7. Marauders
Marauders is a tactical first-person multiplayer looter shooter set in a sci-fi universe. As a space pirate, work solo, or in a squad with up to 3 other players to navigate a hostile battleground, hunt for loot, craft new weapons and gear, and salvage what you’ll need to survive. Marauders is a early access, extraction shooter and looter shooter game developed by Small Impact Games and published by Team17. Released on October 03rd 2022 has received 20,567 reviews of which 14,829 were positive and 5,738 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played perma death games.
7.1
14,829
5,738
27
players
8. Crown Trick
Enter a labyrinth that moves as you move, where mastering the elements is key to defeating enemies and uncovering the mysteries of this underground world. With a new experience awaiting every time you enter the dungeon, let the power bestowed by the crown guide you in this challenging adventure! Crown Trick is a rogue-like, turn-based combat and rpg game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and Team17. Released on October 16th 2020 has received 5,224 reviews of which 4,471 were positive and 753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.3
4,471
753
26
players
9. Lost Eidolons
Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative, set in a waning empire riven by civil war. Take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield. Lost Eidolons is a jrpg, war and perma death game developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio and Inc.. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 1,925 reviews of which 1,347 were positive and 578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played perma death games.
6.8
1,347
578
22
players
10. Brutal Orchestra
Brutal Orchestra is a Turn-Based Roguelike Strategy Game. You died, someone killed you. You are in Purgatory and you will never escape. Make a deal with the "demon" Bosch and set off into Purgatory finding all manner of demented friends and foes on your quest to get petty revenge. Brutal Orchestra is a strategy, rpg and rogue-lite game developed by Talia bob Mair and Nicolás Delgado and published by Hellbent Games. Released on December 17th 2021 has received 1,774 reviews of which 1,739 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played perma death games.
9.3
1,739
35
14
players
Best deals on perma death games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of perma death games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted perma death games.
1. Lost Eidolons
Lost Eidolons is a turn-based tactical RPG with a gripping cinematic narrative, set in a waning empire riven by civil war. Take on the role of a charming mercenary captain, Eden, and lead his band of allies through epic encounters on a classic turn-based battlefield. Lost Eidolons is a jrpg, war and perma death game developed and published by Ocean Drive Studio and Inc.. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 1,925 reviews of which 1,347 were positive and 578 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Featuring a massive 97% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for perma death category.
6.8
1,347
578
-97%
33.33€
1.00€
2. Crown Trick
Enter a labyrinth that moves as you move, where mastering the elements is key to defeating enemies and uncovering the mysteries of this underground world. With a new experience awaiting every time you enter the dungeon, let the power bestowed by the crown guide you in this challenging adventure! Crown Trick is a rogue-like, turn-based combat and rpg game developed by NEXT Studios and published by NEXT Studios and Team17. Released on October 16th 2020 has received 5,224 reviews of which 4,471 were positive and 753 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in perma death games.
8.3
4,471
753
-92%
20.00€
1.60€
3. Fallback
Lead the rebellion in an epic rogue-like adventure. Guide your jet-pack equipped post-apocalyptic volunteers through a labyrinthine underground complex by jumping, dodging, and battling against robot minions (and masters) to get to the surface — and bring life back to the scorched Earth. Fallback is a action roguelike, 2d platformer and perma death game developed by Endroad and published by Endroad and Microids. Released on October 11th 2019 has received 385 reviews of which 331 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in perma death games.
8
331
54
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
4. Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy
Dynamic, procedurally generated adventure game that puts exploration first. Build your legacy as each wayfarer will change the fate of the world. Endless replayability with a huge set of difficulty modifiers. Boasting an award-winning soundtrack, a beautiful art style, and regular updates. Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy is a colorful, rogue-lite and rpg game developed and published by Ludomotion. Released on May 27th 2022 has received 334 reviews of which 255 were positive and 79 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for perma death games.
7.2
255
79
-87%
19.08€
2.48€
5. Golden Krone Hotel
Golden Krone Hotel is a gothic horror roguelike. Fight vampires with sunlight or become a vampire yourself and sneak in the shadows. Combines classic turn-based combat with dynamic lighting, an innovative potion system, and fast paced gameplay. Golden Krone Hotel is a traditional roguelike, turn-based and rogue-like game developed and published by Vulgat. Released on October 26th 2017 has received 309 reviews of which 295 were positive and 14 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.7
295
14
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
6. Age of Fear 2: The Chaos Lord GOLD
Play as either Bel'Kara, a seductive Succubus at odds with the Underworld, or Katzok, a brutal Orc Chieftan fighting for his clan's dominance. The Age of Fear series is a deep and complex turn-based strategy (full of humour!) that fuses a tabletop wargame with RPG elements. Age of Fear 2: The Chaos Lord GOLD is a tactical rpg, turn-based tactics and perma death game developed by Leslaw Sliwko and published by Age of Fear. Released on March 27th 2015 has received 336 reviews of which 266 were positive and 70 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for perma death games.
7.4
266
70
-80%
19.99€
3.99€
7. Marauders
Marauders is a tactical first-person multiplayer looter shooter set in a sci-fi universe. As a space pirate, work solo, or in a squad with up to 3 other players to navigate a hostile battleground, hunt for loot, craft new weapons and gear, and salvage what you’ll need to survive. Marauders is a early access, extraction shooter and looter shooter game developed by Small Impact Games and published by Team17. Released on October 03rd 2022 has received 20,567 reviews of which 14,829 were positive and 5,738 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 52% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for perma death games.
7.1
14,829
5,738
-52%
30.23€
14.51€
8. ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery)
ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) is one of the most successful roguelike games ever created, boasting a brilliant mix of story, RPG, exploration, and intensely strategic & flexible combat. The Steam version adds various features like achievements, difficulty level customization & play modes. ADOM (Ancient Domains Of Mystery) is a traditional roguelike, crpg and dungeon crawler game developed by Thomas Biskup, Jochen Terstiege, Zeno Rogue, Krzysztof Dycha and Lucas Dieguez and published by Assemble Entertainment. Released on November 16th 2015 has received 1,523 reviews of which 1,290 were positive and 233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.1
1,290
233
-50%
14.99€
7.49€
9. March of the Living
Roguelike-like inspired by FTL and popular zombie fiction. Guide a group of survivors to a rumoured safe haven. March of the Living is a survival horror, rogue-lite and perma death game developed by Machine 22 and published by Creaky Corpse Ltd. Released on April 20th 2016 has received 531 reviews of which 378 were positive and 153 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a 50% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for perma death games.
6.8
378
153
-50%
14.99€
7.49€
10. Dreadhalls
You are trapped deep inside a massive dungeon. Explore it, survive it and find a way to escape. Your only weapons will be stealth, your own courage, and a faint light. Dreadhalls is an intense and scary experience, not for the faint of heart. You have been warned! Dreadhalls is a dungeon crawler, horror and perma death game developed and published by White Door Games. Released on March 09th 2017 has received 340 reviews of which 318 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a 32% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.6
318
22
-32%
10.01€
6.81€
Free perma death games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play perma death games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play perma death games.
1. Realm of the Mad God Exalt
Embark on an exhilarating journey into the pixelated Realm of the Mad God! Join, an action-packed, free-to-play MMO bullet hell game. Discover a world with danger, challenges, and hidden treasures as you battle through waves of enemies. Team up with players and conquer dungeons to become a legend! Realm of the Mad God Exalt is a pixel graphics, mmorpg and free to play game developed by Wild Shadow Studios and Deca Live Operations GmbH and published by Deca Live Operations GmbH. Released on February 20th 2012 has received 46,407 reviews of which 38,595 were positive and 7,812 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,556 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free perma death games on Steam.
8.2
38,595
7,812
1,556
players
2. PUMPKIN PANIC
COME TO THIS COZY FARM! Plant crops, take care of the plants, go fishing, or whatever you prefer, but have a good time! But be carefull, they say that strange things are happening in the area... PUMPKIN PANIC is a free to play, horror and agriculture game developed and published by Bilalaika. Released on October 30th 2024 has received 1,557 reviews of which 1,494 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free perma death games on Steam.
9.1
1,494
63
79
players
3. 5050
Each time you press the button, it will either double or lose all the points you’ve put in. How much will you risk? 5050 is a arcade, gambling and casual game developed by and published by Follow The Fun. Released on August 20th 2023 has received 323 reviews of which 284 were positive and 39 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free perma death games on Steam.
8.1
284
39