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
Chromosome Evil
Dive deep into this Lovecraft-inspired RTS survival. Assemble your team using different classes, skills, and weaponry. It's up to your squad to survive the onslaught of nightmares that are surely coming your way. Will you find the source of the darkness?
Seraph's Last Stand
Create insane builds and break the game in all possible ways to get your name into the leaderboards! Every round you get stronger, but so does the enemies...
Shattered Pixel Dungeon
Shattered Pixel Dungeon is a traditional roguelike dungeon crawler that's simple to start but hard to master! Every game is a unique challenge, with six different heroes, randomized levels and enemies, and hundreds of items to collect and use.
OBS Studio
Free and open-source software for video recording and live streaming
Orbital Bullet – The 360° Rogue-lite
Orbital Bullet is a fast paced 360° action-platformer with rogue-lite elements, where all actions take place in a circular pattern. Fight your way through a variety of procedural planets and use body modifications, crafting and heavy weaponry. Kill. Die. Modify.
Neon Sundown
Neon Sundown is an extremely challenging arena-shooter that mixes fast-paced action with roguelite elements. Take on increasingly difficult arenas as you unlock new ships, upgrades, synergies, and more! Think you have what it takes to survive?
Gods of Sand
Train gladiators. Manage a ludus. Fight in the arenas. Conquer the tower. Gods of Sand is a gladiator manager with intense turn-based combat, inspired by the Swords and Sandals series, in a dark and unforgiving setting.
Devil Spire
Roguelite Pseudo-3D Dungeon Crawler. It's King's Field but procedurally generated, and with Hexen-style graphics!
Warriors: Rise to Glory
In this rogue-lite turn-based RPG, you create a bloodline of gladiators, fight online with or against your friends in the arena, decide the fate of your fallen rivals, and bring honor, wealth, and the spoils of war to improve your legacy.
Sentimental K
'Sentimental K' is a 3D roguelike action game. Weapons, skills, artifacts, bosses, dungeon layouts are randomly generated each time you play. Make strategic choices to create powerful synergies and enjoy the unexpected and challenging play!
VOCÊ É UM DEFUNTO MECÂNICO
Baleado até a morte, você é um defunto mecânico se lembrando de como morreu, e das vidas torturadas que agora ficam para trás. Uma aventura em prosa para 20 minutos de pavor existencial no presente pós-singularidade.
Ghost Exile
Ghost Exile - is a cooperative horror from 1 to 4 players: when hunting for ghosts, you need to determine the type of ghost, carry out a ritual of exorcism and then the ghost can no longer harm anyone. Be careful! Hasty conclusions can lead you to a sad outcome.
Fears to Fathom - Norwood Hitchhike
Holly Gardner, a 19 year old on an interstate drive experiences unusual happenings that leads to an unplanned stay at a motel, little did she know what was transpiring down in Norwood Valley.
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.
Noble Fates
Harness your Demigod powers to lead a group from rags to riches in this 3D Fantasy Kingdom Management Sim with RPG elements. Command from the sky or take control in 3rd Person to BUILD, BATTLE, and RULE. Navigate a world of interesting Nobles, earn their respect, and decide their Fates.
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
Delve with Shovel Knight into the depths of the Pocket Dungeon in an action-packed puzzle adventure mashup like none other!
The Last Stand: Aftermath
From the creators of The Last Stand: Union City and Dead Zone comes an all-new singleplayer rogue-lite action adventure. After you become infected by the zombie virus, you set out to explore the post-apocalypse and find hope for your fellow survivors. You can still make a difference. Don't give up.
SYNTHETIK 2
SYNTHETIK 2 is a bold continuation of SYNTHETIK: Legion Rising. Fight a world overrun by the relentless Machine Legion. Experience the next level in gun-play and upgrade yourself beyond measure to rival their Gods. Can you defeat the Heart of Armageddon?
Ancient Dungeon
Ancient Dungeon VR is a rogue-lite dungeon crawler with randomly generated dungeons. Uncover its secrets and challenge powerful bosses.
Ziggurat 2
Ziggurat is back, and now it's even better! Use powerful weapons and spells to break through hordes of enemies and explore labyrinthine dungeons in this hectic roguelite FPS, while you improve your skills and discover new equipment.
Dead Estate
Cornered with nowhere else to turn, can you escape the monster-filled mansion? Dead Estate is a gory, fast-paced, challenging roguelike shooter with a heavy emphasis on horror.
Steel Assault
Punch, whip, and zipline your way through a post-apocalyptic America in this 16-bit retro-style action platformer! Play as Taro Takahashi, a resistance soldier on a revenge mission against the dictator who lords over the ashes.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 16th 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 1,442 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
38,595
7,812
1,442
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 309 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
309
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. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played perma death games.
9.2
6,349
326
86
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
53
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. Spellmasons
Spellmasons is a magical, tactical roguelike where you customize your spells to survive. Play solo or team up with your friends in online multiplayer, and explore a deep magic system where clever combinations yield powerfully satisfying results! Spellmasons is a turn-based tactics, rogue-like and strategy game developed by Jordan O'Leary and published by Octavia Blue. Released on January 31st 2023 has received 617 reviews of which 573 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.7
573
44
28
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
28
players
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. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.1
1,290
233
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
16
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 16th 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. 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 #6 position in the best deals for perma death games.
7.1
14,829
5,738
-52%
30.23€
14.51€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.1
1,290
233
-50%
14.99€
7.49€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for perma death games.
6.8
378
153
-50%
14.99€
7.49€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.6
318
22
-32%
10.01€
6.81€
10. Spellmasons
Spellmasons is a magical, tactical roguelike where you customize your spells to survive. Play solo or team up with your friends in online multiplayer, and explore a deep magic system where clever combinations yield powerfully satisfying results! Spellmasons is a turn-based tactics, rogue-like and strategy game developed by Jordan O'Leary and published by Octavia Blue. Released on January 31st 2023 has received 617 reviews of which 573 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a 25% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.7
573
44
-25%
15.00€
11.25€
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 16th 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 1,442 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
1,442
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
53
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