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
Crying Suns
Crying Suns is a tactical rogue-lite that puts you in the role of a space fleet commander as you explore a mysteriously fallen empire. In this story rich experience inspired by Dune and Foundation, each successful run will uncover the truth about the Empire... and yourself as well.
Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hunt: Showdown 1896 is a new era of the addictively unforgiving extraction shooter. In corrupted backwaters lost to history, fight back alone – or with friends – against timeless evil. Twisted monsters and other ruthless Hunters stand between you and your Bounty. Risk everything as Hunt consumes you
Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders series, bringing all the exciting tactical turn-based combat and in-depth empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new, sci-fi setting.
Skirmish Line
Experience the brutality and randomness of war as an Allied tactical commander in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Train, equip, and command a squad of soldiers as you fight against the fanatical Imperial Japanese Empire.
When the Darkness comes
When the Darkness comes is a walking simulator whose glitchy and dark tale tries to illustrate the hardships of depression and anxiety through a variety of imaginary digital landscapes.
Rogue Empire: Dungeon Crawler RPG
Explore randomly generated content and experience the thrill of a classic tactical turn-based rogue-like RPG! Choose from a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. Get ready for an unforgettable journey of strategy, skill, and discovery.
One Hour One Life
A multiplayer survival game of parenting and civilization building. Get born to another player as your mother. Live an entire life in one hour. Have babies of your own in the form of other players. Leave a legacy for the next generation as you help to rebuild civilization from scratch.
Despotism 3k
Humanity is enslaved by an AI… which is awesome, because we’re on the right side of the conflict. Exploit puny humans to extract power and build your own empire!
Star Traders: Frontiers
You are the captain of a starship venturing through a massive open universe. Customize your crew and take command at the helm of your very own ship as you explore a galaxy torn apart by internal strife, alien threats, and political intrigue.
Enlightenment
In Enlightenment, you play in a roguelike action-shooter with a fast-paced challenging journey deep into a underground complex called "the Ark". Players will be tested by large varieties of enemies in a procedurally-generated dungeon, and become stronger by learning from the inevitable deaths.
MOTHERGUNSHIP
MOTHERGUNSHIP is a bullet-hell FPS where you craft your own guns, fight gigantic bosses, and defeat a robotic alien armada that conquered Earth. Face off against overwhelming odds in brutal, non-stop combats where thinking on your feet is the only way to survive.
One Deck Dungeon
The hit roguelike adventure that captures all the fun of a dungeon crawl in a single deck of cards!
Wrongworld
Crash-landed on a surreal, low-poly world filled with freakish inhabitants, choose between permadeath and non-permadeath modes and embark on an epic (and ridiculous) survival adventure. Will you manage to stay alive as you unravel the mysteries of Wrongworld and search for a way home?
City of Brass
A first-person action adventure, inspired by Arabian Nights, from senior BioShock developers.
Dead In Vinland
DEAD IN VINLAND is a survival/management game, mixed with RPG and adventure elements, about a Viking family trying their best to survive on a mysterious island.
Golfing Over It with Alva Majo
The higher you climb, the bigger the fall.
All Walls Must Fall - A Tech-Noir Tactics Game
All Walls Must Fall is a Tech-Noir Tactics game set in Berlin 2089, where the Cold War never ended.
In Celebration of Violence
A fantasy action roguelike of exploration and murder. Live, kill, die, improve, live again.
Scavenger SV-4
Scavenger SV-4 is a highly replayable atmospheric first-person science fiction game. Part simulator, part roguelike, it has elements of action, combat, resource management, and a dash of horror. It is not quite like any game you have played before.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