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
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 fast-paced roguelite dungeon crawler built for VR. Explore procedurally generated dungeons, slash enemies, collect loot, and unlock upgrades in immersive physics-based combat. Play solo or co-op with up to 4 players.
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.
Rift Wizard
Rift Wizard is a tough as nails fantasy roguelike featuring challenging turn based combat and deep open ended character building. Craft your spellbook from over 100 unique spells and abilities and fight your way through a series of procedurally generated challenges to defeat your nemesis.
Jupiter Hell
True Roguelike. Turn-based shooter. Permadeath. Tribute to the sci-fi classics of the Golden VHS era. Successor to DRL. Just you and your gun against hordes of horrors and monstrosities. Give them hell to the rhythm of heavy metal.
Dark Deity
Step into the world of Terrazael and lead soon-to-be legendary heroes in a quest to restore a land fractured by broken oaths, reckless wars, and untamed magic. Fight back in turn-based battles, manage character relationships, collect dangerous artifacts, and hopefully restore the world...
Just Die Already
Just Die Already is an old people mayhem sandbox game created by the designers of Goat Simulator. You are old and angry and you've just been kicked out of your retirement home. How will you survive in a world that wants you to Just Die Already?
Insurmountable
Confront various terrains as a lonely mountaineer and endure the countless dangers of climbing! Many tough decisions await you in a risky environment. Make your way up and down the mountain, overcoming insurmountable heights!
Trials of Fire
A Tactical, Deck-Building Roguelite. Choose 3 Heroes and adventure into a post-Cataclysmic wasteland. Engage enemies in a unique meld of card-play and tactical, positional combat. Level up and scavenge what you can to customise your decks and build a party to take on any challenge!
Danger Scavenger
Danger Scavenger is fast-paced action, cyberpunk-themed, roguelite skyline crawler. Blow up, cut, shoot enemy robots on the roofs of skyscrapers. Choose your way to higher levels, loot, buy stuff, upgrade yourself, fight against greedy corporations, be a rebel!
Cosmodread
Cosmodread is a VR survival horror roguelike about escaping a dying spaceship filled with nightmares. Stranded in a hostile universe, you must explore, survive, and find your way back to the safety of Earth.
Space Gladiators
Ever dreamt of being a space potato? Now’s your chance! Space Gladiators is a 2D hand-drawn roguelite platformer following a bunch of captives fighting their way out of a planet prison. Defeat hordes of aliens in the gladiatorial arenas and earn your freedom!
Urtuk: The Desolation
Urtuk is an open world, tactical turn-based RPG in a low-fantasy setting. Guide your band of adventurers through the ruins of an ancient world. Recruit new followers, loot the corpses of your fallen foes, and do your best to survive in this harsh and unforgiving realm.
Phoenix Point
The acclaimed strategy game from the creator of X-COM. Fight tactical battles on procedural maps against a foe that adapts to your tactics. Manage diplomacy and economy on a global scale. Research, explore, overcome. Now includes Steam Workshop support for mods!
Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate
The Classic Roguelike Wanders Onto Steam! Adventure with Shiren the Wanderer and his sidekick Koppa, the talking ferret, through a world filled with cunning monsters, deadly traps and countless treasure.
Tribal Wars
Compete in hardcore PvP strategy in persistent game worlds where real time resource and troop management in coordination with other players is required to expand your kingdom from one village to hundreds as you conquer the map in this winner takes all medieval contest.
The Dungeon Beneath
The Dungeon Beneath is a tactical rogue-like autobattler. Gather your party and descend into the dungeon, battling your way through room after room of nefarious enemies. Collect powerful artifacts and equipment to create an endless variety of strategies.
Rogue
Experience the commercial port of the game that spawned a thousand 'Rogue-likes'. Venture into the Dungeons of Doom in search of the legendary Amulet of Yendor, and hopefully escape with your life! Randomly generated dungeons await you, full of nasty monsters, insidious traps, and glittering loot.
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 June 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 46,620 reviews of which 38,723 were positive and 7,897 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 1,718 peak concurrent players over the last day.
8.2
38,723
7,897
1,718
players
2. Void War
Command an ancient starship and fight your way to the heart of a dying Empire. Fend off attacks from demented cultists, craven space pirates, and xenophobic Imperial soldiers. Discover powerful artifacts and use them to build your ship into a fearsome war engine. Void War is a rogue-lite, space and perma death game developed and published by Tundra. Released on June 02nd 2025 has received 409 reviews of which 373 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. While seeing 1,249 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among perma death games based on player count.
8.5
373
36
1,249
players
3. Cyber Knights: Flashpoint
Cyberpunk mercenaries RPG! Turn-based squad tactics with unique heist-planning strategy. Build your crew wisely; their stories will become interwoven with your own. Pull off heists with powerful cyberware, faction connections, multiclassing, weapon modding, stealth, hacking, and more! Cyber Knights: Flashpoint is a turn-based combat, tactical and character customization game developed and published by Trese Brothers. Released on June 02nd 2025 has received 1,097 reviews of which 1,042 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 709 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among perma death games based on player count.
9.0
1,042
55
709
players
4. 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 20,485 reviews of which 19,062 were positive and 1,423 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 348 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played perma death games.
9.1
19,062
1,423
348
players
5. 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 6,712 reviews of which 6,381 were positive and 331 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 120 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played perma death games.
9.2
6,381
331
120
players
6. 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 2,078 reviews of which 2,003 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played perma death games.
9.2
2,003
75
91
players
7. 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 951 reviews of which 833 were positive and 118 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.3
833
118
51
players
8. 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 20,679 reviews of which 14,768 were positive and 5,911 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played perma death games.
7.0
14,768
5,911
44
players
9. 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 1,530 reviews of which 1,297 were positive and 233 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played perma death games.
8.1
1,297
233
35
players
10. 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 1,964 reviews of which 1,372 were positive and 592 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played perma death games.
6.8
1,372
592
28
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 June 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted perma death games.
1. Battle Ram
Battle Ram - an experiment of scientists developed in a secret laboratory, a powerful creature against robots, who will win? Battle Ram is a spectacle fighter, bullet hell and robots game developed and published by Runic Rise Games. Released on January 05th 2023 has received 317 reviews of which 279 were positive and 38 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for perma death category.
8.1
279
38
-99%
29.99€
0.44€
2. 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 339 reviews of which 259 were positive and 80 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in perma death games.
7.2
259
80
-98%
19.50€
0.52€
3. 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 1,964 reviews of which 1,372 were positive and 592 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in perma death games.
6.8
1,372
592
-98%
34.99€
0.82€
4. 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 significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for perma death games.
6.8
378
153
-97%
14.99€
0.51€
5. 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 5,263 reviews of which 4,497 were positive and 766 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 96% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.3
4,497
766
-96%
19.99€
0.95€
6. 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 386 reviews of which 332 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 95% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8
332
54
-95%
9.99€
0.55€
7. Race The Sun
You are a solar-powered craft. The sun is your death timer. Hurtle towards the sunset at breakneck speed in a futile race against time. Delay the inevitable by catching speed boosts which reverse the setting sun - if only for a moment. Don't crash, stay in the light, and don't slow down! Race The Sun is a procedural generation, runner and racing game developed and published by Flippfly LLC. Released on December 09th 2013 has received 6,296 reviews of which 5,895 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 94% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for perma death games.
9.1
5,895
401
-94%
9.75€
0.60€
8. One Deck Dungeon
The hit roguelike adventure that captures all the fun of a dungeon crawl in a single deck of cards! One Deck Dungeon is a dungeon crawler, board game and rogue-lite game developed and published by Handelabra Games Inc.. Released on May 18th 2018 has received 823 reviews of which 665 were positive and 158 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for perma death games.
7.7
665
158
-91%
9.75€
0.96€
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 343 reviews of which 320 were positive and 23 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 74% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.6
320
23
-74%
9.99€
2.65€
10. The Dungeon Beneath
The Dungeon Beneath is a tactical rogue-like autobattler. Gather your party and descend into the dungeon, battling your way through room after room of nefarious enemies. Collect powerful artifacts and equipment to create an endless variety of strategies. The Dungeon Beneath is a turn-based tactics, auto battler and rogue-lite game developed and published by Puzzle Box Games. Released on October 23rd 2020 has received 843 reviews of which 748 were positive and 95 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 63% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for perma death games.
8.4
748
95
-63%
14.79€
5.57€
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 June 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 46,620 reviews of which 38,723 were positive and 7,897 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 1,718 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
38,723
7,897
1,718
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 2,078 reviews of which 2,003 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free perma death games on Steam.
9.2
2,003
75
91
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 330 reviews of which 292 were positive and 38 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free perma death games on Steam.
8.2
292
38