Many games provide one-time, narrative experiences that can only be experienced once (games such asOuter Wilds, and puzzle games likeCocoonare arguably most enjoyable the first time around), while other games — such as RPGs — aim for replayability through gameplay variance.
Roguelikes are particularly replayable, thanks to the abundance of random generation that’s inherent to the genre, but many of them also feature optional endless modes. However, roguelikes aren’t the only genre to include endless modes, with many single-player story games opting to include horde/survival modes that offer heaps of replay value without interrupting the intended experience.
Taking inspiration fromgames such asVampire Survivors,Brotatowas one of many arena survival roguelikes to release in the heyday ofVampire Survivorsand20 Minutes Till Dawn.Brotatostands out for its vast array of playable characters and lack of progression that directly influences the player’s strength, as well as its high build variety.
Players can beatBrotatoby surviving twenty waves of enemies in its claustrophobic arenas. However, the game also features an optional endless mode that changes the gameplay after the player beats the twentieth wave. These changes mostly affect economic boons such as the Piggy Bank and the Harvesting stat.
Thisunique Tower Defensegame features elements of real-time strategy, offering an accessible combination of economic management and strategic gameplay. Players need to micromanage their units using intuitive controls, as well as fight off enemies with their own character.
Thronefallfeatures several well-crafted levels for players to beat, as well as a variety of weapons and perks. However, the game also features a roguelike endless mode that takes full advantage of the game’s many systems, greatly adding to the replay value of the game.
Left 4 Dead 2’smany campaignsand Steam workshop support make for a massively replayable experience that many fans still enjoy today, over a decade later. However, the game’s survival mode also adds a great deal of replay value, providing a sturdy endless mode for players to enjoy.
WhileLeft 4 Dead 2’ssurvival mode doesn’t provide the most variety, and enjoyment of the mode does depend on the map players choose, it remains an intense experience. Despite the campaigns offering a more tailored experience,Left 4 Dead 2’sendless mode provides a way for players to test their skills and knowledge of the game.
Beginning withCall Of Duty: World At War,theCall Of Dutyfranchiseis known for its endless survival mode, Zombies, in which players fend off relentless hordes of undead. This mode has become almost synonymous with theCall Of Dutyname, and for good reason.
Call Of Duty: Black Opsarguably featured some of the best maps for zombies, and it polished the gameplay loop of the already great endless mode. The addictive loop of fighting zombies, purchasing new guns, and unlocking new areas of the map makes for a consistently fun — and often strategic — experience that’s even better when played online with friends.
The Long Darkisa quiet and tranquil experiencebased around hardcore survival and simulation. The game features a plethora of systems that simulate the harsh, hostile environments of the wilderness — and the challenges that come with surviving out in the wilds.
The Long Darkfeatures an episodic narrative mode that allows players to learn the game while enjoying a solid story. However, the game’s endless survival mode is arguably the more definitive experience. What makes the endless mode ofThe Long Darkso enjoyable is its dense atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and the joy of exploring its beautifully realized world.
This massively popularroguelike deck-buildercombines the deck-building mechanics of genre pioneers such asSlay The Spirewith the accessible rules of Poker.Balatrois a highly replayable, immensely addictive experience with a well-crafted visual style and easy-to-learn gameplay. However, runs can feel rather short once players have gotten to grips with the rules. Thankfully, there’s an optional endless mode that allows skilled players to really put their builds to the test.
Balatro’sendless mode is unique for its aggressive scaling; even well-crafted builds aren’t likely to last more than a few extra antes. This is a surprisingly refreshing experience, preventing endless runs from losing steam and becoming a drag. Furthermore, it makes each endless mode ante feel all the more satisfying to beat.
ULTRAKILLis built for score-chasing and skill expression, withintuitive movement controlsand a variety of weapons that allow for plenty of skillful techniques. The game’s story mode features several missions that give players ample opportunity to learn and perfect these skills, butULTRAKILL’sendless mode is arguably the ultimate form of skill expression in the game.
ULTRAKILL’sendless mode — the Cybergrind — is simple: players are placed in a small arena with a variety of enemies. Killing all the enemies ends the wave and starts the next, giving players a new arena and a fresh group of enemies to slay.
