The genre eventually split into two distinct evolutionary paths: Roguelike (Classic) Roguelite (Modern) None; every run starts from zero. Persistent upgrades/unlocks between runs. Gameplay Turn-based and grid-based. Often real-time (Action/Bullet Hell). Difficulty Extreme; requires deep system knowledge. Scalable; often more forgiving. Examples Caves of Qud , NetHack , ADOM . Hades , Vampire Survivors , Dead Cells .
At the International Roguelike Development Conference, developers codified the "8 must-haves" for a "pure" roguelike: Rogue-like: Evolution
Infinite replayability through procedural maps. Permadeath: High stakes where every mistake is final. The genre eventually split into two distinct evolutionary
While Rogue (1980) gave the genre its name, Beneath Apple Manor (1978) was the first to implement the core pillars of procedural generation and permadeath. requires deep system knowledge. Scalable