Rogue Lordsis an uber-challenging and downright spooky roguelite game where players must guide the devil and his devious villains across a dark fantasy medieval world while trying to put an end to the Sanctua Lumen and the demon hunters. Taking control of Dracula, Bloody Mary, the Headless Horseman, and a plethora of other evil baddies, players must outwith opponents in turn-based battle and narrative events.
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To sayRogue Lordsisa complex game would be an understatementwith the tutorial alone comprising its own special chapter. Roguelite fans will truly be tested in this harrowing tale but worry not since there are some things to know that will make the experience a bit more digestible. The devil and his minions are ready to scour the land to spread their reign of darkness.
7Patience Is Everything In This Game
Nothing happens quickly inRogue Lords. This is one of those games that demands patience, persistence, and a little bit of risk-taking. As an example, the game’s tutorial can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour, comprising its own chapter in the game. However, taking in each gameplay mechanic during the tutorial is of the utmost importance in order to get the most from this game.
Considering this game is a roguelite, patience becomes more critical since you will lose and have to start over dozens of times. Simply put, take time to master each aspect of gameplay from the various skills, the devil essence ability, the turn-based battle, the story skits, plus every other area of gameplay.
6Get To Know Each Party Member Thoroughly
Rogue Lordsfeatures three main starting villains, namely, Dracula, the Headless Horseman, and Bloody Mary. Throughout the adventure, other playable characters such as Lilith, Dr. Frankenstein, his monster, and the White Lady can all be unlocked. Each villain in this game plays completely differently so it’s a good idea to understand each of their strengths and weaknesses.
The best way to get to know each party member is through the Devil’s Lair area.This hub area of sortshas a “bulletin board” where players can check out each villain’s skills, attacks, abilities, weaknesses, and overall lore for the in-game world. Other than that, simply taking them into battle will really put their mettle to the test.
5Understanding The Various Map Points Of Interest
The in-game map inRogue Lordsguides players along a few different randomly generated paths. Each route will offer something completely different in terms of gameplay. Fortunately, there is a handy map legend that informs players what every icon stands for.
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The points of interest include regular battles, elite battles, River Styx shrines, Grim Reaper locations, random event locations, story beats, and chapter complete areas. On top of these various gameplay events arespecific overworld status effectssuch as a terror gauge or a demon hunter infliction status, both of which can either help or hinder our evil villains.
4The Turn-Based Battles Are Tough
Battles inRogue Lordsare completely turn-basedand will likely feel familiar to fans ofSlay the SpireorDarkest Dungeon. These turn-based battles are brutally tough and require a good deal of strategy and tactical thinking. Battles are broken up into action points whereby each villain can use a specific skill, attack, buff, debuff, or ability dependent on how many action points are still available, shown at the bottom of the screen as red, glowing dots.
On top of thinking about the playable team, it’s also vital to keep track of opponents' statuses, health pool (the red bar), spirit pool (the purple bar), and any buffs or debuffs they might have activated for their team. Winning is all but assured since the tide of battle can change on a dime. There is a handy tooltips guide that can reveal information about each and every status effect, skill or weapon ability, and other such effects. Take time to get used to the rhythm of battle to hopefully come out on top.
3Diabolical Essense To Cheat The System
Easily one of the most unique aspects ofRogue Lordsis that the game expects you to cheat.Cheating is encouraged herein the form of the diabolical essence system. This essence is essentially a pool of health that can be used at any time during battle to turn the tide. By dipping into the diabolical essence pool, players can refill their health or spirit, reset the cooldown on a skill, and most importantly, remove status effects or deplete the life force of their opponents.
It’s a system that really hasn’t been seen before and it really helps to shake up the roguelite and turn-based formula here. Plus, this essence can also be used to create a demonic portal on the overworld map to avoid specific game events or status implications. In order to refill essence, players need to head to a River Styx Shrine.
2Sacrifice Underutilized Skills
Rogue Lordsfeaturesa massive amount of villainous skillsand abilities, with more unlocking through a rewards tracks upon leveling up. Some skills provide attacks with others providing buffs and debuffs to just name a few examples. Depending on a player’s preferred method of playing, many skills likely won’t be tailor-made for certain battles. Fortunately, any skill can be sacrificed at a sacrificial shrine.
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These shrines can be stumbled across during exploration of the overworld. By interacting with the shrine, players can sacrifice one skill on the altar. In return, a new skill slot is opened up and players can then choose from three new skills to add to their arsenal. Just verify to not accidentally get rid of a coveted skill since it will be hard to get back.
1The Grim Reaper Awaits
During exploration players might happen across the Grim Reaper. In this game, the Grim Reaper is a friend, not a foe.He acts as a shopkeeper where players can buynew skills, upgrade certain skills, or obtain new, powerful relics. Relics, in particular, are the most useful passive items in the game since they provide outstanding buffs.
The Grim Reaper’s preferred method of currency is, of course, souls. Souls can be obtained from successful battles, certain story skit world events, and through random nature. Be sure to save up enough to get some of the best skills and relics from the get-go.
