10 Must-Try Games Like Vampire Survivors for Endless Horde‑Slaying Fun
Vampire Survivors carved its niche in the gaming world with its hypnotic blend of minimal controls, frenetic action, and bite-sized runs. If you're hooked on that bullet-hell, auto-shooter formula, then you're in for a treat. This curated list highlights ten titles that capture the essence of Vampire Survivors—each adding its own twist to the genre.
1. Brotato
Released in 2023, Brotato is a fast-paced top-down shoot‑’em‑up roguelite starring a spud protagonist—and yes, it really is a potato. You choose from several unlockable potato characters, each with unique stats and starting attributes. As you battle through waves of ever-increasing enemies, you gather materials to upgrade both your attributes and an arsenal of weapons. While attacks are auto-fired by default, you can opt for manual aiming for added control and strategy. Originally in Early Access, the game has sold over a million copies and now supports multiplayer across platforms—from PC and mobile to Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
2. Halls of Torment
Think Diablo meets Vampire Survivors—this roguelike blends gothic isometric visuals and '90s RPG aesthetics with horde‑survival gameplay. In 30‑minute runs, you navigate beautifully pre‑rendered, hellish environments, weaving between hordes of enemies, mini‑bosses, destructible terrain, and occasional chest rewards. Surviving till the end pits you against a powerful “Lord,” and defeating them grants new abilities and permanent upgrade items via a well—adding both short‑term tactics and long‑term progression. You can auto‑attack or wield direct mouse/joystick control. With multiple characters to unlock and strategic choices built into every run, Halls of Torment delivers both complexity and replayability.
3. 20 Minutes Till Dawn
A roguelike shoot‑’em‑up crafted by indie developer flanne, 20 Minutes Till Dawn offers a darker, more thrilling spin on the formula. Instead of auto‑attacks, players manually aim their shots, or use an auto‑target override—adding dual‑stick shooter elements. Each run lasts 20 minutes unless you beat the final boss early. Gems dropped by enemies act as both experience and currency, unlocking upgrades mid‑run, while post-session, you spend gems to unlock new characters, weapons, and runes. Modes include Standard, Quickplay (10 minutes), and Endless, with adjustable “Darkness” difficulty levels for veterans. Released in 2023, the game is available on PC, macOS, Android, and iOS—earning an overwhelmingly positive response for its tense, immersive mode and satisfying loop.
4. HoloCure – Save the Fans!
A free, fan-made roguelike developed in 2022 by Kay Yu, HoloCure merges Vampire Survivors gameplay with the world of Hololive VTubers. With 47 playable VTuber characters (and counting), each run puts you in control of iconic personalities, facing waves of enemies while earning items, abilities, and upgrades. Initially released on itch.io, it swiftly became a hit—so much so that leaderboards were disabled due to overwhelming traffic. The Steam version followed with official backing, and critics have called it “the best Vampire Survivors imitator,” praising its balance of charm, polish, and deep gameplay loops.
5. Spellbook Demonslayers
Spellbook Demonslayers offers a magic‑tinted take on the genre. Instead of guns or auto‑attacks, your primary weapon is a spellbook, unleashing spells that synergize and evolve during the run. It’s a game where flashiness meets strategy—unlock powerful incantations, find relics, and chain combos dynamically. Crafted for a mobile-friendly interface, it’s visually clean and addictive, with a satisfying rhythm of upgrades that keeps each session compelling.
6. Boneraiser Minions
Here’s where necromancy gets twisted into bullet‑heaven fun. In Boneraiser Minions, you play as a necromancer commanding skeletal minions to fight hordes for you. Combining humor, strategy, and horde‑survival, this title adds a layer of indirect gameplay—you're managing a growing army, rather than blasting enemies yourself. Fans highlight the quirky tone and mastery needed to balance summons, offensive spells, and pacing across runs.
7. Soulstone Survivors
Imagine a glossy, 3D twist on Vampire Survivors mechanics, with multiple classes, crafting, and build combos. Soulstone Survivors upgrades the formula by offering enhanced visuals, strategic depth, and customization. Players can choose from various classes and explore builds that combine abilities, gear, and crafting systems—all while battling waves of enemies. It’s beloved for its polish and accessible yet deep loop.
8. Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde
This one emphasizes tactical positioning and deliberate aiming. A hybrid between bullet‑hell and strategy, Spirit Hunters demands spatial awareness—position yourself to avoid damage, channel spells effectively, and manage cooldowns. The spellcaster mechanics add a satisfying layer, rewarding thoughtful play and precision over frantic button-mashing.
9. Army of Ruin
For players craving flamboyant magic in their horde‑survival fix, Army of Ruin delivers. This fantasy-infused title packs vivid visuals, diverse characters, and spell-based combat that feels explosive and grand. It's about unleashing powerful magical attacks and watching numbers soar as enemies fall—a cathartic and high-impact evolution of the genre.
10. Ocean Keeper: Dome Survivoal aka Codename: Ocean Keeper
This gem stands out with its underwater-meets-roguelite twist. You pilot a robotic spider exploring depths filled with sea monsters and ancient tech. Procedurally generated environments guarantee fresh runs; you collect upgrades and treasures to customize your build. Its combination of survival, exploration, and customization offers a unique flavor within the genre.
