5 Hardcore games like Subverse that you should try

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

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We filtered the 36 games similar to Subverse down to the 5 that fit the “Hardcore” category. Caves of Qud, Darkest Dungeon® and Invisible, Inc. top the list, ranked by affinity and similarity score to Subverse.

iRank71/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

The best hardcore games like Subverse

5 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Subverse. Each one has been evaluated across 17 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Caves of QudClosest overall match

iRank91

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeHardcoreSci-FiExplorationSkill TreeIsometric

Steam👍 95%· 12KRAWG👍 83%· 46IGDB94· 1OC90· 11

Year 2015Dev Freehold Games · Kitfox GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, roguelike runs and survival mechanics, while skipping puzzle design

Caves of Qud is a science fantasy roguelike epic steeped in retrofuturism, deep simulation, and swathes of sentient plants. Come inhabit an exotic world and chisel through layers of thousand-year-old civilizations. Decide: is it a dying earth, or is it on the verge of rebirth?Who are you?

It predates Subverse by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone83Progression81Setting54

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Steam GOG

#2Darkest Dungeon®Closest on progression

iRank87

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalNarrativeHardcoreExplorationLoot

Steam👍 92%· 159KRAWG👍 86%· 1.4KMC84IGDB83· 10OC84· 80

Year 2016Dev Red Hook StudiosPlaytime ~8hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: roguelike runs, horror tension and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping puzzle design

Darkest Dungeon is a roguelike RPG developed by Red Hook Studios. The works of Howard Lovecraft served as the main inspiration for the game which addresses the themes of fear and psychological trauma.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and visuals.

It predates Subverse by 8 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Progression85Tone63Setting0

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Steam GOG Epic

#3Invisible, Inc.Closest on tone

iRank82

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreNarrativeSci-FiIsometric

Steam👍 91%· 5.7KRAWG👍 65%· 346MC82IGDB86· 10OC83· 43

Year 2015Dev Klei EntertainmentPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · iOS

✓ Both are turn-based CRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: roguelike runs, deep simulation and procedural generation, while skipping puzzle design

Developed by the Canadian Klei Entertainment, Invisible Inc. is a turn-based strategy with elements of stealth and roguelike. The game takes place in a dystopian future: in 2074 and the huge multinational corporations seized power from the world government. Invisible Inc.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting.

It predates Subverse by 9 years, with what that implies technically.

Genre100Game mode100Tone86Visuals71Combat58Setting39

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Steam GOG

#4Kingdom Rush - Tower Defense

iRank92

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreNarrativeMelee

Steam👍 94%· 11KRAWG👍 90%· 38

Year 2018Dev Ironhide Game StudioPlaytime ~6hOn PC · iOS · Android

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, adventure storytelling and turn-based strategy

≠ Its own twist: tower defense planning, dark, oppressive atmosphere and melee combat, while skipping puzzle design

Vez’nan the powerful almighty wizard has returned! Embark on an epic journey as you gather his army and fulfill his devious plans... muahaha. Get ready to show the Kingdom who the real boss is! Fight your way as you conquer the new and the good old realms.

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: setting and visuals.

Genre100Game mode100Combat75Tone73Setting0Visuals0

GenreRPGSubgenreCRPGSub-subgenreTurn-Based CRPG

SoloTacticalHardcoreProcedural2D

Steam👍 95%· 6.7KIGDB90· 2OC87· 20

Year 2023Dev Roboatino · Goblinz PublishingPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Same family of turn-based CRPGs: deep RPG systems, turn-based strategy and punishing difficulty

≠ Stands apart with roguelike runs, card game strategy and procedural generation, while skipping puzzle design

⬇️ WISHLIST OUR UPCOMING STRATEGY GAMEhttps://store.steampowered.com/app/1639080?utm_source=steam&utm_campaign=crosspromo&utm_content=shogun About the Game Turn-based combat where every action counts. Carefully position yourself, build up and unleash your attacks at the right time!

Where it drifts furthest from Subverse: visuals.

Genre100Combat100Game mode100Tone62Visuals0

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Steam GOG

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