It’s easy to spend all your time chasing the next big release. Steam never slows down, wishlist notifications never stop arriving, and before long another promising roguelike has pushed last month’s launch out of sight. That’s why, every week, we’re digging back through the genre to spotlight a game we think deserves another look.
For this week’s Hidden Gem, we’re heading underground with Voidloop.
Voidloop swaps sprawling fantasy kingdoms and dungeons for a network of procedurally generated caves where every expedition sets out to see how much further you’re willing to go. Armed with little more than your tools and whatever equipment you’ve crafted along the way, you’ll descend deeper into the earth searching for valuable ores, rare gems, and the resources needed to become strong enough to continue the journey.
The deeper you travel, the greater the rewards become, but getting back to camp safely is never guaranteed.
The Further You Go, the Harder It Is to Turn Back
Exploration sits at the center of everything the game does. Every cave is procedurally generated, encouraging you to venture into unfamiliar tunnels while weighing up whether another detour is worth the risk. Valuable materials are scattered throughout each biome, but they’re rarely sitting unguarded. Hostile creatures patrol the underground, turning even routine mining expeditions into careful balancing acts between gathering resources and knowing when it’s time to retreat.
That constant cycle of exploring, collecting, and returning home gives every expedition a satisfying sense of purpose. Nothing you bring back goes to waste. Resources can be invested in stronger equipment, upgraded tools, new abilities, and permanent improvements through the camp’s Blacksmith, Witch, and Shopkeeper, ensuring each successful trip makes the next one feel a little more achievable.
Nothing You Bring Home Ever Feels Wasted
Progression is where Voidloop shines. Rather than relying on dramatic power spikes, it rewards persistence through:
- More than 100 upgrades
- 34 skills
- Over 60 unique items
Experimenting with different combinations gradually changes how each expedition unfolds, allowing you to tailor your approach around mining efficiency, survivability, or combat depending on the challenges waiting below.
Five distinct cave biomes provide plenty of variety as you work your way deeper underground, while optional objectives, including reaching Floor 20 before time expires to earn valuable gems, offer additional goals beyond simply surviving another descent. It’s a structure that gives experienced players something extra to work towards without overwhelming newcomers who simply want to enjoy exploring at their own pace.
Sometimes the Best Discoveries Aren’t New Releases
Visually, Voidloop adopts colorful pixel-inspired artwork that complements its relaxed pace without losing sight of the danger lurking beneath the surface. The caves are inviting enough to encourage exploration, yet unpredictable enough that every new floor still carries a sense of uncertainty. Combined with the gradual progression systems, it creates a roguelite that’s just as satisfying to plan for as it is to play.
If you enjoy roguelites that reward curiosity, thoughtful progression, and the satisfaction of slowly carving your own path forward, this is one that’s well worth adding to your library before the next wave of new releases arrives. As well as Steam, the game is available through the Apple store and Google Play store.