If you want another run-based card game after Vampire Crawlers, start with Slay the Spire for classic solo deckbuilding, Monster Train for tactical lanes and clan synergies, or Balatro for poker-hand combos and build experimentation. They share the appeal of shaping a build as a run unfolds, but none is a direct copy of Vampire Crawlers.
What makes Vampire Crawlers distinctive?
Vampire Crawlers takes the characters, enemies, items, zones and stats of Vampire Survivors into a first-person, turn-based roguelite deckbuilder. Its signature TurboTurn combat lets you choose whether to play tactically or move quickly: cards resolve in ascending mana order, each step multiplies the next card’s effect, and wild cards can extend the chain. Runs add cards, power-ups, weapon evolutions, character cards and summoned survivors as you explore dungeon floors and their points of interest.
That mix matters when choosing what to play next. Some games below match the run-based deckbuilding; others are closer to the appeal of constructing a powerful combo. Vampire Crawlers launched April 21, 2026 on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation, according to poncle’s launch announcement. Mobile was described there as planned for later in 2026, not as confirmed availability.
Which game should you try next?
| Game | Best fit if you want | What sets it apart |
|---|---|---|
| Slay the Spire | A classic solo roguelike deckbuilder | Character-specific cards, encounters, items and procedural levels |
| Monster Train | Positioning and faction synergies | Three vertical battlefields, clan combinations and unit upgrades |
| Balatro | Escalating combos and build experiments | Poker hands, Jokers and scoring modifiers |
Slay the Spire: for the classic deckbuilding loop
Slay the Spire is the clearest pick if what you want is the familiar single-player structure of building a deck across a roguelike run. You choose from distinct characters and shape a run around their card sets, encounters, items and a procedurally generated route. Its developer’s press kit lists four core characters, 300+ implemented cards, 50+ combat encounters and 100+ items; those are Mega Crit’s published feature counts.
The Tool Desk
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- Random and unique cards to help you crawl these dungeons.
- Explore beautiful worlds and hundreds of maps in this new universe.
- Thousands of never-seen-before monsters and mind-boggling obstacles to defeat
- Level-up and equip yourself with powerful equipment to increase your stats.
The resemblance is in the deckbuilding-and-run framework, not in presentation or combat pace. The official description emphasizes cards, creatures, items and generated levels; it does not describe first-person dungeon exploration or Vampire Crawlers’ chained TurboTurn system.
Monster Train: for tactical lanes and clan combinations
Try Monster Train if you want battles where positioning is central. Its official Steam page describes three vertical battlegrounds to defend aboard a train bound for hell. You choose routes and benefits, select primary and supporting clans, upgrade a champion, recruit units, and improve or duplicate cards. The page also lists competitive multiplayer modes.
Rank #2
- Roguelike Momentum Deckbuilder: Experience a solo card game that combines roguelike progression with strategic deck-building, where every decision shapes your path to victory
- Solo or Cooperative Play: Master challenging gameplay designed for one player or team up with a friend in cooperative mode for shared strategic challenges
- Card-Crafting Progression System: Level up your abilities through innovative card crafting mechanics that increase your power while escalating the threats you face
- Three Unique Boss Encounters: Face distinct adversaries across varied worlds—city-planet Ceres II, lush forests of Virenos, and harsh Mithras wasteland—each demanding different strategies
- By Award-Winning Designer John D. Clair: From the acclaimed Solo Hero Series, crafted by a renowned board game designer known for deep mechanics and solo-focused experiences
That makes it a fit for players who enjoy combining factions and planning where units should fight. Its defining structure is defending stacked battlefields, rather than exploring a first-person dungeon and chaining cards at a player-chosen pace. The Steam listing gives a May 21, 2020 release date.
Balatro: for poker hands and combo experimentation
If the satisfying part of Vampire Crawlers is watching a build grow into a big combo, Balatro offers that appeal in a very different form. It is a poker-inspired roguelike deckbuilder: combine poker hands with Joker cards and other tools to build synergies, beat escalating blinds and advance through a run. Its official Steam page also lists challenge and seeded runs.
Rank #3
- Best-selling Unstoppable Game Engine combined with a powerhouse IP like Dungeon Crawler Carl.
- Compatible with the OG Unstoppable game!
- A roguelike, momentum deck-building game set in the world of Dungeon Crawler Carl!
- Crafting cards levels up your abilities, but also boosts the threats you face!
- The next game in the best-selling Unstoppable Series.
Here, the puzzle is about poker scoring rather than dungeon combat, weapons or enemy encounters. Choose it for experimenting with scoring engines and modifiers, not because it reproduces Vampire Crawlers’ setting or tactical frame.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose
- Choose Slay the Spire for the most straightforward match to classic solo roguelike deckbuilding.
- Choose Monster Train if you want positioning, layered battlefields and combinations between clans.
- Choose Balatro if you want to build and refine scoring combos, and are happy to trade fantasy combat for poker hands.
Each recommendation overlaps with Vampire Crawlers in run-to-run build variation, but the central decision changes: deck-and-route planning in Slay the Spire, unit placement and clan synergies in Monster Train, or scoring combinations in Balatro.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Cooperative Deck-Building: Lead teams of G.I. Joe heroes through escalating missions as you recruit veterans, requisition gear, and field powerful vehicles to defeat Cobra's threats
- Play Your Way: Enjoy solo gaming or team up with up to three friends in fully cooperative gameplay designed for one to four players ages 14 and up
- Strategic Depth with Expert Mode: Master tactical decision-making through increasingly challenging missions and unlock Expert Mode cards for veteran players seeking greater complexity
- Quality Components & Replayability: Build from a diverse roster of G.I. Joe characters and equipment across multiple playthroughs that stay fresh and engaging
- Complete Core Set Included: Everything needed to start your G.I. Joe adventure with potential for future expansions to grow your collection of heroes and missions
Rank #4
- Cooperative Gameplay: Team up with friends in this 1-4 player adventure, working together to craft unique decks and overcome challenges
- Strategic Deckbuilding: Customize your deck with over 650 cards, including 112 small cards and 26 large cards
- High-Quality Components: Enjoy the game with 4 miniatures, 4 player boards, 2 main boards, and other detailed components
- Accessible Gameplay: With a 45-minute learning time and ages 12+ recommendation, it's perfect for both beginners and experienced gamers
- Immersive Fantasy Setting: Dive into a fantasy world filled with bizarre creatures and powerful relics
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