Best Endless Modes In Video Games

Many games provide one-time, narrative experiences that can only be experienced once (games such as Outer Wilds, and puzzle games like Cocoon are arguably most enjoyable the first time around), while other games — such as RPGs — aim for replayability through gameplay variance.

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By  Harry Ted Sprinks

Roguelikes are particularly replayable, thanks to the abundance of random generation that's inherent to the genre, but many of them also feature optional endless modes. However, roguelikes aren't the only genre to include endless modes, with many single-player story games opting to include horde/survival modes that offer heaps of replay value without interrupting the intended experience.

7 Brotato

Arena Survival Gameplay That Suits An Endless Structure

Taking inspiration from games such as Vampire Survivors, Brotato was one of many arena survival roguelikes to release in the heyday of Vampire Survivors and 20 Minutes Till Dawn. Brotato stands out for its vast array of playable characters and lack of progression that directly influences the player's strength, as well as its high build variety.

Players can beat Brotato by surviving twenty waves of enemies in its claustrophobic arenas. However, the game also features an optional endless mode that changes the gameplay after the player beats the twentieth wave. These changes mostly affect economic boons such as the Piggy Bank and the Harvesting stat.

6 Thronefall

A Unique Mode That Adds Heaps Of Replay Value

This unique Tower Defense game features elements of real-time strategy, offering an accessible combination of economic management and strategic gameplay. Players need to micromanage their units using intuitive controls, as well as fight off enemies with their own character.

Thronefall features several well-crafted levels for players to beat, as well as a variety of weapons and perks. However, the game also features a roguelike endless mode that takes full advantage of the game's many systems, greatly adding to the replay value of the game.

5 Left 4 Dead 2

A Classic, Shoot 'Em Up Survival Mode

Left 4 Dead 2's many campaigns and Steam workshop support make for a massively replayable experience that many fans still enjoy today, over a decade later. However, the game's survival mode also adds a great deal of replay value, providing a sturdy endless mode for players to enjoy.

While Left 4 Dead 2's survival mode doesn't provide the most variety, and enjoyment of the mode does depend on the map players choose, it remains an intense experience. Despite the campaigns offering a more tailored experience, Left 4 Dead 2's endless mode provides a way for players to test their skills and knowledge of the game.

4 Call Of Duty: Black Ops

A Tense And Often Chaotic Co-Operative Mode

Beginning with Call Of Duty: World At War, the Call Of Duty franchise is known for its endless survival mode, Zombies, in which players fend off relentless hordes of undead. This mode has become almost synonymous with the Call Of Duty name, and for good reason.

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Call Of Duty: Black Ops arguably featured some of the best maps for zombies, and it polished the gameplay loop of the already great endless mode. The addictive loop of fighting zombies, purchasing new guns, and unlocking new areas of the map makes for a consistently fun — and often strategic — experience that's even better when played online with friends.

3 The Long Dark

Endless Exploration In A Cold, Harsh Environment

The Long Dark is a quiet and tranquil experience based around hardcore survival and simulation. The game features a plethora of systems that simulate the harsh, hostile environments of the wilderness — and the challenges that come with surviving out in the wilds.

The Long Dark features an episodic narrative mode that allows players to learn the game while enjoying a solid story. However, the game's endless survival mode is arguably the more definitive experience. What makes the endless mode of The Long Dark so enjoyable is its dense atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and the joy of exploring its beautifully realized world.

2 Balatro

A Brutal Limit Test For Fine-Tuned Builds

This massively popular roguelike deck-builder combines the deck-building mechanics of genre pioneers such as Slay The Spire with the accessible rules of Poker. Balatro is a highly replayable, immensely addictive experience with a well-crafted visual style and easy-to-learn gameplay. However, runs can feel rather short once players have gotten to grips with the rules. Thankfully, there's an optional endless mode that allows skilled players to really put their builds to the test.

Balatro's endless mode is unique for its aggressive scaling; even well-crafted builds aren't likely to last more than a few extra antes. This is a surprisingly refreshing experience, preventing endless runs from losing steam and becoming a drag. Furthermore, it makes each endless mode ante feel all the more satisfying to beat.

1 ULTRAKILL

A Condensed And Visceral High-Score Chaser

ULTRAKILL is built for score-chasing and skill expression, with intuitive movement controls and a variety of weapons that allow for plenty of skillful techniques. The game's story mode features several missions that give players ample opportunity to learn and perfect these skills, but ULTRAKILL's endless mode is arguably the ultimate form of skill expression in the game.

ULTRAKILL's endless mode — the Cybergrind — is simple: players are placed in a small arena with a variety of enemies. Killing all the enemies ends the wave and starts the next, giving players a new arena and a fresh group of enemies to slay.

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