Better Luck Next Run hero background

A roguelite classic turn-based JRPG built in RPG Maker MZ. Draft your party. Customize their skills, weapons, and items. Conquer the dungeon. Die trying.

About the Game

Better Luck Next Run takes the classic turn-based JRPG formula from the 16-bit era and adds roguelite elements to it. As you navigate a grid-based dungeon, choose from a variety of different rooms, each with their own shrine upgrades and elemental enemies.

Assemble your party from 50 different characters who can learn any combination of the 50 skills available in the game. Each character has their own unique weapon type, with five weapons available to them. Half of the 250 weapons have passive abilities that can completely transform a run.

The possibilities are endless and nothing is more satisfying than creating a party of tanks who can heal and nuke all the mobs. No two runs are ever the same.

  • Classic turn-based combat
  • Customize your party from over 400 options
  • 5 challenging boss encounters
  • Persistent hub with permanent unlocks
  • 50 characters, 100+ skills (including upgraded versions), 250 weapons, 50 items, 10 biomes, each with multiple combinations of upgrades
  • Steam Deck verified
Better Luck Next Run gameplay

Key Features

400+ Options

Customize your party from over 400 options: 250 weapons, 50 skills, 50 characters, and 50 items. Every run offers new combinations.

50 Unique Characters

Each character has a unique class, weapon type, stats, and playstyle. Form the party you want with a wide range of melee, caster, support, and healer choices.

10 Biomes

Each biome features unique elemental enemies and shrines. Harness the power of the shrines to make your party overpowered.

Epic Boss Battles

Face 5 challenging bosses, each demanding different strategies. Adapt your party and tactics to survive.

Meta Progression

Spend gold at the shop to permanently unlock new weapons, skills, characters, and items. More hidden meta progression awaits you.

Secrets

There are plenty of secrets to unlock. Completing your first run is just the beginning. What awaits you in the depths of the dungeon?

Screenshots

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FAQ

What platforms is the game available on?

Better Luck Next Run is available on PC (Steam) and is fully compatible with Steam Deck.

How long is a typical run?

A standard run takes roughly 30-60 minutes depending on your pace and party composition.

Is there permanent progression?

Yes! Gold can be spent at the shops during each run to permanently unlock new weapons, skills, characters, and items. Create new and more powerful synergies with every run.

How does the draft system work?

After each battle, you're presented with 3 randomized options. Pick one to add to your party. It could be a new character, a skill, a weapon, or a consumable item. Strategy comes from building synergies with what you're offered.

How many characters can I have in my party?

Your party can hold up to 4 characters. With 50 characters to draft from, the combinations are endless.

Who made this?

Better Luck Next Run is a solo developer project from the creator of FullCleared.com, Jason Siu. Development was assisted by Claude (Anthropic), but all assets in the game are from RPG Maker MZ. If you'd like to support the game, a portion of initial revenue goes toward a starving artist to create original enemy art, character and environment sprites, animations, and more. Generative AI was not used for any of the art you see, but it did assist with the code.

Will there be updates?

Yes! We have plans for post-launch content including new characters, biomes, and more. Follow us on social media and join our Discord to stay updated!

Ready to Draft Your Fate?

Better Luck Next Run is available now on Steam.

Buy on Steam