Adj: Of a computer game sharing certain characteristics similar to the original game Rogue. Especially involving a single character in a large dungeon/tower, with a key focus on inventory management and stat-building. Generally free and open-source, with primarily ASCII graphics.

Notables: Angband, Moria, Nethack, ADOM, Omega.

PQ (Progress Quest) is a parody roguelike.

When you eat dirt for the first time and leave your family to build a shack in the woods