Vellum similar games & best alternatives
Vellum
2025
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Quick resume
Write on! Defend the books in Vellum, a co-op, literary roguelike! Harness class-defining colors, master an inspired spellbook, and influence the growth of your enemy! As a group or solo, you'll craft plot-twisting builds to rewrite the rules in Ink!
Global score
91/100
Genres
Action, Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG)
Pros
- Engaging and fluid combat with diverse builds
- Strong co-op and community features
- Unique literary and ink-based fantasy theme
- Short, replayable runs with meta progression
- Frequent developer updates and responsiveness
Cons
- Some balance issues with certain builds or inks
- Visual clarity can be lacking in chaotic combat
- Limited map variety and exploration
- Performance drops in long endless runs
- Content can feel limited after extensive play
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players can freely choose their loadouts, spells, signature inks, and modifiers, allowing significant control over playstyle and run customization."
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Competence3
"The game offers skill-based combat with meaningful upgrades and challenges, though some players find certain builds or meta choices more effective."
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Competition2
"Includes leaderboards and daily runs with shared loadouts, encouraging comparison, but also supports casual and solo play without pressure."
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Continuation3
"Players report habitual play, long sessions, and engagement with meta progression and endless modes, though some note content can feel limited after extensive play."
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Cooperation4
"Strong emphasis on co-op play with shared buffs, team-wide upgrades, and synergy between players, though solo play is also supported."
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Creativity4
"High creativity in build customization, mixing spells, inks, and upgrades; players experiment with many combinations and strategies."
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Domination-3
"Interactions emphasize cooperation and shared decision-making; no strong evidence of dominance or power imposition over others."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game as a fun, immersive escape with engaging fantasy themes and satisfying gameplay loops."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."
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Experimenting4
"Players frequently try new builds, spells, and modifiers; the game encourages exploration of mechanics and creative experimentation."
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Exploration2
"Some exploration of unique levels and secrets in the hub, though maps are often arena-style and repeated; discovery is present but limited."
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Expression3
"Customization options for characters and cosmetics exist, allowing personal expression, though some cosmetics are reskins."
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Fantasy5
"Strong fantasy theme centered on ink, writing, and magical tomes; imaginative fiction is core to the experience."
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Fellowship4
"Community and social play are important; players enjoy shared experiences and collaborative achievements."
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Growth3
"Players develop skills, learn mechanics, and improve builds over time; meta progression supports personal development."
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Health-5
"Game is sedentary with no physical activity elements."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention during runs; not suitable for background or idle play."
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Intimacy2
"Some social interaction and community connection, but limited evidence of close emotional relationships."
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Leadership-2
"Players mostly participate collaboratively without strong leadership or authoritative roles."
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Progression4
"Strong meta progression with unlockable upgrades, cosmetics, and abilities; players accumulate power and items over time."
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Relaxation2
"Gameplay balances challenge and flow, but some tension and difficulty spikes exist; overall moderately relaxing."
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Sensation3
"Enjoyable visual style and satisfying combat effects provide sensory stimulation and emotional fun."
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Status1
"Some social recognition through leaderboards and achievements, but not a dominant focus."
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Story2
"Contains lore and narrative elements integrated into the world and abilities, though story is not the main focus."
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Strategy3
"Players engage in strategic choices about builds, enemy buffs, and run modifiers; planning and problem solving are rewarded."
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Thrill3
"Players enjoy suspense and challenge from escalating difficulty and boss encounters."
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Value4
"Players perceive good value for money with frequent updates, content, and replayability."
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Violence4
"Combat and destruction of enemies are central gameplay elements."
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Survival3
"Players must avoid death and manage resources to progress through increasingly difficult runs."
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Last update: 06/03/2026