RPGIs Next Up Hero worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Dungeon-crawler fans who want repeated runs against monster-filled stages
- Players who prefer co-op runs with a friend over strictly solo play
- Players interested in creating challenge dungeons for a community
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking forgiving combat or frequent recovery options; the game has no health kits and emphasizes repeated deaths.
- Players looking for a story-led adventure with a clearly described narrative arc; the focus here is dungeon runs, character progression, and challenge creation.
- Players who do not want to replay dungeons or develop characters through gear and stat progression.
Our take on Next Up Hero
Defeated heroes leave echoes that later players can revive, turning earlier deaths into as many as 20 AI followers in a subsequent run.
What is Next Up Hero?
Next Up Hero is a Gauntlet-style dungeon crawler where hand-drawn heroes battle monsters through dungeons called Ventures.
Choose a hero, play alone or with a friend, collect gear, and raise character stats. Defeated heroes leave echoes that later players can revive as AI followers, with up to 20 available. Players can also build dungeons for the community: if challengers win, they keep a rare item; if they lose, the creator gets the treasure. Dungeons can be replayed on Insane difficulty, and characters can be developed through min-maxing. In Mixer Interactive mode, spectators can control the echo group to support the hero or strengthen enemies.
How Next Up Hero plays
- 01Echo Followers
- Fallen players leave echoes that can be brought back as up to 20 AI companions.
- 02Community Dungeons
- Dungeon creators set a loot stake: challengers earn a rare item by winning, while a failed attempt leaves the treasure with its creator.
- 03Spectator Controls
- In Mixer Interactive mode, viewers can aid the hero's followers or hinder the player by boosting enemies.
- 04Co-op Play
- A friend can join a dungeon run alongside the selected hero.
Games like Next Up Hero
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Charm GamesFor:VR players who want physically active magical combatSkip if:Players seeking a low-pressure experience, since the game emphasizes relentless combat and frequent deaths
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Focus EntertainmenFor:Action-RPG players who want free exploration around a monster-filled areaSkip if:Players seeking a story-led RPG with named characters, quests, or dialogue
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Arcen GamesFor:Bullet-hell fans who want roguelite runs with randomized buildsSkip if:Players seeking a story-led adventure rather than repeated combat-focused dungeon runsPicked by overlapping fit notes and genres, not an editorial comparison.
Next Up Hero: platforms & release
Is Next Up Hero worth it?
It is worth it if: dungeon-crawler fans who want repeated runs against monster-filled stages. Skip it if: players seeking forgiving combat or frequent recovery options; the game has no health kits and emphasizes repeated deaths.
Where can I download Next Up Hero?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Next Up Hero's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Next Up Hero on?
Windows and macOS.





