angband
TLDR
Start a new game
SYNOPSIS
angband [-u user] [-g] [-w] [-v]
DESCRIPTION
Angband is a classic single-player roguelike dungeon exploration game. The player creates a character and descends through 100 levels of a dungeon to ultimately defeat Morgoth, the Lord of Darkness. The game features permadeath, procedurally generated levels, and turn-based gameplay.
Characters are created from multiple races (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Hobbit, etc.) and classes (Warrior, Mage, Priest, Rogue, etc.), each with different abilities and playstyles. Combat, magic, and equipment management are central mechanics, with rare artifacts providing powerful bonuses.
The game runs in a terminal using ASCII characters to represent the dungeon, monsters, and items, though graphical tilesets are available. Each session saves automatically, and death is permanent by default, deleting the savefile.
PARAMETERS
-u user
Use a specific user name for the savefile.-g
Enable graphical tile display (if supported).-w
Start in wizard mode for debugging and testing.-v
Display version information and exit.-d path
Set the path for data files.-s path
Set the path for save files.
GAMEPLAY BASICS
Movement: Use number pad or hjklyubn keys
Commands: i inventory, e equipment, m magic, g get item, d drop, R rest
Stairs: > descend, < ascend
Target: *** to target, t** to fire
Save and quit: Ctrl-X
CAVEATS
Permadeath means losing hours of progress to a single mistake. The learning curve is steep with many keyboard commands to memorize. Save scumming is possible but defeats the intended experience. Some terminal emulators may have issues with the display or key bindings.
HISTORY
Angband originated as a variant of Moria (1983), which itself was inspired by Rogue (1980). The name comes from Tolkien's fortress of Morgoth. Development began in 1990 by students at the University of Warwick. It became one of the most influential roguelikes, spawning numerous variants including ZAngband, ToME, and Sil. The game remains actively maintained by the community.
