Even though the first Diablo game pretty much created the ARPG/hack and slash genre, nowadays, there are plenty of other titles that have cemented their success.
In a time when PC games were slowly becoming a staple of gaming worldwide, Blizzard came out with a title that would further embolden this move. I am of course talking about the first Diablo game. Throwing you into a fantasy medieval world that demons have corrupted, Diablo was the first ARPG ever to come out. Distancing itself from classic RPG games, Diablo offered fast and easy to get into action with a bit of RPG customization.
It became an instant classic that still gives some of us nightmares anytime we hear mention of a butcher more than 25 years later. Diablo 2 truly cemented the series as a golden standard for ARPGs. And while Blizzard somewhat blundered with Diablo 3, by the looks of it Diablo 4 is set to bring back the glory days. But now ARPGs are a dime a dozen, so let’s have a look at some of the best options out there if you’re looking for games similar to Diablo.
If you decided however to play the latest instalment of Diablo, make sure to check out our complete Diablo 4 class guide before jumping in head first.
Grim Dawn
Set in a nightmarish world filled with plenty of interesting enemies to take on, Grim Dawn has made a name for itself as one of the best ARPGs out there. Developers have been keen to add more and more content to the game, slowly turning it into quite a gem. The graphics are top notch and everything oozes style. And with excellent world-building and pacing, this is definitely one of the best games like Diablo out there.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows and Xbox One
V Rising
V Rising is an ARPG that adds a simple twist to the genre. What if you are the bad guy? You will take control of a Vampire Lord trying to return to the glory days when they ruled over simple mortals. But the land around you has changed, and dangers lurk everywhere. You will have to build your own castle, permitting you to craft better equipment as you advance through the game. In your way will be multiple bosses with special abilities and unique loot. And for people who grow bored of PvE, there is also PvP in this game, including player alliances and base raiding.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr
Fans of the Warhammer 40k universe will be excited by this title. Choose out of three classes before you start laying down the punishment on any and all enemies of the Imperium of Man. The game features an expansive skill tree with multiple abilities that look amazing due to the modern graphics. Even though it had a somewhat rocky start, developers have kept at it and the game is better than ever in its current form, the Ultimate Edition version.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
Since its release in 2020, Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem has made the rounds around the ARPG world. With an emphasis on story-driven content, Wolcen is a pretty difficult ARPG. You will be forced to play carefully as you explore this ravaged land. Fans of the game have lauded it for some unique gameplay choices, including character customization and skill trees. Sadly, even three years after launching, Wolcen still has some game-breaking bugs that are still not fixed. But the developers are still adding content to it, so maybe over time, they will be able to fix those issues as well.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Torchlight 2
Even though there are multiple games in this series, Torchlight 2 is still considered the best. You have your choice of four classes, each with its unique playstyle and abilities. Torchlight 2 features three “acts” with plenty of randomly generated areas to explore. There are a ton of different enemies and bosses will keep you on your toes, since this is a pretty difficult game. Torchlight 2 also features multiplayer, allowing you to explore it’s vast world with a party of up to four.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Last Epoch
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Last Epoch launched into Early Access in 2019. Since then, developers have been busy adding new and varied content to the game. With no set starting class, Last Epoch offers 15 mastery classes that can be fully customized. There are a ton of skill trees to choose from, offering plenty of freedom in how you want your character to turn out. Alongside this is the standard fare of legendary loot to look for, as well as a complex crafting system that will allow you to create your own gear.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS
Lost Ark
Adding some MMO ingredients to the ARPG genre, Lost Ark is a very successful game that came out in 2022. With multiple classes to choose from, you will have to face the dangers of Arkesia on your path to glory. A forgotten force of chaos has ravaged the world, and it will be up to you to set things right. Alongside the standard PvE fare, Lost Ark also offers some very in-depth PvP options as well. Just be sure to put your grinding hat on since you will have to explore a lot of content in this game.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Path of Exile
Launched way back in 2013, Path of Exile has slowly but surely become one of the best ARPG experiences out there. With multiple classes to choose from and an intimidating skill tree to say the least, Path of Exile offers one of the most complex experiences in the gaming world. With countless systems at play, you will need to put on your reading classes if you want to understand how everything works fully. But that’s exactly what keeps players coming back. The fact that possibilities for a character build are practically endless ensures you will never grow bored of their unique formula.
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS
The ARPG genre is constantly getting newer titles every year, despite the fact that most are pretty basic clones of the base formula. But every so often we get a title like the ones on this list. Games that try to bring something new to the table, whether it’s a more interesting story or complex gameplay systems. So if you’re a hardcore ARPG fan, you will surely find something to pique your interest on this list.
