For more than two decades, Diablo has defined the action RPG genre. It captures the enticing thrill of dark fantasy like few series do. Demons, monsters, and angels collide as players journey through the world, engage in relentless combat, and collect endless loot. But slaying these foes in a single series can grow tiresome, even with new content and regular updates. Fortunately, the genre is thriving, and there are numerous other titles to enjoy. This growing catalog of games shares the intensity of the Diablo series and brings fresh ideas with new mechanics for every hardcore demon hunter out there.
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If you’re looking to branch out beyond Sanctuary, now is the perfect time. The action RPG space is packed with games that embrace fast-paced combat, rich customization, and dark atmospheres that made Diablo a household name. Here are five RPGs every Diablo fan should have on their radar.
5) Hades
Hades isn’t a traditional Diablo-style ARPG, but it can certainly scratch the same itch. Supergiant Games trades Sanctuary for the Greek Underworld. Zagreus, son of Hades, is the star of this roguelike dungeon-crawl, and the narrative gameplay loop will keep you hooked. It puts a stronger emphasis on dying, but each death makes steady progress.
Part of this progress is the boons granted to you by the Greek Gods. This mirrors the huge selection of loot found in Diablo and also helps build the characters. Fluid combat, numerous customization options, and a rocking soundtrack make Hades perfect for any Diablo fan. Hades II is another great option and seems to be nearing the end of the early access period.
4) Lost Ark
Those looking for a more expansive world should check out Lost Ark.. This Korean MMO incorporates ARPG features to create a unique gaming experience. Smilegate RPG has packed Lost Ark full of content and showcases it in a Diablo-style isometric view that Diablo players will love. The sheer variety of classes, flashy skills, and large-scale activities will keep you busy for quite some time.
Rather than the tight dungeons of Sanctuary, Lost Ark’s world is massive. The variety it offers includes massive continents, finely-crafted dungeons, and cooperative raids. Players can even grab a ship and go sailing if they want. Combat is fast-paced and chaotic, offering power fantasies for solo and cooperative players. The best part? It’s free-to-play, meaning you can jump in without any hindrance.
3) Grim Dawn
The atmosphere is one of the most loved aspects of Diablo, and Grim Dawn perfectly captures this with its own dark, gothic world. This indie ARPG was developed by Crate Entertainment and takes place in Cairn, a war-torn land on the brink of extinction. This is reflected in its bleak environments, grotesque monsters, and apocalyptic lore. It almost feels like a direct successor to the early Diablo games.
Grim Dawn goes beyond mood. Its dual-class system brings so much depth, as players can create hybrid characters. This customization is further expanded with the devotion system, hundreds of loot options, and a branching narrative. Crate Entertainment has continued to expand Grim Dawn since its release in 2016 with frequent updates, making it one of the deepest ARPGs in the genre.
2) Last Epoch
After a lengthy early access period, Last Epoch has quickly become one of the most promising ARPGs in gaming. Eleventh Hour Games has combined the best parts of Diablo and Path of Exile into a sleek and action-packed title. It is designed with modern ARPG fans in mind, but caters to hardcore fans as well. The developer regularly updates Last Epoch, turning it into a monolith of ARPGs.
One of the biggest factors that sets it apart is its deep character customization. Players can select specialized masteries to create unique playstyles. The crafting system is another major plus. It’s easy to use and can lead to powerful gear without frustration. Lastly, it has an interesting time-traveling narrative that lets players explore the same world through different eras. Last Epoch is a polished experience for casual play or intense grinding and is perfect for Diablo players.
1) Path of Exile 2
If there is one ARPG that can match Diablo’s legacy, it’s Path of Exile 2. Grinding Gear Games’ sequel takes the cult classic and injects staggering complexity. A passive skill tree, endless loot, and near constant seasonal updates have provided fans with so much content, and there doesn’t appear to be any signs of slowing down. The developers have made significant additions even in its early access period, and they will be massive when it launches.
A seven-act campaign and numerous classes give plenty of variety for players to enjoy. It is a major leap forward graphically, which is evident in its world design and cinematic animations. Path of Exile 2 may be the ultimate playground for players after the Diablo series. It’s streamlined, has deep build crafting, and an addictive gameplay loop containing incredible depth. It offers something for newcomers and veterans to the genre, making it great for all audiences.
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