If you’re a fan of hack-and-slash RPGs, then Diablo 4 is probably on your radar. Luckily, there are plenty of other great games out there that offer a similar experience to Diablo 4. Whether you’re a PC or console gamer, we’ve rounded up the top 5 games that will scratch that dungeon-crawling itch.
From the dark and gritty world of Path of Exile to the fast-paced action of Torchlight 2, these games are sure to keep you hooked for hours on end. So grab your weapons, stock up on potions, and get ready to dive into some of the best hack and slash RPGs out there.
1. Path of Exile
Path of Exile is a free-to-play action RPG developed by Grinding Gear Games. Released in 2013, this game has received multiple expansions over the years, with its most recent expansion, Echoes of the Atlas, arriving in January 2021. Path of Exile is set in the dark and gritty world of Wraeclast, a continent filled with ancient ruins, cursed creatures, and forgotten secrets.
One of the standout features of Path of Exile is its character customization. With seven different classes to choose from, each with its unique set of abilities and playstyles, players can create a character that suits their preferences. The game’s massive passive skill tree offers over 1,300 nodes for players to allocate points into, allowing limitless character builds and customization options.
Similar to Diablo 4, Path of Exile is a loot-driven game. The game’s economy is based on bartering, with players trading items and crafting materials instead of using a traditional currency system.
This adds a unique layer to the game, encouraging players to explore the world and engage with others to obtain the best gear. The game’s endgame content, known as maps, provides an endless supply of randomized dungeons for players to conquer, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover in Path of Exile.
2. Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is a hack-and-slash action RPG developed by Crate Entertainment. Released in 2016, the game takes place in Cairn’s dark and dangerous world, a post-apocalyptic landscape where humanity is on the brink of extinction. Players must navigate this treacherous environment, battling their way through hordes of demonic creatures and uncovering the truth behind the cataclysmic events that have befallen the world.
Grim Dawn features a dual-class system, allowing players to combine any two of the game’s nine masteries to create a unique character build. Each mastery offers its own set of skills and abilities, giving players plenty of options when it comes to customizing their character. The game also includes a robust crafting system, enabling players to create powerful weapons, armor, and accessories to aid them in their battles against the forces of darkness.
Grim Dawn is driven by its loot system. The game features a vast array of unique items and set pieces to collect, each with its special abilities and attributes. The game’s endgame content, known as the Shattered Realm, also offers players randomly generated dungeons to explore, providing a near-endless supply of challenges and loot. With its dark and atmospheric world, deep character customization, and addictive gameplay, Grim Dawn is an excellent choice for fans of Diablo 4.
3. Torchlight II
Torchlight II is an action RPG developed by Runic Games. Released in 2012, this sequel to the original Torchlight game expands upon its predecessor’s gameplay, offering a larger world to explore, new classes to play, and a wealth of new challenges to overcome. The game is set in a vibrant and colorful world filled with unique environments, creatures, and lore.
Character customization is an essential aspect of Torchlight II, with players able to choose from four distinct classes, each with its own set of abilities and skill trees. The game also features a pet system, allowing players to choose a loyal companion to accompany them on their journey. These pets can be equipped with gear, perform tasks such as selling items, and even learn combat abilities to assist the player in battle.
Loot is a key focus in Torchlight II, with the game offering various weapons, armor, and accessories to collect. The game’s loot system is randomized, ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique set of items for players to discover. Torchlight II also features a New Game Plus mode, allowing players to carry over their character and items into a new, more challenging playthrough, adding a layer of replayability to the game. With its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant visuals, and engaging loot system, Torchlight II is a fantastic alternative to Diablo 4.
4. Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is an action RPG developed by Wolcen Studio. Released in 2020, the game is set in a dark and corrupted world, where players must battle through hordes of demonic creatures and uncover the truth behind the fall of Heimlock. Wolcen features stunning visuals, thanks to its use of the CryEngine, making it one of the most visually impressive games in the genre.
Wolcen’s character customization is one of its biggest selling points. The game features a unique classless system, allowing players to create their custom build by investing points into the game’s Gate of Fates, a massive passive skill tree reminiscent of Path of Exile. The game’s active skill system lets players modify their abilities using modifiers, giving them even more options for creating a unique character build.
Like Diablo 4, Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is a loot-driven game. Players will find various weapons, armor, and accessories, each with unique abilities and attributes. The game also features a crafting system, enabling players to modify their gear to suit their playstyle better. Wolcen’s endgame content, known as the Champion of Stormfall mode, offers players randomly generated dungeons to explore and conquer, providing a challenging and rewarding experience with plenty of replayability.
5. Titan Quest
Titan Quest is an action RPG developed by Iron Lore Entertainment. Originally released in 2006, the game has seen multiple expansions and a remastered edition over the years, with its most recent expansion, Atlantis, arriving in 2019. Set in the ancient world, Titan Quest challenges players to battle mythological creatures and legendary heroes to uncover the truth behind the Titans’ return.
Titan Quest offers players a unique character customization system, with the ability to choose from nine different masteries, each with its skills and abilities. By combining any two masteries, players can create a unique character class, offering many options when creating a build. The game also features a vast array of items to collect, ensuring that players have plenty of choices regarding gearing up their character.
The game features a diverse selection of weapons, armor, and accessories, each with its own unique abilities and attributes. The game’s endgame content, known as the Legendary mode, provides players with increased difficulty and more powerful loot, ensuring that the challenges and rewards continue long after the main story has been completed. With its blend of mythological lore, engaging gameplay, and deep character customization, Titan Quest is a classic action RPG that fans of Diablo 4 will enjoy.
Conclusion
While Diablo 4’s release date remains uncertain, fans of the hack and slash RPG genre can find plenty of enjoyment in the games listed above. Each game offers its unique experience, with deep character customization, engaging loot-driven gameplay, and challenging endgame content.
Whether you prefer the dark and gritty world of Path of Exile, the fast-paced action of Torchlight II, or the mythological setting of Titan Quest, these games are sure to keep you hooked for hours on end. So grab your weapons, stock up on potions, and get ready to dive into some of the best hack and slash RPGs out there.
