10 Most Replayable Action RPGs Like Diablo IV

The Diablo series set the standard for what an action role-playing game should and could be. Plenty of video games have borrowed elements from this legendary series, with similarities seen in popular titles like Baldur's Gate and lesser-known ones like Grim Dawn. The genre has grown rapidly since the original Diablo, with ARPGs being developed regularly.

At their core, action RPGs offer players control over their character's actions and choices, providing a high level of freedom and, in turn, replayability. Whether it's through new gameplay decisions, different character builds, or even various character races, ARPGs keep players coming back for more.

10 V Rising is a Vampiric Top-Down Adventure to Acquire Blood and Build Power

A Diablo-esque Game Where Gamers Can Play As A Monster

In V Rising, players assume the role of a newly awakened child of the night, or put simply, a vampire. Itcombines the top-down gameplay typical of this genre with added survival elements thrown in for good measure. The survival mechanics are similar to those found in games like Valheim. Each night, the vampire heads out to quench their thirst for blood, gaining new powers and abilities to reach maximum potential. These abilities unlock new areas where rare materials can be gathered to enhance the vampire's home castle.

V Rising's chaotic gameplay, viewed from a top-down angle and set within a gothic framework, is highly reminiscent of Diablo, making it a perfect spiritual successor in this genre. Impressively, much of this was achieved while the game was still in early access. V Rising entered early access in 2022 and was fully released in May 2024.

9 Last Epoch Puts an Interesting Time Travel Spin on the Genre

An Action RPG With an Immense Level of Freedom and Customization

Last Epoch introduces players to a world of gods and empires, all facing a doomed future unless the Void entities scattered throughout the past are stopped. It's a truly underrated game with a compelling story concept, where protagonists battle an immortal, ever-consuming, and ever-corrupting darkness, all from a top-down perspective.

Last Epoch offers a fantastic variety of classes and subclasses. Players begin by choosing a base class—sentinel, acolyte, rogue, mage, or primalist—and can then advance into specialized subclasses tailored to their preferred playstyle. There are three subclasses for every base class, so players have plenty of variety. Each subclass also provides unique abilities and stat boosts. There are around 130 skill points available throughout the game, both as mission rewards and passively, allowing for deep character customization.

8 The Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance Series Offers a Diablo-Style Adventure in DnD

Yes, This Franchise of Games Existed Before Baldur's Gate 3

Predominantly set in the Forgotten Realms campaign of Dungeons & Dragons, the Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance series leans more towards a top-down hack-and-slash style, similar to Diablo IV. In contrast, Baldur's Gate 3 follows a more traditional RPG format, resembling games like Dragon Age.

What truly sets this group of video games apart from other similar action RPGs is the integration and inclusion of the Dungeons & Dragons story and world. DnD has been easily the most influential and popular table-top RPG of all time, and as there are four games in this series with rumors of more, it is easy to see why.

7 Diablo Still Stands Up and Shows Why It's the Original ARPG

Go Back to Where the Journey Began in the Original Gothic Tale of the Diablo Series

Including Diablo might seem like a cheat, but the series has come a long way since its inception. Diablo IV is worlds apart from the humble beginnings seen in this early edition. The original Diablo was much darker and slower than Diablo IV and was also more rooted in traditional RPG elements.

Diablo allowed players to choose between three classes: warrior, rogue, and sorcerer. Each class had unique skills that grew in power alongside the character. It can be argued that Diablo kick-started an entire genre, combining the best aspects of role-playing games and action titles to create the ARPG. For newer players who have only experienced Diablo IV, revisiting this pioneering and pivotal game could be the next step for a similar, yet classic, experience.

6 The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing Is an Otherworldly Title

This Game Brings Classic Features From The 1990s to Modern Day

The action RPG genre experienced a renaissance around 2014 and 2015, driven by the success of Diablo III and Path of Exile. During this time, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing was also released, though it unfortunately flew under the radar. The game follows the son of the famous monster hunter Van Helsing in a steampunk world, accompanied by his ghostly companion, the Lady Katarina.

Although it incorporates elements of classic RPGs, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing offers a fresh and unique twist on the legendary ARPG genre. This gothic hack-and-slash compensates for its simplicity with a captivating setting and undeniable charm.

5 Grim Dawn Offers Huge Customization for Characters

This Game is a Fine Addition to the History of The ARPG Genre

Grim Dawn features a wide range of influences and elements, but its primary focus is on its ARPG mechanics. The game offers nine distinct classes, each with unique skill sets that allow for extensive character customization. These classes, including Soldier, Occultist, Arcanist, and Nightblade, have their own strengths and weaknesses and give players a variety of options. With a total of 248 skill points available, players have even more opportunities to fine-tune their characters.

What sets Grim Dawn apart is its emphasis on "masteries," which are the class paths players can specialize in. The masteries system allows players to combine classes and create a distinct archetype. Through research and experimentation, players can discover the best playstyle for any scenario.

4 Torchlight 2 Looks Generic But Has Plenty of Uniqueness

A Phenomenal Game For The Small Price Of $20

The amount of content available in Torchlight 2 for such a low price is truly impressive, even before considering the vast amount of mods that have been created and made available for players. The game also features online multiplayer, as well as the old-school option of offline LAN co-op.

Although Torchlight 2 may seem like a bog-standard, generic top-down ARPG on paper, its visual style sets it apart. The art style is highly reminiscent of the iconic look of World of Warcraft, giving the game a unique and vibrant atmosphere that enhances the player's journey through its world.

3 Path of Exile is One of the Few Examples of Successful Live-Service

This Game has Built a World of Challenge and Intrigue

Path of Exile is a great example of how good a live-service model can be. Since its release over a decade ago, the game has evolved significantly, becoming much larger and more complex than its original version. Often described by players as a "more hardcore Diablo," the game is set in the beautiful yet brutal world of Wraeclast, a fantastic and original location for players to explore.

The dozens of major content updates since its launch have created a consistent, ever-growing world in Path of Exile, filled with countless challenges. However, this vast amount of content means that new players must be prepared for a learning curve when diving into the game.

2 Vikings: Wolves of Midgard is a Heavily Under-rated Game

Fans of Both Norse Mythology and Action RPGs Will Love This

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard offers everything gamers need in a highly immersive, combat-focused experience. With intense action, a beautiful art style, powerful sound effects, and a variety of classes, the game is set in the ever fascinating world of Norse Mythology, adding an extra layer of depth to both the gameplay and story. Each class in the game is based on a Norse god, giving players the chance to embody different divine powers.

Each god has a unique playstyle: Thor wields two-handed weapons, Tyr uses with one-handed weapons, Loki dual-wields, Skathi specializes in ranged combat with a bow, and Odin uses his staff. Fans of action RPGs can dive in with ease, while newcomers will find Vikings: Wolves of Midgard an accessible and enjoyable starting point. This top-down fighting game pits a Viking clan against the Ice Giants of Jotunheim and other fearsome beasts of the Norse apocalypse—Ragnarok.

1 Hades is One of the Best Games the Nintendo Switch has to Offer

There Are Numerous Reasons Why This Game Won so Many Awards in 2020

Hades was released to widespread critical acclaim, winning several awards, including three Game of the Year honors, and making history as the first video game to win a Hugo Award. Instead of offering various characters and classes, the game has players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the underworld. Players can customize Zagreus using weapons and 77 skill points to tailor him to their preferred playstyle.

Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler with action RPG elements. In the game, Zagreus navigates through isometric-style dungeons, acquiring upgrades called "Boons" from various gods. Each god offers different types of Boons—Zeus, for instance, grants Boons that add chain lightning to abilities, while Artemis provides Boons that grant critical hits. In a Souls-like twist, players have the opportunity to recover lost Boons after Zagreus is defeated, making each run through the underworld a chance for progression.

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