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Diablo 4 keeps dungeon-crawler fans hooked with seasonal updates and fresh loot to grab long after you take down Lilith in its campaign. But Activision Blizzard’s ARPG isn’t the only one in town. In fact, some of its rivals do things better and don’t cost a dime. If you want more villains to counter like Lilith and new builds to master, here are seven games that pair satisfying progression systems with unique storylines.
Similar games to Diablo 4 are:
- Hades 2
- V Rising
- Path of Exile
- Torchlight 2
- Warhammer: Chaosbane
- Grim Dawn
- Ghostlore
While Hades 2 is a roguelike action title, it features a similar grind to Diablo 4 that lets you work towards better gear with upgrades and resources. It’s also one of the best hack-and-slash titles in recent memory, despite it being an Early Access title. The game also features a unique story with deities from Greek mythology, packed with witty writing and memorable moments. Consider hopping into Melinoe’s tale if you want some tight combat and the freedom to experiment with randomized god powers.
V Rising
- Release Date: May 8, 2024
- Platform(s): PC
- Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Massively Multiplayer
Would you recommend this game?
V Rising combines action RPG combat with unique survival elements. For starters, you need to build a base to craft weapons and structures in the daytime. That’s because you’re a freshly turned vampire. When night comes, you get to hunt as you please, taking on peasants and other foes in the hopes of acquiring better gear and loot. It’s got skill trees to work on and experience points to grab, enabling Diablo-grade build options. In addition to vampiric powers, you also gain buffs based on what enemy you feed on. It can be played with friends as well, making it one of the best Diablo rivals out there.
Path of Exile and its upcoming sequel are solid alternatives to Diablo 4 despite being free-to-play. While cosmetic items can require real money, you won’t gain gameplay benefits by spending cash. This keeps the playing field even through the game’s many expansions. With an assortment of builds to master and skill trees to develop, there’s a lot to look forward to in the ARPG. It has a relatively strong story as well, letting you make meaningful progress as you take down all sorts of threats.
Don’t let Torchlight 2’s colorful visuals trick you. There’s an in-depth ARPG here from Diablo veterans and the creator of FATE, another solid action RPG. There are plenty of smart flourishes here, from being able to sell loot via your pet or taking part in a neat fishing minigame. It’s more approachable than Diablo’s setting and offers a variety of playstyles to pick from. There’s plenty of legendary gear to work towards as well. And with a lively community, you can find friends to take down even more powerful enemies together.
Warhammer fans who are into Diablo-like hack-and-slash combat should definitely try Chaosbane. While its items might not be as distinct as Activision Blizzard’s uniques, the game features solid boss battles and neatly interwoven progression systems. Five Warhammer classes let you experiment with a variety of abilities, each with its own strengths and drawbacks. You won’t stumble into loot from other classes, tidying up the loot grind that’s common in ARPGs. With 180 abilities split across these classes, there’s never a dull moment as you work your way through its skill tree. The campaign isn’t mind-blowing but neither was Diablo 4’s. It’s all about maintaining a satisfying core upgrade loop for the best gear. And in that aspect, Warhammer: Chaosbane delivers in spades.
Grim Dawn is an excellent choice if you want an apocalyptic wasteland to wander through and a variety of enemies to take down. While the game does feature classes, it lets you multi-class and combine abilities to build your character the way you want. Item skills expand your build even further, making it a must-play for players who obsess over the ideal loadout. Grim Dawn offers a good story as well, jam-packed with lore and interesting characters to learn about. It’s well worth checking out after your time in Diablo 4’s Sanctuary.
Ghostlore
- Release Date: 18 May 2023
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X
- Genre(s): Action RPG
Would you recommend this game?
Ghostlore emerged as a surprise indie hit that injects Southeast Asian myths into pixelated ARPG combat. While the visuals aren’t breathtaking, the gameplay is top-notch, complete with engaging boss fights set across Asian environments. Unique classes let you pick from turning into a weretiger to raising enemy minions. A Tetris-esque system for optimizing your affixes adds even more depth to the tradition of levelling up. The enemy variety is brilliant too. I’m talking ‘floating head with its guts trailing and a ghost in a white gown living in a cursed banana tree’ levels of brilliant. It’s definitely worth trying out as a Diablo 4 fan.
