By Anthony Yates
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Path of Exile 2 is the latest and greatest ARPG from the geniuses at Grinding Gear Games. POE 2 has big shoes to fill, thanks to the high quality of its predecessor, but there's no reason to assume it won't rise to the occasion.
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That said, POE 2 is pretty complicated, and we will undoubtedly see many balance changes in the near future. If you want to get your ARPG fix in other titles, here's a top-tier selection to spend your time on.
10 Diablo IV
Can You Withstand The Forces Of Hell?

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:88/100 Critics Recommend:93%
- Franchise
- Diablo
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5
- Released
- June 6, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Publisher(s)
- Blizzard
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- ESRB
- m
- How Long To Beat
- 27 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 84 GB (May 2024)
- Metascore
- 88
- Platforms That Support Crossplay
- PC, PS4,PS5, Xbox One &Xbox Series X|S
- Split Screen Orientation
- N/A (Shared Screen)
- Number of Players
- 1-2
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Yes, Diablo 4 is playable on the Steam Deck
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-2 Players
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
- Cross Save
- Yes, Diablo 4 doe support cross-save
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S
Diablo IV is a high-budget ARPG with a diverse class selection and dozens of viable builds, and it's accessible to boot.
The sequel to Diablo 3 had a rocky start but has dramatically improved over several seasons. Diablo IV introduces players to the bleak world of Sanctuary as you attempt to track down Lilith, the daughter of Hatred.
The gameplay is notably more basic than anything in Path of Exile 2, but that's not always a bad thing.
Newcomers won't feel overwhelmed, but there's still room to min-max during the late game, and the never-ending quest for the best loot is deliciously addictive.
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As you'd expect from a Blizzard title, the cinematics are mind-blowing, and I'd even recommend a single playthrough just to see them in action.
9 Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
Baby's First ARPG

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:64/100 Critics Recommend:44%
- Franchise
- Baldur's Gate
- Platform(s)
- PS2 , GameCube , Xbox (Original) , Nintendo Game Boy Advance , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- December 2, 2001
- Developer(s)
- Snowblind Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Interplay , Black Isle Studios
- Engine
- Snowblind engine
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 12 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance is a fantastic ARPG from the PS2 era that's fast-paced and doesn't overstay its welcome.
The title earns a place on the list because I don't think I'd appreciate the genre as much had I not played it. Dark Alliance has a simple plot and modest skill trees; every mechanic is accessible and intuitive.
If you've ever been overwhelmed by the genre, this is a superb place to start, and you're thrown right into the action from the get-go.
There's no real endgame besides an additional playthrough, so you can take your time soldiering through the game's five acts.
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You'll hear many defenders of other RPGs tell you that "you must spend X hours before the real game begins." If that sentiment bores you as it does me, you'll know if you enjoy Dark Alliance within about 30 minutes.
8 Champions of Norrath
A Retro Hack And Slash

Champions of Norrath is a combat-centric RPG that shares many features found in Baldurs Gate: Dark Alliance.
The most significant difference between the two titles is Champions of Norrath is set in the EverQuest universe. Five playable classes fill typical ARPG tropes, like the Elven Ranger or Barbarian.
As a console ARPG, the title is light on mechanics but is accessible for newcomers and retains that wonderful addictive gameplay loop where you're always hunting for better gear.
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The only problem with Champions of Norrath is, unlike Dark Alliance, which came out on multiple platforms, you can only play it on the PlayStation 2. Regardless, it's absolutely worth playing if you get the opportunity.
7 The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut
A Creative Take On The Genre

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:70/100 Critics Recommend:50%
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , Xbox One
- Released
- May 22, 2013
- Developer(s)
- NeocoreGames
- Publisher(s)
- NeocoreGames
- Engine
- t
- How Long To Beat
- 13 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut is arguably the best game in the series, with six playable classes and a stylish steampunk aesthetic.
While the title plays a lot of things safe, it does bring a few new ideas to the table, and they are well-executed.
For example, several scenarios play similarly to a tower defense mode, which works great in an ARPG setting.
The title doesn't boast the same complexity as Path of Exile, but it's a solid title nonetheless. There are several 'episodes' for the Van Helsing games, but Final Cut neatly puts them together with a few subtle gameplay enhancements.
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It's also worth noting that Van Helsing is now strictly an offline single-player game. It used to have online functionality, but don't purchase the title if you're after online co-op.
6 Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
A Wonderful Warhammer ARPG

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:66/100 Critics Recommend:24%
- Franchise
- Warhammer 40K
- Platform(s)
- PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One
- Released
- May 8, 2018
- Developer(s)
- NeocoreGames
- Publisher(s)
- NeocoreGames
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op , Online Co-Op , Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- CoreTech3
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 25 Hours
- Number of Players
- 1-2 (Local); 1-4 (Online)
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr may have a goofy name, but it's a terrific ARPG and proves the legendary IP has legs in the genre.
The title boasts five classes, each with a unique playstyle. For example, if you want the speedy rogue archetype, look no further than the Assassin.
It's a real treat to see items and gear from the IP translated into an ARPG, including many of the guns.
Plasma Cannons, Bolt Pistols, they are all here, and the systems offer enough complexity to keep you occupied over the campaign.
On that note, the difficulty can be tuned to suit your preferences, and the game is downright punishing on those higher settings.
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Naturally, Warhammer fans will love seeing the franchise in ARPG form and will enjoy every part of the story. Even if you're not into the tabletop game, there's plenty to appreciate here.
5 Last Epoch
The Jack Of All Trades

Action RPG
OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:81/100 Critics Recommend:77%
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Released
- February 21, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Eleventh Hour Games
- Developer
- Eleventh Hour Games (Video Game Company)
- Publisher(s)
- Eleventh Hour Games
- Publisher
- Eleventh Hour Games (Video Game Company)
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- Unity
- ESRB
- t
- How Long To Beat
- 18 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
ARPG fans are split down the middle when it comes to the 'best' difficulty. You have players who relish the complexity of games like Path of Exile 2, while others prefer the simplicity of Diablo IV. But what do you do if you want something in the middle?
Last Epoch fits that bill perfectly, offering a step up in complexity from titles like Diablo IV without drowning players in complex mechanics like POE. The game did have a rocky launch, but it's in a much better state now, boasting five classes, each with three unique 'Masteries.'
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The loot grind offers a great incentive to keep playing, and while newcomers may feel overwhelmed, to begin with, Last Epoch does a great job of explaining its mechanics.
The developers have also proven they are reciprocal to feedback, and the title fills a comfortable niche.
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4 Torchlight 2
The Best In The Series

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:83/100 Critics Recommend:93%
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
- Released
- September 20, 2012
- Developer(s)
- Runic Games
- Publisher(s)
- Runic Games
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Engine
- OGRE
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Violence
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
The Torchlight games are all remarkable ARPGs, but many would argue the series peaked with Torchlight 2.
Torchlight 2 has an instantly recognizable art style that almost looks cartoonish. Don't let those cutesy visuals fool you because Torchlight 2 is a deceptively deep ARPG with rich skill trees and plenty of ways to craft your builds.
There's a wealth of content, with difficulty options to suit everybody, from absolute beginners to grizzled veterans.
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Oh, and you can take companions along with you, including an adorable alpaca and even a panda! The sequel never reached the same lofty highs as Torchlight 2, so it remains the best of the bunch.
3 Titan Quest: Anniversary Edition
A Well-Deserved Makeover

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:64/100 Critics Recommend:8%
- Platform(s)
- Android , iOS , PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
- Released
- June 26, 2006
- Developer
- Iron Lore Entertainment, Demiurge Studios
- Publisher(s)
- THQ
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer , Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- PathEngine
- ESRB
- T For Teen
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
Titan Quest: Anniversary Edition is an impressive remaster that spruces up the original with enhancements that don't alter the classic gameplay.
Titan Quest has a unique aesthetic set in fantasy versions of real-life locations like Egypt and Ancient Greece. Compared to its contemporaries, Titan Quest boasts a whopping 36 classes based on Masteries you'll pick at the start of the game.
Everything you expect in an ARPG is here, including mountains of loot just waiting to be taken.
The title is pretty light on mechanics, and the lower complexity makes it a great option if you're struggling with games like Path of Exile. That said, you can make life quite difficult if you just slam skill points down without thinking.
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2 Diablo 2: Resurrected
ARPG Royalty Gets A Makeover

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:80/100 Critics Recommend:78%
- Franchise
- Diablo
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- September 23, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard Entertainment , Vicarious Visions
- Publisher(s)
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- How Long To Beat
- 22 Hours
- Metascore
- 81
- Number of Players
- 1-8
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Diablo 2 is one of the most influential ARPGs in existence and was released over two decades ago, in June 2000.
While any fan would recommend it, there's no denying that newcomers may find it clunky and unintuitive without any of the modern mechanics found in newer titles. That's where Diablo 2: Resurrected comes in.
Resurrected adds a slew of new features without compromising the rawness that makes Diablo 2 so captivating. For example, mechanics like 'automatic item pickup' have been added, so you don't have to mindlessly click on everything you see.
Graphics have also been reworked, but like the Halo: Master Chief Collection, you can swap between the old and new graphics styles with a single keystroke.
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Diablo 2 gameplay is arguably a little dated, but that's the appeal, and if you go in with an open mind, you may fall in love with this timeless masterpiece. The grind for great armor is just as addictive now as it was 20+ years ago.
1 Grim Dawn
A Classic ARPG

OpenCritic Reviews- Top Critic Rating:82/100 Critics Recommend:82%
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox One
- Released
- February 25, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Crate Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Crate Entertainment
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- ron Lore engine
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Language
- Metascore
- 86
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Grim Dawn is a beloved ARPG with a fantastically deep class system that allows you to combine two classes to make something completely different.
Grim Dawn may be almost a decade old, but the developers at Crate Entertainment have made the most of that time. At the time of writing, Grim Dawn is a juggernaut with three brilliant expansions.
Gameplay is simple on the surface, but you'll be min-maxing and hunting for god rolls before you know it. The game throws hordes of enemies at you right from the start, so you'll be satisfied by the combat, even if the story doesn't grab you.
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On that note, combat is Grim Dawn's specialty, thanks to the dual-class system. You can pick two classes which will combine into something new. For example, you can choose the Demolitionist and Soldier classes to become a Commando.
The class system is enough for me to recommend the title, and it's so well executed that the game practically demands multiple playthroughs. Grim Dawn isn't a live service, but it has a wealth of content with which to compete.
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