Over the past 15 years, Blizzard’s Diablo franchise has navigated various peaks and valleys, yet it remains the quintessential action RPG series within its niche. The triumph of 1997’s Diablo and its 2000 successor, Diablo 2, set the standard for isometric dungeon-crawlers, marvelously enduring the test of time, provided players approach them with tempered expectations due to their age. Their success has inspired a myriad of developers to attempt their own renditions of action RPGs reminiscent of Diablo, with varying levels of achievement.
For newcomers, 2021’s Diablo 2: Resurrected is a well-crafted entry point, allowing players to experience the nostalgia of the original while enjoying updated graphics. Alternatively, the latest installment, Diablo 4, has shaped itself as an appealing option, albeit not without its share of criticism in the early stages. Fortunately, the Loot Reborn update has revitalized the experience, paving the way for the anticipated Vessel of Hatred expansion.
With a plethora of main titles and spin-offs such as Diablo Immortal, the franchise is rich in content. Yet, sometimes players crave a shift in gameplay. This article will spotlight some of the best games akin to Diablo, providing alternative options for fans.
Updated on December 28, 2024 by Mark Sammut: A significant action RPG entered early access in December 2024. While it’s technically not fully released, eager players willing to invest early can dive into one of the year’s standout titles. Interested readers can click below to learn more.
33 Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning
Stylish Hack-and-Slash RPG with Accessible Combat & Vibrant Setting
While earlier entries in the Diablo series presented a steep learning curve, later titles like Diablo 3 and 4 intentionally lowered the entry barriers, delivering action-packed gameplay that allows players to dominate foes with ease. These games maintain a thrilling power fantasy despite some difficulty spikes along the way, which often dissipate during the loot grind. Players seeking enjoyable yet manageable challenges will likely find much to appreciate.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning echoes this sentiment, albeit through a 3D lens. Released in 2012, Big Huge Games crafted an action RPG with one of the finest combat systems seen in Western RPGs, employing a hack-and-slash structure reminiscent of titles like God of War. Though it shows its age, the game still captivates, featuring diverse weapon options and gratifying combo mechanics.
The game’s colorful fantasy world draws parallels with Diablo 3’s aesthetics. While its narrative may not be groundbreaking, the open-world design is splendid and rich in detail. Newcomers should aim for the 2020 release, Re-Reckoning, to get the best experience.
32 Elden Ring
Expansive World, Rich Lore & Diverse Build Options
Although it may initially seem like a stretch, Elden Ring provides a strikingly different experience compared to Diablo. Featuring Soulslike combat that is slower than the frenetic pace found in Diablo 3 and 4, Elden Ring retains some resemblance to earlier installments in the franchise.
The game is brimming with optional content but lacks a definitive endgame designed for continuous play. After vanquishing the final boss, players typically embark on New Game Plus. While loot plays a significant role in gameplay, the focus leans more towards upgrading and mastering a limited selection of weapons rather than a constant rotation of new gear.
Despite the contrasting core mechanics, fans of Diablo may find enjoyment in Elden Ring’s intricately crafted dark fantasy universe, teeming with lore. Customization options are extensive, permitting a wide variety of build types. While NG+ doesn’t mirror Diablo’s endgame, it presents a backdrop for tackling previously vanquished foes at elevated difficulty.
31 Monster Hunter Rise
Grinding for Crafting Materials
It’s crucial to clarify that Monster Hunter and Diablo diverge significantly in various aspects of gameplay, from settings to combat mechanics. If you’re searching for a conventional action RPG experience that captures Diablo’s rhythm, Capcom’s franchise may fall short. Even in its most accessible iteration, Monster Hunter Rise presents a comparatively slower, more methodical combat system.
That said, Monster Hunter’s philosophy on endgame progression resonates with Diablo’s ethos. Both franchises revolve around engaging players in a relentless cycle of farming (dungeons for Diablo, hunts for Monster Hunter) for superior gear and resources. Players must adapt their tactics and equipment based on the creatures they hunt, presenting a different but equally rewarding challenge compared to Diablo’s framework.
30 Remnant 2
Soulslike Co-Op Shooter with Procedurally Generated Worlds
Remnant 2 successfully builds upon its predecessor by carving a unique niche as a Soulslike that emphasizes ranged combat over melee. Its implementation of procedural generation boosts replayability, ensuring that explorations through dungeons present varied encounters and layouts.
Although the loot systems diverge—Remnant 2 favors rings and relics while most weapons are purchasable—combat remains a highlight, focused on crowd management and fast-paced action. Like Diablo, it supports online co-op gameplay and encourages players to craft diverse builds as they unlock distinct Archetypes (character classes).
29 Minecraft Dungeons
Accessible Dungeon Crawler for Newcomers
Minecraft Dungeons serves as a kid-friendly alternative to Diablo, functioning as a simplified hack-and-slash experience. The game strips away many traditional action RPG mechanics, including class systems, while retaining the genre’s fundamental thrill.
While seasoned players may find the title somewhat simplistic, its vibrant visuals and engaging level design cater primarily to younger audiences taking their first steps into RPGs. From this perspective, it does a commendable job.
28 Ghostlore
A Unique Blend of Diablo and Eastern Mythology
Ghostlore, inspired by Eastern mythos, adopts the Diablo gameplay blueprint to construct a thematic experience that’s both reminiscent and distinct. The narrative of a student inheriting their master’s monster-fighting duties leads to quests that typically boil down to extermination in visually mesmerizing locales rooted in real-world cultures.
Loot abundance and meaningful class customization allow players to experiment with combinations from multiple classes. Procedural generation enhances replay value, giving players fresh experiences with each run.
27 Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Co-Op FPS Filled with Rich Loot
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, a spin-off from Borderlands, adopts a first-person shooter format while weaving in bombastically entertaining loot mechanics that echo the thrill of Diablo. The gameplay revolves around several Vault Hunters, each contributing unique classes and skill variations.
The adventure is set in a traditional fantasy world where players traverse dungeons while engaging in cooperative gameplay. Although not as robust in terms of endgame content, the replay factor is strong, making it appealing to fans looking for a similar loot-driven experience.
26 The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story
Engaging LoL Spin-off Offering Diablo-Like Combat
Riot Games has expanded the League of Legends universe through spin-offs, with The Mageseeker highlighting the character Sylas. This title harnesses combat mechanics akin to Diablo while introducing unique gameplay strategies.
Sylas wields not only traditional spells but also the ability to steal enemy powers for one-time use, requiring players to manage their combat mechanics effectively. This blend adds an engaging layer of strategy to the gameplay, enhancing its appeal for fans of both franchises.
25 Cat Quest
A Whimsical Yet Captivating Action RPG
Cat Quest juxtaposes its light-hearted, colorful theme against the brooding atmosphere of Diablo, yet shares sufficient similarities to warrant consideration. Though smaller in scale, this charming title offers an accessible adventure packed into roughly 10 hours of gameplay.
Cat Quest 2 enhances the experience with co-op mechanics, while Cat Quest 3 expands on these elements, all of which justify exploration for fans looking for less intense but enjoyable RPGs.
24 Sacred Gold
A Timeless Classic in the Action RPG Genre
Launching in 2004, Sacred was well-regarded, and even decades later, it stands as a solid action RPG experience. Although visuals and mechanics have aged, the gameplay loop has proven resilient, earning the title a place alongside Diablo as an engaging alternative.
With its expansive world set in Ancaria, players enjoy a sense of freedom uncommon in many action RPGs at the time. Though frequently overshadowed, Sacred 2 provides a similarly enjoyable experience, even if Sacred 3 is best left untouched.
23 Hades
Rogue-Lite Action RPG Set in the Underworld
Released in 2020, Hades merges the rogue-like genre with top-down hack-and-slash mechanics that may appeal to Diablo enthusiasts. Set in the Ancient Greek underworld, the game showcases a distinctive art style and engaging combat.
The rogue-like structure differentiates it from traditional action RPGs, yet both focus on navigating randomly generated environments and combat against various foes. Fans of both Diablo and rogue-lites will find much to enjoy within Hades.
Additionally, Hades 2 is currently available in early access, hinting at continued innovation within the genre.
22 Dragon’s Dogma 2
An Evolution of a Cult Classic Action RPG
Like Diablo 3 and 4, Dragon’s Dogma 2 took over a decade to materialize, building anticipation among fans. Greeted with acclaim upon release, the sequel refines its predecessor’s concepts without entirely reinventing the wheel.
While gameplay diverges from the Diablo apprenticeship, there is ample overlap worth exploring. Dragon’s Dogma 2 boasts a more complex combat system and diverse character customization options, making for an intricate action RPG experience.
The richly detailed dark fantasy world provides an immersive backdrop, drawing parallels to Diablo’s aesthetics, while a robust loot system maintains player engagement—a model familiar to long-time Diablo fans.
For those new to the series, Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen remains a worthy recommendation, offering a compelling RPG adventure at an attractive price point.
21 Nioh 2
Intense Difficulty Coupled with Abundant Loot
Team Ninja’s Nioh 2 offers an exciting alternative for those drawn to the challenging and rich components of action RPGs. Blending Soulslike mechanics with an emphasis on loot, Nioh 2 delivers an exhilarating experience filled with grueling boss encounters accentuated by a sprawling campaign.
The deep and satisfying combat, while methodical, rewards skill and strategy without devolving into mindlessness. Although challenges within Nioh 2 may exceed those in the Diablo series, players will find plenty of loot and numerous build variations embedded within the game.
Each enemy drops a variety of goods ranging from weapons and armor to consumables, making it a festival for loot enthusiasts. For fans of the genre looking for a compelling looter slasher, Nioh 2 is an outstanding choice.
20 Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance Series
Baldur’s Gate Reinvents the Diablo Formula
The Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance series delivers cooperative gameplay reminiscent of Diablo, transitioning the classic Dungeons & Dragons universe into an accessible action RPG format. Designed for previous generations of consoles, the Dark Alliance titles provide simplified yet engaging experiences.
While the latest Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance installment released in 2021 didn’t quite capture the charm of its predecessors, revisiting gritty classics offers valuable insights into how the series intersects with the genre. The remasters excel in introducing players to cooperative action RPGs, despite exhibiting some age-related limitations.
19 Darksiders: Genesis
Co-Op Action with Engaging Elements
Darksiders: Genesis operates as a precursor and spin-off to established titles in the franchise. Blending elements of action-adventure games with Diablo-like mechanics, Genesis delivers co-op gameplay that resonates well with fans of the genre.
Fusing puzzle-solving, exploration, and loot mechanics akin to Diablo, this title expands upon Darksiders’ rich mythos while remaining approachable for fans of hack-and-slash gameplay.
18 Vikings — Wolves Of Midgard
An Action RPG Adventure Through Norse Legend
Released in 2017, Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard immerses players within Norse legends, granting them the opportunity to earn blessings from various gods while battling through the mythical world of Midgard. The co-op component enhances camaraderie as players navigate through treacherous foes.
With engaging lore and humorous cutscenes, the title manages to strike a balance between fun and combat-oriented gameplay, keeping players entertained as they grind for glory.
17 The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing: Final Cut
Comprehensive Campaign with Immersive Experiences
In The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut, players take on the role of the famed vampire hunter in a tale that intertwines three prior games into a singular, expansive narrative. With a total gameplay time surpassing fifty hours, it offers both depth and enjoyment reminiscent of traditional action RPGs like Diablo.
Adding charm to the gameplay, Lady Katarina, Van Helsing’s ghostly companion, supports players while delivering witty commentary throughout the adventure. While the game’s combat may occasionally feel repetitive, its visually stunning Gothic aesthetics make it worthwhile for action RPG enthusiasts.
16 The Slormancer
A Lighthearted, Yet Authentic Experience
The Slormancer injects humor into the action RPG genre, setting itself apart with a unique narrative where players assume the role of a hero challenged to defeat the titular villain in an increasingly surreal world. Despite its current state in early access with only three classes, the sheer variety of weapons and abilities provides engaging experimentation.
Although not fully polished, The Slormancer is a delightful option for those seeking a whimsical Diablo-like game. However, for players unsure if the experience meets their expectations, waiting for further development may be advisable.
15 Nobody Saves The World
A Creative Spin on the Action RPG Format
For players seeking a fresh take on the action RPG genre, Nobody Saves The World offers a unique, imaginative experience. Players control Nobody, a blank canvas character who can transform into various forms, each possessing distinct abilities. As players master skills, they can mix and match them across forms for diverse build opportunities.
Despite maintaining a typical top-down action RPG combat style, the game’s vibrant art and whimsical enemy designs help it stand out. Its humorous dialogues and side quests add a charming touch, providing moments of levity that contrast well against the darker themes found in traditional RPGs.
14 Nox
An Action RPG with Unique Elements
Nox presents itself as an experiment in dungeon-crawling action RPGs that predates Diablo 2. While it showcases some superficial similarities, its focus on narrative depth, character-driven missions, and diverse experiences for each class provide a unique twist on the genre.
Each class—Warrior, Conjurer, and Wizard—comes complete with its own campaign and skills, enhancing replayability. While loot and gear variety may not be its forte, Nox’s engaging story and multiplayer components were groundbreaking for its time, making for a memorable gaming experience that still resonates today.