What Are The Best Games Like Diablo?
The first time you enter The Butcher’s Room. You can almost smell the rotting corpses and sacks of flesh hanging on the wall. You can feel the earth shudder and shake as he stomps towards you. His cleaver the size off a small table, ready to send you back to town to resurrect for the twelfth time that night.
If it isn’t The Butcher, it’s Deckard Cain’s story telling. Or the first time you hit max level and start your more difficult play through, looking to max that gear out and become the envy of your online crew.
Maybe, just maybe, your one memory of Diablo is the Mad Cow level. Email me later if that’s your one memory.
Regardless, everyone can agree that when it comes to the Diablo franchise, we have a classic on our hands. However, if you’re a fan of the series but not too thrilled about yet another play through, or another grinding session, keep these solid titles in mind to get your next fix.
17. MU Legend
Set as the official follow up to the most popular MMO in South Korea (MU Online), MU Legend is a “Next-Gen Action MMORPG”, as its developers have stated. It was only released in November of 2017 and has received positive reviews.
Five classes are presented as a choice in the beginning, with the major RPG niches all being hit. You can also play as a human, or as an Ashas, which are a blue bodies race resembling a small frost giant if you ask me. They lean towards the darker side of the world, however there are no class / race restrictions in the game.
Why will I want to play this over Diablo? All the online MMO features that Diablo has tried to nail but seems to not quite fully hit the mark on, this game does. The loot system is less tedious, character classes seem more polished and capable of customization, and the interface itself is built to support the playstyle that sits somewhere between WoW and Diablo.
Only in its infancy, this game is the one on the list that stands the biggest chance of taking a significant player base away from Diablo.
A Human Character Battling Through a Dungeon – Waiting for the Loot Cards!
Grouping up For the Boss Fight
16. Path of Exile
Path of Exile: Legion Official Trailer
Perhaps the darkest title on our list, Path of Exile will send you on a journey of revenge against those who have deeply harmed your character and his family. Set in a dark and intimidating fantasy world, this online action RPG has many elements of Diablo within yet has its own distinct voice and style.
With a heavy focus on items, Path of Exile will satisfy the action RPG need for every gamer out of the gate. You’ll hack and slash your way through levels set up like Diablo and will have essentially unlimited ability to customize your character.
The feature that has sold me the most on this game however: your unique hideout. Earned the trust of a master, and you may be taken to a Hideout, where you can create your own unique settlement. Masters residing in your Hideout offer you daily missions and train you in advanced crafting options. Use your Hideout as a quiet place to craft after battle or expand it and use it as a personalized Guild Hall with hundreds of decorations.
Whatever That Thing is, Kill It!
Nothing to See Here Folks, just a Dark Ritual Going Down
15. Lost Ark
Lost Ark Death Combos gameplay
A 3D MMORPG, Lost Ark is an action-based experience all gamers should experience. The combat system, which is a one of a kind non-target-based system, allows players to focus on the action aspects of the game as opposed to worrying about twitch reactions and ability combos.
The game is slated for a 2018 / 2019 release, with no more specifics released at this point.
The game will feature both open world environments and instanced raids like those found in Vindictus. Players will even be able to discover unique islands in Lost Ark as they explore the World Map abroad their own ships. Lost Ark has some similarities to Lineage Eternal, another upcoming Korean MMORPG, but seems to offer a wider range of features.
A Beta Screenshot of this Upcoming 3D MMORPG
What would an MMO be without town gatherings
14. Project TL
The newest installment of the Lineage series is Project TL, known online as The Lineage.
Not a whole lot is known about this one yet, but fans of the series will have an idea what to expect. Release estimates have been knocked back a few times, but the developers insist the game is going well and will be sure the please fans of both the series and the genre.
Stay tuned to the gaming world for this one. I’ve spent countless on the original Lineage, and it’s a safe assumption that if Team TL get this one right, this game will be one to watch for a while to come and will give many MMO’s and classic RPG’s a run for their money.
A Cinematic Screenshot of Team TL’s Upcoming Title, Project TL (The Lineage)
Cinematics are set to be Mind-blowing in this Upcoming Title
13. Titan Quest: Ragnarök
Set in the Pre-Roman Ancient world, Titan Quest: Ragnarök will send you and your hero on an epic hack and slash fest to rid the world of the newly released Telkines; a trio of lesser known titans who are hell bent on cutting of Olympus from communication with the mortal world and releasing a horde of monsters and demons upon the mortal world. Real “class A” jerks if you ask me.
The good news? You get to hack and slash your way through their horde of demons and beasts, and eventually square off with these three titans. Hack and slash is the genre for sure, but you’ll still need to be tactical and optimize your strategy and equipment in this classic.
This expansion adds a tenth Mastery to the game, the Runemaster. Max level is increased to 85, and you’ll be able to brave the cruel and cold world of the Celts. This expansion brings a long time favorite back to live and will satisfy the yearnings any Diablo fan has for clicking and killing.
Players on Their Way to the Land of the Celts in this Classic Expansion
Yep. That’s a Standing Tiger Alright
12. Wizard of Legend
Wizard of Legend is a fast paced, action packed spin on the classic hack and slash. Strategic movements are one of your keys to victory in this old school feeling dungeon crawler.
Your goal? Assume the role of a powerful wizard, with the intention to ascend to the role of Wizard of Legend. How might one become Wizard of Legend?
Each year in the Kingdom of Lanova, the Council of Magic holds the Chaos Trials, a gauntlet of magical challenges put forth by its strongest members. These members not only turn the castle into a whirlwind of hazards, traps, and puzzles, but they also stand against your hero at the very end, as the final bosses.
This indie title will get your hack and slash muscles twitching, as well as keep you on your toes with its unique and challenging puzzles. Not to mention over 100 spells you can cast and combine to find unique synergies.
Battling the Enemy on the Quest to become a Wizard of Legend
Pretty Sure This Game Wouldn’t be Complete Without This Rainbow Donkey…
11. Hero Siege
Hero Siege is a Hack 'n' Slash title with RPG elements. Destroy hordes of enemies, expand your hero through your talent tree, keep upgrading with enhanced loot, and explore up to 7 Acts fantastic old school pixel graphics. Up to four players are supported as well for online action.
Beginning with a choice out of eight possible classes, you’ll start your adventures in The Forest of Tarethiel. From that point on, it’s kill, slay, and destroy.
It won’t take long for you to sit back and realize the overall theme of the game reminds you of one title in specific: Diablo. From the font used, to the excess amount of demon slaying and character leveling, this indie title clearly has taken some inspiration from the grand-father of the genre.
It does it with its own voice however, and at no point will you feel as though you are playing a ripped off version of another game. The gameplay is essentially endless, but you’re going to feel as though you only started the game upon completing Act 7. I know, I’ve been there.
The Pumpkin Patch – One of the Maps That May Remind Players of a Diablo Scene
Good Old-Fashioned Dungeon Crawling
10. Exanima
Set in a unique dark and unforgiving low-fantasy word, Exanima will speak loudly to those Diablo fans who appreciate the macabre throughout the series. With a 3D game-play view, this RPG will feel a little different than a Diablo play-through, but with some serious upshot.
Perhaps the most stunning feature of Exanima is the writing and storytelling throughout the game. The plot your character is driven through seems believable and realistic (as realistic as demons, underworlds, and dungeon crawling can seem).
Characters are created from a core list of classes and are highly customized from there. Your decisions will affect your story line in this one, as well as the development of your character. The combat is noted as being realistic and rewarding; especially the critical hits. They are satisfying and make it all seem worth it at the end of a long struggle.
This title is a little bit under the radar, so I’m recommending you make it one of your three to play if you were to choose only three from this write up.
Cryptic and Creepy Details are Littered Throughout in this Dark Fantasy RPG
Looting and Exploring is all Part of the Deal Here
9. Albion Online
Albion Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in an open medieval fantasy world. You can freely combine armor pieces and weapons in our unique classless system. As the games developers say, “you are what you wear.”
Most unique feature worth noting you may ask? Every single item in the game is player crafted. The economy itself in the game is completely player driven. This creates this amazing mix of an anarchistic yet fair and reasonable economy.
For an MMORPG, the PvE content is extremely strong. The story and NPC’s are written well, the quests are challenging and rewarding as well. Most importantly, you can outfit your character quite well sticking to PvE (unlike most MMORPG’s, where you must grind in big group events of PvP). The unique player driven economy is to thank for this.
The game is focused on not just combat, blood, and killing, however there is a strong emphasis on your character development, non-combat related quests, and crafting. You need to be a contributing member of the economy after all.
This game will speak louder to the folks who preferred the role playing and item crafting aspects of Diablo. If you enjoyed those features, give this title a shot. If you liked clicking the monsters and watching them explode from an axe the size of a kitchen table, look elsewhere!
Looking Fresh in Some Unique Gear, On Our Way for some PvE Fun
Yup, We’re Exploring Ships Here Folks
8. Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is an action RPG set in an apocalyptic world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. Allies are near impossible to come by, and someone who knows how to wield a weapon and kill is the most valuable type of person out there.
Grim Dawn offers a high level of character customization. Offering both a traditional character tree, and its unique feature known as “Devotion”, you’ll have every opportunity to dive into the RPG elements of this game and truly customize your character.
Over the shoulder classic camera style will lead the journey through deeper and darker levels of this world as you move closer and closer to your final goal as a hero; rebuild the world and help humanity survive this dark time and prosper and thrive once again.
On Our Way to Save Humanity in this Post-Apocalyptic RPG
Standard Epic Boss Fight
BONUS GAME: Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Let’s take a quick break and talk about the game on this list I am most personally excited for. Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Who doesn’t want the ability to look into another’s soul and read their memories, as well as a past life? Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire is the sequel to Pillars of Eternity and takes this isometric RPG to another level.
You’ll captain your ship across the archipelago region of the Deadfire, all while chasing a rogue God over all the land. If that isn’t awesome and epic beyond belief, I don’t know what is.
Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire takes a big slice from original D&D gameplay and do so well. You’ll grow and expand with your character, more than entering points on a simple character ability sheet. A combination of decision making, problem solving, and combat prowess are required for successful completion of your mission.
This is a bonus on the list and should be one that is considered for download regardless of your affinity to Diablo or the RPG genre.
Yea, this is My Ship. On My Way to Explore the Deadfire
More Dungeon Exploration
7. Eitr
Set within a mythological Norse world, Eitr is an RPG whose strength lies in it’s well developed combat system.
This game is the one for you if you are a fan of the Diablo series but find the basic “click and kill” combat system to be a bit (or greatly) lacking.
Assuming the role as the Shield Maiden, you’ll explore this immersive world in a typical isometric viewpoint, all while discovering your fate as the Shield Maiden; and discovering how much of it is predetermined. That is, until the famous Loki interfered.
Strategic movement and well-placed arrows and magic will be required as you cleave your way through hordes of demons and nightmare inducing creatures, on your way to cleanse all nine realms of the Gods of their corruption.
A must play for anyone craving a deeper, more skill-based combat system than we’re used to seeing in the isometric RPG world.
Stunning Landscapes and Well-Designed Combat. Expect to Find Both Here
Campfire Songs, Fully Equipped with S’mores (just kidding)
6. Divinity: Original Sin 2
A much-anticipated sequel, Divinity: Original Sin 2 will have you on the edge of your gaming chair as you explore the world of Rivellon. Perhaps the most rounded and complete game on our list, Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers players a full-blown RPG experience from top to bottom. All while trying to achieve the humble goal of becoming a God.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 has developed the party system AI perfectly. You’ll roam the land of Rivellon, forming relationships with your companions that will have a serious effect on how the game and story play out. No simple hack and slash here folks. RPG, with an emphasis on the Role-Playing here.
The combat system is refined as well and plays as a smooth action RPG style system. There is plenty of customization, however the system never feels clunky or hard to manage.
Finally, your decisions matter, big time. You have the ability to become essentially anything you want in this game (yes, even a flesh-eating elf. We knew you’d ask). Decisions and outcomes play a role on the story, so tread carefully in this one.
Fire, Fire, and just in case…more Fire
Big ‘ole Leathery Black Dragon. Dragon-slaying Time Anyone?
5. How to Survive
How To Survive is an action-survival RPG, set in a deserted island, on which you and your character are shipwrecked. Oh, and there are zombies. Lots of zombies.
This unique gem is more than a zombie exploding, button mashing, hack and slash adventure game. There is a survival element (hence the name), that is uniquely done and done well if we may say so.
Your goal is to not simply kill zombies, but to survive on the island with the eventual goal of escape. This is done through several unique game mechanics that are worth calling out.
You must collect hard to find pages of a coveted Survival Handbook while you scavenge the island in this title. There are four beautifully designed islands for you to explore and search, each with their own style and landscapes. And their own threats of course.
A welcome change from the sword and sorcery theme these games so commonly portray, How To Survive will have you immersed from the word go, looking for pages of a book. Yes, you’ll get to kill a zombie or two as well.
Zombie Blood or Human Blood? We Haven’t Found Out Yet…
Blood Thirsty Monsters are not Lacking in this Unique Survival Game
4. Project Zomboid
Unlike the game above, Project Zomboid is a true zombie survival game. What makes this game unique, is the fact that it is the only open world zombie survival sandbox game out there.
With no set storyline or end, Project Zomboid is an ongoing development (yes, it’s playable now), that will pit even the most seasoned zombie vet against evils that none could have thought of.
Using an array of every day items and survival tactics, you’ll find yourself in a “Minecraft meets Diablo, but with Zombies” world. Loot houses, build defenses, make weapons, forge friendships and alliances.
Anything is on the table in this uniquely open world zombie survival game. No demon slaying here. Just good old-fashioned zombie bashing.
A Player Build Settlement Stands as a Defense Against the Zombie Masses
Even Zombies Love Burgers
3. Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor: Martyr
Ever want to don a suit of power armor and just flex in front of the mirror. No? Well, me neither…
Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor: Martyr is the first action RPG set in the well known and famous Warhammer 40,000 universe. Fans of the series will be appreciative of the attention to detail and lore this RPG title has devoted to the world it inhabits.
Another open word sandbox game, Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor: Martyr allows players to customize their character in great detail. Playing as any of the Warhammer 40,000 races, you will progress through the world and build your character to suit your playstyle specifically. Smash with a power fist as a power armored inquisitor or blast your enemies with psychic abilities. It’s all fair game here.
Warhammer 40,000 Inquisitor: Martyr offers players the most open-ended Warhammer 40,000 experience out there. Fans of the Diablo series will appreciate this game’s openness, while fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe will undoubtedly appreciate this games lore and setting.
Mind if I Park This Dreadnaught Here?
A Chaos Marine, Ready to Infest you With Some Sort of Plague
2. Torchlight 2
The series is back, and back with a bang. Torchlight remains one of the best in class games for casual and serious gamers alike. And this sequel released in 2012 has delivered on expanding the series and set it on a new level.
Choosing from four different classes, you’ll have the chance to experience all the crazy randomness that gave the original title in the series its stellar reputation.
Randomized levels, enemies, and loot are the highlight of this classic style action RPG. Customize your character as you progress through the leveling process and keep up to date with the current gear. This is a big one, as you’ll find an almost endless stream of gear and loot to keep your hero getting more and more powerful.
Adding in multiplayer and LAN features, this second installment brings some serious firepower to the table and has stood as a real deal competitor to the Diablo series since release. And for good reason.
The Most Diablo-esque Screenshot of the Bunch
That’s One Mighty Big Sword You’ve Got There
1. Sacred 2 Gold
Rounding out our list is the amazingly well done, classic in its own right, Sacred 2 Gold. If you’ve never played this title, stop reading right now and go play. On second thought, finish reading, then go play. Thanks.
Sacred 2 Gold takes the player character through the land of Ancaria on one of the most classic and true to the genre experiences that an action RPG has to offer. With the ability to cling to the light and bring justice to the world or operate in the dark shadows and become a force of destruction, the possibilities and replay value of this title are basically endless.
With over 500 quests, battle mounts, thousands of weapon and armor drops, and the ability to fully customize one of seven base characters, Sacred 2 Gold is the closest to Diablo we have reached on this list. With one unique advantage being the ability to play as a hero or a force of darkness.
This over the shoulder hack and slasher is a classic and should not be ignored or skipped over by anyone claiming to be a fan of any RPG, but specifically of the Diablo series.
Why Yes, I Will Indeed Go Slay That Demon for You
Whatever That Little Flying Thing is, I Want It
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