Summary
Last Epochis the latest entry into the hack-and-slash action RPG genre.The game had been in early access since April 2018, giving the developers many years to test different features before implementing them in the official version. Since its July 01, 2025 release, the game has garnered generally favorable reviews from critics, but user response has been quite a mixed bag.
While its player-friendly approach and engaging end-game content have garnered praise, the online multiplayer experience has been a nightmare due to server issues. However,the ARPG genre is too vastto be defined by a single game. For those looking to explore this category beyondLast Epoch, here is a great selection of games, each offering a unique twist alongside similar core mechanics.
Undecemberis a free-to-play title that offers massive character customization options due to the absence of pre-defined classes. Players can combine their abilities and runes to damage enemies in the game. This system might be slightly RNG-based since players may acquire runes that are not suitable for their equipped weapons.
Although the game rewards players for using the in-game shop, players can progress through the story without spending anything. But the progression will be quite slower than the P2W (pay-to-win) players. Still, players should give this game a chance to experience its unique gameplay mechanics.
For those who are looking for agame withMinecraft-esque aesthetics,Minecraft Dungeonsis the perfect option to go for. The game features online and local play for up to four players where they team up to explore different dungeons.
It is a crucial aspect, since the dungeon’s difficulty, enemy count, and treasure loot change depending on the number of players participating. Such a progression system makes the gameplay more fun and challenging. With no building aspect involved, it is one of the best ways to go casual dungeon diving with a bunch ofMinecraftbuddies.
Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor - Martyroffers a different take on the hack-and-slash RPG genre. As an Inquisitor exploring a ghost ship, players must try out different tactics, like taking cover and switching combat modes, to defeat their enemies. There are many playable characters with specialized classes available, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles to complete the missions.
The game offers both solo and co-op gameplay options, allowing players who likeDiabloand theWarhammer 40Kfranchiseto get together and try out the game.
Despite incorporating elements from other games,Darksiders Genesisremains true to its core by focusing on hack-and-slash demon slaying. It has good graphics with co-op gameplay being added for the first time in the franchise’s history.
There might be a few iffy moments due to seemingly unsolvable puzzles, weird camera angles, and harder controls, but the story and esthetics make up for its shortcomings. The game goes on sale quite often and players can get it during that time if they want to experience the world ofDarksiders.
Lost Arkis anisometric MMO ARPGoften hailed as a cross betweenDiabloandFinal Fantasy 14. Players can choose from the various classes and explore the massive open world to level up and fight monsters. Its selling point is the dynamic combat system and endgame content featuring many raids and dungeons.
Lost Ark’sincredible visuals and combat sounds also make the gameplay more immersive. As a free-to-play title, players should try out the game if they want to enjoy a different style from the regular ARPG experience.
Grim Dawnhas stood the test of time and has kept a consistent player base since its release. It is hailed as one of the few games to successfully incorporateDiablo/Titan Quest’slooks and features while still providing its own unique twist to the gameplay.
The dual-class systems allow players to experiment and create their own builds to challenge the rising difficulty as the game progresses.Grim Dawnstays true to the hack-and-slash genre with a massive world to explore, countless monsters to kill, and lots of loot to collect.
WhileTorchlight 2seems to be a generic top-down ARPG, its visuals make it stand out among other games of its era. The models, world design, and color palette will remindplayers ofWorld of Warcraft.The addition of online multiplayer and offline co-op using LAN makes it one of the best ARPGs to play with friends.
There are also various mods available for the game on Steam Workshop. At just $20,Torchlight 2is a solid steal because of the enormous content it offers to players.
Hadesis a roguelike ARPGwhere the player loses their character progression and restarts from the starting point after each death. While it eliminates the continuous, repetitive grinding concept, it also opens up the possibility of clearing the levels in a new way with each run. The buffs and stats provided through each progression depend upon luck. Hence, players must use them in the most optimal way to advance in the game.
The engaging story, fast-paced action, unpredictable choices, difficult dungeon levels, beautiful artwork, and music makeHadesa near-perfect game of its kind.
Despite being over a decade old,Path of Exileis considered the epitome of this genre by manymany hardcore ARPGenthusiasts. Although it is free-to-play, the game boasts a high ceiling with an incredibly vast skill tree and crafting system. The extensive customization options allow players to tailor characters according to their playstyles, making the grind more immersive.
With thePath of Exile 2beta starting on May 30, 2025, it is a good opportunity for players to try out the first installment. The developers have released updates regularly over the years, providing a lot of content to explore.
TheDiablofranchise is the first name that pops into most players' minds when talking about hack-and-slash games. The highly anticipatedDiablo 4was released last year, and it became Blizzard’s fastest-selling game of all time in just five days.
The engaging gameplay and regular seasonal updates keep attracting players to come back and explore the depths of the Sanctuary. With expansive lore, refined class choices, and amazing cinematics,Diablo 4has a lot to offer to anyone looking to experience the core elements of ARPG. It will be the go-to game in this category for many years.
