Fight, level up, loot, repeat — here are some of the most notable Diablo-like isometric ARPGs on the horizon.
The Diablo series is easily among the most iconic and influential games, creating an entire action-RPG genre focused on character and gear progression. Ever since 2000, there’s been a constant stream of Diablo-like games with an instantly recognizable formula. Over two decades later, such games are still immensely popular, constantly drawing new players into the alluring feeling of dungeon clearing, mastering and experimenting with combat skills, and, naturally, hunting for the rarest loot drops.
The past few years have been especially fruitful for fans of isometric ARPGs, delivering massively popular games, including, of course, Diablo 4. But there’s more than that: Path of Exile 2 and Titan Quest 2 are already available in early access, Sacred 2 Remaster promises a nostalgia-fueled trip for fans of the series in just a few weeks, and beloved games like Last Epoch, Path of Exile, and Grim Dawn (with the upcoming Fangs of Asterkarn expansion) continue to receive content updates — not to mention an array of lesser-known isometric ARPGs.
As the genre evolves, developers strive to expand on the core formula, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, adding features, borrowing elements from other genres, and perfecting the signature gameloop with more classes, skills, and loot than ever before. The future also looks bright, as plenty of games like Diablo are gearing up for launch — and below are just some promising examples for scratching that very itch.
Crystalfall
Crystalfall is a promising loot-driven isometric action-RPG set in a distinct steampunk world brimming with mutated creatures of all sorts. Aside from its unique setting, the game boasts colorful visuals, a classless character system with great potential for experimentation, and rich itemization.
Crystalfall uses procedural generation to randomize its maps and dungeons, offering endless replayability for fans of the genre while ticking all the necessary boxes. To spice up character progression, it extends procedural generation even to skill trees, while making skills lootable and of different rarities. With seasonal content and extensive endgame options already announced, this one shapes up nicely, promising dozens of hours of exciting playtime.
Gods, Death & Reapers
An intriguing take on the familiar genre, Gods, Death & Reapers aims to blend the classic Diablo-like formula with the extraction genre. Players can approach the game solo or in PvE co-op, ignoring its riskier features, but for the bravest, it delivers an intense PvPvE experience where teams gather epic loot and battle — risking losing it all.
