Blizzard officially unveiledDiablo 2: Resurrectedat the online-only version of Blizzcon 2021. Originally released in 2000, Diablo 2 quickly became an ARPG classic and fans have been expectantly waiting for its remastered edition. Releasing sometime later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X,Diablofans will have plenty to look forward to with the news ofDiablo 2: ResurrectedandDiablo 4.
WhileDiablo 2: Resurrectedhas no set release date, fans are undoubtedly excited to immerse themselves in a brand new isometric ARPG once again.Diablohas become the face of the genre through its deep loot systems, dark fantasy setting, and rich combat system. Although no other game perfectly captures the magic of theDiabloformula, there are plenty of other fantastic ARPG titles for fans to try while they wait.
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Path of Exile/Path of Exile 2
Diablofans who find themselves searching for a challenge should look no further thanPath of Exile.The most popular alternative to theDiabloseries,Path of Exileis a free-to-play isometric ARPG that was conceived as a spiritual successor to the originalDiablo 2.Featuring a gigantic passive skill tree, unique currency system, and an extensive endgame,Path of Exileis the perfect game for anyDiablofans who enjoy investing timeinto learning mechanics and boss fights.
Though the difficulty curve may be daunting at first,Path of Exileoffers one of the most rewarding experiencesin the genre due its consistent update schedule and the fact that seasonal changes become integrated permanently. With a huge overhaul titledPath of Exile 2in the works, there has never been a better time forDiablofans to jump intoPath of Exileand see what it has to offer. In particular, fans who are excited aboutDiablo 2: Resurrectedshould findPath of Exilefamiliar given how much inspiration ittakes from the original game.
Grim Dawn
AlthoughGrim Dawnis one of the lesser known loot-based ARPGs, it offers complex character development, quests with choice and consequence, and even mechanics such as rogue-like dungeons. Similar toPath of Exile,Grim Dawnwas originally designed as a spiritual successor toDiablo2,and as a love letter to the genre as a whole. Often touted as themidpoint betweenDiabloandPath of Exile, Grim Dawnbalances enough difficulty to encourage learning but it never feels overwhelming or punishing for the player.
One of the most interesting aspects ofGrim Dawnis its dual class system. Although there are only a set number of classes, they can be combined together to obtain unique skills and modifiers. Each class combination features different builds and playstyles and they are all connected to the lore in some way. Developed by the same team behind the ARPG classicTitan Quest, Grim Dawnuses the gameplay mechanics that veterans of the genre are familiar with and improves upon it.Players excited forDiablo 2: Resurrectedwill find thatGrim Dawnis a great alternative while they wait.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
Diablofans looking for a change of settingor a more light-hearted approach to the genre should giveThe Incredible Adventures of Van Helsinga try. Based on the novelDracula, the game features Van Helsing, the son of legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing from the book. Set in a gothic noir setting of 19th century Europe,The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsingfeatures a familiar loot system forDiablofans and is modelled after old-school ARPGs.
One of the more unique aspects ofThe Incredible Adventures of Van Helsingis the humor and interesting characterizations. With frequent Easter eggs and pop culture references, the game shifts away from the gloomy undertones of most APRGs in the genre, and offers humorous character interactions. The atmosphere andlevel design are similar toDiablobut it manages to feel a little lighter in tone. Players looking to experience the game should tryThe Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cutas it includes the entire trilogy along with some major fixes from the original games.
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Torchlight Series
For manyfans of isometric ARPGs,Torchlight 2was a greatDiabloalternative with its casual approach to the genre and strong multiplayer mechanics. Featuring a much lighter tone and colorful world than most other isometric ARPGs, theTorchlightseries is easy for new players to jump into and offers more casual mechanics such as fishing. Despite its simplicity, the core gameplay loop is addicting andDiablofans looking for a more relaxed experience will find plenty to love here.
The release ofTorchlight 3has been met with mediocre reviews, and unfortunately has a number of problems that will have to resolved in future updates. Thankfully though,Torchlight 2manages to hold up extremely well to this day, andDiablofans should give it a try if they ever find themselves looking for an easier game. With a powerful mod integration system,Torchlight 2is able to offer a great experience for fans of isometric ARPGs despite being originally released in 2012. Along with a vast overworld and the ability to play with others from around the world,Torchlight 2is still one of the best experiences that the genre has to offer.
Hades
Despite the fact thatHadesisn’t a traditional loot-based ARPG like other titles in the genre, it shares a number of similarities. Much likeDiablo, Hadesis an isometric ARPG where players must fight their way through enemies and gain upgrades in order to progress. However,Hadesalso features a number of rogue-like mechanicssuch as permadeath and randomized runs. The combat system is also much more fleshed out compared to other isometric ARPGs andHadesalso features a compelling narrative.
WhileDiablotypically leans into its RPG aspects of the genre more,Hadesis more focused on the action aspects. Featuring a dynamic and fluid combat system,Hadesis a great alternative forDiablofans who are looking for a more intricate approach to fights. Moreover,Hadesembraces an easy to learn but difficult to masterconcept through mechanics such as itemization which allows both newcomers and veterans of the genre to enjoy the experience. Although the rogue-like mechanics place it closer towards the hardcore mode ofDiablogames,Hadesoffers a great ARPG experience and one of the best narratives in the genre.
Diablo 2: Resurrectedlaunches 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
