Uncover the legacy and enduring appeal of games like Diablo.
Blizzard Entertainment first released Diablo in January 1997, and it changed gaming forever. Revered by gamers worldwide, the Diablo series, including Diablo I, Diablo II, Diablo III and the recent title – Diablo IV – redefined the action role-playing genre. In fact, the Diablo series set a high bar for its successors and inspired a wave of games like Diablo that garnered millions of downloads.
These games allow players to slay demons, snag loots, upgrade characters and much more. Besides acquiring loot and tearing through hordes of monsters, games like Diablo come with multiplayer support that allows you to take the battle online.
Due to the popularity of Diablo, plenty of developers have turned to the series for inspiration. Here are some of the best games like Diablo that will keep you engaged for hours.
Path of Exile
Path of Exile is regarded as one of the most prominent successors to the Diablo series. Released in 2013, the free-to-play action role-playing video game solidified its place thanks to its complex character customization through its skill tree system.
Additionally, the personalized gameplay experiences and compelling storyline have set Path of Exile among the top ARPGs. In fact, PoE is well built around the action role-playing game genre of kill, upgrade, loot and repeat. So, if you’re looking for a free-to-play ARPG, Path of Exile is a great choice.
Torchlight 2
Another ARPG that fans of games like Diablo will love is Torchlight 2. Developed by Runi Games and released in 2012, Torchlight 2 is a sequel to Torchlight. In the game, players continue their adventure in a world filled with bountiful treasures, epic battles and more.
Torchlight 2 takes players back to the fast-paced world of monsters and sinister secrets. The game embraces Diablo’s core mechanics while also infusing its own charm. Its vibrant and colourful world is a contrast to Diablo’s darker tones. However, the gameplay is addictive and the loot mechanics are similar to those found in games like Diablo. As such, the game creates an engaging experience for hardcore and casual players alike.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing takes players into a gothic-noir universe that is full of weird science, magic and monsters. Players will play as Van Helsing, a monster hunter who embarks on an adventure to save the day together with Lady Katarina.
They will explore the soot-stained brick districts and the wilderness in the mountains as they fight fierce battles against supernatural beings. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is inspired by the Diablo series, specifically Diablo 3. However, the customization options are more akin to Diablo 2. So, if you want to become the greatest monster slayer of all time, then the Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is an excellent choice.
Victor Vran
Victor Vran is another game like Diablo and The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing where players follow a monster slayer hunting supernatural beings. In this ARPG, players will blast away ghouls, zombies, skeletons and others using weapons from the gigantic arsenal.
Besides weapons, players can also use spells and armour as they try to liberate the cursed city of Zagoravia. Similar to games like Diablo, Victor Vran has great graphics and game mechanics that any Diablo fan will surely love. However, unlike in the Diablo series, the storyline is a bit bland. Thankfully, the game’s co-op mode keeps players engaged for hours.
Grim Dawn
Released in 2016, Grim Dawn takes players to the post-apocalyptic world of Cairn. In this game, humanity has been brought to near extinction due to a trans-dimensional war. As a result, Cairn is now infested with dark forces and gruesome creatures.
Grim Dawn is always described as a successor to Diablo 2 thanks to its deep character-building, grim mood and engaging story. The game also offers a satisfying hack-and-slash gameplay that Diablo fans will surely love.
Games like Diablo: Ready to Hack and Slash?
For players looking for an experience as engaging and faithful as possible to the Diablo series, then the games above are great choices. While sharing similarities with games like Diablo, these titles bring a lot of unique features to the table.
Whether it’s Path of Exile’s unique and extensive skill tree or Grim Dawn’s post-apocalyptic world full of gruesome creatures, these games cater to various players’ preferences. As such, they stand as a testament to games like Diablo that provide players with thrilling adventures in dark realms or post-apocalyptic settings thus keeping the legacy of Diablo alive and thriving.
