ARPGs are a staple of the role-playing genre, and nothing makes ARPGs better than playing with friends. Being able to hack and slash your way through monsters, demons, and other enemies of varying moral stature with a friend or two is a great bonding experience.
Co-op and ARPGs go together so well that some games feel incomplete without the option to play with friends. If you're looking for a new co-op ARPG to play with your friends, or random strangers online, we've got you covered. Below, we've compiled some of the best co-op ARPGs that you can play right now.
9 Path of Exile
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Path of Exile is a free-to-play isometric ARPG that is most famous for its massive passive skill tree. Experimentation is the name of the game in Path of Exile, and players who want to dive deep into its complex character customization will have tons to do. Although up to six players can play together at the same time, PoE is better played in a smaller group of two or three, due to the sheer number of particle effects and explosions that occur with more players.
With its live service model, Path of Exile has frequent content updates and fresh-start leagues with new features and mechanics, meaning players can return at any time for a new experience. There are nearly an endless number of builds in Path of Exile, meaning there's always something new to try with each new league.
8 Diablo 3
Diablo 3 is the second isometric ARPG on this list, and a pioneer of the genre. Through its seven different classes, dozens of armor sets, and hundreds of legendaries, there are tons of different builds to try and experiment with in Diablo 3. Adopting a more co-op-friendly approach, you and your party can build your characters synergistically, creating gear sets that work in tandem to take down enemies of ever-increasing difficulty.
With its consistent new seasons, new mechanics and features are still being added to Diablo 3, even after over a decade. Plus, Diablo 3 features a buy-to-play model, meaning there are no microtransactions or barriers to fun.
7 Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is an isometric APRG set in a grim-dark fantasy world, taking heavy inspiration from games like Diablo and Titan Quest. As you would expect, there are dozens of classes and builds to try, with a unique dual-class system that encourages experimentation and character customization.
Exploring Grim Dawn's detailed and intricate world is just half the fun. With its deep character customization and build variety, cutting through enemies feels earned; with every piece of loot or skill point you can feel progress being made.
6 Minecraft Dungeons
For our fourth and final isometric ARPG, we have Minecraft Dungeons. Fans of Path of Exile or Diablo will feel right at home in Minecraft Dungeons, although don't expect the same mechanical depth as these other ARPGs. Where Minecraft Dungeons shines is its charm and co-op fun.
Fans of Minecraft will appreciate the details put into the world and easter eggs, and fans of games like PoE or Diablo can expect to see a decent amount of loot-grinding and item optimization. Minecraft Dungeons is relatively short, but very replayable, especially with a group of friends or family.
5 Monster Hunter Rise
Moving away from isometric games, we have Monster Hunter Rise. As the most recent entry in the renowned Monster Hunter Franchise, you won't find a better game for slaying massive monsters with equally massive weapons, using their body parts to upgrade and craft new gear.
Monster Hunter Rise is a very methodical game, with action combat that rewards you for timing your attacks and knowing your enemy. Up to four players can join together on a hunt, just make sure you're all on the same platform, as Monster Hunter Rise currently does not have cross-play.
4 Warframe
Warframe is a third-person shooter ARPG where you play as the Tenno, an intergalactic race of warriors that use Warframes to battle against three main factions of enemies. Using guns, swords, and a variety of other weaponry, you can hack and slash your way through the galaxy with up to three other players.
Warframe is entirely free-to-play, with frequent content updates adding new Warframes, weapons, and locations to the ever-expanding world. If you're looking for an ARPG with tons of build-depth, replayability, and great co-op, Warframe has it all. Plus, Warframe has cross-platform play, meaning players on any device can slay together.
3 Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 is an FPS ARPG, combining looting and shooting with action RPG elements to craft a wholly unique experience. Through its random loot mechanics, every piece of equipment you find feels new and valuable, and encourages trying out a variety of weapons and playstyles.
Borderlands 2 is one of the best games in the series, but you can't really go wrong with any of the main entries. Party up with three other players and shoot your way through a campaign filled with wacky enemies and a staggering number of guns. If you're looking for a game similar to Warframe but with a more defined campaign mode, you'll enjoy Borderlands.
2 Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is a first-person ARPG set in the expansive Warhammer universe. Choose between five different characters to play as, each with four unique classes, and fight with up to three other players through hordes of zombies and rat-men.
Vermintide 2 has a plethora of intricate maps with secrets to discover. With its deep, complex, and engaging combat, players looking to master their chosen class will have a great deal to sink their teeth into.
1 Dragon's Crown
Dragon's Crown is a 2D side-scrolling ARPG that plays like a classic beat-em-up game. Choose from one of six classes and group up with up to four players to hack and slash your way through the world of Dragon's Crown.
Despite its retro inspirations, Dragon's Crown feels modern, with its fast-paced action and responsive combos. Dragon's Crown has satisfying combat that rewards you for learning your character and experimenting with new weapons, likening itself to a traditional fighting game.