When it comes to action roleplaying games (ARPGs), only one thing matters more than anything, and that's loot. It's one of the most prevalent common denominators ever for all ARPGs and for many players, it's the sole reason to continue playing even after finishing the game. After all, getting the last piece of gear you need for your build is one of the best feelings ever in video games.
ARPGs understand and utilize that concept to a large degree. There have been many games that attempt this concept over the past years, but only a handful of them are worth immortalizing through countless hours of grinding. So if fans aren't tired of playing a violent digital game of piñata ad infinitum, here are loot-based ARPGs gamers need to lose themselves into.
Updated May 5, 2023 by Jacob Whaling: We've updated this list to add a few new entries of some of the best loot-based APRGs that you can play right now.
27 Eternium
- Release year: 2014
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows
Eternium is a good option if you want to hack and slash for loot wherever you are since it's available on mobile devices. Unlike the infamous Diablo Immortal, Eternium doesn't shower its players with aggressive monetization options, and that's why it's one of the most highly-regarded ARPGs today.
On the PC, it's still in the early access phase though it's a better choice if you want upgraded visuals. As far as ARPG gameplay goes, Eternium is a familiar experience. There is evil roaming around in dungeons; these evil enemies have loot, and you have the means to extract this loot. It's a tried and tested success formula.
26 Karnage Chronicles
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Karnage Chronicles is an APRG hack-and-slash game released exclusively for Virtual Reality. It's certainly a different scenery and perspective since most first-person ARPGs are typically futuristic and have guns as the primary means of combat,
Due to the VR gameplay, the game puts more pressure on player skill and precision, so you can't wing a lot of the encounters here. The game promises a rich story involving a dark tale of reawakening where you assume the role of an undying knight hellbent on entering Death's domain.
25 Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem looked like their developers were so disgruntled with the direction of the most recent ARPGs that they decided to make one that caters to the hardcore audience while also attracting newcomers to the genre. For the most part, it worked well, and Wolcen has established itself as a power player in the genre.
It strikes a good balance between complexity and simplicity, with just enough variety to keep things interesting. It also has a highly-customizable skill tree apart from the beautiful graphics and the endless grind opportunity it brings to the table.
24 Last Epoch
- Release year: 2019 (early access)
- Platforms: macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Last Epoch is another strong title yet to leave the early access category. Don't be fooled by the incomplete game tag; it's every bit as innovative as the latest ARPG titles, if not more so. Last Epoch combines many elements and layers of complexity that previous ARPGs have incorporated.
It includes time travel and several skill trees for highly customizable builds. One of the biggest problems with ARPGs is that low-level gameplay is often seen as boring. That's not the case with Last Epoch. Even low-level spells or skills have a certain weight to them, making for satisfying leveling.
23 The Ascent
- Release year: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
The Ascent offers something different compared to most loot-based games. It's set in an intoxicating and visceral cyberpunk world where you assume the role of an indebted worker. You must then claw—or, more aptly—shoot your way into the higher levels of society.
This way, you can clear your overwhelming debt and free yourself. Along the way, you get showered with a plethora of guns, armor parts, and cybernetic upgrades to make your twin-stick shooter gunplay much easier and even more brutal.
22 The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing Series
- Release year: 2013
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox 360, Classic Mac OS, Xbox One
Turns out Van Helsing is ripe with opportunities for a loot-based ARPG title. At the moment, it's at its third game, with each one offering upgrades and innovations from its predecessor. The first game is notable for putting a thematic spin on the ARPG or loot-based game genre.
It's not often you get to see a haunted Victorian-age video game with a cool protagonist. The only downside with these titles is that aesthetic customization is a bit limited due to the title; you only get Van Helsing to play with.
21 Vikings - Wolves Of Midgard
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One
Ever wanted a Norse mythology-themed ARPG? Then Vikings - Wolves of Midgard should sate that craving for Odin's dysfunctional family. Like most games set with that backdrop, it's all about surviving, stopping, or avoiding the Ragnarok or Fimbulwinter apocalypse.
It does seem that Vikings - Wolves of Midgard was made with co-op or multiplayer in mind. The game can get difficult and unforgiving without other players to help. It does make up for its rough edges with the good voice acting and action-packed frost giant slaying.
20 Minecraft Dungeons
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S
Minecraft Dungeons is one of the latest additions to the loot-based ARPG genre. It's also made quite a stellar entrance thanks to the branding attached to its parent franchise. In terms of gameplay, it's very much a familiar experience.
The difference is that Minecraft Dungeons touts itself as a family-friendly ARPG, and that alone makes it unique, as most other games in the genre are typically grim-dark and made for the hardcore audience. Like Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeons can be a game for all ages, and even has a great couch co-op experience for playing with family members.
19 Victor Vran
- Release year: 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Macintosh operating systems, Xbox One
Much like the Van Helsing games, Victor Vran has a few issues; thankfully, none of them are truly game-breaking. The isometric title features a main character with some disembodied voice that pesters him while he goes about his hunting business. It features co-op and controller support for more casual play.
But the best thing about the title is its unique incorporation of cards. While Victor can also use Demon Powers, Destiny Cards have unique attributes to boost Victor's abilities. It's a neat twist on how games like Diablo use gems to the same end. Another great thing about this game is that you can pick it up and put it down whenever you want.
18 Moonlighter
- Release year: 2018
- Platforms: Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Google Stadia, Android
Moonlighter is a roguelike ARPG where you play as a shopkeeper who moonlights as a dungeon-crawling adventurer. During the day, you must manage your shop, setting the prices of the goods that you obtain during the night when you explore dungeons.
Moonlighter has tons of items and loot to collect, and the ability to manage your own shop is fun. The split between shopkeeping and dungeon exploring offers a nice flow that breaks up the repetitive nature of some roguelike games.
17 Warhammer Chaosbane
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
With the likes of Total War: Warhammer and other Warhammer titles in the strategy genre strengthening the franchise once more, Warhammer Chaosbane was only a matter of time. It's an isometric ARPG based on the Warhammer Fantasy universe. As such, it's gritty and dystopic, even more so than the Diablo games, which popularized the isometric ARPG genre.
Compared to most isometric ARPGs in this list, though, Chaosbane's length and replay value are not too competitive. Some players even regard it as a little too short for a game made for grinding. Thankfully, Chaosbane makes up for that in terms of its action and graphics and the general feeling of being a badass in a world like Warhammer.
16 Chronicon
- Release year: 2015
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux
Chronicon launched in 2020 with the setting of reliving memories of ancient heroes. The game uses tile-set dungeon crawling mechanics that are generated randomly. Though incredibly colorful, the game has much more in common with traditional ARPGs than fans might think.
For instance, it has more than 400 unique items that have their own powers. There are also more than 900 abilities, skills, and perks to mess around with, too. Players who want even more of a challenge can engage Hardcore mode, as well.
15 Lost Ark
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
When Lost Ark was first unveiled to the West by its South Korean developers, many Diablo fans were ready to jump ship. It is a truly phenomenal isometric ARPG from both a technical and presentation standpoint. Its visceral and satisfying combat makes it stand out from other games in the genre.
Additionally, Lost Ark is a full-fledged MMO, allowing you to play with other players in dungeons, raids, and PvP. Although the loot drops aren't as interesting as other ARPGs like Path of Exile or Diablo, the MMO aspects set it apart from these games in a positive way.
14 Grim Dawn
- Release year: 2016
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Grim Dawn is a sleeper hit. It has one of the more compelling plots in an isometric ARPG ever and, of course, a dizzying loot system. Still, Grim Dawn's signature lies in its class customization.
After leveling up a few more times after selecting their initial class in Grim Dawn, players will be presented with the dual-class system. It essentially lets them combine the skills and dispositions of two classes (no matter how different they are) and create something entirely unique. Not only does this add to replay value, but it also gives players more means to experiment with gameplay.
13 Torchlight Series
- Release year: 2009
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox 360, Linux
Fun fact: some of Torchlight's developers consisted of the original development team for Diablo. So these guys knew what they were doing when they made their killer ARPG. Firing up Torchlight (or either of its sequels) for the first time, it's easy to see the influences. Even though the art style is a lot more cartoonish, the music and the level or enemy designs are still somewhat reminiscent of the first two Diablo games.
As for which Torchlight game to play, it doesn't really matter. Players will mostly forget the story since the main focus here is to make the player character stronger and get legendary loot. If you want better replay value, though, the second game has bigger (and more open) maps and has better mod support.
12 Neon Abyss
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Have you ever wished that a game like Enter the Gungeon had loot-based progression like Diablo? Then Neon Abyss grants that wish. It's a bullet-hell top-down shooter game based around obtaining loot and action combat. It's also a rogue-lite game, but you can forgive that genre dipping once you've seen the game in action.
Neon Abyss will bombard your senses with a light show of carnage—all in stylized 16-bit glory. There are several characters to choose from in the game's Grim Squad, a task force set up by Hades to infiltrate the Abyss and fight the New Gods. Hades' involvement also explains the rogue-lite elements.
11 Borderlands Series
- Release year: 2009
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Let's not forget the Borderlands games. Players can follow the story in Borderlands or even just the characters; some of them are actually over-the-top and riveting. However, most people play Borderlands games for one thing: guns.
Of course, Borderlands adds a twist to the already aging hack-and-slash ARPG genre by making the gameplay more shooty and skill-based. Even with all the character builds and skill customization players can have, overall shooting ability and player reactions will still be the most important factor in gameplay.
10 Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
One of the beautiful things about the Warhammer universe is that so many game studios have crafted their own takes on it. Fans can access Warhammer (40K or otherwise) games of many genres, including Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr.
It gives fans a futuristic setting that still maintains the gothic feel of a Diablo game. You can craft gear, create unique builds with the huge skill trees, and get some sweet isometric combat in. The only downside is that the game has just three classes in the base game: Crusader, Psyker, and Assassin.
9 Nioh
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows
Nioh is a Soulslike action RPG set in feudal Japan, where you must battle undead warriors and massive Yokai that have overtaken the land. As expected from developers Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, Nioh has fast-paced action combat with tons of variety, allowing you to customize your samurai's playstyle however you want.
Plus, Nioh has a great loot system; enemies will drop random pieces of equipment or materials that you'll need to periodically sift through to buff up your character. Along with its faster-paced combat, Nioh sits comfortably apart from other Soulslike games, carving out a place of its own in the genre.
8 Remnant: From The Ashes
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Featuring some of the most unique monster designs, Remnant: From The Ashes tells the tale of a realm descending into chaos thanks to an alternate dimension evil. The remnants of humanity team up to fight off the monstrous hoard and take back their world.
It's a pretty common setup, but Remnant executes itself with such panache and style. If you're looking for a co-op Soulslike game with action, guns, and, most importantly, loot, Remant: From the Ashes is the one to play.