Diablo IV is coming out this June, and if you want to try out the beta, it is possible to pre-order the game and play it right away. However, if pre-order is not your thing and you want to wait and see if it is bug-free or not, it might be a good idea to check out some of the following "diablo clones" instead.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the 5 best action RPG similar to Diablo IV in 2023.
1. Path of Exile
Path of Exile strikes a balance between the satisfying but simplistic gameplay of Diablo 3 and the more complex yet clunky style of Diablo 2. Although it may seem intricate initially, with no standard currency and various orbs used for trading and crafting, PoE's lack of traditional classes adds to its complexity. Instead, the game's classes determine your starting point on the "passive tree," which, combined with Ascendancy classes and other choices made during the campaign, allows for an extraordinary level of complexity.
However, once you overcome the learning curve, you are rewarded with a game that offers a more fleshed-out endgame than Diablo 3 and nearly infinite build complexity. PoE's gameplay loop follows the traditional formula of killing monsters to acquire better gear to kill stronger monsters, but the game's diverse builds and playstyles ensure that players don't get bored. The game's skill gem sockets, links, and crafting mechanics provide further opportunities for character customization, making it possible to create a vast array of different characters. Compared to Diablo 3, where there are usually only a handful of viable builds per season, PoE offers hundreds of viable builds, making the difficulty of the game not in finding a good build, but in choosing one from the countless options available.
Additionally there are Ascendancy classes are specializations that players can choose for their characters once they reach level 75 and complete the Labyrinth, a series of puzzle-like areas filled with traps and monsters. Each of the game's 19 Ascendancy classes provides players with a unique set of passive skills, allowing them to further customize their characters and playstyles.
2. Grim Dawn
One of the greatest features of Grim Dawn is the multitude of options available to players. With 72 possible mastery combinations, each with its own skillsets that can be combined with those of other masteries, there are a plethora of viable character builds. While there are optimal builds that can be achieved by following guides, it is also possible to beat the game with any combination of masteries, even without prior knowledge. Mistakes in character creation can be rectified easily and at a low cost, and the various skillsets and combinations offer vastly different gameplay experiences. Choosing to specialize in different weapons, such as guns, swords, or magic, also significantly alters gameplay, as do the options of wielding a one-handed shield, two-handed weapons, or dual-wielding.
The game's replay value is also enhanced by branching questlines, different decisions that lead to varied locked-off areas and hidden secrets, functional cooperative multiplayer, a hardcore 1-life mode, and regular game updates from the developers, who still work on the game with passion despite having other projects. Additionally, the game's expansions offer multiple alternative paths and factions to choose from, making it worth replaying on a regular basis.
The graphics in Grim Dawn are well done, with highly detailed environments and character models. The game has a gloomy and ominous atmosphere, which is complemented by a haunting and immersive soundtrack. The sound effects are also well done and add to the overall immersive experience.
3. Titan Quest
Despite some areas where it has aged and lacks some of the modern conveniences and quality of life features found in newer titles of its genre, Titan Quest is still capable of standing out today. One of its strengths lies in its distinctiveness, as there is no other game like it that takes place in Ancient Greece and its mythology, which makes it particularly captivating for those interested in that time period.
The game's gameplay is still very enjoyable, despite the repetition of the combat at times. You can complete quests, slay monsters and gather loot as you progress through the game, and have the option of investing skill points into one of nine skill trees or masteries as you level up. Once you reach level 8, you can choose a second mastery to mix and match with the first one or stick with just one, which adds to the game's replayability. In my opinion, this feature is only surpassed by Grim Dawn. So far, I have only tried the Conqueror and Ranger, but I am interested in trying out other masteries.
The level design is just exquisite. I'm not really a fan of dark and gloomy and Titan Quest is such a breath of fresh air. A wide variety of maps and different vistas, along with varying monsters as mythologies change is a far cry from the depressing worlds of Diablo and Grim Dawn. Ancient cities, old tombs, temples, forests, mountain passes, deserts and the very gates of the Underworld itself make for a rich world. There is also plentiful checkpoints situated throughout, so you can generally play in short spells or long sessions too.
4. Torchlight 2
As someone who played Diablo 2 extensively and enjoyed it a lot, I was searching for a similar game that could replicate the same experience. Specifically, I wanted an Action RPG that could provide the same sense of enjoyment and satisfaction as Diablo 2. Torchlight 2 manages to deliver that experience almost flawlessly, while also addressing many of the flaws that Diablo 2 had and turning them into strengths.
At its essence, Torchlight 2 is a typical Action RPG with classes, skill trees, and a quest-based hack-and-slash gameplay that spans large maps. However, the game excels at these elements and truly embodies the essence of what an ARPG should be. The combat, which is the most crucial component of an ARPG, is incredibly gratifying.
The game's story is serviceable but not particularly memorable, as it mainly serves as a backdrop for the gameplay. However, the game's world is rich with lore and secrets to discover, making exploration and discovery a rewarding experience. The game also features a robust multiplayer mode that allows players to team up with friends and take on challenging dungeons and bosses together.
One of the game's strongest aspects is its art direction, which features a colorful and cartoonish aesthetic that is both charming and visually pleasing. The music is also noteworthy, with an excellent soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's frenetic gameplay.
5. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut
Upon first impression, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing does not look like much, with its static world and limited variety of enemies and typical elements of a click-heavy action RPG. However, one distinct aspect that sets it apart is the unique and entertaining voiceover interactions between Van Helsing and his companion Katarina, which become apparent even before embarking on the first quest area.
The game offers a wide range of options for classes, skills, spells and equipment which are heavily influenced by the choices you make when creating your character. Compared to other games in this genre, the variety of options available in this game stands out as exceptional. Your initial selection will have a big impact on how you experience the game, which adds to its replayability factor.
Since Final Cut is the Van Helsing trilogy stitched into one game, it's helpful to break down the gameplay into three acts. The first act follows typical ARPG gameplay with players fighting their way through various environments, helping villages, and ultimately taking on the city's overlord. The maps are expansive, and the bosses have unique abilities.
The second act changes things up by having Van Helsing lead a resistance army against a new threat. The maps in this section are designed more like battlefields, and there's a greater sense of grandeur. However, this comes at the cost of backtracking and repeated use of maps, with simpler boss fights. The resistance management screen and pet chimera provide some interesting side activities.
In the third act, players embark on a grand journey through different locales in the Ink, but with fewer side quests and hidden content.
The final battle is long, but ultimately not very interesting. Despite the lackluster ending, the game overall offers an enjoyable experience with plenty of variety throughout the three acts.
>>> Read more: 5 Best Games Based On Greek Mythology (2023)
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