The Diablo the series is easily among the most iconic and influential games, spawning an entire action RPG genre focused on character and gear development. Ever since 2000, there has been a constant stream of Diablo-like game with an instantly recognizable formula. More than two decades later, such games are still immensely popular, constantly attracting new players to the alluring feeling of clearing dungeons, mastering and experimenting with combat skills and, of course, hunting for the rarest loot drops.
The past few years have been particularly rewarding for fans of isometric ARPGs, delivering hugely popular games, including, of course, Diablo 4. But there is more to it than that: Path of Exile 2 and Titan Quest 2 are already available in early access, Sacred 2 Remaster promises a nostalgia-filled trip for fans of the series in just a few weeks, and beloved games that Last era, The path of exileand Grim Dawn (with the forthcoming Asterkarn's fangs expansion) continues to receive content updates – not to mention a slew of lesser-known isometric ARPGs.
As the genre evolves, developers strive to expand on the core formula, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible, adding features, borrowing elements from other genres, and perfecting the signature gameplay loop with more classes, skills, and loot than ever before. The future also looks bright, as many games like Diablo preparing for launch – and below are just a few promising examples to scratch just that.
Crystal case
Procedural skill tree generation is something else
Crystal case is a promising loot-driven isometric action RPG set in a distinctive steampunk world full of mutated creatures of all kinds. Aside from its unique setting, the game features colorful visuals, a classless character system with great potential for experimentation, and rich detailing.
Crystal case uses procedural generation to randomize its maps and dungeons, offering endless replayability for fans of the genre while ticking all the necessary boxes. To spice up character development, it extends procedural generation to skill trees as well, while making skills lootable and of varying rarity. With seasonal content and extensive endgame options already announced, this one is shaping up nicely and promises dozens of hours of exciting gameplay.
Gods, death and reapers
Experimental insight into the genre
An exciting version of the familiar genre, Gods, death and reapers aims to mix the classic Diablo-like formula with the extraction genre. Players can approach the game solo or in PvE co-op and ignore its riskier features, but for the bravest, it provides an intense PvPvE experience where teams collect epic loot and battle – risking losing it all.
Already had a solid run on the genre with Wolcen: Lords of Mayhemthe team seems confident to tackle something new and potentially expand their horizons with Gods, death and reapers. A neat bonus: the game's graphics and overall atmosphere look amazing.
Carbon
Blends Cyberpunk and Biopunk to stand out
- Release date: To be announced
- Developer: Hardwired Studios
Carbon immediately stands out with its futuristic sci-fi aesthetic, still relatively rare in top-down ARPGs and somewhat reminiscent of the popular and beautiful The ascent. Mix cyberpunk and biopunk elements, post-Earth world of Carbon is dark and dangerous, where body enhancements become necessary to survive and fight against mutant creatures.
Carbon aims to take full advantage of its unique setting and style, offering two types of play largely based around character class-defining power-ups – players can choose between Tech (a mix of Cyberware and Nanoware) or Bio (Geneware and Chemware). Progression is driven by 18 unique core specializations with over 100 customizable skills and talents, so there's plenty to choose from when building devastating battle formations. In addition to the story mode, there's four-player co-op, and the best part is — there's already a demo available on Steam for those who want a taste of what's to come.
Necromage
It's about Minions
- Release date: To be announced
- Developer: CrazyPepe game
Being a Necromancer is a fairly common choice within Diablo-similar game, but for those who want to go all in, Necromage might be worth a look. As the name suggests, this ARPG is entirely dedicated to creating and playing as a powerful Necromancer with magical abilities, as players can raise the dead and summon various bone creatures to fight alongside them, as well as master various spells.
Necromages the entire progression revolves around leveling up, customizing and equipping not only the protagonist but also their minions, along with creating enchanted spells to use. With robust specification for every creature in a Necromancer's party, players are free to unleash magical powers to defeat challenging bosses in this grim world.
Rekesh Gaal
Diablo meets dark souls
- Release date: Coming soon
- Developer: Mystic Blade
Rekesh Gaal is about that dark fantasy vibe, seemingly trying to deliver the classic and brutal Dark souls feel in the top-down ARPG genre. A muted visual palette with all kinds of grays and blacks, a lone wanderer in a broken world of gloomy cities, castles, ruins and dungeons full of secrets – it might all sound too familiar, but what's better than pure classics?
Aimed at hardcore fans of the genre, Rekesh Gaal offers complex character development based on hundreds of unique skills — there are over 210 different skills in 30 skill branches that players are free to combine as they wish. Another unique feature is nearly endless ways to improve and upgrade players' favorite gear through deep and flexible crafting (over 500 crafting recipes), so you won't be forced to constantly replace your beloved armor or weapon. If Rekesh Gaal sounds like your cup of tea, check out the project's demo currently available on Steam.
Legends of Azamar
Condensed ARPG experience with no frills
- Release date: 2026
- Developer: Gronkins
Legends of Azamar is yet another contender for a nice Diablo-like loot-driven experience, set in a stylized world of Avendor. The game doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but instead offers a traditional, condensed approach to the core pillars of the genre. Players can choose from a mighty warrior, cunning villain or enigmatic sorcerer, each with their own skills, weapons and abilities.
With little emphasis on anything beyond the classic game loop, Legends of Azamar aims to nail the essentials, as players will face increasingly deadly challenges and stronger gear as they push deeper into the mining town and its endless procedurally generated dungeons. Legends of Azamar's playable demo is also available on Steam for those who want to try everything the game has to offer.
Greyskin
Mutant rats with guns, need we say more?
- Release date: Coming Soon (Early Access Planned)
- Developer: Green Goo game
Playing as a merciless rat with a big gun sounds fresh enough for a top-down, loot-focused ARPG, so Greyskin already stands out from the crowd. Add a weird looking world with stylized visuals, literal hordes of monsters, shooters and really big explosions to the mix – and players just might be in for something pretty special.
IN Greyskinthe team strives to deliver a classic yet inventive blend of genres, centered around fast-paced, explosive battles with a tactical edge. With four distinct classes that play very differently, a mix of hand-crafted worlds and procedural dungeons for near-infinite playability, as well as endgame activities, players are sure not to lack for content. From tons of valuable and powerful loot, robust crafting and customization, to managing resources, timing and energy to survive, Greyskin also offers a demo to try and see how it feels.
