Best Isometric RPGs For Loot Grinding

Most players would agree that few experiences rival the thrill of collecting dozens of colorful items from a powerful foe or a well-hidden chest. The hunt for the ultimate weapon, armor, or jewelry has long been the driving force behind countless games — especially isometric ARPGs. Ever since the Diablo series set the standard for this genre, the core gameplay loop has remained largely unchanged, with other titles mainly offering minor tweaks or quality-of-life improvements.

Today, there's no shortage of high-quality isometric ARPGs for loot enthusiasts. In fact, some might say we're living in a renaissance of the genre, with recent releases like Diablo 4 and Last Epoch, and upcoming titles like Path of Exile 2 and Titan Quest 2. Let's rank the best isometric ARPGs from recent years, focusing on their loot-grinding mechanics and how well they hold up today.

10 Wolcen: Lords Of Mayhem

A Potential That Wasn't Fully Realized

Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is a dynamic, fast-paced ARPG with stunning visuals powered by CryEngine. Initially developed by a small team, the game made a big splash upon its 2020 launch, attracting nearly 130,000 players on Steam alone. However, it quickly lost momentum due to questionable post-launch support and some unclear design decisions.

At its core, Wolcen is a fairly traditional ARPG, offering three starting classes, a lengthy campaign set in the Warhammer-esque Human Republic, challenging boss battles, robust and lightning-fast combat, and, of course, a wealth of loot to discover, upgrade, and collect. Despite the game's online servers being shut down, Wolcen remains fully playable offline and is still worth the attention of any loot-grinding enthusiast.

9 Titan Quest Anniversary Edition

Mythologically-Infused Loot-Hunting Title That Still Holds Up

Titan Quest is one of the oldest games on this list, revitalized by its Anniversary Edition in 2016. Since its re-release, the game has received three DLC expansions — Ragnarök, Atlantis, and Eternal Embers — though these additions haven't quite matched the quality of the original game or its renowned Immortal Throne expansion.

Despite its peak being long behind, Titan Quest still holds up remarkably well, thanks to some unique features that continue to draw players in. Its mythological setting and the joy of looting gear inspired by legendary tales from various ancient cultures remain standout elements. Add in the lengthy, adventure-filled campaign, memorable boss battles against mythical creatures, a charming atmosphere, an excellent soundtrack, and satisfying ragdoll physics, and Titan Quest remains an engaging experience — perfect for fans eager to dive into Titan Quest 2.

8 The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing: Final Cut

Rich Loot-Grinding Component Coupled With Unique Mood And Atmosphere

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is an ARPG trilogy known for its unique blend of gothic and steampunk aesthetics, set in the fictional kingdom of Borgovia. What truly sets this game apart is its distinctive atmosphere, filled with charming dialogue, interactions, and humor, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. For those interested, the Final Cut version is highly recommended, as it includes all content released by Neocore Games, offering six playable classes and a campaign that takes around 50 hours to complete.

While the game features a solid loot-grinding component, it also mixes things up with optional tower defense segments, which may appeal to some players. The loot itself is rewarding, with plenty of rare items to hunt across all classes, and a flexible upgrade system that adds depth to the experience.

7 Torchlight 2

Compact, Stylish, And Hard To Put Down

Upon its release, Torchlight 2 was hailed by some fans as "the true Diablo 3," due to its close resemblance to the style and mechanics of Diablo 2 — complete with a soundtrack by Matt Uelmen. The game's distinct visual style and steampunk elements make it stand out in the genre. Despite lacking an online component, Torchlight 2 excels in its core loot-grinding mechanics, quickly drawing players into the depths of the Ember Empire.

The game offers four distinct classes, each with a unique playstyle worth exploring. Coupled with deep customization and item upgrading systems, Torchlight 2 is perfect for players who enjoy collecting powerful legendary items and pushing them to their limits.

6 Diablo 3: Reaper Of Souls

A Course Correction Done Right

Diablo 3 initially launched to a mixed reception, with criticism aimed at its lack of content, overly bright atmosphere, in-game auction house, and various technical issues. However, the Reaper of Souls expansion addressed these concerns, restoring faith among fans. With a darker tone, increased difficulty, rebalanced skills, and improved loot mechanics, Diablo 3: Eternal Collection now stands as a worthy entry in the genre. Even those who missed the game at launch will find it well worth playing today.

The Eternal Collection offers an enormous amount of content, with dozens of hours of gameplay across its seven character classes. The game is also generous with its legendary drops, consistently rewarding players and keeping the excitement alive as they hunt for even better gear.

5 Last Epoch

The Newest Addition To The Genre With Loads Of Potential

Last Epoch is one of the most recent entries in the ARPG genre, receiving widespread praise from long-time fans. After years in early access, incorporating feedback from players, the game peaked at nearly 270,000 players on Steam at launch, proving the enduring popularity of loot-driven ARPGs.

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The developers have crafted Last Epoch to be a definitive loot-grinding experience. With fifteen mastery classes, a vast array of legendary items, expansive skill trees, and unique time-travel mechanics, the game offers both depth and excitement. Players will find themselves fully immersed as they explore the richly detailed world of Eterra.

4 Diablo 2: Lord Of Destruction

A Timeless Classic For Every Loot Lover

Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction is a legendary game that many still regard as the pinnacle of the ARPG genre. Its perfect blend of challenging gameplay, diverse classes, and rewarding character-building options, combined with well-balanced drop rates, have made it an enduring favorite. The game's aesthetics, atmosphere, and iconic sound design add to the timeless appeal of the loot-grinding experience.

With Diablo 2: Resurrected, modern players can dive into the world of Sanctuary with updated visuals while retaining the essence of the original. For any fan of ARPGs, this remastered edition offers the most accessible way to relive — or discover — this classic masterpiece.

3 Grim Dawn

Immensely Deep In Lore, Character Building, And Loot-Focused Mechanics

Grim Dawn stands out in the ARPG genre for its depth and complexity. While its visuals may feel a bit dated, the game excels in nearly every other area. It features a flexible hybrid class system inspired by Titan Quest and the unique Devotion skill tree, allowing for a vast range of character builds. The itemization is top-tier, with an intricate faction and Nemesis system, rewarding players with unique loot and powerful crafting options.

With two expansions — Ashes of Malmouth and Forgotten Gods — Grim Dawn offers an expansive and rich world. The dark, immersive atmosphere, gripping lore, and hauntingly beautiful score set it apart, while the world of Cairn is brimming with danger, unique bosses, and hidden treasures. Once players get absorbed in its intricacies, it becomes difficult to put down, making it one of the most memorable ARPG experiences.

2 Diablo 4

A Modern Take On The Genre With A Near-Perfect Dark Fantasy Setting

The latest entry in the iconic series, Diablo 4 had its share of issues at launch, but the developers quickly addressed them, turning the game into a near-perfect destination for ARPG fans. With its expansive open world, dark fantasy aesthetics, striking visuals, atmospheric music, and engaging gameplay, Diablo 4 is a must-play for genre enthusiasts.

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The game offers five starting classes, each with deep customization options, a rich itemization system, and a vast world to explore. With easily over a hundred hours of content, Diablo 4 can keep players hooked for the long haul. And with the upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into its world of danger, combat, and endless loot.

1 Path Of Exile

A Genre Titan With Years Of Evolution

While Diablo 4 and Grim Dawn are excellent games, in terms of loot-grinding, neither can rival the colossus that is Path of Exile. One of the most-played games on Steam, its all-time peak sits at around 230,000 players. As the only free-to-play game on this list, Path of Exile has evolved over many years, becoming the pinnacle of the ARPG genre. Set in the dark and twisted world of Wraeclast, it offers a near-unparalleled amount of content, allowing players to immerse themselves for months on end.

Path of Exile continues to grow with new activities, challenges, skill gems, legendary loot, and fresh areas and enemies to conquer, keeping fans coming back for more in search of a perfect drop. The only downside is its sheer complexity and depth, which demands significant dedication to master. With Path of Exile 2 slated for early access in November, it's likely this series will continue to set the standard for ARPGs and loot hunting for another decade.