Summary
- ARPG combat varies between classic inputs and modern active elements like dodging and parrying.
- Diablo 4 balances empowering player features with engaging combat mechanics that differ by season.
- Path of Exile offers build variety for satisfying combat but crafting builds may surpass the enjoyment of playing.
When it comes to isometric ARPGs, satisfying combat can mean different things to different players. The classic ARPG formula was built on a keyboard-and-mouse gameplay style that lends itself more to repetitive inputs and ramping power scaling. This stands somewhat opposed to more modern, active combat systems that attempt to add elements like active dodging, parrying, stamina, or other mechanics that originate from third-person action RPGs.
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ARPGs that exist in the modern gaming space have tried a lot of different ways to approach these new elements, with some leaning heavily into action and others trying to create hybrids of systems both old and new. Of course, other ARPGs have doubled down on those classic player-empowering elements that many fans still love. The isometric ARPGs on this List have all found ways to create satisfying combat, whether that's by empowering the player to feel like a master build crafter or by introducing active combat elements that make players think about each input they make. These are the ARPGs with the most satisfying combat.
8 Diablo 4
Sanctuary Savior
Diablo 4
- Released
- June 5, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
Diablo is the archetypal ARPG series and an influence that many genre peers emulate. It's not necessarily known for satisfying combat, though, with the satisfaction coming more from the loot game and power progression. High-level combat often consists of screen-clearing, low-effort builds. Diablo 4 attempted to remedy some of that, initially releasing with a relatively slow campaign that demanded some mastery of boss mechanics.
However, due to the live service nature of the game, that balance has become somewhat diluted over time. With seasons coming and going, the game has gone up and down between allowing one-button, screen-clearing builds to dominate, to trying different ways to force player engagement with more in-depth mechanics, whether through class nerfs, boss buffs, or redesigning fights and progression. That means that the game can feel more or less satisfying to play depending on which season a player enters, and this is the main reason Diablo 4 doesn't rank higher on this list.
7 Torchlight 2
Cartoon Violence
Torchlight 2
- Released
- September 20, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
While many of the ARPGs on this list go for brutal, visceral combat and gory realism, Torchlight 2 is the exact opposite. The game's brightly colored aesthetic and lighthearted tone belies its nature as an original take on the classic ARPG formula. While it's hard to say that it feels modern now, at the time, the game was a smart modernization of Diablo 2's core systems, with recognizable skill trees applied to a host of classes that felt at once original and familiar.
The combat could often fall into the classic ARPG mindless move spam gameplay, but in general, the classes had skills and synergies that felt satisfying to use in concert. The game's most satisfying feature by far was being able to sell loot from the field via a pet courier system, so players never had to leave combat because of a full inventory—something more ARPGs should adopt.
6 Path Of Exile
Build Crafting Paradise
Path of Exile
- Released
- October 23, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Nudity, Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Path of Exile is an ARPG whose highest levels are dominated by set-and-forget screen-clearing builds. That doesn't mean combat can't be satisfying, though, and the game's strength lies in its build variety. Players can craft a character around any set of skill gems and passives they like, and this opens up a number of different playstyles.
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Path of Exile has been finely tuned over time, and virtually any skill can be powerful with the right support gems and passive skills. The satisfaction in combat comes from seeing the moves that players have cultivated decimating their enemies, whether they're flickerstriking across the map, one-shotting foes from afar, or letting their minions do the heavy lifting. With that said, crafting the builds is arguably more satisfying than playing them, which is why PoE can't top this list.
5 The Ascent
Looter Shooter
The Ascent
- Released
- July 29, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
The Ascent stands out in an isometric ARPG genre dominated by hack-and-slash, dark fantasy archetypes. The Cyberpunk-infused, dystopian world and the twin-stick shooter-style combat give The Ascent a unique feel. The cover-based isometric shooting focuses as much on the players' guns as it does on giving them fancy abilities. There are skill points to spend and Cyberware upgrades to unlock, but finding a powerful gun as a random drop can be just as empowering. This makes combat feel both more active and more skill-based than most ARPGs, with the player having to move and aim between low and high cover as their enemies do the same.
Combat continues to offer a decent level of challenge throughout the game, forcing players to keep up with their gear and stay focused when in a fight. Despite not having the endgame tail that some players might expect from the genre, The Ascent is very satisfying to play.
4 No Rest For The Wicked
Loot Souls
No Rest for the Wicked
- Released
- April 18, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
One of the highlights of No Rest For The Wicked is its combat system. The game opts for a highly active flow of dodges, blocks, and parries, with readable boss design akin to a Soulslike, albeit translated to an isometric perspective. While this Early Access ARPG still needs some work in many areas, the combat is one reason that players see great potential in No Rest For The Wicked.
Coming from the developers behind Ori and the Blind Forest and its sequel, the game also has a gorgeous and unique stylized art style, with environments and character designs that feel like paintings come to life. After aquiring the publishing rights to the game earlier this year, the developer recently released the Breach update, adding new content and refreshing fans' faith that development is once again proceeding smoothly (despite some mixed messages from the studio head). Wherever the game goes from here, the satisfying combat in No Rest For The Wicked provides a solid foundation for future updates.
3 Last Epoch
Player Power
Last Epoch
- Released
- February 21, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rating Pending
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Since its release in 2024, Last Epoch has grown with its audience, with its latest update in particular attracting some well-deserved praise for the ARPG and a new high mark for concurrent players. The game aims toward accessibility for new players while retaining endgame depth for ARPG veterans, which leads to a difficulty curve that can be highly satisfying if players are looking for an ARPG that doesn't push back too hard against player power fantasy.
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Last Epoch uses separate systems for leveling skills and class passive points, with an interface that is easy to understand while offering a lot of depth regarding branching choices. The game is not shy about letting players respec their character or craft and gamble for new gear, meaning there's always a clear progression path, even if players occasionally hit the odd difficulty spike. Overall, the combat does little that ARPGs haven't done before, but it does it well, while respecting the player's time in ways that other genre staples don't.
2 Grim Dawn
Multi-Classic
Grim Dawn
- Released
- February 25, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Grim Dawn was originally released back in 2016, but numerous updates and expansions since its release have built on an incredibly solid foundation to create one of the best ARPGs out there. The combat now fuses the old-school ARPG point-and-click gameplay with modern action elements like a dodge roll, making the classic dual-class character building shine even among its modern competitors.
The game can be intimidating to newcomers with its wealth of character stats, but the progression is doled out at a manageable pace throughout Grim Dawn's engaging campaign. This allows players to ease into their character and identify their strengths before the game starts pushing back too hard. Combat is pitched with a delicate balance between making players feel powerful and demanding that they use their abilities wisely. This creates a satisfying progression curve that lasts through replaying the game on its higher difficulties. As such, Grim Dawn remains one of the most satisfying ARPGs for combat and character building, even in 2025.
1 Path Of Exile 2
Establishing Dominance
Path of Exile II
- Released
- December 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Nudity, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Language, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash, MMORPG
If there's one main way in which Path of Exile 2 deviates from its predecessor, it's in trying to provide a more active, satisfying combat loop. In this regard, it succeeds, even if several elements require further development in the game's current Early Access state. Combat feels more impactful in Path of Exile 2, not just compared to the original game, but compared to most other ARPGs. That's often because it demands more of the player in terms of learning attack patterns and dodges, and how to time their own attacks.
With that said, the game doesn't carry this idea all the way through to its endgame in its current state, with builds that can trigger passive effects for screen-clearing damage still dominating the late-game meta. Ongoing attempts to balance the game may end up changing this, as well as the overall balance and feel of combat, but Path of Exile 2 has stated a clear intention to create engaging combat that delivers in a lot of ways, even if recent updates haven't all been popular.
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