Summary

  • Last Epoch mixes player-friendly content with engaging gameplay, but multiplayer issues affect user experiences.
  • Undecember offers unique character customization, but RNG-based systems might slow down progress for some players.
  • Torchlight 2's visuals and diverse content make it a standout ARPG with multiplayer options, mods, and a budget-friendly price.

Last Epoch is the latest entry into the hack-and-slash action RPG genre . The game had been in early access since April 2018, giving the developers many years to test different features before implementing them in the official version. Since its February 21, 2024 release, the game has garnered generally favorable reviews from critics, but user response has been quite a mixed bag.

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Last Epoch: 7 Beginner Mistakes To Avoid

Let's be frank, it's very easy to get overwhelmed by information and mechanics in the Last Epoch. So, here are some early mistakes to avoid.

While its player-friendly approach and engaging end-game content have garnered praise, the online multiplayer experience has been a nightmare due to server issues. However, the ARPG genre is too vast to be defined by a single game. For those looking to explore this category beyond Last Epoch, here is a great selection of games, each offering a unique twist alongside similar core mechanics.

10 Undecember

Steam User Rating: Mixed

Waypoint in NPC town
Undecember
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Action RPG
Hack and Slash
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Released
October 11, 2022
Developer(s)
Needs Games
Platform(s)
PC, Android, iOS
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Hack and Slash

Undecember is a free-to-play title that offers massive character customization options due to the absence of pre-defined classes. Players can combine their abilities and runes to damage enemies in the game. This system might be slightly RNG-based since players may acquire runes that are not suitable for their equipped weapons.

Although the game rewards players for using the in-game shop, players can progress through the story without spending anything. But the progression will be quite slower than the P2W (pay-to-win) players. Still, players should give this game a chance to experience its unique gameplay mechanics.

9 Minecraft Dungeons

Metascore: 70

Clearing a dungeon with party Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Dungeons
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Dungeon Crawler
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Released
May 26, 2020
Developer(s)
Mojang, Double Eleven
Genre(s)
Dungeon Crawler

For those who are looking for a game with Minecraft-esque aesthetics, Minecraft Dungeons is the perfect option to go for. The game features online and local play for up to four players where they team up to explore different dungeons.

It is a crucial aspect, since the dungeon's difficulty, enemy count, and treasure loot change depending on the number of players participating. Such a progression system makes the gameplay more fun and challenging. With no building aspect involved, it is one of the best ways to go casual dungeon diving with a bunch of Minecraft buddies.

8 Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor - Martyr

Metascore: 67

Defeating enemy monsters in ranged mode
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
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Action RPG
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Released
May 8, 2018
Developer(s)
NeocoreGames
Platform(s)
PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Action RPG

Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor - Martyr offers a different take on the hack-and-slash RPG genre. As an Inquisitor exploring a ghost ship, players must try out different tactics, like taking cover and switching combat modes, to defeat their enemies. There are many playable characters with specialized classes available, allowing players to experiment with different playstyles to complete the missions.

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Last Epoch: How to Install Mods

Last Epoch has a handful of mods that can be used to edit or enhance your experience with the world of Eterra.

The game offers both solo and co-op gameplay options, allowing players who like Diablo and the Warhammer 40K franchise to get together and try out the game.

7 Darksiders Genesis

Metascore: 77

Characters in Darksiders Genesis
Darksiders Genesis
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Action RPG
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Released
December 5, 2019
Developer(s)
Airship Syndicate
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia
Genre(s)
Action RPG

Despite incorporating elements from other games, Darksiders Genesis remains true to its core by focusing on hack-and-slash demon slaying. It has good graphics with co-op gameplay being added for the first time in the franchise's history.

There might be a few iffy moments due to seemingly unsolvable puzzles, weird camera angles, and harder controls, but the story and esthetics make up for its shortcomings. The game goes on sale quite often and players can get it during that time if they want to experience the world of Darksiders.

6 Lost Ark

Metascore: 81

Players crossing bridge in Lost Ark
Lost Ark
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Released
December 4, 2019
Developer(s)
Smilegate RPG
Platform(s)
PC
Genre(s)
MMORPG

Lost Ark is an isometric MMO ARPG often hailed as a cross between Diablo and Final Fantasy 14. Players can choose from the various classes and explore the massive open world to level up and fight monsters. Its selling point is the dynamic combat system and endgame content featuring many raids and dungeons.

Lost Ark's incredible visuals and combat sounds also make the gameplay more immersive. As a free-to-play title, players should try out the game if they want to enjoy a different style from the regular ARPG experience.

5 Grim Dawn

Metascore: 83

Character hunting at Asterkan Valley in Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn
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Released
February 25, 2016
Developer(s)
Crate Entertainment
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Action RPG

Grim Dawn has stood the test of time and has kept a consistent player base since its release. It is hailed as one of the few games to successfully incorporate Diablo/Titan Quest's looks and features while still providing its own unique twist to the gameplay.

Last Epoch: Best Sentinel Build
Last Epoch: Best Sentinel Build

Here's what the strongest builds for the strength-based Sentinel class look like in Last Epoch.

The dual-class systems allow players to experiment and create their own builds to challenge the rising difficulty as the game progresses. Grim Dawn stays true to the hack-and-slash genre with a massive world to explore, countless monsters to kill, and lots of loot to collect.

4 Torchlight 2

Metascore: 88

Player character roaming in Estherian Enclave town
Torchlight 2
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Released
September 20, 2012
Developer(s)
Runic Games
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Genre(s)
Action RPG

While Torchlight 2 seems to be a generic top-down ARPG, its visuals make it stand out among other games of its era. The models, world design, and color palette will remind players of World of Warcraft. The addition of online multiplayer and offline co-op using LAN makes it one of the best ARPGs to play with friends.

There are also various mods available for the game on Steam Workshop. At just $20, Torchlight 2 is a solid steal because of the enormous content it offers to players.

3 Hades

Metascore: 93

Prince Zagreus talking with Hades
Hades
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Action RPG
Roguelite
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Released
September 17, 2020
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Roguelite

Hades is a roguelike ARPG where the player loses their character progression and restarts from the starting point after each death. While it eliminates the continuous, repetitive grinding concept, it also opens up the possibility of clearing the levels in a new way with each run. The buffs and stats provided through each progression depend upon luck. Hence, players must use them in the most optimal way to advance in the game.

The engaging story, fast-paced action, unpredictable choices, difficult dungeon levels, beautiful artwork, and music make Hades a near-perfect game of its kind.

2 Path Of Exile

Metascore: 86

Clearing monsters in map
Path of Exile
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Released
October 23, 2013
Developer(s)
Grinding Gear Games
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre(s)
Action RPG

Despite being over a decade old, Path of Exile is considered the epitome of this genre by many many hardcore ARPG enthusiasts. Although it is free-to-play, the game boasts a high ceiling with an incredibly vast skill tree and crafting system. The extensive customization options allow players to tailor characters according to their playstyles, making the grind more immersive.

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The Best Hack and Slash Games of All Time, Ranked

The action-packed hack-and-slash genre has a mountain of great entries that left a mark on the genre. Here are the very best to have come out.

With the Path of Exile 2 beta starting on June 7, 2024, it is a good opportunity for players to try out the first installment. The developers have released updates regularly over the years, providing a lot of content to explore.

1 Diablo 4

Metascore: 86

Player fighting Malphas boss
Diablo 4
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Hack and Slash
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Released
June 5, 2023
Developer(s)
Blizzard
Genre(s)
Action RPG, Hack and Slash

The Diablo franchise is the first name that pops into most players' minds when talking about hack-and-slash games. The highly anticipated Diablo 4 was released last year, and it became Blizzard's fastest-selling game of all time in just five days.

The engaging gameplay and regular seasonal updates keep attracting players to come back and explore the depths of the Sanctuary. With expansive lore, refined class choices, and amazing cinematics, Diablo 4 has a lot to offer to anyone looking to experience the core elements of ARPG. It will be the go-to game in this category for many years.

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9 Best Top-Down RPGs On Steam

Players in the mood for immersive top-down RPGs on Steam can't go wrong with the following games.