Explore the thrilling world of best action role-playing video games in 2025, where epic battles and rich loot systems await!
Introduction to ARPGs
The Action RPG (ARPG) genre has fused dynamic combat, deep leveling systems, and loot collection into a captivating experience. In these games, players immerse themselves in vibrant worlds, battling hordes of enemies while collecting coveted trophies. The ARPG genre has evolved from iconic classics like Diablo, enriching itself over time with an array of mechanics, visual styles, and ideas. From dark dungeons to colorful fantasy realms, this article brings you the top ARPGs that have captured the hearts of gamers.
The Diablo Series
The Diablo series is a legend of the ARPG genre, serving as the foundation for the entire action role-playing game industry. It originated in 1996 when Blizzard Entertainment introduced the first installment, setting the standards for all subsequent "diabloids." Since then, Diablo has become a cult brand associated with a dark atmosphere and an endless quest for better loot.
Top Titles in the Series:
- Diablo 2 (2000) — A classic still considered the gold standard for ARPGs, featuring a complex build system, legendary items, and the Lord of Destruction expansion, which solidified its immortality. In 2021, a remastered version titled Diablo 2: Resurrected was released.
- Diablo 3 (2012) — A more dynamic and accessible entry that achieved massive success following the release of the Reaper of Souls expansion.
- Diablo 4 (2023) — A return to the series' dark roots with modern graphics and mechanics.
Each installment adds something new to the series while maintaining familiar mechanics for fans. If you want to understand what a true ARPG is, start with Diablo 2.
Path of Exile (1 and 2)
Path of Exile is one of the most successful and intricate ARPGs, developed by the New Zealand studio Grinding Gear Games. Released in 2013, the first installment quickly gained popularity due to its free-to-play model, extensive content, and an incredibly complex leveling system. The game serves as a worthy successor to classic ARPGs like Diablo 2, introducing a plethora of unique mechanics.
One of the game's standout features is its enormous passive skill tree, which allows players to create thousands of different builds and customize their characters to any play style. The economy of the game is built on items and crafting resources, adding depth and variability.
The sequel, Path of Exile 2, launched in early access in December 2024, featuring a new campaign, improved graphics, and revamped mechanics. Players can switch between both versions, making Path of Exile 2 more of a global expansion than a direct sequel.
Path of Exile has earned players' respect for its difficulty, depth, and dedication to hardcore audiences. Despite its free-to-play model, the game does not impose aggressive monetization, setting it apart from other F2P projects.
Last Epoch
Last Epoch is one of the most promising ARPGs in recent years, developed by Eleventh Hour Games. Released in early access in 2019, the game has been actively developed, regularly receiving updates, new content, and mechanics. Its main feature is a unique class system and time travel, which influence the world and gameplay.
In total, Last Epoch offers 15 subclasses, which players can develop from basic classes like Knight, Mage, and Acolyte. Players can explore different time eras within the same world, where actions in one era can impact events and environments in another.
The game also places great emphasis on the creation and upgrading of gear. The crafting system is intuitive yet deep enough to engage even seasoned players.
Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is built on the Titan Quest engine but brings numerous improvements and unique ideas. It rapidly gained popularity among genre fans due to its deep class system, rich atmosphere, and gameplay variability.
In the game, players can combine two classes from the available options (e.g., Soldier and Occultist) to create hybrid builds. Moreover, there’s a decision-making system that impacts the world and its inhabitants.
Following the release of Grim Dawn, several major expansions were introduced:
- Ashes of Malmouth — Expanded the game world, adding new classes, zones, and storylines.
- Forgotten Gods — Introduced a new large location, an endgame system (Shattered Realm), and a host of new items.
Grim Dawn offers players hundreds of hours of content. In addition to the main storyline, there are difficulty modes, faction systems, quests for collecting rare items, and endgame content.
The Torchlight Series
The Torchlight series is a colorful and easy-to-learn ARPG that has won the hearts of players with its friendly style, engaging gameplay, and interesting mechanics. Developed by Runic Games, the first installment was released in 2009, followed by Torchlight 2 in 2012. The series creators crafted a less grim world compared to games like Diablo or Grim Dawn, while managing to keep a deep leveling system and dynamic gameplay.
Top Titles in the Series:
- Torchlight (2009) — The first game set the stage, focused on exploring a vast mine. Players descend deeper, facing increasingly dangerous foes.
- Torchlight 2 (2012) — It expanded the universe by adding more classes, a huge open world, and cooperative play. Torchlight 2 is regarded as the best game in the series due to its diverse content and improved gameplay.
In Torchlight, pets play significant roles; they assist in combat, carry items, sell loot in town, and even use spell scrolls. Each installment focuses on exploring procedurally generated dungeons.
No Rest for the Wicked
No Rest for the Wicked has already attracted the attention of genre enthusiasts. Developed by the creators of Ori and The Blind Forest, this game entered early access in 2024. It is known for its heightened complexity, requiring gamers to concentrate and approach battles thoughtfully, taking into account enemy types, effectively using abilities, and adapting to unique situations.
The events unfold in a dark, gothic universe where players combat demons, undead, and other manifestations of evil. Additionally, players will need to restore cities and explore the world.
The Sacred Series
The Sacred series stands out with its unique humor, vast open worlds, and a variety of characters. The first game was released in 2004, and its sequel, Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, solidified the franchise's popularity. The games differ from classic ARPGs with their lighthearted storytelling approach and original style. For instance, Sacred 2 has quests referencing pop culture, humorous dialogues, and quirky NPCs.
Unlike most ARPGs that focus on dungeons and linear locations, Sacred gamers navigate a fully open world where they can search for secrets, complete side quests, and interact with NPCs.
Undecember
Undecember is a relatively new ARPG developed by the Korean studio Needs Games, released in 2022. The game blends classic genre elements like dynamic combat and loot collection with modern mechanics, including complete freedom in build creation and crafting. Undecember positions itself as a direct competitor to titles like Diablo 4 and Path of Exile.
One of the main features of Undecember is the absence of classes. Players can develop characters as they see fit, combining magic, melee, and ranged combat. This allows for the creation of unique builds tailored to any playstyle. Moreover, in Undecember, players can gather materials, modify equipment, and enhance items.
The combat system resembles a mix of Diablo and Path of Exile, featuring fast attacks, numerous enemies, and spectacular abilities. After completing the main campaign, gamers gain access to a variety of activities, including challenging dungeons, raids, and trials that require well-prepared builds and cooperation with other players.
Dungeon Siege Series
Dungeon Siege is a cult classic ARPG developed by Gas Powered Games. The first part was released in 2002 and quickly captured players' attention with its unique companion system, smooth gameplay, and well-crafted world. The series has seen multiple sequels, but the first two games remain fan favorites.
Best Parts of the Series:
- Dungeon Siege (2002) — This game offered a revolutionary combination of action RPG and strategic party management. Players could assemble a party of multiple characters, each with unique skills.
- Dungeon Siege 2 (2005) — A sequel that expanded on everything good from the original, adding a more complex leveling system, new classes, enhanced visuals, and an even more engaging storyline.
In Dungeon Siege, players can travel seamlessly across vast locations without loading screens, developing characters in various directions: magic, ranged combat, melee, and more. The skill system is flexible, allowing players to adapt each hero to their specific playstyle.
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem, released in 2020, quickly drew attention due to its impressive graphics powered by the CryEngine, a flexible character progression system, and epic battles. Despite facing technical issues at launch, the game managed to build a loyal audience and remains one of the most discussed ARPGs in recent years.
In Wolcen, there are no traditional ARPG classes. Players can develop characters in any way they choose: combining magic, melee, and ranged attacks to create unique builds. The game features a dodging and powerful ability activation system, adding dynamism to battles.
After completing the main campaign, players can engage in endgame activities, such as city building and development, completing contracts, and fighting legendary foes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of ARPGs in 2025 is rich with variety and complexity. From the classic Diablo series to innovative titles like Undecember, there's something for every type of gamer. Which ARPGs do you love the most?
FAQs:
- What defines an ARPG? An ARPG combines action-oriented gameplay with role-playing mechanics, such as character progression, story, and complex world-building.
- Is Path of Exile free to play? Yes, Path of Exile is free to play and does not feature aggressive monetization tactics that hinder gameplay.
- Which game should beginners start with? Many recommend starting with Torchlight due to its user-friendly interface and accessible gameplay.
- Can you play Last Epoch solo? Yes, Last Epoch can be played solo, though it also features cooperative gameplay options.
- What makes Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem unique? Its flexible progression system allows players to create custom builds without traditional class restrictions.
