Summary
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 theDiabloseries 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’sno shortage of high-quality isometric ARPGsfor loot enthusiasts. In fact, some might say we’re living in a renaissance of the genre, with recent releases likeDiablo 4andLast Epoch, and upcoming titles likePath of Exile 2andTitan 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.
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhemis 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,Wolcenis a fairly traditional ARPG, offering three starting classes, a lengthy campaign set in theWarhammer-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,Wolcenremains fully playable offline and is still worth the attention of any loot-grinding enthusiast.
Titan Questis one of the oldest games on this list, revitalized by itsAnniversary Editionin 2016. Since its re-release, the game has received three DLC expansions —Ragnarök,Atlantis, andEternal Embers— though these additions haven’t quite matched the quality of the original game or its renownedImmortal Throneexpansion.
Despite its peak being long behind,Titan Queststill 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, andTitan Questremains an engaging experience — perfect for fans eager to dive intoTitan Quest 2.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsingis 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, theFinal Cutversion 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.
Upon its release,Torchlight 2was hailed by some fans as “the trueDiablo 3,” due to its close resemblance to the style and mechanics ofDiablo 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 2excels in its core loot-grinding mechanics, quickly drawing players into the depths of the Ember Empire.
Thegame offers four distinct classes, each with a unique playstyle worth exploring. Coupled with deep customization and item upgrading systems,Torchlight 2is perfect for players who enjoy collecting powerful legendary items and pushing them to their limits.
Diablo 3initially 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, theReaper of Soulsexpansion addressed these concerns, restoring faith among fans. With a darker tone, increased difficulty, rebalanced skills, and improved loot mechanics,Diablo 3: Eternal Collectionnow stands as a worthy entry in the genre. Even those who missed the game at launchwill find it well worth playing today.
TheEternal Collectionoffers 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.
Last Epochis 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.
The developers have craftedLast Epochto be a definitive loot-grinding experience. With fifteen mastery classes, a vast array of legendary items, expansive skill trees, and unique time-travel mechanics, thegame offers both depth and excitement. Players will find themselves fully immersed as they explore the richly detailed world of Eterra.
Diablo 2: Lord of Destructionis 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.
WithDiablo 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.
Grim Dawnstands 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 aflexible hybrid class systeminspired byTitan Questand 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 MalmouthandForgotten Gods—Grim Dawnoffers 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.
The latest entry in the iconic series,Diablo 4had 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 4is a must-play for genre enthusiasts.
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 4can keep players hooked for the long haul. And with theupcomingVessel of Hatredexpansion on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into its world of danger, combat, and endless loot.
WhileDiablo 4andGrim Dawnare excellent games, in terms of loot-grinding, neither can rival the colossus that isPath 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 Exilehas 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 Exilecontinues 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. WithPath of Exile 2slated for early access in November, it’s likely this series will continue to set the standard for ARPGs and loot hunting for another decade.
