If Diablo 4’s repetitive grind or loot-focused loops have left you wanting more, you’re not alone. Many ARPG enthusiasts have turned their gaze beyond Sanctuary, hunting for deeper narratives, refined mechanics, or simply something fresher. In this hand-picked 2024 tier list, we explore the best games like Diablo – those that ignite the same addictive fire, yet bring their unique flair.
From controller-optimised indie hits to free-to-play standouts, and dark, brooding dungeons to sleek performance on handhelds like Steam Deck, we cover it all.
ARPG Tier List (2024)
With Last Epoch 1.0’s official release and the long-awaited Path of Exile 2 beta, 2024 has redefined the ARPG landscape. For many players, choosing what to play isn’t just about the name—it’s about how fast the game becomes fun. Our “Time to Fun” metric evaluates just that.
S-Tier: Last Epoch
Last Epoch finally arrived in full glory. Designed for loot lovers and theorycrafters, it delivers a vast skill system, modifiable loot, and responsive combat.
Reaching that satisfying rhythm of loot explosions and impactful choices takes just a couple of hours, making it one of the most accessible hardcore ARPGs ever.
A-Tier: Path of Exile 2 (Beta)
The beta showcases a revolutionary approach—12 ascendancy classes, visceral animations, and rebalanced pacing. It’s built for those who crave complex builds and endless replayability. But the time-to-fun is longer; you must invest before it truly clicks.
B-Tier: Undecember
A mobile-first ARPG with polished visuals and decent controller support. It hooks fast but lacks the long-term build depth of its PC counterparts.
Top 5 New Contenders
Path of Exile 2 (Beta)
This isn’t just an update; it’s an evolution. With dual-wielding classes, an overhauled passive system, and story-driven campaigns, POE 2 is a true Diablo-slayer in ambition and execution.
Dungeonborne
Imagine Dark and Darker merged with Diablo. This extraction-based ARPG blends tense PvEvP encounters with roguelite persistence. Dungeonborne thrives on atmosphere and unpredictability, offering something Diablo never dared.
Anima Flux
A rogue-lite indie gem with stunning Hades-style progression. Tight, responsive combat and hybrid weapon classes elevate it far beyond a typical indie.
Halls of Torment
Inspired by Vampire Survivors, this pick-up-and-play ARPG delivers horde-based chaos with meta-progression. Its short time-to-fun and infinite replayability make it great for casuals and die-hards alike.
No Rest for the Wicked (Preview)
Moon Studios (Ori developers) take a swing at the genre with painterly visuals and Soulslike pacing. Still in early stages, but the vertical design and story promise something distinct.
Platform-Specific Picks
Steam Deck – Chronicon
This pixel-perfect ARPG runs flawlessly on Steam Deck with 10-hour battery life. It’s snappy, customizable, and ideal for bite-sized dungeon crawls on the go.
PS5/Xbox – Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor Martyr
Offering up to 120FPS on modern consoles, it pairs the grimdark of Warhammer with Diablo-style action. Supports couch co-op and full controller layouts.
Free-to-Play Hidden Gems
Ravendawn
An MMORPG with deep crafting, open-world PvP, and real-time combat. Unlike Lost Ark, it doesn’t require a credit card to compete. Ideal for sandbox lovers who miss Ultima Online.
Pagan Online
Featuring WASD movement and MOBA-inspired skills, Pagan Online is a rare blend. While its future is uncertain, it’s a mechanically unique experience for zero cost.
Magic: Legends (Legacy Servers)
Though discontinued, fan-servers keep this ARPG-lite alive. Deck-building mechanics made it an odd but compelling title for strategy-ARPG hybrids.
Seasonal Content Showdown
Comparing seasonal content is vital in the ARPG genre, where replayability often hinges on fresh mechanics.
| Game | Current Season | Best Feature | Skip? |
| Diablo 4 | Blood Harvest | Vampire transformation builds | ❌ |
| Path of Exile | Necropolis | Corpse crafting & grave economy | ✅ |
| Torchlight Infinite | Season of War | Trait-based progression trees | ❌ |
POE continues to outshine its rivals in sheer depth and experimentation, though D4’s seasonal content has improved marginally.
ARPG Finder Quiz
Can’t decide what to play next? Let this question guide you.
“Do you prefer loot explosions or deep lore?”
If you choose loot explosions, → Go for Last Epoch or Chronicon.
If deep lore is your jam, → Path of Exile 2 or No Rest for the Wicked will captivate.
This personality-matched quiz approach is an untapped goldmine for game discovery—one we expect more platforms to adopt in the future.
Read Also: Gunfire Games: 2025 Leaks and Future Plans
Conclusion
The ARPG genre has never been this varied or vibrant. Whether you’re chasing loot storms, immersive lore, or just the next dopamine fix, there’s a game on this list waiting to hook you. Diablo 4 may have set the stage, but these contenders are ready to steal the spotlight.
FAQs
What’s the best free alternative to Diablo?
Ravendawn and Pagan Online stand out as free games that provide surprisingly deep ARPG mechanics without pay-to-win traps.
Can I play any of these ARPGs on a controller or Steam Deck?
Yes. Chronicon and Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor Martyr are optimised for both, offering full controller support and great performance.
Is Path of Exile 2 better than Diablo 4?
If you’re after build complexity and free content. However, D4 may offer smoother onboarding for newcomers.
What’s the fastest ARPG to get hooked on?
Halls of Torment and Undecember have near-zero ramp-up time, ideal for players who crave instant action.
Are any of these games good for story-driven players?
Yes. No Rest for the Wicked and POE 2 offer rich narratives alongside deep gameplay systems.
