When it comes to action roleplaying games (aRPGs), only a few things matter more than the story, characters, or lore. One of those things is the loot. It's one of the most prevalent common denominators ever for all aRPGs and for many players, it's the sole reason to continue playing even after finishing the game. After all, getting good loot (through a well-disguised lottery system) is one of the best feelings of victory ever in video games.
aRPGs understand and utilize that concept to a large degree. They're all about two things: making a character's attacks more colorful and getting the most colorful loot - story and narrative choices be damned. There have been many of those games over the past years, but only a handful of them are worth immortalizing through countless hours of grinding. So if fans aren't tired of playing a violent digital game of piñata ad infinitum, here are loot-based aRPGs gamers need to lose themselves into.
Updated November 17, 2021, by Sid Natividad: Similar to looter shooters, aRPGs focus on the interweaving of story and game mechanics. What sets aRPGs apart from traditional RPGs and looter shooter games is generally how the loot-based feedback loop is used within the story itself. While Path of Exile might have come to mind instantly, there are far more titles in the aRPG segment to try out these days. With the numerous aRPGs looming on the horizon after certain remasters and returns of old classics, things are looking as competitive as ever. That's a good thing for the genre as a whole. New titles and twists in the formula are always welcome to keep things fresh and relevant even for today's gaming standards.
Thus, the best aRPG is always a contested spot. Truth be told, there are so many titles to play right now. aRPG games have always been popular. But while you wait for some of the genre giants coming in the future from several developers, you can try out some of the already existing best aRPGs on the market. These best loot games ought to keep you occupied while waiting.
18 Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem looked like their developers were so disgruntled with the direction of the most recent aRPGs that they decided to make one that caters to the hardcore audience while also attracting newcomers to the genre. For the most part, it worked well and Wolcen has established itself as a power player in the genre.
It strikes a good balance between complex aRPGs like Path of Exile and something too simple. It also has a highly-customizable skill tree apart from the beautiful graphics and the endless grind opportunity that it brings to the table.
17 Last Epoch
- Release year: 2019 (early access)
- Platforms: macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Last Epoch is another strong title that's yet to leave the early access category. Don't be fooled by the incomplete game tag, it's every bit as innovative as the latest aRPG titles if not more so. That's because the Last Epoch combines many elements and layers of complexity that previous aRPGs have incorporated.
It includes time travel and several skill trees for highly customizable builds. One of the biggest problems with aRPGs is that low-level gameplay is often seen as boring. That's not the case with Last Epoch. Even low-level spells or skills have a certain weight to them that makes for satisfying leveling.
16 The Ascent
- Release year: 2021
- Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
The Ascent offers something different compared to most loot-based games. It's set in an intoxicating and visceral cyberpunk world where you assume the role of an indebted worker. You must then claw - or more aptly, shoot your way into the higher levels of society.
This way, you can clear your overwhelming debt and free yourself. Along that way, you get showered with a plethora of guns, armor parts, and cybernetic upgrades to make your twin-stick shooter gunplay much easier and more brutal.
15 The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing Series
- Release year: 2013
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox 360, Classic Mac OS, Xbox One
Turns out Van Helsing is ripe with opportunities for a loot-based aRPG title. At the moment, it's at its third game, with each one offering upgrades and innovations from its predecessor. The first game is notable for putting a thematic spin on the aRPG or loot-based game genre.
It's not often you get to see a haunted Victorian-age video game with a cool protagonist. The only downside with these titles is that aesthetic customization is a bit limited due to the title. You only get Van Helsing to play with.
14 Vikings - Wolves Of Midgard
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One
Ever wanted a Norse mythology-themed aRPG? Then Vikings - Wolves of Midgard should sate that craving for Odin's dysfunctional family. Like most games set with that kind of backdrop, it's all about surviving, stopping, or avoiding the Ragnarok or Fimbulwinter apocalypse.
It does seem that Vikings - Wolves of Midgard was made with co-op or multiplayer in mind. The game can get difficult and unforgiving. It does make up for its rough edges with the good voice acting and action-packed frost giant slaying.
13 Minecraft Dungeons
- Release year: 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S
Minecraft Dungeons is one of the latest additions to the loot-based aRPG genre. It's also made quite a stellar entrance thanks to the branding attached to its parent franchise. In terms of gameplay, it's very much a familiar experience.
The difference is that Minecraft Dungeons touts itself as a family-friendly aRPG. That alone makes it quite unique as most other games in the genre are typically grim-dark and are made for the hardcore audience. Like Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeon can be a game for all ages.
12 Victor Vran aRPG
- Release year: 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Macintosh operating systems, Xbox One
Much like the Vanhelsing games, Victor Vran has a few issues; thankfully, none of them are truly game-breaking (sorry Vanhelsing fans). The isometric title features a main character with some disembodied voice that pesters him while he goes about his hunting business. It features co-op and controller support for more casual play.
But the best thing about the title is its unique incorporation of cards. While Victor can also use Demon Powers, Destiny Cards have unique attributes to boost Victor's abilities. It's a neat twist on how games like Diablo use gems to the same end. Another great thing about this game is that you can pick it up and put it down whenever you want.
11 Warhammer Chaosbane
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
With the likes of Total War: Warhammer and other Warhammer titles in the strategy genre strengthening the franchise once more, Warhammer Chaosbane was only a matter of time. It's an isometric aRPG based on the Warhammer Fantasy universe. As such, it's gritty and dystopic, even more so than the Diablo games which popularized the isometric aRPG genre.
Compared to most isometric aRPGs in this list, though, Chaosbane's length and replay value are not too competitive. Some players even regard it as a little too short for a game made for grinding. Thankfully, Chaosbane makes up for that in terms of its action and graphics and the general feeling of being a badass in a world like Warhammer.
10 Chronicon
- Release year: 2015
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux
Chronicon launched in 2020 with the setting of reliving memories of ancient heroes. The game uses tile-set dungeon crawling mechanics that are generated randomly. Though incredibly colorful, the game has much more in common with traditional aRPGs than fans might think at first.
For instance, it has more than 400 unique items that each have their own powers. There are also more than 900 abilities, skills, and perks to mess around with, too. Players who want even more of a challenge can engage Hardcore mode, as well.
9 Lost Ark
- Release year: 2019
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
When Lost Ark was first unveiled to the West by its South Korean developers, many Diablo fans were ready to jump ship. It was a truly phenomenal isometric aRPG from both a technical and presentation standpoint. It arguably had the most visceral and satisfying combat ever in an isometric aRPG. The problem is getting access to the game outside of South Korea.
For whatever obscure reason, the developers seem to be taking their time giving their game an English version and release despite the popular demand in the West. That won't stop anyone outside of South Korea from trying it out; there are certain VPN and verification workarounds that can give users access to the Korean version of Lost Ark. Still, this will be at the risk of losing your account - that is until the Russian version arrives and eventually, the English version.
8 Grim Dawn
- Release year: 2016
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Some gamers might not have heard of this one but that doesn't mean Grim Dawn is worse than others in this list. In fact, the opposite is more believable: Grim Dawn is a sleeper hit. It has one of the more compelling plots to an isometric aRPG ever and, of course, a dizzying loot system. Still, Grim Dawn's signature lies in its class customization.
After leveling up a few more times after selecting their initial class in Grim Dawn, gamers will be presented with the dual-class system. It essentially lets them combine the skills and dispositions of two classes (no matter how different they are) and create something that's entirely unique. Not only does this add to replay value, but it also gives players more means to experiment with gameplay.
7 Torchlight 1, 2 & 3
- Release year: 2009
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox 360, Linux
Fun fact: some of Torchlight's developers consisted of the original development team for Diablo. So these guys knew what they were doing when they made their killer aRPG. Firing up Torchlight (or either of its sequels) for the first time, it's easy to see the influences. Even though the art style is a lot more cartoonish, the music and the level or enemy designs are still somewhat reminiscent of the first two Diablo games.
As for which Torchlight game to play, it doesn't really matter. Players will mostly forget the story since the game focus here is to make the player character stronger and get legendary loot. If gamers want better replay value, though, the second game has bigger (and more open) maps and has better mod-ability. Unfortunately, Torchlight III has received lackluster reviews so far.
6 Borderlands Series
- Release year: 2009
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Let's not forget the Borderlands games. Players can follow the story in Borderlands or even just the characters; some of them are actually over-the-top and riveting. However, gamers mostly play Borderlands games for one thing: guns. There are the occasional shields that also double as armor, but fans mostly chase the loot for the guns.
Of course, Borderlands adds a twist to the already aging hack-and-slash aRPG genre by making the gameplay more shooty and skill-based. Even with all the character builds and skill customization players can have, overall shooting ability and player reactions will still be the most important factor in gameplay. Fans have tons of options in this series, as well, with three games in the main series, a spin-off pre-sequel, and a TellTale game known as Tales From The Borderlands that offers a less shooty-shooty and more narrative-based experience.
5 Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr
- Release year: 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One
One of the beautiful things about the Warhammer universe is that so many game studios have crafted their own takes on it. Fans can access Warhammer (40K or otherwise) games of many genres including Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr.
It gives fans a futuristic setting that still maintains the gothic feel of a Diablo game. Players can craft gear, create unique builds with the huge skill trees, and get some sweet isometric combat in. The only downside is that the game has just 3 classes in the base game: Crusader, Psyker, and Assassin.
4 Remnant: From The Ashes
- Release year:
- Platforms:
Featuring some of the most unique monster designs, Remnant From The Ashes tells the tale of a realm descending into chaos thanks to an alternate dimension evil. The remnants of humanity team up to fight off the monstrous hoard, and take back their world.
It's a pretty common setup, but Remnant executes itself with such panache and style. THQ Nordic also just announced that, along with the developer of this game (Gunfire Games), they'll be releasing Chronos: Before The Ashes in December 2020.
3 Titan Quest
- Release year: 2006
- Platforms: Android, PlayStation 4, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Grim Dawn's intuitive dual-class system was first featured in Titan Quest. It even came from the same game studio. First released back in 2006, fan demand earned the game a re-release in 2016 with better graphics and the same gameplay.
Many fans agree that Titan Quest is an isometric aRPG done right. The loot was compelling, the story was easy to understand, and the customization was rewarding. Not to mention it was set in a Greek world setting then transitioned into Egypt and eventually into Asia. Basically, it's a globe-trotting journey for the best loot ever... and also to kill the Titans of Olympus causing havoc on Earth.
2 Warframe
- Release year: 2013
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
If players are torn with Borderlands' run and gun play style by wanting swords and awesome melee combat, then look no further than Warframe. Warframe's actually a futuristic space ninja looter shooter (if that makes sense) but leaves gamers with no shortage of options on how they want to play the game.
Want to mow down hordes of alien enemies with the biggest gun ever? Done. Or maybe players prefer getting up close and personal before slicing enemies in half? Melee weapons it is then. The choices for customization or builds are limitless. The best part is that all of this is can be done in a 3D third-person over-the-shoulder view for the best perspective of the action. When it comes to animations and graphics, it's also safe to say that Warframe has the best among all the games on this list. Oh, did we also mention the game is completely free-to-play?
1 Path Of Exile
- Release year: 2013
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Microsoft Windows
An indie game studio through and through, GGG, the developers of Path of Exile, set out to do a monumental task: to create a game that's pretty much the spiritual successor to Diablo II. How'd they fare? Let's just say Diablo III doesn't hold a candle to Path of Exile's depth and faithfulness to the Diablo II formula. Path of Exile has its own gem slotting system similar to Diablo II's runes but instead of merely added bonuses, these gems gave the skills. The real star in Path of Exile, however, is the passive skill tree.
It looks like a circuit board and is a lot more vast than most players will encounter in an isometric aRPG. Each choice leads to a different character build and we're not exaggerating when we say that there are countless numbers of character builds in this game. It's also a free game, though if players want a more rewarding appearance, they'll have to spend a considerable amount on cosmetics. It's up to fans to decide if they're worth it. Look good, play good...right?
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