Unleash Your Inner Exile: The Best Path of Exile Alternatives for ARPG Fans
Path of Exile has carved out a significant niche in the Action RPG (ARPG) genre, captivating players with its deep character customization, complex item economy, and challenging gameplay. Developed by a small, independent team of hardcore gamers, it offers a truly free-to-play experience with no pay-to-win elements. However, even the most dedicated exiles sometimes seek new challenges or a different flavour of dungeon crawling. If you're looking for a fresh ARPG adventure that scratches that same itch, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the best Path of Exile alternative games that offer similar thrills and unique twists.
Top Path of Exile Alternatives
Whether you crave more loot, deeper lore, or just a different visual style, these alternatives provide a fantastic escape into worlds filled with monsters, magic, and endless customization. Let's dive into the contenders that can satisfy your ARPG cravings.
Diablo
Diablo is the definitive hack-and-slash RPG series, renowned for its action-packed combat in partially procedurally generated worlds. As a Path of Exile alternative, Diablo offers a more streamlined experience while retaining the core thrill of looting and character progression. Available on Commercial, Mac, and Windows, it features an isometric view, making it a familiar and compelling choice for fans of the genre.
Torchlight
Torchlight is an action role-playing game set in the fictional town of Torchlight and its expansive caverns and dungeons. It provides a more vibrant, cartoon-style aesthetic compared to Path of Exile's darker fantasy, while still delivering satisfying ARPG combat and loot. Available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it offers a third-person perspective and a charming alternative for those seeking a lighter tone without sacrificing depth.
Titan Quest
From the co-creator of Age of Empires, Brian Sullivan, Titan Quest takes players to the mythical worlds of ancient Greece and Egypt. It's a robust ARPG with amazing visuals and deep character customization, making it a solid Path of Exile alternative. Available on Commercial, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and Steam, it features a third-person perspective and a focus on gaming within a rich historical setting.
Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is an action role-playing game developed by members of the team that created Titan Quest, often considered its spiritual successor. It offers a dark, gritty atmosphere and intricate character building, appealing directly to fans of Path of Exile's depth. Available on Commercial, Windows, and Steam, it supports multiplayer and single-player modes within an open-world setting, providing extensive gameplay for any ARPG enthusiast.
Sacred
Sacred invites players into the perilous kingdom of Ancaria, where a shadow of evil has fallen. This classic ARPG offers vast open zones and diverse character classes, providing a compelling alternative to Path of Exile's linear progression in some regards. Available on Commercial, Windows, and Linux, Sacred focuses on pure ARPG exploration and combat.
Dungeon Siege 2
Dungeon Siege II is a classic computer role-playing game known for its party-based combat and engaging storyline. While it might not have Path of Exile's intricate skill tree, its focus on tactical combat and party management offers a unique ARPG experience. Available on Commercial, Mac, Windows, and Steam, it features a third-person perspective and strong gaming elements.
Nox
Nox is a real-time action RPG that preceded many modern ARPGs, offering a unique blend of combat and puzzle-solving. Its isometric view and focus on spells and abilities make it an interesting Path of Exile alternative for those who appreciate classic ARPG mechanics. Available on Commercial, Mac, and Windows, it supports both single-player and multiplayer gaming modes.
FreedroidRPG
FreedroidRPG tells the story of a world ravaged by conflict between robots and humans, where you play as Tux on a quest to save the world. As a free and open-source Path of Exile alternative, it offers an isometric view and classic RPG gameplay, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. It's a great choice for players looking for a budget-friendly ARPG experience.
Spiral Knights
Spiral Knights is a cooperative adventure in a persistent world, focusing on instant, fast-paced action. While it leans more into the MMO space than Path of Exile, its free-to-play model, multiplayer focus, and PvP elements make it an engaging ARPG choice. Available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it offers a different take on the genre's core mechanics.
The Summoning
The Summoning is a single-character fantasy role-playing adventure set inside a huge labyrinth. For those who appreciate classic, single-player dungeon crawling with a focus on exploration and monster slaying, it offers a nostalgic Path of Exile alternative. Available on Commercial and Windows, it delivers a pure RPG experience.
Each of these games offers a unique take on the ARPG genre, providing exciting new worlds to explore, monsters to conquer, and loot to collect. Whether you prioritize deep customization, engaging multiplayer, or a compelling story, there's a Path of Exile alternative here for you. Explore these options and find the perfect fit for your next hack-and-slash adventure!