Since 1997, Blizzard Entertainment has been entertaining hack-and-slash video game fans with its “Diablo” series. Delving into dark fantasy, the games let players choose from a selection of archetypes, each with their own unique abilities and skill trees. Played from an isometric perspective, the games can be enjoyed alone or with friends, either in cooperative or PvP multiplayer modes. But the untold truth behind “Diablo” is that the game is an impressive update of classic dungeon-crawler games like the ’80s fan-favorite title “Gauntlet.”
While Blizzard continues to support the latest “Diablo” games while providing fans with remasters like “Diablo II: Resurrected,” there are other similar games to check out. We’re highlighting games that also offer dungeon-crawling fantasy gameplay and, with one notable exception, online multiplayer. These titles will have players sinking countless hours as they slay waves of monsters and delve deeply into lairs to recover valuable treasure. These are the five best video games like “Diablo,” each bringing their own distinct isometric hack-and-slash fun.
Torchlight II
The Seattle-based game development studio Runic Games was formed in 2008 by several former Blizzard Entertainment employees, including the creative team behind “Diablo.” This led to the development and release of the company’s own isometric hack-and-slash game, “Torchlight,” in 2009. Runic doubled down on its creative strengths for the game’s 2012 sequel “Torchlight II,” which is the highlight of the series. Choosing from four different character classes, the protagonist seeks a cure for a curse that is driving them steadily insane.
Given its shared creative DNA, the “Torchlight” series really does unabashedly resemble the team’s past work on the first two “Diablo” games. “Torchlight II” retains a lot of those similarities while experimenting with the formula further, distinguishing it from the Blizzard franchise. In a big step-up from its predecessor, the title is the first in the series to feature online multiplayer. As similar games to “Diablo” go, both “Torchlight” and the following game on this list resemble Blizzard’s property the most.
Path of Exile
A free-to-play alternative to the usual action that can be found in “Diablo,” “Path of Exile” has been entertaining fans for over a decade. The online game has players choose between seven character classes as they fight to retake an island kingdom from vengeful gods and their armies of monsters. Developer and publisher Grinding Gear Games have steadily supported the title since its launch, releasing multiple expansions every year. Beyond the main camp hubs, the levels are procedurally generated, keeping each instance fresh and original.
Along with “Torchlight,” “Path of Exile” is the closest game on this list to the overall feeling of “Diablo.” It possesses similar gameplay mechanics and the broader presentation does resemble the first two entries in the Blizzard series. The 2013 game has an eagerly anticipated sequel that’s been in development for years, with “Path of Exile 2” poised to vastly improve upon the original. In the meantime, “Path of Exile” really does bring the “Diablo”-reminiscent action, and with a price tag that’s hard to argue against.
Grim Dawn
Just as “Diablo” delves deeply into dark fantasy, the 2016 game “Grim Dawn” wears those genre tones right in its title. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the game sees humanity besieged by invading extradimensional monsters. With 10 character classes available and counting, players can venture alone or in parties of up to four as they complete quests and vanquish rampaging enemies. The game also features its own faction system, with each faction offering their own quest lines and providing opposition or support to the players depending on their decisions.
“Grim Dawn” doesn’t reinvent the hack-and-slash wheel but, in the game’s defense, it doesn’t try to. Instead, the title just looks to provide players with a satisfying experience in a sumptuously designed environment. On that score, it succeeds, and developer and publisher Crate Entertainment has been keeping the party going with regular DLC expansions. An enjoyable ride for fans of the genre, “Grim Dawn” hits all the right notes with its own stylish flair.
Hades
The only game on this list that doesn’t include an online multiplayer component, the 2020 title “Hades,” frankly, doesn’t need it. The game follows Zagreus, the son of Hades and Persephone, who is trying to escape from his father’s domain. This requires him to battle his way to the surface through the shifting maze of the underworld, occasionally receiving gifts from the gods and other figures from Greek mythology. The game has roguelike elements to keep each playthrough fresh and exciting as players clear rooms to unlock various boss fights.
A critical triumph upon its debut, “Hades” made video game history by becoming the first game to win a Hugo Award. Beyond its achievement in storytelling, revamping classic Greek mythology, the gameplay just handles spectacularly and with enough variety and depth to keep players coming back for more. The game was followed by a sequel five years later, and it was one of the best video games of 2025. A fantastic pair of hack-and-slash games, “Hades” and “Hades II” are both must-plays for every fan of the genre.
Last Epoch
Offering a time-bending twist to the usual hack-and-slash experience, “Last Epoch” strongly resembles the tried and true “Diablo” presentation. Developed and published by Eleventh Hour Games, this 2024 PC game has player characters exploring the fantasy realm of Eterra across multiple timelines. With 15 character classes for players to choose from, the game features plenty of dungeon-crawling action, including online multiplayer. This feeds into an extensive skill tree system where players can decide how to enhance and customize every major skill that they unlock.
Right from the moment players pull up the equipment screen, it’s clear that “Last Epoch” worships at the altar of “Diablo.” At the same time, the title provides its own distinct gameplay and feel, bolstered by its striking art design. Like a lot of the titles on this list, this particular game is best enjoyed with friends as they explore the sweeping world of Eterra. A fresh take on the familiar genre, “Last Epoch” offers countless hours of hack-and-slash fun.
