Path of Exile is one of the most popular free-to-play action role-playing games (ARPGs), offering engaging gameplay in a dark fantasy world. If you love slaying monsters, amassing epic loot, and customizing intricate skill trees, here are the top games to try that are similar to Path of Exile.
This article discusses the key aspects that make Path of Exile so enjoyable and recommends the best alternatives to explore that capture a similar gameplay experience. Read on to discover new titles to immerse yourself in.
What Makes Path of Exile Stand Out in the ARPG Genre?
Path of Exile delivers an exceptional action RPG experience through its complex skill trees, intense combat, extensive loot system, and multiplayer gameplay. Set in the dark world of Wraeclast, players take on the role of exiles searching for power and fortune. With seven unique character classes, random area generation, and deep character customization, the game offers tremendous replayability.
While retaining similarities to classics like Diablo 2, Path of Exile sets itself apart through constant updates and new challenge leagues that reinvent gameplay. Even 10 years after release, the game is still evolving and supported by Grinding Gear Games. This commitment to meaningful new content is a key reason why Path of Exile remains a fan favorite.
What Games Give a Similar Gameplay Experience to Path of Exile?
If you love the challenge, customization, and loot-driven mayhem of games like path of exile, these action RPG alternatives offer comparable gameplay:
Torchlight Series
With vibrant steampunk fantasy worlds, classes like the steam-powered Engineer, and fast-paced combat, Torchlight 1 and 2 deliver the hack-and-slash dungeon action ARPG fans love. Combat powerful bosses like Syl the Armorsmith, find epic relics, and even bring along a pet to help slay monsters faster.
Grim Dawn
Boasting dual class combinations across six masteries, a post-apocalyptic world, and addictive loot hunts, Grim Dawn nails the explorative gameplay and character building ARPG fans crave. Battle otherworldly creatures, take on nemesis bosses, and craft the ultimate build to devastating effect against hordes of enemies.
Victor Vran
Offering intense action combat in a gothic fantasy setting, Victor Vran allows players to jump, dodge roll, and slay demons with machine guns and swords. Plus with outfits, destiny cards, and weapon modifications, you enjoy plenty of options to annihilate monsters how you want.
The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing
Set in the gothic-noir kingdom of Borgovia, Van Helsing delivers tricks, traps, and powerful enemies aplenty. With a ghost companion, tower defense elements, and secrets galore, it spins the typical action RPG adventure into something uniquely dark and mysterious.
What Key Aspects Make These Games Comparable Experiences?
While each game has its own distinct flair, they all capture familiar elements that path of exile alternatives fans love:
Loot Hunting and Mad Skills
All these titles embrace the classic ARPG hunt for epic gear so you can wield incredible powers against hordes of foes. Whether it’s dual guns blazing, tinkering gadgetry, magic missiles flying, or undead minions swarming enemies, unleashing screen-clearing skills feels incredibly satisfying.
Character Building Depth
From complex mastery combos to expansive skill trees, these alternatives allow deep character specialization. Experiment with different builds to find your ultimate battle style, whether relying on summon allies as a necromancer or dealing rapid melee combos as a knight.
Environments to Explore
While slaying monsters never gets old, it’s even better situated in vivid fantasy realms. From the gothic wilderness of Cairn to the dungeon depths below Torchlight, rich worlds filled with quests make exploration compelling. There’s always new lands revealing new challenges.
Intense Boss Battles
What’s an ARPG without larger-than-life boss battles? These action-packed challenges test your skill and build viability against screen-filling behemoths with deadly abilities. They serve as milestones to prepare for as you work to perfect your character through each act’s journey.
Summing Up the Top Games Like Path of Exile
If you love delving dungeons, slaying beasts, and amassing riches in Path of Exile, these games promise further adventure:
- Torchlight 1 & 2 – Vibrant steampunk fantasy worlds with epic loot and pets
- Grim Dawn – Dual class mastery system with dark, apocalyptic setting
- Victor Vran – Action-driven demon hunter gameplay with agile combat
- Van Helsing – Mystery and tricks in a gothic realm filled with vampires and werewolves
They all embrace core ARPG concepts like customization, rewarding item hunts, and battling swarms of enemies with devastating abilities. Try them out to find your next favorite dungeon crawler!