Blizzard officially unveiled Diablo 2: Resurrected at the online-only version of Blizzcon 2021. Originally released in 2000, Diablo 2 quickly became an ARPG classic and fans have been expectantly waiting for its remastered edition. Releasing sometime later this year on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, Diablo fans will have plenty to look forward to with the news of Diablo 2: Resurrected and Diablo 4.

While Diablo 2: Resurrected has no set release date, fans are undoubtedly excited to immerse themselves in a brand new isometric ARPG once again. Diablo has become the face of the genre through its deep loot systems, dark fantasy setting, and rich combat system. Although no other game perfectly captures the magic of the Diablo formula, there are plenty of other fantastic ARPG titles for fans to try while they wait.

RELATED: Diablo 2: Resurrected Coming to PC and Consoles in 2021

Path of Exile/Path of Exile 2

path of exile: best ritual starter builds

Diablo fans who find themselves searching for a challenge should look no further than Path of Exile. The most popular alternative to the Diablo series, Path of Exile is a free-to-play isometric ARPG that was conceived as a spiritual successor to the original Diablo 2. Featuring a gigantic passive skill tree, unique currency system, and an extensive endgame, Path of Exile is the perfect game for any Diablo fans who enjoy investing time into learning mechanics and boss fights.

Though the difficulty curve may be daunting at first, Path of Exile offers one of the most rewarding experiences in the genre due its consistent update schedule and the fact that seasonal changes become integrated permanently. With a huge overhaul titled Path of Exile 2 in the works, there has never been a better time for Diablo fans to jump into Path of Exile and see what it has to offer. In particular, fans who are excited about Diablo 2: Resurrected should find Path of Exile familiar given how much inspiration it takes from the original game.

Grim Dawn

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Although Grim Dawn is one of the lesser known loot-based ARPGs, it offers complex character development, quests with choice and consequence, and even mechanics such as rogue-like dungeons. Similar to Path of Exile, Grim Dawn was originally designed as a spiritual successor to Diablo 2, and as a love letter to the genre as a whole. Often touted as the midpoint between Diablo and Path of Exile, Grim Dawn balances enough difficulty to encourage learning but it never feels overwhelming or punishing for the player.

One of the most interesting aspects of Grim Dawn is its dual class system. Although there are only a set number of classes, they can be combined together to obtain unique skills and modifiers. Each class combination features different builds and playstyles and they are all connected to the lore in some way. Developed by the same team behind the ARPG classic Titan Quest, Grim Dawn uses the gameplay mechanics that veterans of the genre are familiar with and improves upon it. Players excited for Diablo 2: Resurrected will find that Grim Dawn is a great alternative while they wait.

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing

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Diablo fans looking for a change of setting or a more light-hearted approach to the genre should give The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing a try. Based on the novel Dracula, the game features Van Helsing, the son of legendary vampire hunter Abraham Van Helsing from the book. Set in a gothic noir setting of 19th century Europe, The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing features a familiar loot system for Diablo fans and is modelled after old-school ARPGs.

One of the more unique aspects of The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is the humor and interesting characterizations. With frequent Easter eggs and pop culture references, the game shifts away from the gloomy undertones of most APRGs in the genre, and offers humorous character interactions. The atmosphere and level design are similar to Diablo but it manages to feel a little lighter in tone. Players looking to experience the game should try The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing: Final Cut as it includes the entire trilogy along with some major fixes from the original games.

RELATED: Diablo 4 Reveals New Rogue Class

Torchlight Series

torchlight 2 key art

For many fans of isometric ARPGs, Torchlight 2 was a great Diablo alternative with its casual approach to the genre and strong multiplayer mechanics. Featuring a much lighter tone and colorful world than most other isometric ARPGs, the Torchlight series is easy for new players to jump into and offers more casual mechanics such as fishing. Despite its simplicity, the core gameplay loop is addicting and Diablo fans looking for a more relaxed experience will find plenty to love here.

The release of Torchlight 3 has been met with mediocre reviews, and unfortunately has a number of problems that will have to resolved in future updates. Thankfully though, Torchlight 2 manages to hold up extremely well to this day, and Diablo fans should give it a try if they ever find themselves looking for an easier game. With a powerful mod integration system, Torchlight 2 is able to offer a great experience for fans of isometric ARPGs despite being originally released in 2012. Along with a vast overworld and the ability to play with others from around the world, Torchlight 2 is still one of the best experiences that the genre has to offer.

Hades

Zagreus poses behind the Hades logo

Despite the fact that Hades isn't a traditional loot-based ARPG like other titles in the genre, it shares a number of similarities. Much like Diablo, Hades is an isometric ARPG where players must fight their way through enemies and gain upgrades in order to progress. However, Hades also features a number of rogue-like mechanics such as permadeath and randomized runs. The combat system is also much more fleshed out compared to other isometric ARPGs and Hades also features a compelling narrative.

While Diablo typically leans into its RPG aspects of the genre more, Hades is more focused on the action aspects. Featuring a dynamic and fluid combat system, Hades is a great alternative for Diablo fans who are looking for a more intricate approach to fights. Moreover, Hades embraces an easy to learn but difficult to master concept through mechanics such as itemization which allows both newcomers and veterans of the genre to enjoy the experience. Although the rogue-like mechanics place it closer towards the hardcore mode of Diablo games, Hades offers a great ARPG experience and one of the best narratives in the genre.

Diablo 2: Resurrected launches 2021 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

MORE: How Hades Has Transformed the Roguelike Genre