Path of Exile 2 entered early access on December 6, 2024, marking a significant evolution in the action role-playing game (ARPG) genre. Set approximately twenty years after its predecessor, the game immerses players in the dark and treacherous world of Wraeclast, now more perilous than ever. The sequel introduces a new six-act campaign, featuring six of the planned twelve character classes: Warrior, Monk, Mercenary, Sorceress, Witch, and Ranger. Players can experience the first half of the campaign across two difficulty levels, followed by an evolved endgame system. The remaining classes, including the Druid and Huntress, will be introduced in future updates.

The game also offers a revamped skill system with 240 active skill gems and 200 support gems, allowing for deep character customization. New weapons such as spears, crossbows, and flails have been introduced, alongside supplementary items like focuses and traps. The passive skill tree now boasts 2,000 skills, enabling dual specialization. Notably, a dodge roll movement mechanic has been added, enhancing combat dynamics. With so many great ARPGs available, players have more ways than ever to expand their libraries. Game Keys have made it easier to access both new and classic titles instantly, allowing fans of the genre to jump into different worlds without waiting for physical copies or full-price releases.

For ARPG enthusiasts seeking similar experiences, here are five games that offer deep progression systems, intense combat, and immersive worlds:​

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1. Path of Exile

• Release Date: October 23, 2013​

• Developer: Grinding Gear Games​

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One​

The original Path of Exile set a high standard in the ARPG genre with its expansive world and intricate progression system. Its massive passive skill tree allows for unparalleled character customization. Over the years, the game has received numerous expansions and seasonal leagues, continually introducing new mechanics and challenges.

Notable expansions include Echoes of the Atlas and Siege of the Atlas, which revamped endgame content and map progression. The game's free-to-play model, supported by cosmetic microtransactions, has contributed to its enduring popularity.​

2. Diablo IV

• Release Date: June 5, 2023​

• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment​

• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Diablo IV returns to the franchise's dark roots, offering a grim and immersive experience. Players explore the open world of Sanctuary, confronting the demonic forces led by Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred. The game emphasizes strategic combat and features a shared open world with dynamic events. 

Since its launch, Blizzard has expanded Diablo IV with seasonal updates, introducing new questlines, enemies, and game modes. The game’s first major expansion, Vessel of Hatred, released on October 8, 2024, introduced the Spiritborn class and the jungle region of Nahantu, adding new enemies, quests, and a cooperative endgame dungeon to further enhance the experience.

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3. Grim Dawn

• Release Date: February 25, 2016​

• Developer: Crate Entertainment​

• Platforms: PC, Xbox One

Grim Dawn delivers a deep, story-driven ARPG experience with gritty world-building and a flexible class system. The dual-class system allows players to combine different abilities, creating unique builds that can adapt to different combat situations. The game features a dynamic faction system, where choices impact the world, unlocking unique rewards or changing enemy allegiances.

Crate Entertainment has expanded Grim Dawn through several DLCs, including Ashes of Malmouth, Forgotten Gods, and Crucible Mode. These expansions introduced new classes, regions, and loot, significantly increasing Grim Dawn’s depth and replayability. The endgame includes roguelike dungeons, challenge arenas, and extensive modding support, ensuring players always have fresh content to explore.

4. Last Epoch

• Release Date: February 21, 2024

• Developer: Eleventh Hour Games

• Platforms: PC

Last Epoch blends classic ARPG mechanics with a unique time-traveling narrative, allowing players to explore multiple timelines while shaping the world’s fate. The game features five base classes, each branching into three advanced specializations, creating a diverse range of playstyles. The skill specialization system lets players modify abilities through individual skill trees, offering deep customization options.

Since its full release on February 21, 2024, Last Epoch has continued to receive frequent updates, refining combat mechanics, skill balancing, and endgame content. The Monolith of Fate system provides randomized dungeons with escalating difficulty, ensuring fresh challenges for experienced players. With its polished mechanics and dedicated development team, Last Epoch has established itself as one of the strongest ARPGs on the market.

5. Titan Quest: Anniversary Edition

• Release Date: August 31, 2016

• Developer: Iron Lore Entertainment

• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Titan Quest offers a refreshing take on the ARPG genre with its mythology-based setting, allowing players to explore ancient civilizations such as Greece, Egypt, and China. The mastery system lets players mix and match different class abilities, creating hybrid builds that fit their playstyle. The game features real-time combat with an emphasis on tactical positioning, requiring players to adapt to different enemy types and environments.

Since its Anniversary Edition release, Titan Quest has received multiple expansions, including Ragnarök, Atlantis, and Eternal Embers, adding new quests, items, and playable regions. These expansions introduced new character masteries, additional storylines, and more diverse enemy encounters, further enriching the game’s world. With its open-world exploration, deep progression system, and challenging endgame content, Titan Quest remains a standout title in the ARPG genre, appealing to both veteran players and newcomers alike.

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Final Words

Path of Exile 2 is set to push the ARPG genre forward with its revamped mechanics, deeper customization, and refined combat. While it progresses through early access, players looking for a similar experience have no shortage of incredible alternatives. From the dark and gothic world of Diablo IV to the deep class combinations in Grim Dawn, these games offer rich progression systems, intense combat, and rewarding loot-driven gameplay. Each title brings something unique, such as the time-traveling mechanics of Last Epoch, the mythological setting of Titan Quest, or the unmatched complexity of the original Path of Exile.

As Path of Exile 2 continues to evolve, the ARPG genre remains stronger than ever. Fans of loot-heavy, build-focused action RPGs will find plenty to enjoy in these games, exploring different worlds, optimizing character builds, and taking on formidable enemies. Revisiting a classic or jumping into a new adventure has never been more exciting for ARPG enthusiasts.

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