Best Action RPGs Like Diablo for Solo & Co-Op

If you want the closest thing to Diablo that works brilliantly for both solo and co-op play, Grim Dawn is the top pick. It nails the dark atmosphere, deep character building, and satisfying loot grind, while offering seamless 4-player online co-op and a fully offline solo mode. Its dual-class system and dense world give it more build variety than most competitors, making it the best all-around Diablo alternative.

What to Look For

When choosing a Diablo-like ARPG, focus on these criteria:

• Combat feel: The moment-to-moment gameplay needs to be responsive and impactful—hits should feel weighty, and abilities should have clear feedback. A game that feels clunky will ruin the grind.
• Build variety: A good ARPG lets you experiment with different skills, stats, and gear synergies. Look for games with multiple classes and meaningful passive trees or skill customization.
• Loot system: The core loop is killing monsters for gear. Look for a game with randomized loot, set items, legendaries, and a clear progression curve. The chase for that perfect drop is what keeps you playing.
• Endgame content: After the campaign, there should be reasons to keep playing—maps, rifts, dungeons, or higher difficulty tiers. A game with no endgame will feel short.
• Co-op support: For co-op, check if the game offers drop-in/drop-out play, shared progression, and whether it works online, locally, or both. Also consider whether solo play is equally viable—some games scale difficulty poorly.
• Performance and polish: A stable frame rate, minimal bugs, and a clean UI matter more than graphics. Read recent reviews to see if the game is well-optimized on your platform.

Grim Dawn

Strengths: Grim Dawn is the spiritual successor to Diablo 2, set in a Victorian-era apocalyptic world. It features a dual-class system (you pick two of six classes) that creates hundreds of build combinations. The loot is deep, with rare affixes and set items, and the world is handcrafted with secrets and lore. It runs well on older hardware, and the co-op is stable with up to 4 players. Solo play is fully supported, and the game respects your time—no always-online requirement.

Trade-offs: The graphics are dated (it’s built on an older engine), and the combat is slower and more methodical than Diablo 3 or 4. The learning curve is steeper, and the story is delivered through text logs rather than cinematic cutscenes.

Who it suits: Players who loved Diablo 2’s depth and atmosphere, and who want a game that rewards theorycrafting and exploration. It’s ideal for co-op with a friend who enjoys planning builds together.

Path of Exile

Strengths: Path of Exile is the most complex and deep ARPG on the market. It has a massive skill tree, hundreds of unique items, and a passive skill gem system that allows for almost infinite build variety. The endgame is enormous, with maps, leagues, and boss fights that can last for months. It’s free-to-play (with cosmetic microtransactions), and it receives regular content updates. Co-op is seamless online, and solo play is equally rewarding.

Trade-offs: The learning curve is brutal—new players often feel overwhelmed. The game is not beginner-friendly, and the trading system is player-driven, which can be intimidating. It also requires a constant internet connection, even for solo play.

Who it suits: Hardcore ARPG veterans who want an endless grind and don’t mind a steep learning curve. It’s best for co-op with experienced players, as a newbie may feel lost.

Torchlight II

Strengths: Torchlight II is a more casual, colorful take on the genre. It has a clean art style, fast-paced combat, and a pet system that helps you sell loot and fight. It supports up to 6 players in co-op, and the game is mod-friendly, extending its replayability. The difficulty is well-tuned for both solo and co-op, and it’s easy to pick up and play.

Trade-offs: The endgame is lighter than Grim Dawn or Path of Exile—there’s a New Game Plus mode, but it lacks the deep endgame systems of other titles. The graphics are stylized, which may not appeal to those wanting realism.

Who it suits: Casual players or those new to ARPGs, and groups of friends who want a fun, low-pressure co-op experience without complex systems.

Last Epoch

Strengths: Last Epoch combines the best of modern ARPGs with a time-travel story. It has a robust skill system with each class having a skill tree, and a crafting system that is approachable. The endgame includes a monolith system (similar to rifts) and arena modes. It offers both online co-op (up to 4 players) and offline solo play, which is a rare feature. The game is actively developed and has a strong community.

Trade-offs: The game is still in early access (as of 2024), so there are occasional bugs and missing content. The graphics are average, and the story can be confusing with its time-travel mechanics.

Who it suits: Players who want a modern ARPG with deep builds but less complexity than Path of Exile. It’s great for co-op with friends who enjoy theorycrafting but want a more accessible experience.

Diablo III (with Reaper of Souls)

Strengths: Diablo III is the most polished and accessible ARPG in the genre. It has fluid combat, a user-friendly interface, and a robust endgame with Rifts and Greater Rifts. The co-op is seamless, with drop-in/drop-out play, and it works well for both solo and group play. The game is easy to learn but has enough depth to keep you grinding for gear.

Trade-offs: The tone is lighter than Diablo 2 or Grim Dawn, and the story is often criticized as weak. The itemization is simpler than other games, with less build diversity. It requires an internet connection, even for solo play (though you can play offline on console versions).

Who it suits: Casual to mid-core players who want a smooth, polished experience without a steep learning curve. It’s ideal for co-op with friends who are new to the genre.

Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr

Strengths: This game brings the grimdark Warhammer universe to the ARPG genre. It has a unique cover system and a morality system that affects your skills. The combat is satisfying, and the game supports up to 4-player co-op. It has a large world with a campaign that can be played solo or with others, and it offers a seasonal endgame.

Trade-offs: The game has a slower pace than other ARPGs, and the cover mechanics can feel clunky. The loot system is less rewarding, and the game’s performance can be inconsistent. The player base is smaller, so matchmaking may be sparse.

Who it suits: Warhammer 40K fans and players who want a more tactical ARPG with a sci-fi setting. It’s best for co-op with friends who share the same interest.

How to Choose

Start by setting your budget. If you want a free option, Path of Exile is the obvious choice, but be prepared to invest time in learning it. If you prefer a one-time purchase, Grim Dawn and Torchlight II offer great value. Last Epoch is also a one-time purchase but is still in early access, so you may want to wait for a full release.

Consider your playstyle. If you enjoy deep theorycrafting and don’t mind complexity, choose Grim Dawn or Path of Exile. If you want a more casual experience, Torchlight II or Diablo III are better. For a modern middle-ground, Last Epoch is a good fit.

Co-op is a major factor. Grim Dawn and Last Epoch support offline solo play, which is great if you want to play without an internet connection. Diablo III and Path of Exile require online for solo, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Also, check if the game supports cross-play if you and your friends are on different platforms.

A common trade-off is complexity versus accessibility. Games like Path of Exile offer endless depth but can be overwhelming. Simpler games like Torchlight II are easy to enjoy but may not hold your interest long-term. Decide how much time you want to invest in learning systems versus playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play these games solo without feeling like I’m missing out?

Yes, all of these games are fully playable solo. Grim Dawn, Torchlight II, and Last Epoch have dedicated offline modes. Path of Exile and Diablo III require online, but you can play alone in a private instance. The difficulty scales with the number of players, so solo play is balanced.

Which game has the best co-op experience?

For seamless co-op, Diablo III and Grim Dawn are top-tier. Diablo III offers drop-in/drop-out and is very polished. Grim Dawn has stable 4-player co-op with shared progression. Last Epoch also supports 4-player co-op, but it’s still in early access, so there may be occasional bugs.

Are there any games with cross-play support?

As of 2024, none of these games offer full cross-play between PC and consoles. Diablo III has cross-save on consoles but not cross-play. For PC-only, you can play with friends on the same platform. Check the official forums for the latest updates.

Which game is the most beginner-friendly?

Diablo III and Torchlight II are the most accessible. They have simple mechanics, clear tutorials, and forgiving difficulty curves. Last Epoch is also relatively easy to get into, but its skill trees can be complex. Path of Exile and Grim Dawn are less beginner-friendly due to their depth.

Do these games have a strong endgame?

Path of Exile has the most extensive endgame with endless maps and leagues. Diablo III has Rifts and Greater Rifts that scale infinitely. Grim Dawn has a challenging endgame with high-level dungeons and a Crucible mode. Last Epoch has monoliths and arenas, which are good but still being expanded.

Can I mod these games?

Torchlight II and Grim Dawn have strong modding communities. Last Epoch is adding mod support. Path of Exile does not allow mods, and Diablo III has limited mod support on PC (mostly cosmetic).

Bottom Line

For the best balance of depth, solo and co-op play, and value, Grim Dawn is the clear winner. It offers a rich, atmospheric world, deep character builds, and a satisfying loot grind, all without the need for an internet connection. If you prefer a more modern feel with a slightly lower learning curve, Last Epoch is a strong alternative. For a free option, Path of Exile is unbeatable if you have the time to learn it. Ultimately, your choice depends on how much complexity you want and whether offline play is a priority.

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