Diablo II is fondly remembered for being one of the single-best dungeon-crawling video games ever released. It built on the dark and foreboding atmosphere and gameplay of the original while taking its cues from the earliest games in the genre. In the process, it became a titan that influenced quite a few peers.
There's always enough Diablo II to go around, but for gamers who want a break from the norm, there are alternatives to try out. Whether new or old, these dungeon-crawling hits are sure to satisfy the adventure RPG itch in players who can't get enough of what Diablo II and others like it have to offer.
Victor Vran (2015)
Victor Vran was a sleeper hit that emerged in 2015, yet has since been ported to the PS4, Linux, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It doesn't reinvent the dungeon crawler formula. In fact, it epitomizes the classic style in many ways, stealing elements from predecessors to drive its own narrative.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially when combined with a few new features. The hero doesn't adhere to any particular class, relying mostly on ancillary mechanics to forge the player's particular style and preferences. A co-op feature adds some fun to the mix as well, making Victor Vran a worthy contender.
Path Of Exile (2013)
Grinding Gear Games was responsible for bringing Path of Exile to PC, which was later ported to the Xbox One, PS4, and macOS. It's the typical overhead dungeon crawler in the vein of Diablo II, with a few notable characteristics including randomly generated areas to help keep the game fresh across multiple playthroughs.
The game scored high marks with critics and fans alike, reaching 86 on Metacritic. Praise was given to its refreshed play mechanics, world design, and atmosphere. The challenge level is rather high, which means beginners unfamiliar with this kind of game may find it a bit too hostile for their liking.
Titan Quest (2006)
This game was a major Steam hit when first released, and it has since been ported to a myriad of different platforms including Android, Xbox One, PS4, and the Nintendo Switch. It took many of its styling and atmosphere cues from popular RTS titles in the vein of the upcoming Age of Empires IV, and its spiritual cousin Age of Mythology.
Titan Quest scored admirably enough to win it a legacy, paving the way for multiple expansion packs over a 13 year period. Praise was given to the replay value, single-player campaign, and robust multiplayer options, but it took a few knocks for some technical bugs.
Torchlight (2009)
Diablo II fans should be able to jump straight into Torchlight and feel right at home, while still experiencing something new. It has seen releases on PC, MacOS, Linux, and Xbox 360, which means it's still relatively unknown to a larger swathe of dungeon crawler fans.
Torchlight offers a few interesting gameplay features not seen in other titles of this type, including a quirky retirement system that allows players to bequeath items to a new character. It scored high with critics who enjoyed its excellent music, fantastic art style, and solid controls.
Sacred (2004)
This Diablo derivative might be long in the tooth, but it's still a worthy contender. It scored respectably across the board, earning acclaim for its RPG elements, addictive gameplay, and high production values. In many ways, Sacred is a throwback to the dungeon games of old; even those that predate Diablo.
That's part of the charm of the game, and it wasn't lost on purists. The game was notable for its high difficulty curve, nostalgic art style, and fantasy immersion, which made it popular enough to spawn two expansion packs that continued the story.
Dungeon Siege II (2005)
Dungeon Siege is one of the most popular Diablo alternatives ever released, and the second game in the series managed to score big with gamers and critics. Originally released in 2005, Dungeon Siege II spiced up its gameplay by adding strategy elements into the mix, as opposed to its straightforward predecessor.
It was the perfect example of a sequel that managed to top the original simply by examining and correcting its own weak points. The storyline isn't the best, but it is salvageable. This is a game tuned more towards dungeon crawler addicts who prefer the gameplay rather than the tale.
Grim Dawn (2016)
This game is notable for its loose adaptation of the Victorian era, which is a departure from the medieval fantasy style of games like Diablo. The story revolves around a human race teetering on the brink of total extinction, thanks in large part to a conflict between two powers.
It was successful enough to net three pieces of DLC and a praiseworthy score. Kudos were given to Grim Dawn's gameplay mechanics, intriguing storyline, and unique world, while criticism was directed largely towards the lack of replay value and randomized environments.
Warhammer: Chaosbane (2019)
One of the newest competitors to the Diablo II phenomenon is this game, based within the popular Warhammer franchise. It didn't score quite as high as many of its peers, but it is a solid alternative for those who want a dungeon crawler with a big-name license attached to it.
Some critics were divided over the game's progression system, level design, and combat. Yet, the general consensus was that it was a worthy peer to Diablo II, and well-suited for those who enjoy a game with classic trimmings, even if it doesn't reinvent them.
The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing (2013)
Fans of pop culture vampire shows and movies know of the character of Van Helsing, and his name brings immediate clout to this particular dungeon crawler. The objective of the game was to capitalize on the eternal conflict between Van Helsing and Count Dracula, and build a solid top-down action-adventure RPG on top of it.
The mixture of magic, science, and supernatural horror makes for a solid title that scored decently enough with critics. The game's Hollywood-inspired art style, costumes, and creature designs are a plus, as is the quirky humor that winks and nods to the audience on a consistent basis.
Hades (2020)
Hades is one of the newest Diablo clones to come out for all the major platforms, and it's also one of the most well-received. Universal praise was heaped upon the game for its involving story, likable characters, and atmosphere, not to mention fresh and vibrant gameplay.
The game takes its cues from Greek mythology but manages to make the characters feel authentic and purposeful. This, combined with zesty, vibrant art, exciting combat, and exploration makes Hades a template for how Diablo-style games should adapt to fit the modern age.