23 Best Loot-Based aRPG Video Games, Ranked - The first knowledge sharing application in Vietnam

Any good RPG out there has a decent amount of loot scattered throughout its playable world. Here is the ranking of the best lootbased games out there.

When it comes to action roleplaying games (aRPGs), only a few things matter more than the story, characters, or lore. One of those things is the loot. It’s one of the most prevalent common denominators ever for all aRPGs and for many players, it’s the sole reason to continue playing even after finishing the game. After all, getting good loot (through a well-disguised lottery system) is one of the best feelings of victory ever in video games.

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aRPGs understand and utilize that concept to a large degree. They’re all about two things: making a character’s attacks more colorful and getting the most colorful loot – story and narrative choices be damned. There have been many of those games over the past years, but only a handful of them are worth immortalizing through countless hours of grinding. So if fans aren’t tired of playing a violent digital game of piñata ad infinitum, here are loot-based aRPGs gamers need to lose themselves into.

Updated October 19th, 2022, by Sid Natividad: Action RPGs, or aRPGs remain ever-popular these days, especially with the influx of remakes and new titles that keep challenging the industry standards. Thus, it’s only right that we update this list of the best aRPGs so that you get the bigger picture regarding which among them are worth your time.

After all, the best aRPGs will demand hundreds of hours of gameplay if you want to get to the endgame or late-game content. Check out what we’ve added to the list. All of them are solid and bonafide aRPGs in their own right; they have plenty of loot to keep you busy.

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Eternium

Release year: 2014
Platforms: Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows

Eternium is a good option if you want to hack and slash for loot wherever you are since it’s available on mobile devices. Unlike the infamous Diablo Immortal, Eternium doesn’t shower its players with aggressive monetization options, and that’s why it’s one of the most highly-regarded aRPGs today.

On the PC, it’s still in the early access phase though it’s a better choice if you want upgraded visuals. As far as aRPG gameplay goes, Eternium is a familiar experience. There is evil roaming around in dungeons; these evil enemies have loot, and you have the means to extract this loot. It’s a tried and tested success formula.

Karnage Chronicles

Release year: 2020
Platforms: Microsoft Windows

The reason why this platform is rather limited is that this is a VR-only game. But hey, variety is the spice of life, so here we are with a VR aRPG hack and slash looter. It’s certainly a different scenery and perspective since most first-person aRPGs are typically futuristic and have guns as the primary means of combat,

Due to the VR gameplay, the game puts more pressure on player skill and precision, so you can wing a lot of the encounters here. The game promises a rich story involving a dark tale of reawakening where you assume the role of an undying knight hellbent on entering Death’s domain.

Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem

Release year: 2020
Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem looked like their developers were so disgruntled with the direction of the most recent aRPGs that they decided to make one that caters to the hardcore audience while also attracting newcomers to the genre. For the most part, it worked well, and Wolcen has established itself as a power player in the genre.

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It strikes a good balance between complex aRPGs like Path of Exile and something too simple. It also has a highly-customizable skill tree apart from the beautiful graphics and the endless grind opportunity it brings to the table.

Last Epoch

Release year: 2019 (early access)
Platforms: macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows

Last Epoch is another strong title yet to leave the early access category. Don’t be fooled by the incomplete game tag; it’s every bit as innovative as the latest aRPG titles, if not more so. The Last Epoch combines many elements and layers of complexity that previous aRPGs have incorporated.

It includes time travel and several skill trees for highly customizable builds. One of the biggest problems with aRPGs is that low-level gameplay is often seen as boring. That’s not the case with Last Epoch. Even low-level spells or skills have a certain weight to them, making for satisfying leveling.

The Ascent

Release year: 2021
Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

The Ascent offers something different compared to most loot-based games. It’s set in an intoxicating and visceral cyberpunk world where you assume the role of an indebted worker. You must then claw – or, more aptly, shoot your way into the higher levels of society.

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This way, you can clear your overwhelming debt and free yourself. Along that way, you get showered with a plethora of guns, armor parts, and cybernetic upgrades to make your twin-stick shooter gunplay much easier and more brutal.

The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing Series

Release year: 2013
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox 360, Classic Mac OS, Xbox One

Turns out Van Helsing is ripe with opportunities for a loot-based aRPG title. At the moment, it’s at its third game, with each one offering upgrades and innovations from its predecessor. The first game is notable for putting a thematic spin on the aRPG or loot-based game genre.

It’s not often you get to see a haunted Victorian-age video game with a cool protagonist. The only downside with these titles is that aesthetic customization is a bit limited due to the title. You only get Van Helsing to play with.

Vikings – Wolves Of Midgard

Release year: 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Xbox One

Ever wanted a Norse mythology-themed aRPG? Then Vikings – Wolves of Midgard should sate that craving for Odin’s dysfunctional family. Like most games set with that backdrop, it’s all about surviving, stopping, or avoiding the Ragnarok or Fimbulwinter apocalypse.

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It does seem that Vikings – Wolves of Midgard was made with co-op or multiplayer in mind. The game can get difficult and unforgiving. It does make up for its rough edges with the good voice acting and action-packed frost giant slaying.

Minecraft Dungeons

Release year: 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S

Minecraft Dungeons is one of the latest additions to the loot-based aRPG genre. It’s also made quite a stellar entrance thanks to the branding attached to its parent franchise. In terms of gameplay, it’s very much a familiar experience.

The difference is that Minecraft Dungeons touts itself as a family-friendly aRPG, and that alone makes it unique, as most other games in the genre are typically grim-dark and made for the hardcore audience. Like Minecraft, Minecraft Dungeon can be a game for all ages.

Victor Vran aRPG

Release year: 2015
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Macintosh operating systems, Xbox One

Much like the Vanhelsing games, Victor Vran has a few issues; thankfully, none of them are truly game-breaking (sorry Vanhelsing fans). The isometric title features a main character with some disembodied voice that pesters him while he goes about his hunting business. It features co-op and controller support for more casual play.

But the best thing about the title is its unique incorporation of cards. While Victor can also use Demon Powers, Destiny Cards have unique attributes to boost Victor’s abilities. It’s a neat twist on how games like Diablo use gems to the same end. Another great thing about this game is that you can pick it up and put it down whenever you want.

Warhammer Chaosbane

Release year: 2019
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One

With the likes of Total War: Warhammer and other Warhammer titles in the strategy genre strengthening the franchise once more, Warhammer Chaosbane was only a matter of time. It’s an isometric aRPG based on the Warhammer Fantasy universe. As such, it’s gritty and dystopic, even more so than the Diablo games, which popularized the isometric aRPG genre.

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Compared to most isometric aRPGs in this list, though, Chaosbane’s length and replay value are not too competitive. Some players even regard it as a little too short for a game made for grinding. Thankfully, Chaosbane makes up for that in terms of its action and graphics and the general feeling of being a badass in a world like Warhammer.

Chronicon

Release year: 2015
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Linux

Chronicon launched in 2020 with the setting of reliving memories of ancient heroes. The game uses tile-set dungeon crawling mechanics that are generated randomly. Though incredibly colorful, the game has much more in common with traditional aRPGs than fans might think.

For instance, it has more than 400 unique items that have their own powers. There are also more than 900 abilities, skills, and perks to mess around with, too. Players who want even more of a challenge can engage Hardcore mode, as well.

Lost Ark

Release year: 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows

When Lost Ark was first unveiled to the West by its South Korean developers, many Diablo fans were ready to jump ship. It was a truly phenomenal isometric aRPG from both a technical and presentation standpoint. It arguably had the most visceral and satisfying combat ever in an isometric aRPG.

Grim Dawn

Release year: 2016
Platforms: Microsoft Windows

Some gamers might not have heard of this one, but that doesn’t mean Grim Dawn is worse than others on this list. In fact, the opposite is more believable: Grim Dawn is a sleeper hit. It has one of the more compelling plots to an isometric aRPG ever and, of course, a dizzying loot system. Still, Grim Dawn’s signature lies in its class customization.

After leveling up a few more times after selecting their initial class in Grim Dawn, gamers will be presented with the dual-class system. It essentially lets them combine the skills and dispositions of two classes (no matter how different they are) and create something entirely unique. Not only does this add to replay value, but it also gives players more means to experiment with gameplay.

Torchlight 1, 2 & 3

Release year: 2009
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Xbox 360, Linux

Fun fact: some of Torchlight’s developers consisted of the original development team for Diablo. So these guys knew what they were doing when they made their killer aRPG. Firing up Torchlight (or either of its sequels) for the first time, it’s easy to see the influences. Even though the art style is a lot more cartoonish, the music and the level or enemy designs are still somewhat reminiscent of the first two Diablo games.

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As for which Torchlight game to play, it doesn’t really matter. Players will mostly forget the story since the game focus here is to make the player character stronger and get legendary loot. If gamers want better replay value, though, the second game has bigger (and more open) maps and has better mod-ability. Unfortunately, Torchlight III has received lackluster reviews.

Neon Abyss

Release year: 2020
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Have you ever wished that a game like Enter the Gungeon had loot-based gameplay like Diablo? Then Neon Abyss grants that wish. It’s a bullet-hell top-down shooter game based around obtaining loot and action combat. It’s also a rogue-lite game, but you can forgive that genre dipping once you’ve seen the game in action.

Because Neon Abyss will bombard your senses with a light show of carnage— all in stylized 16-bit glory.There are several characters to choose from in the game’s Grim Squad, a task force set up by Hades to infiltrate the Abyss and fight the New Gods. Hades’ involvement also explains the rogue-lite elements.

Borderlands Series

Release year: 2009
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Let’s not forget the Borderlands games. Players can follow the story in Borderlands or even just the characters; some of them are actually over-the-top and riveting. However, gamers mostly play Borderlands games for one thing: guns. The occasional shields also double as armor, but fans mostly chase the loot for the guns.

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Of course, Borderlands adds a twist to the already aging hack-and-slash aRPG genre by making the gameplay more shooty and skill-based. Even with all the character builds and skill customization players can have, overall shooting ability and player reactions will still be the most important factor in gameplay. Fans also have many options in this series, with three games in the main series, multiple spin-off titles, and a TellTale game known as Tales From The Borderlands that offers a less shooty-shooty and more narrative-based experience.

Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr

Release year: 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One

One of the beautiful things about the Warhammer universe is that so many game studios have crafted their own takes on it. Fans can access Warhammer (40K or otherwise) games of many genres, including Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr.

It gives fans a futuristic setting that still maintains the gothic feel of a Diablo game. Players can craft gear, create unique builds with the huge skill trees, and get some sweet isometric combat in. The only downside is that the game has just three classes in the base game: Crusader, Psyker, and Assassin.

Remnant: From The Ashes

Release year: 2019
Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X|S

Featuring some of the most unique monster designs, Remnant From The Ashes tells the tale of a realm descending into chaos thanks to an alternate dimension evil. The remnants of humanity team up to fight off the monstrous hoard and take back their world.

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It’s a pretty common setup, but Remnant executes itself with such panache and style. THQ Nordic also just announced that, along with the developer of this game (Gunfire Games), released Chronos: Before The Ashes.

Titan Quest

Release year: 2006
Platforms: Android, PlayStation 4, iOS, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Grim Dawn’s intuitive dual-class system was first featured in Titan Quest, and it even came from the same game studio. First released in 2006, fan demand earned the game a re-release in 2016 with better graphics and the same gameplay.

Many fans agree that Titan Quest is an isometric aRPG done right. The loot was compelling, the story was easy to understand, and the customization was rewarding. Not to mention it was set in a Greek world setting, then transitioned into Egypt and eventually into Asia. Basically, it’s a globe-trotting journey to get the best loot ever… and also to kill the Titans of Olympus, causing havoc on Earth.

Destiny 2

Release year: 2017
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows

It’s not really a standard dungeon crawler since Destiny 2 is a hybrid looter shooter game, similar to Warframe, but it has earned its place in this spot as one of the most engaging multiplayer experiences to date. This action MMO features many endgame activities like raids with friends and co-op partners.

Of course, the loot mostly comes in the form of better guns and inventory ornaments. So you won’t lack the motivation to progress here. The game is currently free and only requires payment for the DLCs and expansions, of which there are quite a few already; plenty of content here for new and returning players.