Ranking the 10 Best ARPG to Play in 2024 and Beyond

Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) offer a unique blend of fast-paced combat, immersive gameplay, and the satisfying loop of looting and leveling up. For many players, these games epitomize the thrill of battling hordes of enemies, collecting powerful gear, and honing their skills.

Fun Fact!

🎲 Action RPGs have their origins in tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Early games took inspiration from the mechanics of D&D, translating them into video game form with real-time action.

⚔️ SERAPH stands at the pinnacle of ARPGs' evolution. we… pic.twitter.com/bFWAgsuEZn

— Seraph (@Seraph_global) September 9, 2024

The history of ARPG dates back to 1984’s Dragon Slayer, credited as the first of its kind, but it was Diablo in 1996 that defined what the genre would become. The blend of real-time combat, loot-driven gameplay, and RPG elements with an isometric view laid the groundwork for future titles. Today, the genre continues to grow, with developers pushing the boundaries of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and world-building.

Here, we look at ten standout ARPGs that define the genre today, exploring their unique qualities and what makes them essential for any gaming enthusiast.

10 Best ARPG to Play Beyond 2024

1) Elden Ring

Developer: FromSoftware

Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Release Year: 2022

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, is a testament to the studio’s ambition of carving a landmark in modern ARPGs. FromSoftware, known for its challenging gameplay and intricate world-building in titles like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, took its signature formula to the next level with Elden Ring. Players embark into an expansive, open world that merges its predecessor’s brutal, unforgiving combat with a map, encouraging exploration and discovery.

With over hours of gameplay filled with bosses, secrets, and side quests, Elden Ring provides endless possibilities. The game maintains the soul-crushing difficulty expected of FromSoftware titles but tempers it with a world that feels alive and worth exploring.

Whether battling rock trolls or unlocking the mysteries of hidden ruins, Elden Ring delivers a gaming experience hailed as revolutionary, much like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild did for open-world games.

2) Diablo IV

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Release Year: 2023

Diablo IV marks a triumphant return to form for Blizzard’s iconic franchise. This latest entry delves into the dark and gritty roots adored in Diablo II, offering a captivating yet brutal narrative. The game introduces Lilith as a compelling antagonist, wrapped in a tale filled with twists, nostalgia, and a sense of foreboding that fills every corner of Sanctuary. Each dungeon and quest feels distinct, from purging demonic forces in the Black Asylum to exorcizing spirits in muddy bunkers, creating an immersive world brimming with lore.

Diablo IV is the first in the series to feature an open-world design, adding a new dimension to exploration. Players navigate through varied regions, from the icy Fractured Peaks to swampy lowlands, encountering side quests, strongholds, and NPCs with their own stories.

The game’s addictive loot system and relentless action make it a must-play for ARPG enthusiasts, with each adventure underscored by the high stakes and visceral combat that fans have come to expect.

3) Path of Exile

Developer: Grinding Gear Games

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Year: 2013

Since its release in 2013, Path of Exile by Grinding Gear Games has become a benchmark for ARPGs. Despite a decade later, the game still boasts a robust player base, thanks to its ever-expanding content and deep gameplay mechanics. Unlike many ARPGs that wrap up their story within a few acts, Path of Exile stretches its narrative across ten acts, which veterans often consider an extended tutorial before reaching the true endgame.

The complexity of Path of Exile lies in its character customization and endgame. With one of the most intricate skill trees, players can build characters tailored to their playstyle, experimenting with unique gear combinations, abilities, and passive bonuses.

While daunting for newcomers, those who invest time mastering its systems find a rewarding experience that evolves with each new league and update. Path of Exile remains a top contender in the ARPG genre for players who crave depth and long-term engagement.

4) Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Developer: Square Enix

Platform: PS5

Release Year: 2024

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a remarkable entry in the ARPG genre that blends nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics. As a continuation of Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth expands upon its predecessor by enhancing the combat system and offering an immersive, semi-open world filled with iconic characters and locations.

Players can experience strategic battles that utilize a mix of abilities, spells, and synchronized team attacks, adding layers of tactical depth to each encounter.

The game’s lush graphics and emotionally resonant storytelling remind players why Final Fantasy VII is so beloved. Although Rebirth plays with multiple timelines and can get convoluted in its narrative, it captures the essence of its source material while introducing fresh elements that feel innovative. Mini-games, side quests, and sprawling environments packed with activities make Rebirth stand out in the ARPG space.

5) Bloodborne

Developer: FromSoftware

Platform: PS4

Release Year: 2015

Bloodborne is a testament to FromSoftware’s mastery in creating harrowing yet rewarding ARPG experiences. Set in the haunting city of Yharnam, players are thrust into a nightmarish world that demands precise reflexes and unwavering focus. This is more than just a game; it’s an emotional odyssey where triumph and frustration walk hand-in-hand.

What makes Bloodborne unforgettable is its cohesive design. From the gothic architecture to the cryptic storytelling, every aspect ties into a unified theme of madness and discovery. The Insight mechanic adds a layer of psychological horror, subtly impacting gameplay and reinforcing the dread-filled atmosphere.

Even after more than hours of navigating its terrors and formidable bosses, players yearn for more mysteries to solve and challenges to overcome.

6) Mass Effect 3

Developer: BioWare

Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U

Release Year: 2012

Mass Effect 3 is a standout ARPG that leans into narrative-driven gameplay without sacrificing action. As BioWare’s groundbreaking trilogy, this game is an emotional rollercoaster that perfectly blends dialogue, character development, and real-time combat. Players step back into the boots of Commander Shepard, now tasked with uniting the galaxy against the Reapers, an ancient alien threat.

The game excels in delivering heart-pounding combat sequences and branching storylines that reflect choices made in prior games. BioWare’s ambition of carrying player decisions across an entire trilogy pays off in Mass Effect 3, offering a personalized experience unique to each playthrough. While its ending has stirred debate, the journey there remains one of the most compelling tales in gaming history.

7) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Developer: CD Projekt RED

Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC

Release Year: 2015

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is synonymous with excellence in the ARPG genre. Unlike many games prioritizing action over narrative, CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus fuses a non-linear story with open-world exploration to create an enthralling experience. Players follow Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter, on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri, as she flees from the ominous Wild Hunt.

The game’s open world is meticulously crafted, featuring dynamic weather, diverse ecosystems, and fully realized NPCs that make the world feel alive. Tactical combat encourages players to blend spells, potions, and swordplay, and the choices made in dialogue often lead to morally ambiguous outcomes.

With over 100 hours of potential gameplay and countless side quests that can be just as engaging as the main story, The Witcher 3 sets the benchmark for what an ARPG should aspire to be.

8) NieR: Automata

Developer: PlatinumGames

Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Release Year: 2017

NieR: Automata breaks the mold of traditional ARPGs by merging multiple gameplay genres into one seamless experience. Directed by Yoko Taro and developed by PlatinumGames, this title tells the story of 2B, 9S, and A2 — androids fighting to reclaim Earth from machine invaders on behalf of humanity.

The game’s dynamic combat system allows for fluid transitions between hack-and-slash battles, bullet-hell segments, and even text-based adventures. Each gameplay shift is complemented by an evocative soundtrack and a world-excluding melancholy beauty.

The narrative, layered with existential questions and philosophical undertones, lingers long after the credits roll. NieR: Automata proves that ARPGs can be profound and wildly entertaining, making it a must-play for those seeking something different.

9) Monster Hunter: World

Developer: Capcom

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Release Year: 2018

Capcom’s Monster Hunter: World brought the beloved franchise to a broader audience with its release on PC and consoles, redefining what it means to be an ARPG. Players are dropped into a lush ecosystem teeming with life and formidable monsters to hunt. The gameplay loop is addictive: take on a quest, hunt or capture a monster, harvest resources, craft better gear, and prepare for the next challenge.

The game’s environments are stunningly detailed, as each hunting ground feels like a unique living ecosystem. Monsters behave realistically, engaging in territorial fights and displaying a range of behaviors that make encounters fresh.

Monster Hunter: World emphasizes teamwork, allowing up to four players to team up in co-op mode, where the game truly shines. The intricate crafting system and strategic combat make each hunt an adventure.

10) Dark Souls 3

Developer: FromSoftware

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Release Year: 2016

Dark Souls 3 encapsulates the punishing yet rewarding gameplay that FromSoftware is renowned for. Set in a world teetering on the brink of ruin, players navigate interconnected environments filled with hidden paths and shortcuts that reward exploration. The combat is unforgiving but fair, demanding patience, strategy, and quick reflexes.

This final entry in the series refines everything that made its predecessors beloved, offering faster-paced combat and intricate level design. From the foreboding castles of Lothric to the eerie catacombs, each area is a masterpiece that tells its own story. Dark Souls 3 brings the series full circle with weapon arts that introduce new strategic layers to combat, and boss fights that are as memorable as they are challenging.

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