Eleventh Hour Games continues to polish the Last Epoch experience with the release of Hotfix 1.2.5.2 on May 30, 2025—a small but meaningful update that directly improves item visibility during high-loot scenarios. This hotfix addresses a frustrating issue where item labels would stop appearing after a rapid influx of loot, particularly when multiple Prophecies were triggered at once. With this fix, players no longer need to manually toggle loot filters to view their hard-earned gear, making post-battle cleanup much smoother.
Why This Matters
In Last Epoch, endgame activities like Monolith runs and Prophecies can flood the screen with loot. The previous bug made it difficult for players to see what actually dropped—sometimes even missing rare or exalted items unless they checked their loot filters. For a loot-based ARPG, visibility is critical. This fix reinforces Last Epoch’s reputation for responsive support and an engaged development team.
Looking Back: Patch 1.2.5 Recap
Before the hotfix, Patch 1.2.5 introduced a host of quality-of-life enhancements and bug fixes that were well received by the community:
🔨 Crafting System Improvements
- The Forge now retains the selected modifier when removing an item used with Rune of Ascendance or Rune of Weaving.
- This change makes crafting more fluid and reduces unnecessary clicks during build optimization.
🗃️ User Interface Tweaks
- Stash tabs and categories now scroll in a direction consistent with other applications, improving UX across the board.
- For players managing hundreds of items across multiple tabs, this change helps streamline stash navigation.
🧟♂️ Gameplay & Ailment Fixes
- The persistent “Marked For Death” ailment was fixed, preventing it from lingering after expiration. This is particularly important in both PvE and Arena, where debuff timing can be a matter of survival.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next?
With Season 2 of Last Epoch ongoing and Eleventh Hour Games maintaining a steady cadence of updates, the devs are clearly focused on fine-tuning player experience before introducing new content. Rumors continue to swirl around a potential 1.3.0 patch, which may include deeper Monolith expansion, new uniques, or even PvP testing—though none of this has been officially confirmed.
The community remains active across Reddit and Discord, with players praising the devs’ quick turnaround on feedback and their transparent approach to patching.
📺 Want a Visual Summary?
If you prefer video over text, this recent breakdown by a popular ARPG creator summarizes the changes and impact of Patch 1.2.5 and Hotfix 1.2.5.2:
For the full patch notes and community discussion, visit the official Last Epoch forums.
Whether you’re grinding for legendaries, optimizing your loot filter, or crafting the perfect build, this update ensures smoother gameplay where it matters most.
Games Like Diablo 3
Are you a fan of Diablo 3 looking for similar games to satisfy your action RPG cravings? The dark fantasy world of demon-slaying and loot hunting has captivated millions, but sometimes you need something fresh while keeping that familiar hack-and-slash gameplay.
Games like Path of Exile, Grim Dawn, and Last Epoch offer similar dark and gritty atmospheres with deep character customization and endless loot hunting that Diablo 3 fans will enjoy. These alternatives bring their own unique twists to the ARPG formula, from Path of Exile’s massive skill tree to Grim Dawn’s dual-class system.
For those seeking different flavors of the genre, titles like Torchlight 2 offer a more colorful take, while Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem and The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing provide fresh settings with familiar gameplay loops. Many of these games also feature robust multiplayer options for those who enjoy cooperative monster slaying.
If you’re looking for games similar to Diablo 3, you’re likely interested in Action RPGs (ARPGs), also known as “Diablo-likes,” which typically feature:
- Isometric or top-down perspective: You view the action from above.
- Hack-and-slash combat: Fast-paced combat against hordes of enemies.
- Loot-driven progression: Constantly finding new gear with randomized stats to improve your character.
- Character customization and build variety: Different classes, skills, and gear combinations to create unique playstyles.
- Dungeon crawling: Exploring procedurally generated or hand-crafted dungeons and environments.
Here are some of the most popular and highly-regarded games that fit this description:
Direct Competitors & “Spiritual Successors”:
- Path of Exile: Often considered the “spiritual successor” to Diablo 2, Path of Exile is a free-to-play ARPG known for its incredible depth, complex skill tree, and constant updates. It’s a very hardcore game, offering a massive amount of content and build possibilities. A sequel, Path of Exile 2, is also in development.
- Grim Dawn: Created by some of the developers of Titan Quest, Grim Dawn offers a dark, atmospheric world and a deep dual-class system, allowing for extensive character customization. It’s highly praised for its engaging story and satisfying combat.
- Last Epoch: A newer entry that has gained significant popularity, Last Epoch aims to blend the best elements of Diablo and Path of Exile. It features a robust crafting system, time-traveling elements, and flexible skill trees that allow for easy respeccing.
- Torchlight II: Developed by some of the original Diablo creators, Torchlight II is a more vibrant and often lighter-hearted take on the ARPG genre. It’s known for its engaging pet system and co-op multiplayer.
Other Notable ARPGs:
- Diablo II: Resurrected: If you enjoyed the core gameplay loop of Diablo 3, you might appreciate going back to the remastered version of its predecessor. Diablo 2 is a classic for a reason, offering a darker tone and a focus on unique itemization.
- Diablo IV: The most recent installment in the Diablo series, offering a more open world, a darker tone, and a blend of classic Diablo elements with modern ARPG features.
- Titan Quest: An older but still popular ARPG set in ancient mythology. Its Anniversary Edition brought significant improvements and it’s a solid choice for fans of the genre.
- Victor Vran: Offers a unique twist on the genre with more dynamic combat and a focus on weapon-based abilities rather than traditional class skills.
- Warhammer: Chaosbane / Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr: If you’re a fan of the Warhammer universe, these games offer a Diablo-like experience within that setting.
- Lost Ark: A popular MMORPG with strong ARPG combat elements. It’s known for its stunning visuals and action-packed gameplay, though it also features typical MMO progression and monetization.
- Darksiders Genesis: A spin-off in the Darksiders series that takes on an isometric hack-and-slash ARPG style, offering a co-op experience with two playable characters.
- Minecraft Dungeons: A simpler and more accessible take on the dungeon crawler, perfect for a wider audience or those looking for a less complex ARPG experience.
- Hades: While not a traditional loot-driven ARPG, Hades is an extremely popular isometric roguelike with fantastic action combat, engaging storytelling, and deep character progression through its roguelike mechanics.
When choosing, consider what aspects of Diablo 3 you enjoyed most: the hack-and-slash combat, the loot grind, the atmosphere, or the multiplayer experience. This will help you narrow down the best fit for you!
Key Takeaways
- Path of Exile and Grim Dawn provide the darkest, most complex alternatives to Diablo 3 with deep customization systems.
- Several alternatives offer unique twists on the ARPG formula while maintaining the satisfying loot progression that Diablo fans crave.
- Multiplayer options vary across games, with some focusing on cooperative play and others featuring more competitive elements.
Exploring the World of Action Role-Playing Games
Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) combine fast-paced combat with character progression and loot systems. These games offer players endless opportunities to customize their characters while battling through hordes of enemies.
Core Elements of ARPGs
The foundation of any good ARPG includes several key features that define the genre. Character progression is central, allowing players to level up, gain new abilities, and customize their playstyle.
Loot systems drive player engagement through random item drops with varying rarities and stats. Finding that perfect legendary weapon can be incredibly satisfying.
Combat mechanics typically involve real-time action with a focus on using various skills and abilities. Most ARPGs use an isometric or top-down perspective.
Skill trees offer branching paths for character development. Games like Diablo 3 and Path of Exile feature complex systems that let players create unique builds.
Replayability comes through randomized dungeons, multiple difficulty levels, and different character classes to try.
Popular ARPG Titles
Diablo set the standard for the genre, with Diablo 2 often considered the gold standard of ARPGs. Its dark atmosphere and addictive gameplay loop influenced countless games.
Grim Dawn combines Victorian-era aesthetics with supernatural elements. It features a dual-class system that allows for varied character builds and playstyles.
Torchlight offers a more colorful take on the genre with its cartoon-like graphics. The series maintains depth through robust character customization and pet companions.
Titan Quest takes players through mythological worlds of Greece, Egypt, and Asia. Its innovative “mastery” system lets players combine different skill trees.
Path of Exile stands out with its massive passive skill tree and unique gem-based skill system. It offers deep customization for dedicated players.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Diablo-like games share core elements that make them addictive and engaging. These games typically feature deep character development systems, fast-paced combat with numerous abilities, and complex inventory management that rewards strategic equipment choices.
Character Progression and Skill Trees
Most games like Diablo 3 offer extensive character progression systems where players can build unique heroes. Skill trees provide branching paths of abilities that allow for specialized builds and playstyles.
Path of Exile stands out with its massive passive skill web containing hundreds of nodes. Players gain skill points through leveling and quests to enhance their character’s attributes and unlock new abilities.
Diablo II, which set the standard for many games, uses a more straightforward skill tree system where points earned from leveling can be allocated to specific active or passive skills.
Classes like Barbarian, Crusader, and Demon Hunter each offer distinct skill sets and gameplay experiences. Most games feature 5-8 character classes with unique abilities and equipment options.
Character customization goes beyond just skills. Attribute points, paragon/champion systems, and special traits allow players to fine-tune their heroes for specific challenges.
Combat System and Abilities
Combat in Diablo-like ARPGs typically features fast-paced action with a mix of basic attacks and special abilities. Players manage resources like mana, rage, or specialized energy while fighting hordes of enemies.
Active skills form the core of combat, giving players powerful attacks, spells, and movement abilities. These are often bound to specific keys or controller buttons for quick access during intense battles.
Common Combat Features:
- Area-of-effect abilities for crowd control
- Powerful single-target attacks for bosses
- Defensive cooldowns to survive dangerous situations
- Movement skills to reposition quickly
Health management is crucial, with players monitoring their life bar and using healing potions at critical moments. Many games add complexity with shield systems, temporary health buffs, or life-leech mechanics.
Dungeons provide the main battlegrounds where players test their combat builds. Random generation keeps these areas fresh and challenging with each playthrough.
Inventory and Weapon Management
Loot collection is a central pillar of Diablo-like games. Players collect, compare, and equip increasingly powerful gear as they progress through the game.
Most games use color-coded rarity systems to indicate item quality. Common items might be white or gray, while legendaries showcase gold or orange text with unique properties that can transform gameplay.
Inventory space is intentionally limited, forcing players to make decisions about what to keep. This creates tension between collecting everything and maintaining room for new discoveries.
Weapons vary widely across these games, from simple swords and bows to exotic magical implements. Each typically features:
- Base damage statistics
- Attack speed ratings
- Special affixes (like +15% fire damage)
- Sockets for gems or runes
Potions and consumables provide emergency resources during tough battles. Managing these supplies becomes part of the strategic layer, especially in games with limited town portal access.
Multiplayer Aspects in ARPGs
Multiplayer functionality transforms action role-playing games from solo adventures into social experiences where friends can team up to conquer challenges together. These features often define the longevity and community aspects of popular ARPGs.
Cooperative Gameplay and Quests
In Diablo III, up to four players can join forces to tackle the campaign and adventure mode. The game scales difficulty and enemy health based on party size, ensuring balanced challenges for everyone. Players can easily drop in or out of sessions, making it flexible for casual gaming sessions.
Games like Grim Dawn offer similar cooperative experiences that many players consider superior to other titles in the genre. The multiplayer component allows friends to progress through the story together while sharing loot drops.
On consoles like Nintendo Switch and PS3, Diablo III introduced couch co-op, letting players enjoy the full experience without requiring multiple systems or game copies. This accessibility helped expand the ARPG audience significantly.
For married couples or friends seeking shared adventures, ARPGs like Torchlight II provide perfect opportunities to bond over monster-slaying and treasure hunting.
Challenges and MMO Features
Beyond basic cooperation, many ARPGs incorporate challenging group content that requires coordination. Diablo III’s Greater Rifts push players to optimize their builds and work together efficiently to beat increasingly difficult timed challenges.
Lost Ark blends traditional ARPG elements with MMO features, creating large-scale raid encounters where multiple players must coordinate specialized roles and mechanics to succeed. These raids represent endgame challenges that keep communities engaged long-term.
Some ARPGs include special multiplayer events or seasons that refresh the experience periodically. These limited-time challenges often feature unique rewards and leaderboards to encourage friendly competition.
Public areas in games like Path of Exile allow players to encounter others naturally during their adventures, creating impromptu grouping opportunities. Town hubs also serve as social spaces where players can trade items, show off rare gear, and form parties for upcoming quests.
Technical Considerations
When searching for games similar to Diablo 3, players need to consider both the technical aspects of these games and their compatibility with different gaming platforms. The right hardware capabilities and cross-platform options can significantly impact the gaming experience.
Graphics and Performance
Most Diablo-like games feature isometric views with varying graphical demands. Diablo III itself set a standard with its vibrant effects and detailed environments, though it doesn’t require top-tier hardware to run smoothly. Games in this genre typically offer scalable graphics options to accommodate different systems.
Some newer ARPGs push graphical boundaries with more detailed textures and lighting effects. These games might require more powerful GPUs and processors than Diablo III did at launch.
Performance considerations become especially important during intense gameplay moments. When dozens of enemies fill the screen and skill effects activate simultaneously, frame rates can drop on lower-end systems.
Hardware recommendations for Diablo-like games:
- Mid-range GPU (GTX 1060 or equivalent)
- 8GB RAM minimum
- SSD storage for faster loading times
Cross-Platform Playability
The availability of Diablo-like games across multiple platforms has expanded significantly. Diablo III itself evolved from a PC-only release to appear on PS3, Xbox, and eventually Nintendo Switch, opening the genre to console players.
Platform considerations affect more than just availability. Control schemes differ significantly between mouse/keyboard and controller setups. The skill system in many ARPGs had to be redesigned for effective console play.
Cross-save functionality is another important factor. Some games allow players to maintain progress across different platforms, while others require starting fresh on each system.
Platform availability factors:
- Input method optimization
- UI adjustments for different screen sizes
- Online connectivity requirements
- Local co-op options (especially on consoles)
Frequently Asked Questions
Players looking for games similar to Diablo 3 have many options across different gaming platforms. The following questions address specific alternatives available on various consoles, mobile devices, and upcoming releases.
What are some recommended action RPGs similar to Diablo 3 for the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch offers several excellent Diablo-like experiences. Torchlight 2 provides a colorful action RPG experience with pet companions and dungeon crawling mechanics that work well on the Switch’s portable format.
Path of Exile is another strong contender available on Switch, offering deep character customization and a massive skill tree. The game features similar isometric gameplay but with a darker tone and free-to-play model.
Titan Quest, a classic ARPG set in ancient mythology, has been ported to the Switch with all its expansions. Its combination of Greek, Egyptian, and Asian mythologies provides a unique setting for hack-and-slash adventures.
Which games on PlayStation 4 offer a similar experience to Diablo 3?
Path of Exile stands out on PS4 with its extensive endgame mapping system and seasonal leagues that refresh gameplay regularly. Its complex skill gem system allows for deep character building options.
Grim Dawn, with its Victorian-inspired setting and dual-class character system, offers PS4 players a darker alternative to Diablo 3. The game features faction reputation systems and challenging endgame content.
Warhammer: Chaosbane brings the Warhammer fantasy universe to the action RPG genre on PlayStation. Players can choose from different character classes to battle Chaos forces in a similar isometric perspective.
What alternatives to Diablo 3 are available on Xbox platforms?
Last Epoch has become a popular choice on Xbox systems, featuring time travel elements and an innovative skill system. The game combines classic ARPG elements with modern design sensibilities.
The Torchlight series offers Xbox players colorful dungeon-crawling with unique pet mechanics. Both Torchlight 2 and 3 are available, with the former generally considered the stronger entry in the series.
Path of Exile provides Xbox gamers with perhaps the most content-rich alternative, offering regular expansions and a completely free-to-play model with ethical microtransactions focused on cosmetics.
Can you suggest any mobile games that share the hack-and-slash style of Diablo 3?
Eternium stands as one of the best Diablo-like experiences on mobile platforms. The game features gesture-based spell casting and a surprisingly deep loot system that works well on touchscreens.
Anima ARPG offers a dark fantasy setting with multiple character classes and skill trees. Its offline play option makes it ideal for mobile gaming without consistent internet connections.
Titan Quest has been adapted for mobile devices, bringing its mythology-based action RPG gameplay to phones and tablets. The controls have been redesigned specifically for touch interfaces.
Which upcoming or recent games replicate the dungeon-crawling aspects found in the Diablo series?
Diablo 4 was recently released as the direct successor to Diablo 3, featuring a return to the darker tone of earlier entries while maintaining the refined action RPG mechanics.
Throne and Liberty combines ARPG elements with MMO features in a newly released package. The game offers large-scale PvP alongside dungeon crawling and extensive character customization.
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem continues to receive updates, offering a visually impressive ARPG experience with a unique active skill rotation system and transformation abilities.
How does the gameplay in Diablo 2 compare to that of Diablo 3?
Diablo 2 features a more deliberate pace with greater emphasis on careful character building and skill point allocation. Once points are spent, they cannot be easily reassigned unlike Diablo 3’s flexible system.
The itemization in Diablo 2 focuses more on finding rare and unique items with specific properties. Diablo 3 shifted toward set items and more frequent legendary drops with transformative powers.
Diablo 2’s darker atmosphere and more challenging difficulty create a different feel compared to Diablo 3’s more colorful and accessible approach. The remastered Diablo 2: Resurrected preserves these differences while updating the visuals.
