video game,star wars video gamesThe Legend Of Zelda Encyclopedia Deluxe Edition Is 50% Off At Amazon


The official Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is on sale for only $18 (was $40) at Amazon, but fans may want to opt for the gorgeous Deluxe Edition while it's available for 50% off, dropping the price to only $45 (was $90). The Deluxe Edition has cover art that mimics the gold Legend of Zelda NES cartridge, and the slipcase looks like a cartridge sleeve. Dark Horse's other official Zelda books and the stellar Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom guidebooks are also on sale for low prices.


The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia and Arts & Artifacts are available for around $23 each. Published in 2013, Hyrule Historia is a must-read 280-page lore book for fans and one of the most popular video game lore/art books ever.

Zelda: Creating a Champion, a beautiful book detailing the production of Breath of the Wild is up for grabs for only $20, which is a 60% discount and also an all-time low. You can also save 50% on the official Breath of the Wild Expanded Guide and $20 on Tears of the Kingdom's Collector's Edition Guide.


Here's a quick look at notable deals at Amazon on Zelda books as well as books about other Nintendo franchises, including Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia and Kirby: Art & Style Collection. Nintendo fans should also check out Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective, which will be published next month.

Official Nintendo Books


If you want to learn more about any of the Zelda books above, we have detailed breakdowns of all of the officially licensed books below. Many of Link's memorable adventures have been used as inspiration for manga, so you'll also find a breakdown of the three Zelda manga box sets and individual volumes.


The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia


$23 ($40)

The first book in Dark Horse's Zelda book series, Hyrule Historia was published in 2013. Despite being a decade old, it's still an incredible read with a bounty of information about the development of the series. It has a treasure trove of illuminating concept art and nuggets of lore for every game in the series through Skyward Sword. Hyrule Historia is an essential book for Zelda fans.

Hyrule Historia clocks in. at 280 pages and is available in hardcover and Kindle formats in the US. A paperback edition with original cover art featuring Link was published in Europe. Collectors may want both, but the hardcover edition matches the rest of Dark Horse's series.


The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia


$18 ($40)

The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is a lovely reference book that serves as a great companion to Hyrule Historia and the wider series in general. Published in 2018 to commemorate the franchise's 30th anniversary, the 328-page hardcover book takes a close look at the characters, enemies, items, and places featured in the series from The Legend of Zelda (1986) through The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (2016).

The book, which is also available for Kindle, contains a huge database of enemies and items as well as an official timeline detailing when each game takes place in comparison to the rest. It also includes development sketches, numerous maps, and a bunch of lore--the additional lore is a big reason why it's a great companion to Hyrule Historia. Zelda franchise producer Eiji Aonuma was interviewed for this book.

The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia is great for both long-time fans and newcomers. For Zelda veterans, it's pretty cool to revisit 30 years of memories; if you're a newer fan, this book will help fill in some knowledge gaps and perhaps even encourage you to explore older versions of Hyrule for the first time.


The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia: Deluxe Edition


$45 ($90)

The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia: Deluxe Edition and has a nostalgic design and essentially acts as the collector's version. All of the content inside the book matches the standard edition, but you're getting an alternate cover, unique slipcase, and very cool bonus.

The Deluxe Edition's cover art is designed to look like the gold cartridge of The Legend of Zelda (1987) for the original Nintendo Entertainment System. To mimic the cartridge's finish, Dark Horse added glossy laminate and varnish to foil paper to create the embossed cover. The polypropylene slipcase resembles NES cart sleeves. To keep the cover in great shape when removing the book from its case, the interior of the sleeve is lined with velvet. It also comes with an old-school instruction booklet that's as big as the "cartridge."

Out of all of the books on this list, The Legend of Zelda Encyclopedia: Deluxe Edition is the most lavish from a design perspective. You should definitely read it, but the book doubles as a beautiful piece of Zelda decor.


The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts


$23.42 ($50)

The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts is a 427-page hardcover book featuring a massive collection of artwork created across 30-plus years by the team of artists at Nintendo. Unlike the other two reference books covering the series at large, Arts & Artifacts does contain artwork made for Breath of the Wild.

Video game art books are pretty common these days. If a video game is the focus of only one book, there's a good chance it'll be an art book. Arts & Artifacts is one of the best video game art books you can buy; it showcases a wide variety of artwork across each console and handheld generation. Arts & Artifacts could aptly be described as an encyclopedia of Zelda art, as you'll find a ton of character concept art, sprite work, box and instruction booklet art, and promotional images, among other categories. To complement the visual feast, the book contains commentary from the artists who made the pieces featured on these pages.

All of Dark Horse's Zelda books thrive in hardcover format, but Arts & Artifacts, in particular, is one we'd definitely recommend in physical format. Looking at the illustrations on an iPad simply isn't the same as flipping through high-end art paper.


Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion


$20 ($50)

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild proved to be a major evolution for the franchise. Compared to earlier games, its scope was absolutely staggering. For many, Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, became the new benchmarks to compare future iterations--and open-world games in general--against going forward. If you want to take a look behind the curtain to see how the new era of the series came to be, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion is the definitive way to do just that.

Creating a Champion is a 424-page doorstopper of a hardcover--though it's available as an ebook, too--published by Dark Horse in 2018. Perhaps most notably, the book offers dozens of pages of art by Takumi Wada, the lead artist for Breath of the Wild. It also has roughly 300 pages of concept and production art from other members of the team.

To accompany and contextualize the illustrations, Breath of the Wild's lead developers detail the philosophy behind and evolution of the art. As you read through the commentary and admire the images, you can start to see how the largest version of Hyrule came to life.

The history and lore of this Hyrule is covered extensively, and it also contains interviews with multiple key creators, including franchise lead Eiji Aonuma, Nintendo art director Satoru Takizawa, game director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, and lead artist Takumi Wada.


Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion (Hero's Edition)


$78 ($110)

Creating a Champion also has a premium edition that comes bundled with some extra goodies. If Breath of the Wild is your favorite Zelda game, you're unlikely to regret treating splurging for the Hero's Edition. A minimalistic yet stunning collection, the Hero Edition swaps artwork of Link and his allies for a white logo against an eye-catching blue backdrop. Not just any blue, though--this distinct shade of royal blue perfectly matches the Champion's Tunic worn by Link in Breath of the Wild. The signature armor is presented to Link by Impa in Kakariko Village and triggers a memory of the royal blue-clad Champions across Hyrule banding together to defeat Calamity Ganon.

The Hero's Edition can be stored and displayed in a royal blue slipcase with a silhouette of Link dressed in the Champion's Tunic with his bow drawn. Inside the slipcase you'll also find a box with a fold-out map and an art print. What's especially cool about the print is that it's a real-life version of the picture Link displays in his home. To round out this beautiful set, there's a little compartment on the side of the case containing a replica glass Spirit Orb.

If you need to buy a gift for a Breath of the Wild fan, you can't go wrong with Creating a Champion's Hero's Edition--unless they have it already, of course, in which case at least they can return it to Amazon for free and swap it out for one or two other books on this list.


Breath of the Wild - Complete Official Guide, Expanded Edition


$19.47 ($40)

Have you thought about returning to Breath of the Wild to see and do everything the open world of Hyrule has to offer on Nintendo Switch 2? The official strategy guide is an extremely useful companion for your journey back into the wild.

Breath of the Wild - The Complete Official Guide, Expanded Edition is a 512-page hardcover book leaves no stone unturned. Literally. It provides the locations of all 1,000 Korok Seeds--those hide-and-seek pros love living under rocks. Anything and everything you'd need to know to 100% Breath of the Wild, including its pair of expansions, is in this guide: all shrine locations, all puzzle solutions, all treasure chests, etc. It also offers tips and tricks for combat, an overview of the main quest line with recommended routes, and a detailed analysis of the monsters and items scattered throughout Hyrule.

The guidebook comes with a handy double-sided map of Hyrule with complete annotations. As a bonus, the book features 32 pages of concept art, split evenly between the base game and pair of expansions. This is the only Zelda book on this list with artwork for The Master Trials and The Champions' Ballad, the excellent pair of post-launch expansions.

Even if you don't need help in Breath of the Wild, the official guide is a cool book to have in your collection. Physical guidebooks for new games are very rare these days. During the Switch's lifecycle, only a select few games received official guidebooks, and the only ones that remain in print are the Zelda guides and Animal Crossing: New Horizon's Complete Guide.

The hardcover Expanded Edition is the only version still in print today. A Deluxe Edition of the original guide is only available from resellers these days. The Sheikah Slate cover art is gorgeous, but the book is over 100 pages shorter.


Tears of the Kingdom - Complete Official Guide, Collector's Edition


Available in hardcover and paperback

Nintendo once again partnered with game guide publisher Piggyback to create Tears of the Kingdom's guide. It hit shelves two months after the game's launch, giving players plenty of time to get lost on their own in Hyrule before consulting a guide. And now you can get either physical edition for a great price ahead of Tears of the Kingdom's Switch 2 update.

The official Tears of the Kingdom guidebook is 496 pages and covers everything you need to know to 100% the game, including details on every main quest and side mission, shrine, cave, minigame, etc. It has a complete catalog of gear, from weapons and armor to crafting materials and Zonai Devices. Every enemy is detailed alongside advanced strategies for improving your combat skills. An awesome atlas covering all three major maps--Hyrule, Sky Islands, The Depths--can easily be referenced while searching for collectibles.

Tears of the Kingdom has more complex gameplay systems than its predecessor, including its heavy emphasis on piecing together objects to solve puzzles and traverse the world with Link's Ultrahand ability. The official guide offers an in-depth look at this and all other new mechanics and features.

The Breath of the Wild guide is fantastic, but this one is arguably more impressive due to its sheer scope and how well the information is laid out.

Tears of the Kingdom's guide comes in hardcover and paperback editions. The hardcover Collector's Edition is naturally the more premium and durable of the two. It also happens to have gorgeous cover art featuring the Decayed Master Sword. It's worth noting you can typically save at least five bucks by opting for the paperback. You're getting a bargain with either edition.


The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Graphic Novel


$16.89 ($20)

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past fans should definitely check out this charming full-color graphic novel adaptation of the Super Nintendo game. Originally published as a serialized comic book in Nintendo Power magazine, Viz Media collected the full run for this 196-page paperback. At the moment, A Link to the Past is the only Zelda graphic novel in print. It's recommended for kids ages eight and up, so it would make for a fun gift for younger fans, too.


The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Complete Manga Box Set


$88 ($130)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Complete Box Set is the newest release on this list. Published in September 2024, this collection brings together all 11 volumes of Akira Himekawa's superb manga adaptation of the 2006 GameCube and Wii adventure (remastered for Wii U in 2016). Each book is roughly 200 pages, with the full series coming in at 2,040 pages. The new box set comes with an illustrated display case to keep your paperbacks organized and an exclusive double-sided poster.

If you like manga and you're a fan of the only Zelda game where Link can turn into a wolf, the Twilight Princess manga definitely should be on your list. Keep in mind that The Legend of Zelda manga is not a 1:1 retelling of the games; instead, think of this as more of a reinterpretation with the same foundation.

As the only mainline entry in the series with an ESRB rating of T for Teen, the Twilight Princess manga was understandably written for a slightly older audience than the graphic novel above and the manga you'll read about next. It's recommended for kids ages 11 and up. Adults who want to read Zelda manga will probably enjoy the lengthy Twilight Princess arc more than the other adaptations, but you may want to start with Volume 1 before buying the complete set.


Twilight Princess Manga Series:


The Legend of Zelda Complete Manga Box Set


$58 ($105)

Before writing and illustrating the lengthy Twilight Princess series, Akira Himekawa--the pen name for creative partners A. Honda and S. Nagano--adapted seven earlier games in the series. These stories are more suitable for younger readers and are recommended for kids ages eight and up.

If you grew up playing The Legend of Zelda, the manga adaptations of Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages and Seasons, and Majora's Mask offer a fun way to introduce your kids to some of the classics. Majora's Mask can be a bit unsettling, so you may not want to show that one to youngsters if you think the creepy masks, Skull Kid, and the angry moon will frighten them.

All 10 volumes of The Legend of Zelda manga are available individually for around $10 each or together in a paperback box set. The latter tends to save you a lot of money overall, plus you get a double-sided poster. Here's the full list, but before you buy any of them, make sure to take a look at the premium Legendary Edition Box Set below.



The Legend of Zelda Manga Legendary Edition Box Set


$92 ($125)

The Legendary Edition of Zelda's original manga series has a decidedly more mature presentation. Just look at Ocarina of Time's Legendary Edition compared to the standard paperback version. Legendary versions of the manga are printed on higher-quality paper and have thicker covers, which means they should hold up better over time.

The main difference in format here is that the Legendary Edition condenses the series into five books. If you're opting for individual volumes instead of the box set, it makes sense to get one of these, as you won't need to buy two books to read both parts of Ocarina of Time, Four Swords, or Oracle of Seasons and Ages.

The Legendary Edition Box Set is pretty awesome, though. The books come bundled inside a treasure chest storage box. It's one of the coolest spins on the slipcase we've seen with a manga or graphic novel collection. It also comes with a double-sided poster. Individual Legendary volumes retail for $20, but you can sometimes get them for steep five or more bucks off.



The Legend of Zelda: Official Sticker Book


$8 ($13)

For the young Zelda fans, this official sticker book has over 800 stickers. With that many stickers, parents are bound to start finding Zelda stickers all over the house. Published by Random House in 2018, this book has plenty of Breath of the Wild stickers as well as ones celebrating older Zelda games, too. Though the big draw here is stickers, it's also an activity book.


The Legend of Zelda: Link's Book of Adventure


Paperback - $8 ($10) | Hardcover - $13

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Book of Adventure is the second activity book for kids published by Random House. Originally published in hardcover in 2018, this activity book released in paperback earlier this year. While it does contain stickers, Link's Book of Adventure is a more traditional activity book, featuring a nice balance of word searches, mazes, puzzles, memory games, and other activities. It also has full-color illustrations, and the overall quality is quite good for the price.




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video game,star wars video gamesCorpse Bride Limited Edition Steelbook Preorders Discounted, Releases This Week

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride launches on 4K Blu-ray for the first time on September 23. The cult-classic stop-motion animated movie is celebrating its 20th anniversary with two different editions, including a Limited Edition Steelbook with a collectible steelbook case and decorative sleeve. Burton fans can preorder Corpse Bride's Limited Edition Steelbook for $30 (was $35) at Amazon and Walmart. The standard 4K Blu-ray edition is up for grabs for only $23.79 at Amazon and Walmart.

This has been a popular Steelbook Edition--it sold out for the first time in July before the official artwork was even revealed--and has been listed for as high as $45.49 at both retailers. If you already preordered from Amazon or Walmart, your order total will be adjusted to reflect the lowest price offered before launch ($30). Burton fans can also preorder the new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Limited Edition Steelbook for $30 (was $35). The Beetlejuice sequel's collectible edition releases the same day as Corpse Bride.

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video game,star wars video gamesGames Like Diablo To Loot Your Way Through In 2025


There is no shortage of Diablo-like video games to play in 2025. The dungeon-crawling RPG series has been an iconic part of gaming as a pioneer in Western RPGs, setting a foundation for others to follow and build upon. Diablo 2 created an entire subgenre of similar titles originally referred to as action-RPGs (Diablo pioneered and popularized real-time combat in isometric computer RPGs) but are now more commonly called ARPGs to avoid confusion with behind-the-back action-RPGs like The Witcher 3. Regardless of what term you use to describe them, these isometric RPGs all aim to recreate Diablo's satisfying gameplay loop with an emphasis on dungeon crawling, monster slaying, character-enhancing loot, and multiplayer features. However, it's definitely fair to say that some Diablo-likes are better than others.

In case you're looking for something to scratch the Diablo itch, we've selected our favorites in the action-RPG genre. From well-known homages like Torchlight 2 to lesser-known fare like Victor Vran, we've covered nearly all the games in this style that you'd ever want to play. We've even honed in on a few selections that deliver some of the same thrills without quite fitting into its exact genre niche. The next time you feel that urge to grind, give one of these a try. You might be surprised how much you like it.

Meanwhile, the Diablo franchise itself is as varied as this list, with Diablo 2, 3, 4 and even the mobile title Diablo Immortal each offering their flavor of demon-slaying and loot hunting. Diablo 4 is on Xbox Game Pass, so you can play it as part of your subscription. The Vessel of Hatred expansion isn't included in the Game Pass version, but your subscription includes a discount for it. Blizzard additionally remade Diablo 2 in the form of 2021's Diablo 2: Resurrected, for those who prefer a more old-school dive into the genre. You can also check out the best Game Pass games, as well as tons of other great dungeon-crawlers.


The Ascent


  • Developer: Neon Giant
  • Release Date: July 29, 2021
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
  • Genre: Twin-Stick Shooter ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

This dungeon-crawler is notable mostly for its setting, which is about as far from the traditional swords and sorcery as you can get. The Ascent adopts a cyberpunk aesthetic, and instead of descending into the depths of a dungeon, you're actually climbing up a massive corporate tower. Your usual suite of spell-like powers are represented by high-tech gadgets, and you can climb the tech tree and customize a cyberdeck to your liking. It does focus more on ranged combat than many other Diablo-likes, since every build uses guns by default, but the enemy design is well-tuned for that purpose. And like the best dungeon crawlers, you can play with up to three friends to take down cyber-threats cooperatively.

Read our The Ascent review.


Darksiders: Genesis


  • Developer: Airshop Syndicate
  • Release Date: December 5, 2019
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • Multiplayer: Two-player Co-op

A lesser-known spin-off of the Darksiders franchise, Genesis is an isometric hack-and-slash game with co-op support and tons of enemies to slay. It's less of an RPG than other games on this list, with fewer mechanics to explore, and not much in the way of proper builds. However, a lot of players feel that it's one of the best games in the franchise, perhaps even better than some of the mainline entries. This is definitely a game that is best picked up on sale for a weekend play with a friend, and it excels in that situation.

Read our Darksiders: Genesis review.


Grim Dawn


  • Developer: Crate Entertainment
  • Release Date: February 25, 2016
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox One
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

Created as a spiritual follow-up to Titan Quest, Grim Dawn is a cult ARPG that combines complex mechanics with deep build customization. Unlike most games in the genre, Grim Dawn doesn't have randomized enemy camps and dungeons, instead opting for a hand-designed approach. Players praise it for its replayability and variety of builds, while also noting substantial support from developer Crate Entertainment and a vibrant mod scene that continues to this day. If you missed it on its original release in 2016, it's worth a look.

Read our Grim Dawn review.


Hades


  • Developer: Supergiant Games
  • Release Date: December 6, 2018
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
  • Genre: Action Roguelike
  • Multiplayer: None

The roguelike Hades isn't a loot-driven RPG like the Diablo games, but its thrilling action combat and emphasis on crafting a build delivers some of the same satisfaction in a run-based package. Though you'll earn permanent boosts, much of the enjoyment of Hades involves selecting from a wide array of weapons and upgrades as you descend through the bowels of the underworld, giving an accelerated and repeatable experience of crafting your build. The combat itself is slick and fast-paced, and the enemy variety will keep you on your toes. Hades 2, currently in early access, introduces a new protagonist with her own playstyle, which should be more than enough to keep you on your toes.

Read our Hades review.


Halls of Torment


  • Developer: Chasing Carrots
  • Release Date: March 9, 2023
  • Platforms: PC
  • Genre: Auto-Shooter Survival
  • Multiplayer: None

Many of the games on this list borrow Diablo's gameplay style, but Halls of Torment is more about paying homage to its design aesthetic, reimagined in a different genre. The auto-shooter survival genre popularized by Vampire Survivors attracted many imitators, and Halls of Torment takes that concept and applies it to a Diablo 2-like setting and style. You'll still go on quick roguelike runs that almost inevitably lead to your own demise, but as you do, you'll chip away at upgrades to make your barbarian or archer that much heartier. If you want a Diablo fix mixed with the quick bite-sized play of a Survivor-like, this is a great mix that compels you to play just one more time, over and over.


Minecraft Dungeons


  • Developer: Mojang Studios
  • Release Date: May 26, 2020
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

Minecraft Dungeons is a simple and fun take on the usual Diablo-like genre that can appeal to a wider audience. There's no complex build diagrams or multi-phase bosses requiring in-depth strategies here--just a lot of hacking, slashing, and watching the numbers go up. It's certainly one of the better-looking games on this list, as the voxel aesthetic of Minecraft stands out in the field, and its lighting is especially impressive. It's not a hardcore experience, but if you're looking for a grindfest that you can play with anybody, Minecraft Dungeons is very much in that ballpark.

Read our Minecraft Dungeons review.


Path of Exile


  • Developer: Grinding Gear Games
  • Release Date: October 23, 2013
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Six-player Co-op

Sometimes described by fans as the true successor to Diablo 2, Path Of Exile is a free-to-play ARPG that presents itself as a hardcore alternative to others in the market. Developed by a team of Diablo fans who were frustrated by the lack of new games in the genre in the early 2010s, Path Of Exile appeals the most to players who value depth of content over all else, as the game has received ten years of regular updates from developer Grinding Gear Games. A sequel, Path Of Exile 2, is currently scheduled to release in November. Even with the early-access launch of Path Of Exile 2, the original will continue to receive new seasonal updates, with many cosmetics and quality-of-life microtransactions (like additional stash tabs) carrying over between games.

Read our Path of Exile review.


Path Of Exile 2


  • Developer: Grinding Gear Games
  • Release Date: December 6, 2024 (Early Access)
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
  • Multiplayer: Six-player Co-op

Path Of Exile 2 may be in early access and currently only feature half of its campaign and character classes, but it's already a content for one of the best ARPGs ever made. It shares a lot of DNA with its predecessor but manages to carve out its own place in history thanks to its fantastic presentation and more methodical (at least for the first several dozen hours) combat that puts a heavy focus on From Software-style boss battles. It also takes some of the more confusing and frustrating aspects of the original Path Of Exile, like skill gems, and presents them in a new, more beginner-friendly system that still features loads of depth for those who love fine-tuning builds for maximum efficiency. Though its punishing endgame may not be to the liking of some, its campaign, even in its half-finished state, is a must-play for any who consider themselves an ARPG aficionado. The early access version of Path Of Exile 2 costs $30, but the game will eventually be free-to-play.


Titan Quest 2


  • Developer: Grimlore Games
  • Release Date: August 1, 2025 (Early Access)
  • Platforms: PC (Early Access)
  • Genre: Action RPG
  • Multiplayer: Still in early stages but due in full release

While Titan Quest 2 is still in Early Access on Steam, the game reportedly sold more than 300,000 copies in its first three days. The appetite for a follow up to 2006's Titan Quest is clearly sizable, and the fan response so far has been positive. When the game releases fully, hopefully by the end of 2026, Titan Quest 2 will also be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X.

It doesn't get much more epic than Greek mythology, and Titan Quest 2 puts you right in between the gods, to do battle with and alongside these all-powerful beings, as well as featuring famous villains from the ancient world like centaurs, gryphons, and cyclopes. Like Diablo, there's plenty of roleplay between bursts of frenzied battle, as you choose your own class, gear up, and forge relationships with allies and enemies throughout.


Torchlight 2


  • Developer: Runic Games
  • Release Date: September 20, 2012
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Six-player Co-op

The Torchlight games are some of the most renowned games in the Diablo-like genre, and for good reason. They combined the satisfying mob-killing action that made the series so enjoyable with a simpler approach that appeals to those who were scared away by the relatively complex builds and strategies required for the Diablo games. Torchlight 2 improved on every aspect of the original and is generally considered the peak of the series, though the new Torchlight Infinite is worth a look if you're interested in a live service version with a gacha system. Torchlight 2 also has a successful mod scene if you don't mind doing some research.

Read our Torchlight 2 review.


Victor Vran


  • Developer: Heimimont Games
  • Release Date: July 24, 2015
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

One of the more obscure ARPGs to come out in the 2010s, Victor Vran is a different kind of Diablo-like. Like Minecraft Dungeons, it doesn't require a build guide or hundreds of hours of grinding to reach the end, though it does have a substantial endgame with fancy loot. The game is also surprisingly hard on the higher difficulties, but not so much that it requires you to look up a guide online. If you're looking for a forever ARPG like the Diablo series or Path of Exile, Victor Vran isn't for you, but it's a great game to play with a friend over a weekend if you want to relax.

Read our Victor Vran review.


V Rising


  • Developer: Stunlock Studios
  • Release Date: May 17, 2022
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5
  • Genre: Survival RPG
  • Multiplayer: Ten-player Co-op

This action-RPG mixes in survival elements with gothic flair, putting you in the fabulous leather boots of a recently reawakened vampire. As a result, you need to avoid certain dangers like sunlight and make sure you constantly feed on the blood of NPCs, and as you progress you'll even begin building and customizing your own castle. As you build up your array of vampiric powers, the isometric combat bears a striking resemblance to Diablo's mage-casters, and you can put your skills to the test against an array of gruesome bosses.


Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor - Martyr


  • Developer: Neocore Games
  • Release Date: August 31, 2017
  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

The Warhammer franchise has covered nearly every game genre, particularly with the Warhammer 40,000 series, and that includes the isometric Diablo-like with Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr. Battling against an assortment of Xenos and other vicious enemies, you make use of classic Warhammer 40,000 abilities and weapons, including the legendary chainsword. Being able to slaughter endless waves of enemies--heretics who defy the Emperor of Mankind--is very satisfying, even if the game's campaign lacks the variety of some of the other games on this list.


Warhammer: Chaosbane


  • Developer: Eko Software
  • Release Date: May 31, 2019
  • Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

If the grim darkness of the 41st millennium isn't your vibe, there is also an ARPG set in Games Workshop's more traditional fantasy setting. It may be less complex than Warhammer 40K: Inquisitor - Martyr, but it's still a fun (albeit more casual) romp through the Warhammer setting, with satisfying gameplay, unique boss fights, and five (or six, if you buy the Witcher Hunter DLC) different classes to choose from, including the iconic dwarven Slayer. Each class feels distinct yet still easy to pick up and play, and in addition to unique active and passive abilities, every class sports a special Bloodlust "ultimate" style ability that charges by defeating enemies that can be used to devastating effect. It can be lacking in terms of enemy variety and its story isn't exactly riveting, but Warhammer: Chaosbane still manages to be a fun distraction, especially when played with friends.


Last Epoch


  • Developer: 11th Hour Games
  • Release Date: February 21, 2024
  • Platforms: PC
  • Genre: ARPG
  • Multiplayer: Four-player Co-op

After raising $255,000 on Kickstarter and spending five years in Steam early access, Last Epoch finally released in 2024 and made a big splash in the ARPG community. It's easy to see why. 11th Hour Games clearly is a fan of the genre and put a ton of thought into Last Epoch's systems, with one great example being how it solves the longstanding ARPG debate over whether to play with item trading or going the solo self-found route with its unique Trade Factions system. Toss in five base classes (each with three Mastery classes to evolve into), highly customizable skill upgrade trees for the game's more than 120 skills, an excellent crafting system, and seasonal updates, and there is plenty of ARPG goodness for fans of the genre to sink their teeth into here.


Hell Clock


  • Developer: Rogue Snail
  • Release Date: July 22, 2025
  • Platforms: PC
  • Genre: Roguelike ARPG
  • Multiplayer: None

Hell Clock is a snappy and complex new release, combining all the best bits of roguelikes and dungeon crawlers with that of detailed RPG gameplay. Although it has the overtones of dark fantasy you want from the best games like Diablo, Hell Clock is also grounded in the very real War of Canudos, a seismic event in Brazil's rich history, which took place in the 1890s. This mix of historic fact with magical fiction creates a unique setting with plenty of lore to get stuck into.

Like Diablo, Hell Clock's risk/reward ratio is well-balanced, with big risks meaning even bigger payoffs (or punishments). One minute you feel invincible, and the next you're dead.


Book of Demons


  • Developer: Thing Trunk
  • Release Date: December 13, 2018
  • Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
  • Genre: Hack-and-slash deckbuilder ARPG
  • Multiplayer: None

Book of Demons is a visually stunning hack-and-slash game mixed with a deckbuilding RPG that takes place within the pages of a pop-up book. Its vibe and isometric combat focus is a treat for Diablo fans, but it has plenty of its own unique content to offer.

Players can choose their preferred class, which translates into playstyle and card decks. Card decks are split into items, spells, and artifacts, with multiple variants and rarities therein. Mostly confined to the labyrinthine, procedurally-generated tunnels under the cathedral, you'll fight to destroy an ancient evil, surfacing only to snatch tidbits of lore from gossiping NPCs above ground. Your skills in combat are reflected in monthly public leaderboards, adding a little more competition to the process.




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