Diablo 4 Alternatives — Endorsed ARPGs That Play Better
Baron’s Endorsed Alternatives
Diablo 4 isn’t the only ARPG in town. This page curates other games Baron Von Vault recommends—titles with systems, pacing,
or endgame loops you might prefer. Click through to each game’s write-up on BaronVonVault.com for fuller breakdowns,
pros/cons, and getting-started tips.
Borderlands 1
Foundation of the looter-shooter loop: colorful guns, skill trees, and co-op that’s easy to jump into. Simple systems by today’s standards, but the pacing and humor still click for quick, low-friction sessions.
Borderlands 2
Often considered the series’ sweet spot thanks to sharp writing, memorable villain encounters, and strong DLC support. Build variety and co-op scaling make it a reliable “turn-your-brain-off and farm” alternative.
Borderlands 3
Snappier gunplay, absurd weapon variety, and more granular buildcraft than earlier entries. Great for players who want constant dopamine from drops and a co-op shooter that doesn’t demand homework.
Borderlands 4
So far it follows the series’ strengths—wild loot, character builds, and drop-in co-op—it’s the kind of power-fantasy grind many ARPG fans enjoy between seasons elsewhere.
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Low-gravity arenas and oxygen management change the feel of combat without losing the franchise’s loot treadmill. A fun detour if you want Borderlands with a small mechanical twist.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
Third-person power fantasy done right: heavy weapons, crowd-clearing chainsword combat, and set-piece battles against swarms. Ideal when you want momentum, spectacle, and zero stash anxiety.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr
A darker, slower ARPG with destructible cover, distinct classes, and seasonal “Inquisitorial” objectives. Scratches the itch for methodical, lore-rich grinding in the 40K universe.
Warhammer: Chaosbane
Straightforward, pick-up-and-play ARPG set in the Old World. Multiple classes, solid couch/online co-op, and quick mission loops make it an easy recommendation for casual runs.
Lords of the Fallen (V2)
Souls-style combat with a neat dual-realm (Umbral/Axiom) exploration hook you can toggle mid-level. Co-op and big boss arenas make it a good “learn a moveset, get rewarded” alternative.
Elden Ring
A massive open world that lets you overlevel, experiment, or sequence-break your way to progress. Build freedom and discovery are the stars—perfect if you want to be curious rather than checklist-driven.
Last Epoch
Deep skill-specialization trees, an excellent loot filter, and approachable crafting make theorycrafting satisfying. Great for players who want control over drops and a clear endgame ladder.
Path of Exile 2
Heavier combat feel and revamped skill-gem systems aim to keep PoE’s legendary depth while improving readability. Expect a boss-forward endgame and enormous build expression once it’s fully live.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Narrative-first RPG with standout quests, exploration, and expansions that set the bar for DLC. A smart palate cleanser when you want story and worldbuilding instead of pure farming.
Warframe
Blister-fast movement, hundreds of weapons/frames, and a generous build sandbox—all free-to-play. Ideal for tinkerers who enjoy mastering systems through relentless, stylish repetition.
Thief
Stealth-first immersive-sim design: observation, tools, and route planning matter more than raw stats. Rewarding for players who like tension, clean infiltrations, and self-imposed challenges.
Outriders
Aggressive, ability-driven looter-shooter where you heal by dealing damage—encouraging push-forward play. Class kits feel punchy, and co-op works well for short, focused sessions.
Nioh 2
Precise, stance-based combat with deep loot and buildcraft, topped by challenging boss fights. Excellent for players who enjoy labbing damage breakpoints as much as testing skill.
The Division 2
Tight cover-shooter gunplay paired with satisfying gear sets, talents, and PvE endgame activities. Washington D.C. remains a great sandbox for build tinkering with friends.
No Rest for the Wicked
Weighty, timing-based combat and handcrafted zones from the studio behind Ori. Early-access systems already show promise: crafting, housing, and a grounded ARPG feel that rewards mastery.
Nioh 3 (2026)
If a new Nioh happens, expect stamina-management combat, loot depth, and boss encounters that favor deliberate play—hallmarks that made Nioh 2 a favorite.
