The Ultimate Guide to Diablo-Like ARPGs for Linux Gamers on Steam
There’s a special kind of magic to a great action RPG. The frantic clicking, the screen filled with enemies, and that glorious explosion of colorful loot—it’s a formula that has captivated gamers for decades. For Linux users, the craving for that classic, dark-fantasy dungeon crawl is stronger than ever. Fortunately, the landscape for native Linux gaming on Steam has never been better.
If you’re looking to scratch that Diablo itch, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best isometric, loot-driven hack-and-slash games available for Linux, perfect for anyone seeking their next digital addiction.
Path of Exile: The King of Complexity
Often hailed as the true spiritual successor to Diablo II, Path of Exile is a free-to-play behemoth that redefines depth in the ARPG genre. Set in the dark and unforgiving world of Wraeclast, this game is not for the faint of heart.
Its defining feature is the absolutely massive passive skill tree, a sprawling web of thousands of nodes that allows for nearly infinite build possibilities. Instead of finding skills, you socket skill gems into your gear, creating powerful combinations that can be further modified with support gems.
- Key Features: Unparalleled character customization, a deep economy based on currency items instead of gold, and a robust endgame with maps, bosses, and seasonal leagues that constantly refresh the experience.
- Best for: Players who love theory-crafting and want a game with virtually limitless replayability and complexity.
Grim Dawn: The Perfect Middle Ground
Grim Dawn strikes a masterful balance between old-school ARPG design and modern quality-of-life features. Developed by veterans of the team behind Titan Quest, it carries that same spirit forward into a grim, Victorian-era-inspired apocalyptic world.
The standout mechanic here is the innovative dual-class system. You choose a starting class, and later, you can combine it with any other class to create a unique hybrid. This system, combined with the Devotion system (a celestial star map that grants powerful passive bonuses), provides immense build diversity without being overwhelming.
- Key Features: A compelling dual-class system, meaningful quest choices that impact the world, and a fantastic loot system with craftable components.
- Best for: Gamers who want deep character building and a rich world without the extreme learning curve of Path of Exile.
Last Epoch: The Rising Star
Currently in the final stages of its development, Last Epoch has already captured the hearts of many ARPG fans. It aims to be the perfect middle point between the accessibility of Diablo III and the hardcore complexity of Path of Exile, and it largely succeeds.
The game’s narrative revolves around time travel, allowing you to visit the same locations across different eras. Its most praised feature is its skill system. Every active skill has its own deep specialization tree, allowing you to fundamentally change how a skill works. Want your skeleton minions to be archers instead of warriors? Or turn your lightning blast into a chain lightning spell? You can do that.
- Key Features: Highly accessible yet deep crafting, skill specialization trees for incredible build control, and a fascinating time-travel setting.
- Best for: Players looking for a modern ARPG with intuitive systems and meaningful skill progression that respects their time.
Torchlight II: Vibrant and Addictive Fun
While its art style is more colorful and stylized than Diablo’s grimdark aesthetic, the core gameplay loop of Torchlight II is pure ARPG bliss. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed adventure that is incredibly satisfying to play.
Torchlight II excels at making the player feel powerful from the very beginning. The classes are distinct, the skills are flashy, and loot drops are frequent and exciting. One of its best features is the pet system—your companion can not only fight alongside you but also carry loot and sell it in town for you, minimizing downtime.
- Key Features: A charming and vibrant art style, a helpful pet system, and extensive mod support through the Steam Workshop for endless new content.
- Best for: Anyone wanting a more lighthearted and immediately accessible hack-and-slash experience, or for playing co-op with friends.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr: Grimdark Sci-Fi Carnage
If you love the grimdark atmosphere but are tired of fantasy settings, this is the game for you. Inquisitor – Martyr places you in the boots of an Imperial Inquisitor, tasked with purging heresy in the brutal universe of Warhammer 40,000.
This game sets itself apart with its setting and a more tactical approach to combat. It features a destructible environment and a cover system, encouraging you to use your surroundings to your advantage. Blasting through hordes of mutants and daemons with chainswords and bolter guns offers a refreshing change of pace for the genre.
- Key Features: A unique and compelling sci-fi setting, tactical combat with cover mechanics, and a mission-based structure with procedurally generated levels.
- Best for: Fans of the Warhammer 40k universe and players who want an ARPG with a strategic combat focus.
No matter which game you choose, the action RPG genre is thriving on Linux. These titles offer hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of loot-hunting, demon-slaying, and character-building fun, all running smoothly on your preferred operating system.
Source: https://itsfoss.com/diablo-like-games/
