Summary
When it comes toisometric ARPGs,satisfying combatcan mean different things to different players. The classic ARPG formula was built on a keyboard-and-mouse gameplay style that lends itself more to repetitive inputs and ramping power scaling. This stands somewhat opposed to more modern, active combat systems that attempt to add elements like active dodging, parrying, stamina, or other mechanics that originate fromthird-person action RPGs.
ARPGs that exist in the modern gaming space have tried a lot of different ways to approach these new elements, with some leaning heavily into action and others trying to create hybrids of systems both old and new. Of course, other ARPGs have doubled down on those classic player-empowering elements that many fans still love.The isometric ARPGs on this List have all found ways to create satisfying combat, whether that’s by empowering the player to feel like a master build crafter or by introducing active combat elements that make players think about each input they make. These arethe ARPGs with the most satisfying combat.
Diablois the archetypal ARPG seriesandan influence that many genre peers emulate. It’s not necessarily known for satisfying combat, though, with the satisfaction coming more from the loot game and power progression. High-level combat often consists of screen-clearing, low-effortbuilds.Diablo 4attempted to remedy some of that, initially releasing with a relatively slow campaign that demanded some mastery of boss mechanics.
However, due to the live service nature of the game, that balance has become somewhat diluted over time. With seasons coming and going, the game has gone up and down between allowing one-button, screen-clearing builds to dominate, to trying different ways to force player engagement with more in-depth mechanics, whether through class nerfs, boss buffs, or redesigning fights and progression. That means that the game can feel more or less satisfying to play depending on which season a player enters, and this is the main reasonDiablo 4doesn’t rank higher on this list.
While many of the ARPGs on this list go for brutal, visceral combat and gory realism,Torchlight 2is the exact opposite. The game’s brightly colored aesthetic and lighthearted tone belies its nature as an original take on theclassic ARPG formula. While it’s hard to say that it feels modern now, at the time, the game was a smart modernization ofDiablo 2’s core systems, with recognizable skill trees applied to a host of classes that felt at once original and familiar.
The combat could often fall into the classic ARPG mindless move spam gameplay, but in general, the classes had skills and synergies that felt satisfying to use in concert. The game’s most satisfying feature by far was being able to sell loot from the field via a pet courier system, so players never had to leave combat because of a full inventory—something more ARPGs should adopt.
Path of Exileis an ARPG whose highest levels are dominated by set-and-forget screen-clearing builds. That doesn’t mean combat can’t be satisfying, though, and the game’s strength lies in its build variety. Players can craft a character around any set of skill gems and passives they like, and this opens up a number of different playstyles.
Path of Exilehas been finely tuned over time, and virtually any skill can be powerful with the right support gems and passive skills. The satisfaction in combat comes from seeing the moves that players have cultivated decimating their enemies, whether they’re flickerstriking across the map, one-shotting foes from afar, or letting their minions do the heavy lifting. With that said, crafting the builds is arguably more satisfying than playing them, which is whyPoEcan’t top this list.
The Ascentstands out in an isometric ARPG genre dominated by hack-and-slash, dark fantasy archetypes. The Cyberpunk-infused, dystopian world and the twin-stick shooter-style combatgiveThe Ascenta unique feel. The cover-based isometric shooting focuses as much on the players' guns as it does on giving them fancy abilities. There are skill points to spend and Cyberware upgrades to unlock, but finding a powerful gun as a random drop can be just as empowering. This makes combat feel both more active and more skill-based than most ARPGs, with the player having to move and aim between low and high cover as their enemies do the same.
Combat continues to offer a decent level of challenge throughout the game, forcing players to keep up with their gear and stay focused when in a fight. Despite not having the endgame tail that some players might expect from the genre,The Ascentis very satisfying to play.
One of the highlights ofNo Rest For The Wickedis its combat system. The game opts for a highly active flow of dodges, blocks, and parries, with readable boss designakin to a Soulslike, albeit translated to an isometric perspective. While this Early Access ARPG still needs some work in many areas, the combat is one reason that players see great potential inNo Rest For The Wicked.
Coming from the developers behindOri and the Blind Forestand its sequel, the game also has a gorgeous and unique stylized art style, with environments and character designs that feel like paintings come to life. After aquiring the publishing rights to the game earlier this year, the developer recently released the Breach update, adding new content and refreshing fans' faith that development is once again proceeding smoothly (despite somemixed messages from the studio head). Wherever the game goes from here, the satisfying combat inNo Rest For The Wickedprovides a solid foundation for future updates.
Since its release in 2024, Last Epochhas grown with its audience, with its latest update in particular attracting some well-deserved praise for the ARPG anda new high mark for concurrent players. The game aims toward accessibility for new players while retaining endgame depth for ARPG veterans, which leads to a difficulty curve that can be highly satisfying if players are looking for an ARPG that doesn’t push back too hard against player power fantasy.
Last Epochuses separate systems for leveling skills and class passive points, with an interface that is easy to understand while offering a lot of depth regarding branching choices. The game is not shy about letting players respec their character or craft and gamble for new gear, meaning there’s always a clear progression path, even if players occasionally hit the odd difficulty spike. Overall, the combatdoes little that ARPGs haven’t done before, but it does it well, while respecting the player’s time in ways that other genre staples don’t.
Grim Dawnwas originally released back in 2016, but numerous updates and expansions since its release have built on an incredibly solid foundation to create one of the best ARPGs out there. The combat now fuses the old-school ARPG point-and-click gameplay with modern action elements like a dodge roll, making the classic dual-class character building shine even among its modern competitors.
The game can be intimidating to newcomers with its wealth of character stats, but the progression is doled out at a manageable pace throughoutGrim Dawn’sengaging campaign. This allows players to ease into their character and identify their strengths before the game starts pushing back too hard. Combat is pitched with a delicate balance between making players feel powerful and demanding that they use their abilities wisely. This creates a satisfying progression curve that lasts through replaying the game on its higher difficulties. As such,Grim Dawnremains one of the most satisfying ARPGs for combat and character building, even in 2025.
If there’s one main way in whichPath of Exile 2deviates from its predecessor, it’s in trying to provide a more active, satisfying combat loop. In this regard, it succeeds, even if several elements require further development in the game’s current Early Access state.Combat feels more impactful inPath of Exile 2, not just compared to the original game, but compared to most other ARPGs. That’s often because it demands more of the player in terms of learning attack patterns and dodges, and how to time their own attacks.
With that said, the game doesn’t carry this idea all the way through to its endgame in its current state, with builds that can trigger passive effects for screen-clearing damage still dominating the late-game meta. Ongoing attempts to balance the game may end up changing this, as well as the overall balance and feel of combat, butPath of Exile 2has stated a clear intention to create engaging combat that delivers in a lot of ways, even if recent updates haven’t all been popular.
