There is no single answer to “Which ARPG has the best loot system?” Path of Exile offers the deepest item-and-build planning, while Diablo II: Resurrected is built around the classic hunt for distinctive drops. For a more approachable crafting loop, try Last Epoch; for co-op, Diablo IV is the easier starting point. This ranking weighs itemization, build variety, endgame, combat pace, solo and co-op options, platform, and complexity—not a universal score.
How these loot-based ARPGs differ
Action RPGs in this list combine real-time combat with character growth, gear hunting, and repeatable activities. The key question is not simply how many items drop: it is whether gear changes how you play, how much planning builds require, and what there is to do after the campaign. Platform and edition matter, too; confirm the current storefront listing for your system before buying.
| Rank | Game | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Path of Exile | Deep build planning and a player-driven item economy | Steep learning curve |
| 2 | Diablo II: Resurrected | Classic, drop-focused farming | Deliberate old-school pacing |
| 3 | Last Epoch | Build experimentation and controlled crafting | Less suited to players seeking a frictionless, highly guided first ARPG |
| 4 | Grim Dawn | Self-paced solo play and dual-class builds | Its appeal is less dependent on a live economy or seasonal schedule |
| 5 | Diablo IV | Accessible play and co-op | Less focused on maximum build complexity than the top pick |
| 6 | Diablo III: Reaper of Souls | Fast gearing and arcade-like seasonal action | Choose only after checking current edition availability on your platform |
| 7 | Torchlight II | A lighter, colorful loot grind and mod support | Thinner endgame than the higher-ranked options |
1. Path of Exile: best for deep build planning
Choose Path of Exile if you like learning interconnected systems, planning a character, and hunting for upgrades that can reshape a build. Grinding Gear Games says, “Path of Exile is completely designed around items.” Its official description highlights modifiable map items and an orb-based trading economy, while the ranking’s strongest reasons to put it first are its build crafting, trading, and Atlas endgame. Grinding Gear Games’ Path of Exile site
The trade-off is complexity: this is a better fit for someone who enjoys research and experimentation than for a player who wants a frictionless introduction. Path of Exile 2 is a separate game; the Steam listing marks it Early Access and gives December 11, 2026 as a planned departure date. That date is a plan, not confirmation of a completed release. Path of Exile 2 on Steam
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- Shared-Progression Cross-Play Cooperative Play – Both players now save all main story progress as long as they’re on the same “New Game” and have defeated a similar number of main bosses within one. Both players retains all loot, 100 percent vigor, and can revive each other in all online sessions.
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2. Diablo II: Resurrected: best for a classic item hunt
Pick Diablo II: Resurrected if the appeal is chasing memorable runes, unique and set items, and charms, then returning to bosses in search of a better drop. Its deliberate pace and old-school structure are part of the attraction, not a weakness to overlook. It is less compelling if you expect modern combat pacing or a streamlined onboarding path.
The available ranking describes online and offline play and a multi-platform release, but editions and platform availability can differ. Check the listing for your system before purchasing.
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3. Last Epoch: best for build flexibility and crafting control
Last Epoch sits between demanding build tinkering and a more approachable structure. Its crafting gives players more control over upgrades, and its character experimentation makes it a strong choice if you want to try different directions without relying only on lucky drops. The Steam listing says the game launched in full release on February 21, 2024 and lists 15 mastery classes and more than 120 skill trees. These are publisher-listed features from Eleventh Hour Games, not independently audited counts. Last Epoch on Steam
4. Grim Dawn: best for self-paced solo play
Grim Dawn suits players who want to take their time, experiment with two classes, and progress without depending on a live economy or seasonal schedule. Crate Entertainment emphasizes its dual-class system, itemization, factions, and endgame activities. The ranking characterizes it as offline-friendly, making it a particularly good option for solo players who prefer a self-directed loop. Grim Dawn official site
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Edition matters when buying: Crate’s official page says the Xbox Definitive Edition bundles Ashes of Malmouth, Forgotten Gods, and Crucible. Confirm that the edition and included content match your platform and purchase. Crate Entertainment
5. Diablo IV: best for accessible co-op
Diablo IV is the clearest choice here if you want a polished-feeling entry point and an easy way to play with friends. The Xbox listing describes a campaign playable solo or with friends, shared-world endgame, cross-play, cross-progression, and couch co-op on Xbox. It lists Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and a June 6, 2023 release date. Those are Xbox listing details; check the relevant storefront for other systems and current editions. Diablo IV on Xbox
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Its accessibility and social play may matter more to a newcomer than the deepest possible build-planning systems. The Xbox listing calls the purchase “Diablo IV Xbox game”; confirm the version and platform you intend to buy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. Diablo III: Reaper of Souls: best for fast seasonal action
Choose Diablo III: Reaper of Souls if you want quick combat, rapid gearing, set bonuses, and Greater Rifts rather than a slower, more involved climb. Its arcade-like pace makes it an appealing pick when you want to get into the action and feel power increases quickly. Check current edition availability for your platform before buying.
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7. Torchlight II: best for a lighter loot grind
Torchlight II is a colorful, less imposing option for players who want straightforward monster-and-treasure action. Its official page describes it as a fast-paced action RPG and lists four classes. Pets, socketables, randomized dungeons, and mod support add variety, though its endgame is thinner than that of the higher-ranked games. Torchlight II official site
Quick Recap
Which one should you choose?
- For the most intricate item and build systems: Path of Exile.
- For a classic hunt for distinctive drops: Diablo II: Resurrected.
- For flexible builds and more controlled crafting: Last Epoch.
- For self-paced, offline-friendly solo play: Grim Dawn.
- For an approachable co-op choice: Diablo IV.
- For fast gearing and seasonal action: Diablo III: Reaper of Souls.
- For a lighter, moddable adventure: Torchlight II.
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