Tag: ARPG

  • Diablo’s Biggest Rival Launches Free Weekend With 50% Off

    Diablo’s Biggest Rival Launches Free Weekend With 50% Off

    Key Takeaway

    – Path of Exile 2 is free to play until June 1, with a 50% discount ($14.99 vs. $29.99) for continued access.
    – It is harder, more complex, and more theorycraft-focused than Diablo IV, which is more accessible and streamlined.
    – The game features a dark, grim world with deep build customization via passive abilities and skill gems.
    – Player reception is mixed: praised for atmosphere and depth, criticized for high difficulty, slow progression, and unrewarding loot.
    – The choice between Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 ultimately depends on personal preference for accessibility vs. complexity.

    Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2: A Weekend Battle for ARPG Supremacy

    For some time now, Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2 have been locked in a close race for the title of today’s most popular action RPG. Compared to Diablo IV, Path of Exile 2 is less cinematic, but harder, more complex and far more focused on theorycrafting. Anyone who has not yet had the chance to try Grinding Gear Games’ ARPG can now do so over the weekend. Until June 1, Path of Exile 2 is completely free to play, including on the Steam Deck. On top of that, the game is getting its first-ever discount, according to SteamDB – and not just 20%, but a full 50% right away. After around a year and a half, it was about time. Those who want to continue playing after the free trial can currently get PoE 2 for $14.99 instead of $29.99.

    What Path of Exile 2 Offers

    In Path of Exile 2, players return to the dark world of Wraeclast, where corruption, monsters and ancient powers set the tone. They choose a class, fight their way through grim areas from an isometric perspective, collect loot, improve equipment and shape their character through passive abilities, skill gems and countless build combinations – essentially a classic action RPG, but more complex, harder and less streamlined than Diablo IV. A look at the Steam reviews shows that many players like exactly that. Others prefer to stick with Blizzard’s more accessible ARPG, which is more polished and forgiving in its mechanics.

    Comparing Reviews and Difficulity

    The more than 200,000 Steam reviews are only 73% positive, although the situation is similar for Diablo IV. There is praise for the dark atmosphere and enormous gameplay depth, but also criticism of the very high difficulty level, slow progression and loot that often does not feel rewarding. With Diablo IV, it is almost the opposite: Blizzard’s RPG is considered more accessible, but is often criticized for having less endgame depth and too much focus on live service. Whether Diablo IV or Path of Exile 2 is the better game ultimately comes down to personal taste, with no clear winner emerging from the community.

    Pricing and Deal Details

    • Free play until June 1 on all platforms, including Steam Deck.
    • 50% discount on the full game via SteamDB, dropping price from $29.99 to $14.99.
    • No guarantee on price stability, as retailers may change prices without notice.
    • First major discount after about 18 months following launch.


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  • Darkhaven: Playable Demo of New ARPG by Ex-Diablo Developers on Steam

    Darkhaven: Playable Demo of New ARPG by Ex-Diablo Developers on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    – Darkhaven, developed by ex-Diablo creators, features destructible environments and a terrain-altering mechanic similar to Fortnite.
    – A playable demo is available on Steam, currently offering one class and a few active skills, with positive feedback on the combat system.
    – The game draws clear inspiration from the Diablo series, appealing to fans of the genre.
    – The ARPG landscape is divided among popular titles like Diablo, Path of Exile, and Last Epoch, with older games struggling due to lack of online features.
    – Darkhaven aims to innovate the ARPG genre by moving away from the traditional focus on endlessly increasing character stats.

    Developed by Moonbeast Productions, made up of ex-Diablo and Diablo 2 creators, Darkhaven aims to push the ARPG genre further with its destructible environments and a construction mechanic similar to Fortnite. The main feature that sets it apart is the ability for players to reshape the maps by altering the terrain.

    Playable Demo Available

    Darkhaven appeared promising on paper, and we finally got a chance to experience its gameplay through a demo. You can download it on Steam, although currently, there is only one class to play with a few active skills. Players on the platform have given it positive feedback, especially praising the combat system. After just a few moments, the Diablo influence becomes very clear. Additionally, the developers have started a Kickstarter campaign to support the ongoing development of Darkhaven.

    The Current ARPG Landscape

    The ARPG scene has distinct divisions, with players mostly split among Diablo, Path of Exile, Last Epoch, and even Torchlight Infinite for some reason. While older titles like Grim Dawn and Titan Quest maintain loyal followings, their lack of strong online features makes them less appealing for many gamers. Titan Quest 2 is still in early access, so it’ll take some time before it’s fully available. Like No Rest for the Wicked, Darkhaven seems to be an exciting title that will move away from the typical ARPG mold that focuses on endlessly chasing higher numbers.

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  • New Action RPG Hits Steam with 30% Launch Discount and 450+ Reviews

    New Action RPG Hits Steam with 30% Launch Discount and 450+ Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Gameplay Experience: Dark Hunting Ground avoids typical fantasy clichés, offering players freedom to explore and hunt monsters in a stylish environment.

    2. Deep Mechanics and Customization: Players can create diverse hunter builds using the “dark tree” progression system, encouraging experimentation and learning from mistakes.

    3. Strategic Encounters: Levels are designed for tactical gameplay, with each monster encounter feeling unique and engaging, enhancing the survival experience.

    4. Positive Early Reception: Launching with a 30% discount at $9.09, early reviews praise the game’s flexibility and replayability, appealing to players tired of grind-heavy games.

    5. Ongoing Development: The game was in early access for ten months, with continuous updates and community feedback, indicating a commitment to improving player experience.

    Steam has recently released its latest indie title, Dark Hunting Ground, which became available on September 6. This game is already capturing the attention of many ARPG fans. It cleverly avoids the usual overdone fantasy clichés and gives players the freedom to explore, experiment, and hunt monsters in a stylish yet simple environment.

    Engaging Gameplay

    There’s no guidance or flashy cutscenes here to slow things down. Dark Hunting Ground focuses on deep mechanics: players can create their own hunter builds using a vast array of skills, weapons, and modifiers. This system is known as the “dark tree” progression, designed for extensive experimentation. Early players have found that the true excitement lies in trying different combinations, learning from mistakes, and improving as they hunt. The game offers a quick-paced cycle of trial and error rather than dragging through endless waves of weak enemies.

    Tactical Encounters

    The game features sparse but purposeful levels, where every encounter is strategic and engaging. The atmosphere is quite intense, with legendary monsters ready to hunt, and players have remarked that each run feels like a unique survival experiment.

    Dark Hunting Ground didn’t pop up on Steam out of nowhere; it underwent a thorough ten months in early access, initially allowing players to join in November 2024. Throughout this pre-launch period, the developer BingX consistently rolled out updates, including new content and solicited feedback from early players.

    Positive Reception

    With a 30% launch discount and a reasonable price of $9.09, early reviews on Steam are very optimistic. Conversations in the community highlight the impressive flexibility in building characters, and a content roadmap suggests more updates are on the way. While translation adjustments and usability enhancements are still being worked on, the core gameplay is receiving a lot of accolades from players, especially those who are fatigued with overly complicated grindfests and are craving a more approachable and replayable experience.

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    New Action RPG Hits Steam with 30% Launch Discount and 450+ ReviewsNew Action RPG Hits Steam with 30% Launch Discount and 450+ Reviews

     

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  • Free Weekend in Path of Exile 2: No Progression Limits!

    Free Weekend in Path of Exile 2: No Progression Limits!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Free Play Period: Path of Exile 2 is available for free play until September 1, 13:00 PDT, on PC and consoles.

    2. Early Access Key Requirement: Players must purchase an early access key to join before the full release, which will be free-to-play.

    3. Progress Carryover: Progress made during the free period may not fully transfer to the final version, so starting fresh with a new character could be wise.

    4. Game Complexity: Path of Exile 2 is considered challenging for newcomers, despite having many guides available for assistance.

    5. Time Investment: Players have a limited time to explore the game, with even a 36-hour play session not fully covering everything in version 0.3.

    ARPG fans who are undecided about trying out Path of Exile 2 can now take the plunge. The game is available for play until September 1, 13:00 PDT, and can be downloaded on PC through Grinding Gear Games’ client, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Players on consoles need to get it from their own digital stores.

    Early Access Keys Required

    Although Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play upon release, those eager to join in early must buy an early access key. This free weekend comes right after the Third Edict update, which brought a ton of changes to the core mechanics of POE2, along with some story expansions. Any progress made during this free period will be saved if you choose to buy the game later.

    Progress Carryover Uncertainty

    It’s unclear how much progress will transfer to the final version, but it might be wise to start fresh with a new character at that time. Grinding Gear Games has stated there’s no cap on how much you can accomplish, allowing you to experience all that version 0.3 has to offer. In realistic terms, even with a 36-hour marathon, you won’t fully explore everything.

    Even with its extensive revamp, Path of Exile 2 remains one of the more difficult ARPGs to come out in recent times. It’s not very friendly for newcomers, yet there are lots of guides available to assist new players with their initial builds. Two days should be sufficient to figure out if the game suits you, although some might take a bit longer to get the hang of it.

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  • Zhong Kui: Next Game Unveiled in Black Myth Series

    Zhong Kui: Next Game Unveiled in Black Myth Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Science is developing a new game titled Black Myth: Zhong Kui, expanding the Black Myth series.
    2. A teaser trailer was released on August 19, 2025, during Gamescom Opening Night Live, showcasing a cinematic scene with Zhong Kui.
    3. Zhong Kui is a character from Chinese mythology, known as the ‘King of Ghosts,’ and will feature in this new title.
    4. The game will be a single-player ARPG, but will take a different direction from Black Myth: Wukong, focusing on unique gaming experiences.
    5. Currently, there is no release date announced, as the game is still in early development and planned for PC and major console platforms.

    Game Science has revealed its upcoming project, which adds to the Black Myth series. The game is called Black Myth: Zhong Kui and is currently in early stages of development. A teaser trailer was presented on August 19 during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025. Unlike the acclaimed Black Myth: Wukong, this title represents a new concept within the Black Myth universe.

    Teaser Insights

    The brief teaser (linked below) shared on the official Black Myth YouTube channel features a cinematic scene where two humans are searching for a mysterious mountain. Their dialogue is abruptly interrupted when Zhong Kui appears, riding a gigantic tiger. In Chinese mythology, Zhong Kui is recognized as a Taoist deity, often referred to as the ‘King of Ghosts.’ While the trailer doesn’t provide much detail, the official website offers some insight into the game and the ambitions of the development team.

    New Directions

    According to the website, Game Science elaborated on their choice to pursue a different path instead of creating a sequel to Black Myth: Wukong. The statement reads, “After completing the journey with the Destined One, we now wish to take a cautious first step – to create more unique gaming experiences, to push ourselves with more daring features, and to introduce new concepts to our world and story design.”

    Similar to Wukong, Zhong Kui will also be a single-player ARPG, but without the monkey character. Currently, there is no specific release date announced, as the game is still in its early development phase. It is planned to be available on PC and all major console platforms. Information regarding gameplay and story details appears to be a while away since the team hasn’t yet finalized the game’s outline.

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  • Isometric ARPG Inspired by Dark Souls and Diablo Now on Sale on Steam

    Isometric ARPG Inspired by Dark Souls and Diablo Now on Sale on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Different Gameplay Style: No Rest for the Wicked offers a slower-paced combat experience compared to typical ARPGs, focusing on fewer but stronger enemies rather than waves of weaker foes.
    2. No Fixed Classes: Players can customize their playstyle by choosing from various weapons, allowing for a more personalized approach to combat.
    3. Challenging Learning Curve: Although the game is challenging for new players, most can adapt after a few hours of gameplay.
    4. Recent Update Enhancements: A significant update has improved the game by addressing player concerns and adding new quests and endgame options.
    5. Current Discount: The game is currently available at a 30% discount on Steam, priced at $27.99, but may have performance issues on lower-end devices like the Steam Deck.

    Many people think of Path of Exile 2 as a mix of Elden Ring and Diablo. However, that’s not entirely accurate since there’s more to a Souls-like game than just dodging. POE 2 is quite a different experience because the main goal is to charge through waves of enemies, which is the opposite of how Souls-like games work. This is where No Rest for the Wicked steps in.

    A New Direction in Gameplay

    Created by Moon Studios, known for Ori and the Blind Forest and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, No Rest for the Wicked significantly slows down the usual ARPG pace. Rather than facing many weak enemies, players encounter fewer but much stronger foes. The combat is also more measured, requiring you to avoid attacks and projectiles similar to what you would do in a Souls-like title.

    Customize Your Approach

    In No Rest for the Wicked, there are technically no classes. You can choose from various weapons that fit your preferred style of play. If you stay alert and dodge correctly, you should survive. The learning curve is definitely challenging, but most players can grasp it after just a few hours. Although the endgame isn’t as refined as in other ARPGs, this is understandable since the game is still in early access.

    Timing is Key for New Players

    Now is a great moment to dive into No Rest for the Wicked, especially after a substantial update released yesterday that resolves many player concerns. This update also brings a wealth of new quests and endgame options. The system requirements are not too demanding, though you might struggle to run it smoothly on a Steam Deck. Currently, No Rest for the Wicked is 30% off on Steam, priced at $27.99.

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  • Last Epoch Player Count Surges After Tomb of the Erased Update

    Last Epoch Player Count Surges After Tomb of the Erased Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The new season “Tombs of the Erased” for Last Epoch enhances endgame content and introduces new mechanics, leading to increased player activity on Steam.
    2. The peak number of players reached 150,198, which is significantly lower than its all-time high but still impressive for an action RPG competing with major titles.
    3. Last Epoch features a simplified skill and passive tree system, making it more accessible compared to its competitors.
    4. The game includes unique elements such as time travel in its narrative and runs smoothly on Steam Deck, with offline play available.
    5. Community response to competitor Path of Exile’s latest season has been mixed, while Diablo IV’s upcoming season may not significantly impact player interest.

    Eleventh Hour Games has just released a brand new season for its action RPG, Last Epoch. Called Tombs of the Erased, this update introduces a ton of new mechanics and enhances the previously lacking endgame content. As a result, there has been a significant increase in player activity on Steam.

    Player Numbers on Steam

    According to SteamDB, the peak number of players in the last 24 hours reached 150,198. Although this is less than half of the all-time high of 264,708 players at its initial launch, it’s still impressive for an ARPG that faces tough competition from giants like Diablo IV and Path of Exile 2. It’s likely that these numbers will decrease as the excitement fades, but the increase is notable.

    Unique Features of Last Epoch

    While Last Epoch may not be as packed with features as its major rivals, it offers some unique elements that differentiate it. For instance, it simplifies the complex skill and passive trees found in other games, allowing players to choose individual skills to develop rather than wade through a maze of options.

    If you’re a fan of ARPGs looking for something new, Last Epoch is certainly a game to consider. The narrative, though not fully complete, strays from common themes and introduces time travel. Additionally, the game runs smoothly on a Steam Deck, and the cherry on top is that you can enjoy it entirely offline.

    Competition and Community Response

    Path of Exile’s Season 2 did not receive the best feedback due to numerous changes that made the game even more challenging. Despite Grinding Gear Games making some adjustments, there are still mixed feelings within the community regarding the latest season. Meanwhile, Diablo IV’s upcoming season is scheduled for April 29, and it’s unlikely that Season 8 will significantly impact player interest.

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