Grim Dawn

I'm over 50 hours in and technically still haven't reached end-game on my first character, there's so much content here it's genuinely impressive; this ARPG released in 2016 that looks like the Overlord series graphically is beating out Diablo in like every way possible. The graphics look bad but in reality they're heavily stylized and as soon as you play the game and see it in motion, it looks perfectly good, the class building is top tier and both easy to grasp as well as having immense complexity, there's so much damn loot and somehow most of it has genuine reasons for me to consider using it, the world the game is set in is interesting and very enjoyable for anyone who likes grim dark stories/worlds.

If you're looking for your introduction game to the ARPG genre I think Grim Dawn is a great starting point, it being almost entirely single-player and not relying on seasonal content means the game is always going to be easy to get into and completely lacks any sense of FOMO you could have in regards to "League" or Seasonal content; you can try the game, get busy, come back months later and be no further behind than when you left. Even if you're just looking for something to play to scratch that ARPG itch while you wait for your main games new League or Seasonal update, Grim Dawn is still a fantastic way to scratch it.

Grim Dawn delivers an exceptional experience with its rich world-building and deep lore that pulls you in from the start. The class system is impressively complex, offering tons of creative build possibilities, while the crafting and itemization add another rewarding layer to game play. Overall, it's a standout title in the ARPG genre—a solid 9 out of 10 and an absolute must-play!

I don't usually play these type of games but this is really good
I wish you could kill direni after he gives you the key though

a very good game with an interesting lore, the scenery is amazing and they added many QoL mechanics that feel really great

Love it and infinite gameplay and update by the dev

Its a great game, but a recent update has broken the controls on the Steam Deck. If that's how you play your games like me, I can't recommend this game right now.

Really fun and addicting gameplay loop, cool classes with the combination mechanic, meh story, very nice world building with interesting lore, thick and wonderful atmosphere. Personally my fav ARPG highly recommend.

A wonderful classic Diablo-like adventure with very thick lore and great amounts of DLC to boot! Crate have done an amazing job! Thoroughly recommend this game - it's worth your time and money!

A criminally underrated game that has thousands of hours of content

Grim Dawn is my comfort game in light of me selling my old 360 copy of Diablo 3 Reaper of Souls. This game might not be made by a large company such as Blizzard, but it has the heart and soul of a modern cult classic in the making. The developers continue to work on expansions for the game and what currently is available is excellent!

If you are curious about the DLC order, I would play Forgotten Gods last while I finish the other DLC. Crucible is more of a challenge mode, which isn't integral to lore or anything.

If you are a fan of Diablo or any other hack and slash looter this is definitely for you!!

Enter a world where Diablo is truly evil. Since the Titan Quest, there has been a Path of Exile until our Last Epoch. What is a Torchlight anyways am I right.
Good game, crafted with loved, and almost fully ChatGPT supported ask a build creation and assistant tool.

Grim Dawn easily has the most hours of all the ARPGs I've played, to me it is the spiritual successor of Diablo 2. It has that dark gritty feel, straight forward combat, excellent soundtrack, a massive amount of customization across multiple systems (classes, talents and devotion points) and does not bother the players with micro transactions or constant tweaks through updates and allows offline play just like old D2.

One of the best hallmarks of a good ARPG is when you find a piece of gear while playing that you can't use on that current character but immediately become excited to make another character just to try out the build. This is what I ended up doing over and over again until I reached the point of having over 30 characters and maxed out chests filled with gear for different builds.

It might not be as intensive as POE but the amount of builds you can make far exceeds anything from POE or Diablo. Even though its listed as 36 possible multiclass combinations, there are actually more than that because each skill tree for the classes has mulltiple skills you go with and then you can further modify those builds with devotion points + gear set ups.

One major plus that very few are mentioning is how low the requirements are for the game and how smoothly it will run on a subpar PC or when even on a good PC when you have half a dozen other programs open.

The game is a gem and worth every penny and I actively suggest it to every ARPG fan I come across and even to those who aren't big on ARPGs but love customization and dark fantasy games.

I've tried newer ARPGs, but I keep coming back to Grim Dawn. Its just so immersive and clearly well designed. Sure it would be great to have some more customization, particularly with character models, but that's a minor thing. This is an awesome experience that you will not regret sinking time into.

Top tier ARPG, but require some mods due to how old it's i recommend Rainbow filter and grim league mod which has it's own version of rainbow filter to include the new content it adds and updates or you can rawdog the game + don't kill me if you are a purist and think i just committed the worst sin imaginable

Great game with lots of mods to extend it's life and will soon be getting another expansion.

Great D2 clone that fixes a lot of the issues of that old game. Lots of chaos! Beating the game lacks a little gravity, which is unfortunate, but that's not a big nit for most. The expansions add a lot of content which is great. Lots of flexibility on build options with 2 class choices that combine in many ways with each class allowing many custom build tree paths and therefore lots of replay value.

Grim Dawn - A Spiritual Successor to Titan Quest

Overview:

Grim Dawn is a love letter to fans of action RPGs, serving as the spiritual successor to Titan Quest. Developed by Crate Entertainment, this game delivers a dark and immersive hack-and-slash experience that stands out in its genre. It masterfully combines deep character customization, intense combat, and an engaging grind system that keeps players hooked for hours on end.

Gameplay & Combat:

One of the strongest aspects of Grim Dawn is its grind system. Farming legendary-tier set items and reaching the max level requires dedication, but the journey is rewarding. The combat mechanics feel weighty, and the impact of every hit is satisfying, making it one of the most solid experiences in the genre. Whether you're cutting through hordes of enemies with a two-handed weapon or raining destruction with magic, the vuruş hissiyatı (hit feedback) is undeniably satisfying.

Atmosphere & Sound Design:

The game's atmosphere is haunting and immersive, with a world ravaged by war, corruption, and supernatural forces. Subtle background music enhances the experience, creating an eerie yet enthralling mood as you traverse its vast landscapes. From eerie ruins to corrupted forests, each area feels unique and carefully designed.

World & Quest System:

The open-world map is designed with exploration in mind, featuring diverse biomes and hidden secrets. The quest system is well-structured, offering engaging story-driven and side missions that keep the pacing fluid. Boss battles are especially intense, requiring strategic thinking and rewarding players with valuable loot. The item drop rates feel well-balanced, offering satisfying rewards for those who put in the effort.

Character Customization & Skill Trees:

One of the game's most notable features is its deep class system. Players can choose from a variety of masteries, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. Skill trees are structured with both active and passive abilities, allowing for creative builds and experimentation. The dual-class system adds another layer of complexity, ensuring that no two characters play the same.

Longevity & Replayability:

A major draw of Grim Dawn is its replayability. Once players complete the game with one class, they often feel compelled to try out different builds and masteries. The leveling system and loot grind provide endless hours of entertainment, making it an ideal game for ARPG veterans.

User Interface & Visuals:

The UI is a blend of Diablo and Titan Quest, with an old-school feel that perfectly complements the game's dark fantasy setting. The interface is intuitive, providing all necessary information without being cluttered. The visuals, while not the most cutting-edge, effectively convey the grim and foreboding world the game is set in.

Final Verdict:

Grim Dawn is a must-play for fans of classic ARPGs. Its deep customization, rewarding grind, engaging quest system, and immersive atmosphere make it a standout title in the genre. While it demands time and effort, the payoff is immensely satisfying. If you're looking for an ARPG that offers both challenge and depth, Grim Dawn is well worth your time.

Score: 85/100

This game will forever be in my favorites. Everytime I play it I get sucked back in and have a blast.

What makes Grim Dawn awesome?
Tons of build combos and no meta builds you HAVE to play. Also it has offline mode and it's cheap to change up skill points which makes it easy to test out your classes. Love the game and the DLC's are 100% worth it.

Rating: 9/10 – A fantastic and addictive action RPG that offers deep customization, engaging combat, and a richly detailed world. While its story may not be its strongest point, the gameplay and exploration more than make up for it.

If you are a fan of Diablo style games, this is a must play. The amount of loot that is dropped is perfect, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the GAMEPLAY is very well done. I prefer playing this on Ultimate difficulty, because I like my games difficult, and this game handles that difficulty very well, where no deaths feel cheap. They are because my gear was wrong for a boss, or I fell asleep at the keyboard

Grim Dawn is pretty solid for an ARPG.
Cool vibes, the build system's fairly intuitive while still having some depth in terms of options, and items have cool modifiers.
It suffers somewhat in its story presentation; you're going to be reading a fair amount of unvoiced walls of barely-formatted text if you're interested in what's going on, which can easily get tiring. this is particularly the case for the many lore entires you can find.

Gameplay-wise, while the sound design and animations are satisfying, it still suffers from traditional ARPG issues like combat essentially devolving into standing still and stat sticking the enemy.
I do commend the effort: to some extent you do have to respond with a dodge button, and some telegraphed boss attacks can inflict an ailment on you that amplifies your damage taken, but overall it will still get quite repetitive and the grind of smashing through clusters of enemies is largely the point of the game.
One thing that i do applaud is that you're allowed to enter the final difficulty mode without having to go through the game 3 times, so that's a big plus in my book, though i'd really rather this "extra difficulties for replays to get the full game experience" business is done away with entirely at this point.

I will also note that you have no way of changing your mind about your main or secondary class once you've chosen them and simply have to tough it out or restart with another character if you don't enjoy them.
if all that sounds good to you, this is probably one of the best games you can get.
It goes on fairly steep discounts semi-regularly, so it can't hurt to give it a shot if you're into ARPGs.

I've really enjoyed playing this game in between content patches for POE2. Nice to have a slightly more relaxed ARPG experience to enjoy SSF without reading lots of guides. Loot upgrades feel meaningful and there are many different builds to explore with the dual class format. If you enjoy D4 or POE I think you'll enjoy this.

its really good, but difficult to start

Its a great game, deep customization of builds and equipment. Leveling is satisfying and feels meaningful. I finished the game and the expansion and i'm not sure what else to do besides the crucible. Really dont know if there is something i'm missing beyond that but i enjoyed the game for a bit.

An ARPG with elements of Victorian / Lovecraftian / Western / Grimdark horror set in something like a Dying Earth with interdimensional entities duking it out for control and you're caught in between.

Easily the best ARPG I've played since uhmmm... Dungeon Siege II.

Total fan of Grim Dawn, not enough hours in my Grim day. I only recently beaten game with a warlord. I have a lot of characters I still want to play and eventually will.

Similar to a lot of Top Down RPG types. I love the story and the builds are great. TONS of diversity and play styles.

Great gameplay, great lore, would recommend. Game full of surprises.

a good and entertaining isometric rpg game, with enjoyable gameplay and normal graphic and performance optimization, also without dlcs, base game is not as long as i expected and if you want to have a long experience, you must buy dlcs too.

Really enjoying this game. Even though the graphics are dated the game play is very fun. I also like that it is not a live service game so I am able to play it without feeling like I am missing out on anything. Modern ARPGs should take not of that.

very good and especially more friendly to those that dont have much time on their hands to enjoy more constant online mode with fast changing leagues that are in other similar games so you can play it at your own speed. Also despite its age the game still gets updates and expansions which is amazing

Very good game. Similar to z Van Helsing. I recommend to try out this title, very good story.

Diablo but with a ton of depth in builds and progression. Huge build and play style diversity. Dual classes give the game a ton of replay value. I’m hundreds of hours in and still have so much to do. First character leveled to 100 helps future characters immensely. Pays to play multiple characters but not required. Expansions are a must, initially the graphics are underwhelming but get significantly better later in second expansion. Third expansion should be out this year or next.

Check out the game’s forum for build guides, makes the game far more enjoyable. It can be very difficult at later difficulties.

Only negative for some is that there’s some grinding involved for the best gear but with the large build selection it’s not required. Builds listed on forums mark whether they require epic gear or not.

You slay monsters, you build your character and if you play on hardcore, you despair regularly, when you die. What else do you want in a arpg? There are a lot of monsters, character building is engaging and the story is intresting enough to get you through the first couple of playthroughs. after 1100h i think i got my money worth out of this game. ;) now how to get my hours back?

Best ARPG since Diablo II. Interesting lore, clever multi-class system, continuous quality-of-life improvements, and tons of replayability. Highly recommended.

Fun ARPG with lots of character builds to make. Worth picking up the expansions as well.

Beats every Diablo game and it will hold you hostage with how much content there is.

Dual classing, actual game expansions, an item that allows you to shit yourself then throw it at enemies, story that makes sense, dialogue choices that can actually affect you.

The item drops themselves are enough to give infinite replayability with how many different things a single item would be able to do, essentially making you constantly shift your build around the more you level up and the stronger gear you find.

It gets even crazier when you finally get around to messing around with item components.

Enjoyable overall, but not without its flaws. Note: review is for the base game plus the Ashes of Malmouth and Forgotten Gods expansions.

The good:
- 36 different character class combinations gives lots of replay value: 9 base classes, and you choose to multiclass into a 2nd class at level 10
- lots of freedom in build variety. Make your character as tanky or as glass cannon as you want. Tanky mage? Sure. Low armored melee fighter? Sure, if that's your thing. Dual pistol wielding summoner of the dead? Go right ahead.
- In addition to your class-based talents, you also get access to 'devotion' talent points which can be spent on a universal talent tree which allows you to further customize your character's playstyle
- The world setting is wonderfully grim (see what I did there?) and the lore is pretty interesting
- Multiple enemy and ally factions exist, and enemy factions are not always friendly to each other. It can be common to come across active battles that are taking place between two groups of hostile factions who hate each other more than they hate you. Certain factions can become friendly or hostile depending on your decisions
- The world environment has good variety in color, tone, and architecture
- There is an item filter option which allows you to automatically show/hide item drops of a specific item type, rarity, specific stat bonus so that you don't have to fill up your inventory with useless junk that you'll never use
- In the base campaign and in Ashes of Malmouth, you occasionally find scraps of journals from the inhabitants of the world which explain the events that led up to the current situation, and the pacing is done just right to keep you interested
- In a genre where everybody and their dog is using randomized procedural map generation, Grim Dawn went with fixed maps which lets the player get a sense of familiarity after a few playthroughs and allows developers to focus more on making intentional map features rather than generic ones that can stitch together in different configurations
- No game crashes in almost 140 hours of gameplay so far, across play sessions that can span for 8+ hours

The bad:
- The sheer amount of stats on weapons and armor can be confusing for new players, and it's a really good idea to read up on some game guides so that you can understand what stats you should be building towards for your type of character
- Likewise with the devotion talent points, you get 55 devotion talent points to spend throughout the game between 558 possible talents to choose from. This can be a lot for a new player to take in, so again reading a guide or finding an online talent calculator for devotions goes a long way.
- The amount of enemies that rise out of the ground beside you or appear out of thin air is too damn high

The jarring:
- The sheer amount of lore-dumping that happens in the Forgotten Gods expansion is so mind boggling that I stopped reading all the journal pages and only clicked them for the xp reward
- Despite having an interesting world environment and lore, the plot of the base game is very lacking in narrative cohesion and direction. As an analogy, imagine you're watching a movie about a vampire plague that is forcing humanity's survivors to flee for their lives. For 75% of the movie, the plot revolves around making gains against the vampires and pushing them back. And then for the last 25% of the film, the characters discover that a group of werewolves is planning on performing a ritual that will summon the ancient werewolf god to our world and humanity's forces have to forget about the vampire threat while they pivot to deal with the new danger. Spoiler ahead, click at your own risk. That's basically the narrative of the original game, just replace vampires with spirit entities that possess humans, and werewolves with human cultists of a really angry imprisoned god.

That being said, the game is fun and if you get the game+expansions on sale, it's worth the play.

All ARPGs have something to offer. Grim Dawn is a fantastic ARPGs that keeps one foot in the Diablo 2 era while stepping lightly in the modern era. It plays like an old-school, slow burn RPGs where you have to grind through the environments while earning your skill points. The environments are well crafted. The classes are very unique. Plenty of loot and plenty of stats to min max. And while the action may seem slower than more modern ARPGs, you are rewarded with deep classes, great loot, and fun boss battles. Play Grim Dawn if you feel nostalgic for older ARPGs and want a class environment where everything is possible. Your only limit in this game is your imagination.

I play this game because I'm too old for Torchlight, too stupid for Path of Exile, and too much of an armchair activist to buy Diablo.

Diablo 2.5. It does a lot of things right. I've never cared much for the multiplayer of ARPGs, so this is right up my alley.

No visual character customization, but there are a lot of class combinations. I frequently get inspired to start a new character in order to try out another class combo.

This game is one of the best dark fantasy action RPGs ever made. It has rich lore, multiple factions, grim music, numerous builds, secrets, and an abundant supply of enemies and gear. Best enjoyed with friends. Highly recommended!

Well priced, lots of content, great gaym mechanics. Very decent

best $1 I ever spent. Controls took a bit of time to get used to but I'm having an absolute blast once I got the hang of it

in 39 hours, I have finished the main campaign and the two DLC campaigns. Yet to play Crucible. But this game is outstanding and im angry i hadnt played it until now.

Meh, it is not a bad game. It is just.... boring?! If you can get this on a discount you will get a few hours of entertainment out of it. And it was fun to shoot the guns! The sound and feel is very satisfying.

The main quest of the base game doesn't even resolve the main and initial big question, you need the DLC for that.

The world is beautiful, the quest and story is good and keeps you going but in the end the combat is way too boring. On normal everything dies in one hit and doesn't do any damage to you. On veteran normal monster and heros are fine but bosses become unbearable bullet sponges so much so that I ended up playing on normal and restraining my damage a bit.

There are a lot of damage types. I'd have to look it up to not lie how many there are, but in the end they are all the same :0. For example: Pierce is not a mechanic it's just a damage type :P

Items are all over the place. I ended up killing the final Boss with an item I found in the first few hours of the game and a few I found mid game. The armor was abysmal but the damage boost was crazy, never found anything better. The only thing I constantly upgraded was my weapon.
Instead of having interesting items most offer bonuses that are than capped for the sake of balance. Like I ended up with +30% faster run that were just useless because they were beyond the cap of 135%.

Skills, or the lack there of. You pick a main class and possibly a second class. But to me the second class never made sense. I didn't even take a third skill in my first class. There simply was no reason. I had the main shooting skill which I maxed and a grenade skill and a few point in 3 defensive skills that all self cast.... boring. The double skillbar with 10 slots was empty :P
There is a whole screen with passives and passive skills called devotions that I didn't even bother with until level 40. I killed the Boss at level 49 :P

To many maze like areas. I love exploring on my own, preferable without the map, but I traversed many of the areas with the map constantly open to not miss a room or fork in the way, because backtracking was just the worst.

While the game does nothing wrong, it doesn't do much especially good.

Diablo-esque with a fun series of quests/stories and similar flood of loot with marginal upgrades over time....but I'm having a good time with it and feel its good value for money :)

An excellent Diablo-style AARPG that allows the player to mix two class styles from a list of 10 different class masteries, with complete weapon and equipment freedom. The story is a rather typical, but well-executed, tale for this breed of game; a desperate battle against a hoard of body-posessing spirits called Aetherials. A game worthy of any fans of the AARPG genre.

I have 300 hours on just this steam account and I actually had close to 1000 hours in my other steam account which I unfortunately was not able to recover. I kept coming back to this game because I love this game so much. I played Diablo and Titan Quest growing up and I stumbled upon this game on Youtube. Decided to try it out and got hooked instantly. I wish more players know about this gem. Very underrated ARPG.

Early days yet at less than 10 hours in but so far in terms of gameplay, atmosphere and the general feel I can say that this feels basically like the game I was expecting Diablo 3 to be. Loving it