Summary
Dark fantasyis one of the most popular settings in gaming, especially in the realm of action-RPGs. Few players can resist the allure ofexploring vast medieval worldswhere greatness is determined only by magic or steel. These games are filled with mythical creatures and monsters, brave heroes and knights, dark mysteries to uncover, and legendary treasures to find. Games set in dark fantasy worlds have always been among the most appealing and popular across all genres.
Given how broad the term “action-RPG” can be, it’s helpful to establish some criteria for ranking the best games in this genre. This ranking will prioritize key components like the dark fantasy setting and absorbing atmosphere. In terms of gameplay, they should have dynamic and engaging real-time combat, and deep leveling and progression systems that allow players to create various combat builds and experience combat differently from others. With that in mind, it’s time to explore some of the best dark fantasy action-RPGs available today.
Path of Exilewas released in 2013, but today it’s a very different and significantly larger ARPG with tons of content. As an epitome of the live-service model,Path of Exilehas received dozens of major content updates since its launch (including the latestSettlers of Kalguurexpansion), presenting an ever-growing world full of new challenges and goals. As one of the most-played games on Steam for years,Path of Exileis known as a “more hardcoreDiablo.” Players need to be ready to learn when diving in.
The game world, known as the continent of Wraeclast, is everything dark fantasy fans want and more. Brutally beautiful and bloody charming, it is an exciting place to explore while players master their combat builds with unmatched flexibility and hundreds of unique skills.
Dragon’s Dogma 2is an ambitious sequel to the original game, which is described by its creators as “the game they always wanted to make.” It presents a familiar yet fresh take on a vast dark fantasy open world, featuring unique elements like limited fast travel and an encampment system. The wilds ofDragon’s Dogma 2can seem lifeless and repetitive at times. However, different biomes (like the Vermund and Battahl regions), several huge cities, and legendary monsters like dragons, griffins, cyclopes, sphinxes, and medusas provide players with plenty of adventure.
The game’s dynamic combat system allows players to deliver long and spectacular combos, grab and throw smaller enemies and objects, and even climb giant monsters to hit their weak spots. This system lies at the core of the entire experience, and can take a while to master.Dragon’s Dogma 2alsofeatures a unique “Pawn system,”which lets the player gather a party of different combat classes for a diverse experience.
Final Fantasy 16is arguably the most mature game in the series, set in the dark fantasy world of Valisthea, which is inspired byGame of Thrones. The game blends political schemes,colossal godlike beings known as Eikons, and a story that spans many years. All together, this causes this mainline chapter in the iconic franchise to feel and play quite differently from its predecessors. The main attraction of the game is the breathtaking Kaiju fights, which can be considered a pinnacle of boss battles in gaming.
Despite its undeniable strengths,Final Fantasy 16is probably the least varied action-RPG among other games here when it comes to tailoring the player’s own combat build. The combat is dynamic and spectacular, strongly resemblingDevil May Cry 5, but players are only allowed to use several active skills at once, so it really boils down to one’s preferences, which can be switched at any given moment.
Diablo 4marked the triumphant return of the king of the isometric ARPG genre. Blizzard nailed the dark aesthetics and feeling that fans of the series have long awaited. Beautiful visuals, amazing music, and an overall dark and unforgiving rendition of Sanctuary are more than enough for many players. YetDiablo 4is stronger than ever with its combat system and various classes to master.
The game is easy to understand, but possesses substantial depth and potential for improvement with each session, especially after the major Season 4 update.Diablo 4is a great time killer that is about to get even better. With theVessel of Hatred expansion launching this October, fans are preparing for a whole new region, a new class, as well as challenges, bosses, and loot to obtain.
TheDark Soulsseries is a must-play for every fantasy action-RPG fan who isn’t afraid of losing. As the most recent game in the series,Dark Souls 3ispacked with the best bossesand a great variety of weapons to use against them, making it a perfect title to start with. Long-term fans will enjoy additional bits of fanservice throughout their journey, but even for newcomers, the journey through the Kingdom of Lothric offers absorbing fantasy at its best. The experience is full of memorable places, enemies, stories, and characters.
Punishing and rewarding in equal parts, exploring the world ofDark Souls 3is an exhilarating experience. The game has plenty of secrets to uncover, including entire large areas with their own bosses. consider play the game’s two DLCs,Ashes of AriandelandThe Ringed City, which present some of the best boss battles in the entire trilogy.
Bloodborneisn’t just a typical dark fantasy. It’s anunmatched blend of Lovecraftian horror themes, Victorian-era gothic environments, and lore that goes so deep that few players can make sense of what happened in Yharnam that fateful night. The vibe and aesthetics ofBloodborneare one-of-a-kind, capturing the imagination of every player who is strong enough to face its horrors and challenges head-on.
Bloodbornewas also the first game for FromSoftware to notably deviate from the traditional Soulslike formula established in theDark Soulsseries, and it was a great success. The game brought fast-paced, parry-centered, fluid, and aggressive combat, featuring some of the most unique and unforgettable weapon designs in the genre.Bloodborneremains in its own class even after close to a decade.
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis an influential pillar of action-RPGs that has set the standard for dark fantasy games. Almost every new dark fantasy game gets compared to this acclaimed masterpiece, often falling short. The secret toThe Witcher 3’ssuccess is its sheer number of engaging stories and memorable characters to discover, as well as a diverse atmosphere that can shift from cozy to terrifyingly dark in the blink of an eye. Coupled with breathtaking visuals and a wonderful musical score, it is a pleasure to stay in this world.
The combat system is arguably the weakest aspect ofThe Witcher 3, capable of running out of steam long before the end of its hundred-plus hours of gameplay. Despite that, it still offers some potential for unique character building through its three progression paths and avariety of weapons with different perks. Without a doubt,The Witcher 3is a timeless classic that can be recommended today to almost every gamer.
Elden Ringstands as a pinnacle of both open-world action-RPGs and Soulslikes, introducing the once-niche genre to a huge audience. The game combines a vast world of dark fantasy beauty with menacing bosses and a combat system so varied it’s almostimpossible to try out everything it has to offerin hundreds of hours.
Elden Ringis one of the most epic, magnificent, and mysterious fantasy action games of the past decade. Hidetaka Miyazaki’s creation holds such depth that fans are still discovering new secrets hidden within the Lands Between and the Shadow Realm. With the recentShadow of the Erdtreeexpansion receiving glowing reviews,Elden Ringonce again proves to be a milestone in gaming and a benchmark of grand scope fantasy delivered right.
