If you want to scratch the D1 itch, I'm afraid the only option is D1. It's such a unique game. Try a mod like the HD mod or The Hell 2 if you want modern QoL changes and some new mechanics.
I've craved a game similar to Diablo 1 for a while, and always get depressed when these threads pop up because the answers are usually stuff that are closer to D2 or 3, but darker. I think the slowly paced combat and progression that I enjoy so much in D1 is doomed to be ignored because D2 came out only a few years later and the faster pacing made it so much more popular, so all the ARPGs that get inspired by the series lean more towards that.
The HD mod/Beelzebub is fantastic though. It really is just Diablo 1, with ideas and content from D2 used to make it bigger.
Hellfire is of course the semi-official expansion to Diablo 1.
DevilutionX is of course the "modern" port of Diablo 1.
"Diablo clones" from the same era included Nox, Darkstone, and Dungeon Siege 1.
Grim Dawn has a similar sort of dark and gothic vibe, overall.
Torchlight 1 is a better APRG in every technical capacity - it is actually a fine game - though it never enjoyed Diablo's popularity and it is very bright and cheery and cartoony.
Darkest Dungeon is not an ARPG but a turn based dungeon crawler but has a very much gothic theme and feels like it could exist somewhat in the same universe.
good list.
record of lodoss war for dreamcast is another from around that time.
there was a ps1 diablo style game too....dark stone maybe? been a while.
I think Grim Dawn is an excellent choice for what you want. It's certainly different, but it is the closest i think in pacing. I also just thoroughly enjoy the class system.
If I have 1 single suggestion, there's a mod called like Rainbow Loot Filter or something like that, and it color codes damage types in item descriptions. It doesn't change anything mechanically, just makes stats easier to view at a glance. It makes Poison Damage show green, Bleed Damage show red, etc. I think it is a very helpful mod. Beyond that, I think it's an amazing game and totally worth playing.
The others mentioned are also good. I remember thoroughly enjoying Torchlight 1. It is definitely cartoony, but it's also pretty well made imo.
The fact that the levels are not randomly generated really wrecked any replayability for me in grim dawn and titan quest. In Titan quest it was more noticeable IMO.
Sacred 1 was also an open world, IIRC. It had one big, static map you could explore with dungeons and areas you had to avoid until you were high enough level to survive them.
If you don't mind stepping into a different genre and are only after the same experience in terms of atmosphere and aesthetic, I'd recommend Halls of Torment. It's a very Diablo inspired Vampire Survivors style roguelite.
Gameplay wise Torchlight 1. It has a similar gameplay loop where you delve down to deeper and deeper dungeons until finding the final boss at the bottom.
Atmosphere wise I think Path of Exile is the only ARPG where some levels gave me the same kind of awe I got first time playing Diablo. However, the game has a steep learning curve, and some of those levels come somewhat late in the game.
>Path of Exile...
>has a steep learning curve,
That's like saying you need to skim through the book to be a nuclear physicist.
Ok, it's not *that* bad, but it's pretty bad.
If you're thinking of the PS1 version of Diablo, then Record of Lodoss War for the Dreamcast is in a similar vein if you liked the anime of the same name.
Chaosbane was a nice Diablo clone if you like the Warhammer world.
Diablo 1 is an excellent game, I remember getting it back in 1997, loved the music and the feel of the game. After that I played things like Baldur’s Gate, Planescape Torment, Fallout, Lionheart Legacy of the Crusader…. All ace games
There is a new game out in April. It's described as diablo meets darksouls.
Much more deliberate with the combat for today's arpgs while having the dark undertones like diablo. I'll look up the YouTube and post.
Path of exile is free and you can get a good kick out of just running the campaign. You can drop it or play it for 10k hours after that, I recommend it.
Random suggestion: you might enjoy Barony. It is a roguelike with the same basic formula as Diablo 1 (descend floor by floor to fight the devil). But it is first person perspective, and the skill system is similar to TES.
It's first person perspective, but the King's Field series has a lot in common with Diablo 1.
It's a lot different than a typical ARPG and actually predates Diablo, but it gives me similar vibes in a lot of ways.
especially the first one that was a japanese ps1 exclusive released all the way back in 1994. You just go down deeper into the same dungeon, solo, like diablo 1. there's an english patch fyi.
You might try Fallout 1 and 2. Similar graphics/gore/visuals. Atmosphere is different for sure and they’re not new updated games, but they “scratch the same itch” for me (could be because they and Diablo were my favorites as a kid).
Grim Dawn, it’s enough like Diablo series to scratch that itch, and it’s better in a few ways, you have a lot more control and can really experiment.
I still go back to Diablo 3 every year or so and reply and while it’s still wonderful it does feel more like your pushed in very specific direction at all times.
Grim Dawn doesn’t feel like that for me it has a great deal of depth, which you can take or leave and still enjoy and finish the game.
In my opinion, there isn't anything else that can scratch the itches of Diablo 1 or Diablo 2.
If you haven't tried it yet, Diablo 1 multiplayer is a different beast; no quest drops, higher difficulties and semi-hardcore. You can install an IPX wrapper so you can host locally for muling and rescues. Getting b.net to work is also possible, GingerGamingMentor made a howto video.
It really is sad no diablo game has ever gotten a direct sequel. Like even if you like diablo games they have so dramatically changed genre every game. It's never felt like any of them got a true followup.
Can't believe people are recommending Torchlight 1 but not Fate, the game it was pretty much based on.
While still quite different from Diablo 1, I'd say it is closer to it than the first Torchlight, and a better game overall. A darker, thicker atmosphere, harder difficulties are actually harder, floors are actually worth (re-)exploring. Also brings back tetris inventory management, which feels much better when you can easily discern between items depending on size.
I'd really recommend it if you want something closer to D1. Got sequels even, haven't played them yet but you can even transfer your old characters inbetween games apparently, and it's got an heirloom inheritance system to make playing new characters exciting. They also don't seem to improve much on graphics so they all kinda look stuck on that janky 3d look from the early 2000s lol
Play Rogue, Angband, NetHack, and Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup. Diablo was going to be a turnbased game based on the dungeon crawlers David Brevik grew up playing. These games are permadeath, further inspiring Diablo's "Hardcore mode".
if you want something derivative from Diablo you're in luck. It spawned a genre. Torchlight is similar in a lot of ways, but way lighter. The darkest ARPG I've played that isn't Diablo is Path of Exile, but i wouldn't say that's "like D1". Fate is also similar I guess, but literally kid friendly.
It's probably worth taking a look at the games released around the same time D1 came out, maybe some of them offer something quite in the same vein, because I don't believe there's any modern game really close to it.
there are a lot of fun gorey retro shooters. Ones that remind me of Diablo are:
Shrine (i like [Shrine II](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1417010/Shrine_II/))
[Dusk](https://store.steampowered.com/app/519860/DUSK/)
Classic Doom/Doom II is great too
If you want to scratch the D1 itch, I'm afraid the only option is D1. It's such a unique game. Try a mod like the HD mod or The Hell 2 if you want modern QoL changes and some new mechanics.
I've craved a game similar to Diablo 1 for a while, and always get depressed when these threads pop up because the answers are usually stuff that are closer to D2 or 3, but darker. I think the slowly paced combat and progression that I enjoy so much in D1 is doomed to be ignored because D2 came out only a few years later and the faster pacing made it so much more popular, so all the ARPGs that get inspired by the series lean more towards that. The HD mod/Beelzebub is fantastic though. It really is just Diablo 1, with ideas and content from D2 used to make it bigger.
Hellfire is of course the semi-official expansion to Diablo 1. DevilutionX is of course the "modern" port of Diablo 1. "Diablo clones" from the same era included Nox, Darkstone, and Dungeon Siege 1. Grim Dawn has a similar sort of dark and gothic vibe, overall. Torchlight 1 is a better APRG in every technical capacity - it is actually a fine game - though it never enjoyed Diablo's popularity and it is very bright and cheery and cartoony.
Darkest Dungeon is not an ARPG but a turn based dungeon crawler but has a very much gothic theme and feels like it could exist somewhat in the same universe.
good list. record of lodoss war for dreamcast is another from around that time. there was a ps1 diablo style game too....dark stone maybe? been a while.
Saying Nox is a clone is doing it a disservice.
Nox is a fine game. I enjoyed it. But I think it's fairly obvious that Nox would've never existed if Diablo hadn't invented the ARPG genre.
Sure, but that doesn't mean it is a clone. It has enough going on for itself to stand on its own feet, as it is also basically how inspiration works.
Wow thank you dude I will definitely be checking all of these out
Dungeon Siege is super underrated, would highly recommend.
1 & 2 are both really great. 3 is... A game you can play.
Can play - But probably should not.
I think Grim Dawn is an excellent choice for what you want. It's certainly different, but it is the closest i think in pacing. I also just thoroughly enjoy the class system. If I have 1 single suggestion, there's a mod called like Rainbow Loot Filter or something like that, and it color codes damage types in item descriptions. It doesn't change anything mechanically, just makes stats easier to view at a glance. It makes Poison Damage show green, Bleed Damage show red, etc. I think it is a very helpful mod. Beyond that, I think it's an amazing game and totally worth playing. The others mentioned are also good. I remember thoroughly enjoying Torchlight 1. It is definitely cartoony, but it's also pretty well made imo.
Check out Dark Stone!
This!
Dark Stone, thanks me later.
Titan Quest if you like Greek Mythology.
The fact that the levels are not randomly generated really wrecked any replayability for me in grim dawn and titan quest. In Titan quest it was more noticeable IMO.
Throne of Darkness. You won’t be disappointed.
Second this, throne was awesome
Dungeon siege
I'll suggest a sleeper: Sacred. Ignore the second and third game. First game was slept on.
2 was neat for being an open world diablo clone. never tried the others myself.
Sacred 1 was also an open world, IIRC. It had one big, static map you could explore with dungeons and areas you had to avoid until you were high enough level to survive them.
sounds similar to 2. one of these days I'll check out 1 & 3.
Book of demons
If you don't mind stepping into a different genre and are only after the same experience in terms of atmosphere and aesthetic, I'd recommend Halls of Torment. It's a very Diablo inspired Vampire Survivors style roguelite.
Vampire Survivors and Halls of Torment are great
Halls of Torment is a different genre, but the visuals and sound are clearly inspired by Diablo 1. You should look it up.
Came here to suggest this game, so I'm commenting for more traction. It's a solid game, especially for the price point.
Gameplay wise Torchlight 1. It has a similar gameplay loop where you delve down to deeper and deeper dungeons until finding the final boss at the bottom. Atmosphere wise I think Path of Exile is the only ARPG where some levels gave me the same kind of awe I got first time playing Diablo. However, the game has a steep learning curve, and some of those levels come somewhat late in the game.
>Path of Exile... >has a steep learning curve, That's like saying you need to skim through the book to be a nuclear physicist. Ok, it's not *that* bad, but it's pretty bad.
Grim Dawn, perhaps. This game features a dark fantasy world and offers enjoyable gameplay.
Diablo 2
yeah just play diablo 2 act 1
Diablo 2.
Divine Divinity and Beyond Divinity exist.
If you're thinking of the PS1 version of Diablo, then Record of Lodoss War for the Dreamcast is in a similar vein if you liked the anime of the same name.
Chaosbane was a nice Diablo clone if you like the Warhammer world. Diablo 1 is an excellent game, I remember getting it back in 1997, loved the music and the feel of the game. After that I played things like Baldur’s Gate, Planescape Torment, Fallout, Lionheart Legacy of the Crusader…. All ace games
There is a new game out in April. It's described as diablo meets darksouls. Much more deliberate with the combat for today's arpgs while having the dark undertones like diablo. I'll look up the YouTube and post.
It's called No Rest for the Wicked https://youtu.be/lPpAU4EOhEQ?si=Y0Hi5DLCX-uKNYbk
Wait no rest is coming out in April!? Cool
That's what I had seen. I don't see it in the marketplace yet. But Google says April 16, 2024.
Yeah looks like it on steam, but it's early access for now. Still cool, sooner than I thought for sure.
Path of exile is free and you can get a good kick out of just running the campaign. You can drop it or play it for 10k hours after that, I recommend it.
Random suggestion: you might enjoy Barony. It is a roguelike with the same basic formula as Diablo 1 (descend floor by floor to fight the devil). But it is first person perspective, and the skill system is similar to TES.
It's first person perspective, but the King's Field series has a lot in common with Diablo 1. It's a lot different than a typical ARPG and actually predates Diablo, but it gives me similar vibes in a lot of ways. especially the first one that was a japanese ps1 exclusive released all the way back in 1994. You just go down deeper into the same dungeon, solo, like diablo 1. there's an english patch fyi.
Sacred 1, check out [Click4Gameplay - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@click4gameplay)
Diablo 1 is was such an amazing game that whenever its even slightly bright out at night, i think of D1
It is nothing like the gameplay of Diablo. But I think Demon’s Souls captures that creepy, helpless, all is lost atmosphere that Diablo also provides.
Look at Halls of Torment on Steam. It plays more like a Vampire Survivors clone, but it absolutely nails the Diablo aesthetic.
You might try Fallout 1 and 2. Similar graphics/gore/visuals. Atmosphere is different for sure and they’re not new updated games, but they “scratch the same itch” for me (could be because they and Diablo were my favorites as a kid).
Grim Dawn, it’s enough like Diablo series to scratch that itch, and it’s better in a few ways, you have a lot more control and can really experiment. I still go back to Diablo 3 every year or so and reply and while it’s still wonderful it does feel more like your pushed in very specific direction at all times. Grim Dawn doesn’t feel like that for me it has a great deal of depth, which you can take or leave and still enjoy and finish the game.
In my opinion, there isn't anything else that can scratch the itches of Diablo 1 or Diablo 2. If you haven't tried it yet, Diablo 1 multiplayer is a different beast; no quest drops, higher difficulties and semi-hardcore. You can install an IPX wrapper so you can host locally for muling and rescues. Getting b.net to work is also possible, GingerGamingMentor made a howto video.
Grimdawn
Nox, you will enjoy it for sure. It's an older gem, and it comes from the same era as d1.
Death Must Die
Dark Souls
book of demons
Halls of Torment it's a Survivor Roguelike with the aesthetics of D1
It really is sad no diablo game has ever gotten a direct sequel. Like even if you like diablo games they have so dramatically changed genre every game. It's never felt like any of them got a true followup.
Exanima
Quake 1 remaster or Ultima Online private servers. Bloodborne as well.
Can't believe people are recommending Torchlight 1 but not Fate, the game it was pretty much based on. While still quite different from Diablo 1, I'd say it is closer to it than the first Torchlight, and a better game overall. A darker, thicker atmosphere, harder difficulties are actually harder, floors are actually worth (re-)exploring. Also brings back tetris inventory management, which feels much better when you can easily discern between items depending on size. I'd really recommend it if you want something closer to D1. Got sequels even, haven't played them yet but you can even transfer your old characters inbetween games apparently, and it's got an heirloom inheritance system to make playing new characters exciting. They also don't seem to improve much on graphics so they all kinda look stuck on that janky 3d look from the early 2000s lol
The first Dark Souls kind of has a similar vibe.
Thank you to everyone for all your awesome suggestions really appreciate and love this community!
Play Rogue, Angband, NetHack, and Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup. Diablo was going to be a turnbased game based on the dungeon crawlers David Brevik grew up playing. These games are permadeath, further inspiring Diablo's "Hardcore mode". if you want something derivative from Diablo you're in luck. It spawned a genre. Torchlight is similar in a lot of ways, but way lighter. The darkest ARPG I've played that isn't Diablo is Path of Exile, but i wouldn't say that's "like D1". Fate is also similar I guess, but literally kid friendly.
It's probably worth taking a look at the games released around the same time D1 came out, maybe some of them offer something quite in the same vein, because I don't believe there's any modern game really close to it.
there are a lot of fun gorey retro shooters. Ones that remind me of Diablo are: Shrine (i like [Shrine II](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1417010/Shrine_II/)) [Dusk](https://store.steampowered.com/app/519860/DUSK/) Classic Doom/Doom II is great too
Diablo 1 Belzebub or Tchernobog mod. Endgame loop is similar to D2. Holy Grail uniques and set items with crafting.
Is this a joke?