Exploring the Top 5 Alternatives to "Path of Exile: Harvest"

Foreword

If you are an ardent fan of "Path of Exile: Harvest" and its brilliant collection of characters, compelling story and gameplay mechanics, you might be looking for similar games that can satiate your thirst for quality ARPG genre. Fortunately, we live in a time when gaming has spread its wings to various platforms, genres, ideas and themes, thus finding a title that matches or even surpasses your favourite RPG title isn’t much of a task. Here, we will walk you through the top 5 games that bear a resemblance to "Path of Exile: Harvest" in terms of gameplay, story, and setting.

1. Diablo III

First on our list is the ever-popular "Diablo III", a game that requires no introduction to any avid action role-playing game (ARPG) enthusiast. Developed by Blizzard Entertainment, the game offers a dark and gritty world full of demons and angels fighting for supremacy.

Gameplay and Setting

The gameplay of "Diablo III" is filled with action galore just like Path of Exile: Harvest requiring you to take on hordes of enemies using a variety of class-specific skills. From mighty Barbarians to mystical Wizards, players can choose their hero among seven different classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. The world of Diablo III is set in Sanctuary, a realm that exists between the High Heavens and Burning Hells. With detailed backstories and beautiful, sometimes horrifying environments, the game nails the setting and adds a sense of presence and urgency to the player's quest.

Story

The story in Diablo III is a continuation of the events from its predecessor. The player is tasked to defeat the Lord of Terror, Diablo, and prevent the imminent demonic invasion. With stunning cinematics and a rich lore, the game provides a compelling story that keeps player glued to their seats.

2. Grim Dawn

Released in 2016, "Grim Dawn" is a visually stunning indie ARPG developed and published by Crate Entertainment. It's known for its sprawling world, extensive character customization and satisfying combat system.

Gameplay and Setting

The game sets you on a path to explore a thematic and atmospheric world, where humanity is on the brink of extinction. Grim Dawn goes the extra mile in portraying a world in despair with carefully designed environments and distinctive aesthetics that show the ravages of war. The gameplay feels very flexible due to its unique dual-class system, letting you combine any two of the available classes, each with their skill trees. This strategic system promotes endless possibilities enhancing replayability and suits players who like tinkering with character builds.

Story

Grim Dawn offers an immersive narrative that unfolds through lore notes found throughout the world. The story lets you experience the grim reality of war, where civilizations fall before an existential threat—the Aetherials and Chthonians. The choices you make in the game have significant impacts, adding a layer of depth to your journey.

3. Torchlight II

Another entrant in our list of Path of Exile: Harvest alternatives is "Torchlight II", an ARPG developed by Runic Games, offering a quirky art style and extensive character customization system.

Gameplay and Setting

Unlike the grim world of Diablo III, Torchlight II provides a colourful and vibrant environment. Yet, the game does not compromise on complex gameplay mechanics and in-depth character progression. Players can choose among four distinct classes, each with different skill trees and playstyles. Torchlight II expands upon its predecessor by introducing open-world exploration and multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up and tackle challenging dungeons together.

Story

In Torchlight II, players follow the trail of Alchemist, a former hero turned evil. While pursuing him through different regions, players encounter different races, monsters and discover the world's rich backstory. The narrative design keeps players intrigued as they unravel the Alchemist's motives and the effects of his actions.

4. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing

"The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing", developed by NeocoreGames, combines action-RPG mechanics with a unique gothic-noir setting. It takes inspiration from Bram Stoker's Dracula and features the son of the famous vampire hunter.

Gameplay and Setting

In terms of gameplay, the game offers a vibrant customization system for skills and gear, and the companion system introduces a tactical layer to the combat. You progress as Van Helsing Jr., fighting your way through creatures of the night in a sprawling city infested with supernatural evils. The setting of Van Helsing is dark, yet beautiful, and filled with tantalizing secrets and side-quests. The healthy balance between horror and humor in the game keeps the atmosphere delightful and lighthearted.

Story

The game has an engaging story revolving around Van Helsing Jr.'s quest in the city of Borgova, where science, magic, and supernatural creatures exist side by side. Together with his spirit companion, Katarina, players unravel the city's dark secrets, meeting a bunch of fascinating characters on the way.

5. Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem

A relatively newer addition to the ARPG genre, "Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem" features next-gen graphics, dynamic combat system, and freedom in character development. Developed by Wolcen Studio, the game offers an alternative for fans looking for an ARPG with modern visuals.

Gameplay and Setting

Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem presents a gorgeous, ever-evolving world. Unlike traditional ARPGs with class restrictions, it provides a flexible character development system. This system is reminiscent of Path of Exile: Harvest, where players are not confined to specific classes and can experiment with different builds.

Story

The plot in Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem is about three childhood friends who are inseparable yet destined to turn against each other due to circumstances. The beautifully rendered cutscenes along with the dramatic story make for an engaging gaming experience that keeps you thrilled until the end.

Bottom Line

These games, each with its unique mechanics and narrative style, are perfect for players craving an ARPG experience similar to Path of Exile: Harvest. Be it the dark and menacing world of Diablo III, the flexible class system of Grim Dawn, or the modern visual appeal and storytelling of Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem, each game offers a unique encounter that guarantees to hook players, providing countless hours of pure ARPG delight.