Action role-playing games (ARPGs) have gained immense popularity, with a plethora of titles available across various platforms. Amid the well-known AAA games dominating the industry, many indie ARPGs are crafting unique experiences that deserve recognition. These hidden gems often struggle due to limited budgets or unfortunate release timings but are packed with creativity and passion.
This article shines a light on some of the most underrated ARPGs that showcase innovative gameplay, captivating worlds, and distinctive mechanics that can contend with the leading entries in the genre. From charming pixel art narratives to thrilling co-op adventures, each game on this list promises heart-pounding action and unforgettable experiences.
Many of these titles represent developers’ deep commitment to their craft, resulting in intricately designed masterpieces that remain overlooked. If you’re seeking something fresh or weary of monotonous loot grinding, these lesser-known games might be the surprise you need!
12 The Slormancer
Hack and Slash Collectathon
Imagine a lovechild between Diablo II and Saturday morning cartoons—that’s The Slormancer for you. This gripping dungeon crawler immerses players in a retro pixelated universe filled with whimsical enemies, abundant collectibles, and hilarious item names. You will embody a humble character along with an eccentric crew, standing against waves of adversaries in the quest to save the world.
The game delivers a chaotic experience, featuring endless loot drops, procedurally generated dungeons, and an array of passive abilities that enhance gameplay beyond typical RPGs. While it embraces a humorous vibe, don’t underestimate its depth—The Slormancer offers one of the most complex character-building systems available in contemporary ARPGs.
11 Slime Heroes
Slimy Superheroes
Slime Heroes effortlessly captures your attention right from the start. On the surface, it appears to be a charming ARPG where players control a lovable gooey character wielding a sword. Yet, beneath the surface lies a sophisticated blend of dungeon crawling, puzzle-solving, and cooperative mechanics that elevate it beyond mere cuteness.
As one of the last remaining slimes, your mission is to rescue fellow slimes while combating a corrupting force threatening your world. Its simplicity is its strength; Slime Heroes offers an inviting, light-hearted experience perfect for players of all skill levels.
The standout feature is its local and online co-op gameplay, making it an ideal choice for friendly gaming sessions. While it might lack the intricate loot systems and dark narratives of larger games, its creative charm is undeniable. Sometimes, the squishiest heroes hold the most profound powers.
10 KIBORG
Sci-fi Beat-’em-Up
KIBORG is a fast-paced ARPG that immerses you in a stylized cyberpunk nightmare. In this dystopian future, biomechanical enhancements transform prisoners into elite soldiers, and you are a falsely accused inmate fighting for survival in a chaotic battle royale.
As you navigate this brutal combat environment, your character is resurrected, continually endowed with advanced technology throughout your lengthy sentence. Despite some rough edges, its raw energy and striking mechanics make it an indie ARPG worth exploring. If you crave intense action in a grim setting, KIBORG should be on your gaming radar.
9 Savara
Mythology Meets Action Roguelite
| Developer | Doryah Games |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 6th, 2025 |
| Platform | PC |
| Genre | Action RPG, Roguelike |
For fans of mythology, Savara is a compelling action RPG roguelite that places you in the heart of a brutal battle royale governed by an all-powerful warrior god. Set against a vivid, myth-inspired backdrop, the game challenges you to navigate a relentless competition against top-tier fighters across dimensions.
Your journey involves gathering weapons and gear while strategically enhancing your abilities. Each success brings you closer to glory, but each setback reinforces the challenge. Players must leverage various resources thoughtfully to navigate and prevail in this fierce festival of combat.
8 ATLYSS
The Fluffiest ARPG You’ve Ever Seen
ATLYSS presents an imaginative world that feels like a cross between Dark Souls and an anime dreamscape. This indie ARPG packs a surprisingly weighty atmosphere combined with elaborate worldbuilding and fast-paced combat, all wrapped in an adorably appealing visual style.
As you explore its captivating universe, you’ll encounter formidable bosses, enigmatic ruins, and cryptic lore. Each engagement challenges your skills, patience, and luck. The game’s character customization allows players to craft their own chibi-style heroes while exploring with friends in online co-op. With three major classes—Fighter, Mystic, and Bandit—players can tailor their gaming experience according to their preferences.
7 Drova – Forsaken Kin
A Grimdark Celtic Fantasy
Drova – Forsaken Kin combines Gothic RPG elements with Celtic mythology, offering an evocative pixel art aesthetic that captivates players. In a world caught between elemental spirits and humanity, your character navigates the moral complexities of a supernatural conflict.
The gameplay demands deliberate timing and resource management, while the story unfolds through environmental storytelling, placing emphasis on exploration and player engagement. This game exudes a haunting atmosphere and resonates with those who appreciate rich lore and meaningful gameplay.
6 Towerborne
Loot, Shoot, and Repeat
What initially caught my attention in Towerborne was its vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic, reminiscent of D&D lore. However, the game itself showcases an exceptional blend of brawler and loot mechanics that is simply addictive.
In this game, players embody an Ace, a military figure resurrected with enhanced abilities determined to protect humanity’s last stronghold, the Belfry, from lurking threats. The combat mechanics are fluid and exhilarating, allowing for both easy accessibility and depth that provides a long-lasting challenge.
5 Soulstice
Cool Name, Cooler Game
Soulstice is a visually stunning hack-and-slash game that captivates players with its nostalgic essence. Imagine a blend of Devil May Cry and Claymore, and you’ll find a richly atmospheric world that’s captivating from the outset.
Play as Briar and Lute, two sisters whose souls are intertwined. One engages in fierce melee combat, while the other employs her ethereal abilities to manipulate the battlefield. This unique gameplay dynamic encourages strategic thinking, culminating in a beautifully orchestrated dance of combat that challenges your skills.
4 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
King Arthur Becomes Wizard John Wick
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon reimagines the King Arthur legend as a dark, gripping action RPG enveloped in despair and divine disillusionment. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Darkest Dungeon, this game immerses players in a rich, cursed world filled with challenge and legacy.
As you traverse this open-world ARPG, you will confront the remnants of a fractured kingdom. This game’s unyielding spirit offers both challenge and triumph as players craft their hero’s journey, determining the fate of a realm forsaken by its deities.
3 Empyreal
The Perfect Blend of Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Empyreal encapsulates thrill with a combination of interstellar exploration and dungeon-crawling intrigue. You step into the shoes of a mercenary on a perilous quest to investigate an enigmatic ancient structure on a distant planet.
This adventure is filled with treacherous encounters and mysterious secrets waiting to be uncovered. Choose from different weapon archetypes, tailoring your gameplay style and immersing yourself in its rich world. For gamers who appreciate the blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, Empyreal is undeniably an underrated title that demands attention.
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