Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) are incredibly popular and boast a vast array of exceptional titles. While big-budget AAA games often grab all the attention, there’s an entire universe of underrated ARPGs that are quietly pushing boundaries in the gaming world. Some may have been limited by indie studio resources or simply launched at an unfortunate time, but they deserve a fresh look.
This compilation showcases overlooked Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) which provide innovative gameplay, captivating environments, and distinctive mechanics that can compete with the most popular games in their category. These games range from visually stunning pixel art masterpieces to exciting cooperative journeys. They are filled with pulse-pounding action and unforgettable adventures.
For some developers, projects were more than just work – they invested their emotions deeply into them, while others created intricate masterpieces that unfortunately didn’t receive the recognition they deserved. If you’re seeking something innovative or tired of repetitive loot-grinding games, these overlooked titles might offer an unexpected delight!
Here are the best underrated ARPGs you need to add to your playlist.
12.
The Slormancer
Hack and Slash Collectathon
If Diablo II and classic Saturday morning cartoons produced an offspring, it would be The Slormancer – an action role-playing game (ARPG) set in a pixelated universe reminiscent of the past. This game features hordes of exaggerated adversaries, a plethora of collectibles, and an abundance of humorous items boasting amusingly odd names.
In simpler terms, you and your group of underdogs, who may not be highly skilled or talented, are expected to battle against vast numbers of adversaries to save the world. This is a challenge that sounds easier to talk about than it will actually be, but at least you’ve got your unyielding spirit pushing you forward.
Beyond this point, strap in for a rollercoaster adventure filled with continuous treasure finds, randomly designed dungeons, and an overwhelming variety of passive skill combinations that might border on the illegal in an RPG setting. This game doesn’t shy away from a bit of self-deprecating humor, but don’t be deceived by its lighthearted tone; it boasts some of the most intricate and adaptable character development found in any contemporary Action Role Playing Game.
11.
Slime Heroes
Slimy Super Heroes
Slime Heroes is one of those games that draws you in without even trying.
Initially, this game appears to be a delightful, vibrant Action Role-Playing Game featuring a sweet, gooey character armed with a sword. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll discover a rich amalgamation of dungeon exploration, puzzle-solving, and cooperative gameplay elements that elevate it beyond mere cuteness.
In this game, titled Slime Heroes, you’ll find yourself as one of the remaining slimes. Your mission is to venture out, saving your fellow slimes and defending your world from the encroaching corruption. The strategy is simple: defeat enemies one by one. This game offers a light-hearted, energetic, and user-friendly experience that makes it an ideal choice for Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) enthusiasts of all skill levels.
This game truly shines with its unique feature of both local and online cooperative play, making it an unforgettable journey for friends to share. Although it may lack the complex loot systems or intricate lore found in larger games, its originality and endearing qualities are indisputable. Slime Heroes is a hidden gem that demonstrates that being soft and squishy can be the most powerful superpower of all.
10.
KIBORG
Sci-fi Beat-’em-Up
KIBORG resembles a vivid, futuristic nightmare of cyberpunk; it’s swift, eccentric, and above all, incredibly stylish. This action role-playing game is set in a bleak future where biomechanical augmentations produce supreme soldiers, immersing you in frenetic gameplay that keeps your adrenaline pumping from the instant you start playing.
In a cruel twist of fate, if you’re wrongfully convicted and sent to the galaxy’s deadliest penitentiary, you’ll be forced to endure repeated resurrections and undergo cybernetic enhancements as part of your 1,300-year sentence. However, death won’t free you; instead, you’ll have the opportunity to fight in a prison-wide battle royale to earn your freedom.
This game has some rough spots here and there, but its gritty personality, quick gameplay, and mind-blowing graphics make it one of the most thrilling indie ARPGs you’ve likely never experienced. If you appreciate intense action, dismal settings, and characters with cybernetic upgrades, then KIBORG is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
9.
Savara
Mythology Meets Action Roguelite
| Developer | Doryah Games |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 6th, 2025 |
| Platform | PC |
| Genre | Action RPG, Roguelike |
If you’re a fan of Percy Jackson’s adventures, then you’ll surely enjoy Savara! Savara is an action-packed Role Playing Game with roguelike elements, where you can assume the role of a soldier caught in a brutal battle royale, all according to the caprices of a relentless war god.
In a colorful world rich with mythology, you’ll receive an invitation to join a grand event spanning multiple dimensions, where you’ll engage in combat with formidable opponents from across the multiverse. With each victory, you advance towards the title of champion. However, be mindful that every loss will set you back two steps in your quest.
In this relentless battle royale, carefully selecting your weapons and equipment will be crucial if you aim to survive the brutal carnage. Upgrading your arms, gathering valuable resources, and making offerings to the divine idol are all strategies you’ll want to employ to maximize your strength. Though victory may appear imminent, don’t be fooled – obstacles may still arise on your path to triumph.
8.
ATLYSS
The Fluffiest ARPG You’ve Ever Seen
If you’ve ever pondered how Dark Souls might be transformed by a blend of anime influences and a frenzy of furry aesthetics, ATLYSS is the game for you. This indie ARPG offers an unexpectedly dense ambiance, intricate world-building, and swift, intense battles, all presented in a visual design that’s both charmingly cute and strangely captivating.
In ATLYSS, you’re plunged into a fractured realm teeming with colossal bosses, enigmatic ancient relics, and cryptic lore, where each interaction feels like a challenge of your skill, perseverance, and unexpected fortune. The fascination of ATLYSS’s mysterious universe is irresistible, but what truly makes the adventure standout is undoubtedly the charming, customizable characters at your disposal.
You have the opportunity to design a unique chibi-style, anthropomorphic character, excelling in combat and renowned for its naming prowess. Furthermore, you can exhibit both your talents and personal style to your peers or fellow gamers through multiplayer collaboration over the internet!
You have three main categories to select from – Fighter, Mystic, and Bandit – allowing you to construct your perfect warrior, regardless of the path you choose. ATLYSS is a unique gem that has the potential to become a cult classic; with its captivating graphics, multiplayer options online, and polished gameplay mechanics, it caters to almost every type of gamer!
7.
Drova – Forsaken Kin
A Grimdark Celtic Fantasy
Drova – Forsaken Kin offers an enticing blend of traditional Gothic RPG elements, infused with Celtic folklore, and presented in a pixel art style that surprises with its charm. This atmospheric, adventure-focused Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) lives up to expectations, delivering an engaging experience as promised.
In this game, you assume the role of a solitary traveler who finds oneself amidst a colossal struggle between powerful elemental forces and human ambition. You must navigate a moral tightrope as you decide which side to support in a full-blown, supernatural conflict. The battles are intense and merciless, requiring precision, strategic resource allocation, and a keen understanding of your adversaries.
What truly distinguishes Forsaken Kin is its unique approach to storytelling, which relies heavily on the environment and player interaction. The game’s lore is extensive, but it doesn’t always make things easy for you; instead, you must pay attention, venture out, and interact with the world according to its own rules.
This game exudes the passion of its creators, filled with an intense atmosphere and somber mood. Some players might find it a bit sluggish, but if you appreciate traditional, dark-toned ARPGs that offer deep exploration and substance, this could be a captivating investment for you.
6.
Towerborne
Loot, Shoot, and Repeat
Initially, what captivated me about this game wasn’t its excellent reviews or the fact that it’s an ARPG. Instead, it was the charming, vintage art style reminiscent of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign that caught my eye.
Despite its nostalgic charm, Towerborne often goes overlooked, yet it’s a game that truly deserves more attention. It masterfully blends elements of brawling and looting, offering players an enjoyable experience of battling enemies and collecting their loot – a combination that’s hard to resist for many gamers!
In Towerborne, assume the role of an Ace, a soldier reborn from the spirit world with extraordinary powers and a burning desire for justice. By harnessing your strength along with other Aces, you’ll need to safeguard the Belfry, humanity’s final stronghold, from the malevolent forces that menace beyond its fortifications.
As a thrilled fan, I’d say the clashes in this game are astonishingly dance-like, with fighting techniques that could transform any battlefield into a captivating ballet showcase. The mechanics are remarkably user-friendly yet deceptively challenging, making Towerborne an ideal choice for anyone, regardless of their gaming expertise.
5.
Soulstice
Cool Name, Cooler Game
Soulstice is an awe-inspiring hack-and-slash combat game that could win over the most skeptical gaming experts. Beyond its stunning visuals, this game also evokes a nostalgic, eerie charm that you won’t find in many other action role-playing games (ARPGs) currently available on today’s market.
In essence, if Devil May Cry and Claymore were to produce an offspring, it might resemble Soulstice in appearance. This often underrated Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) offers an adrenaline-pumping experience filled with rapid combos, set against a backdrop of a dark fantasy landscape characterized by gothic structures. The game also boasts epic boss battles and a somber atmosphere that captivates you from the moment you begin playing.
In this game, you control Briar and Lute, two magical sisters whose souls are intertwined. One sister is responsible for intense hand-to-hand combat, while the other serves as a spectral ally, employing her mystical abilities to shape the battlefield to your advantage. This dual-focus system can be challenging at first, but when you get the hang of it, the action transforms into an unparalleled fusion of swordplay and sorcery, creating a captivating spectacle of chaotic dance.
4.
Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
King Arthur Becomes Wizard John Wick
In a new twist on the King Arthur legend, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon transforms the tale into a grim, first-person action RPG. It’s a journey shrouded in despair and decay, with eldritch horror lurking around every corner. This game blends elements of Skyrim and Darkest Dungeon, offering a somber, melancholic exploration of a cursed realm where hope is scarce, and each victory carries a strong sense of accomplishment.
In this open-world Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG), you are plunged into a grim fantasy realm reminiscent of Arthurian lore. The game generally allows you to navigate freely, with minimal guidance. Occasionally, it will steer you through the narrative, but for the most part, you’re given autonomy from the moment you grasp your controller. In essence, this game doesn’t coddle or guide you excessively; instead, it sets you on your journey from the get-go.
In a world that has endured 600 years of turmoil and now stands abandoned by its deities, it falls upon you to determine the lasting impact of King Arthur’s rule. Will you embody the chivalrous knight so often romanticized in tales, or will you morph into a ferocious warrior, indiscriminately attacking any who dare challenge you?
If you’re yearning for an immersive, tale-laden Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) that transports you back to the eerie worlds of your cherished dark fantasy novels from childhood, then you absolutely should get Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon.
3.
Empyreal
The Perfect Blend of Fantasy and Sci-Fi
Empyreal is a game that ticks all the right boxes: it offers the thrill of exploring distant galaxies from ancient times, yes. Delving into dungeons is also part of the experience, absolutely. The combat sequences are so choreographed they make you feel like you’re starring in a John Wick action movie, that’s definitely a yes too!
As a gamer, I find myself hurled into the heart of a mercenary’s breakneck lifestyle, a man who holds nothing back and yearns for recognition. I’m compelled to venture forth on a perilous journey to an uncharted celestial body, a world that boasts a monumental monolith constructed by an extinct advanced civilization.
Many others have come before you, yet they couldn’t make it through; however, you might possess the unique qualities needed to succeed. Overcoming this resilient structure might prove to be the most challenging feat you’ve ever encountered, but the hidden knowledge inside could revolutionize our comprehension of human nature and life in general.
Before stepping into the Death Cube, you’ll be given the opportunity to pick from three distinct weapon types: the Glave, the Cannon, or the Mace and Shield. Each one has unique advantages, disadvantages, and main move-sets, so it’s crucial to make a thoughtful choice if you want to play to your own strengths as a player.
If you enjoy games with an action role-playing feel reminiscent of Xenoblade and The Matrix, don’t forget to watch for this underestimated gem.
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2025-05-25 16:40