The 10 Best Hack-and-Slash Games on PC and Steam, Ranked and Scored on 4 Categories (2026)

Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re picking one hack-and-slash to play in 2026, it’s the free-to-play king, Path of Exile 2. And if this is your very first one, I’d point you to Torchlight II or Diablo IV, both of which scored 88 for accessibility.

Once you fall down the hack-and-slash rabbit hole, there’s no climbing back out. Your heart rate spikes every time a rare item hits the floor, you lose sleep theory-crafting builds, and before you know it, hundreds of hours have vanished. That, in a nutshell, is what the hack-and-slash (ARPG) genre really is.

As of 2026, the genre is in a golden age. The free-to-play Path of Exile 2 has taken the world by storm, Diablo IV keeps delivering long-tail content through its seasonal model, and newcomers like Last Epoch and Hades II have earned their place among the classics. With this many options, plenty of players are probably stuck asking the same question: where do I even start?

For this list, I scored each game out of 100 on four axes (Accessibility, Graphics, Brutality, and Replayability) and ranked the 10 best hack-and-slash games.
Every title on the list is available to buy and play on PC/Steam as of August 2026.

How to read the scores: The higher the Brutality score, the tougher and more punishing the game, making it a real test for veterans. The higher the Replayability score, the deeper the endgame, so you can keep playing long after the credits roll. The tried-and-true path for newcomers is to start with a high-Accessibility title, then move on to games with high Brutality and Replayability once you’ve found your footing.

Check the score comparison table first, then pick the title that scores highest on the axis you care about most. If it’s your first hack-and-slash, prioritize Accessibility. If you’re all about the endgame, prioritize Replayability.

*Prices in this article are converted from Japanese yen at ¥153 = US$1 (September 2026 rate).

All 10 Hack-and-Slash Games: SpotGeeks Score Comparison

A higher Brutality score means a harder, more punishing game, and a higher Replayability score means a game you can sink hundreds of hours into. If Accessibility matters most, go with Diablo IV or Hades II. If Replayability matters most, it’s Path of Exile 2 or Grim Dawn. And if cost is your top concern, Path of Exile 2 (free) is the only answer.

With both Brutality and Replayability above 90, Path of Exile 2 is in a league of its own. And the fact that it’s completely free only cements its claim to the top overall score. If you want to try something free first, jump straight into PoE2. If you want a polished, carefully built entry point into the genre, Diablo IV is the fastest answer.

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#1 Path of Exile 2: Free-to-Play With 98 Replayability, the Monster Sitting Atop the Genre

“It’s free-to-play, but the sheer amount of content is insane.” That one line sums up Path of Exile 2 (PoE2) perfectly. Grinding Gear Games launched it into Steam Early Access in December 2024, and despite costing nothing, it posts a 98 in Replayability, the highest on this list. Its Steam user reviews hold at 81% positive across more than 78,000 reviews, and during a free weekend event, concurrent players climbed to nearly 300,000.

The skill gem and passive skill tree systems inherited from the original Path of Exile have evolved even further, giving you arguably the most build freedom in hack-and-slash history. Each of the six classes, including warrior, spellcaster, and ninja-style archetypes, is built around combat with a Soulslike sense of tension, pulling off the dream of being both exhilarating and unforgiving. The Brutality score of 90 is an honest reflection of a balance where even on normal difficulty, one careless moment gets you killed instantly.

Path of Exile 2 is a next-generation action RPG that supports co-op for up to six players. At full release, it will be free to play.

Source: Steam Official Page (Japanese)

The sticking point is that harsh Accessibility score of 55. It takes a serious amount of time to wrap your head around the skill gem system and the massive passive skill tree, so the early learning curve is steep. If you jump in casually thinking “it’s free, why not,” you may hit a wall, but if you push forward with a wiki or YouTube guides at your side, it will absolutely pay off. More Acts and classes are planned during Early Access, and the game keeps evolving toward its final form.

Case in point: on May 29, 2026, a major update dropped that added two new Ascendancy classes and overhauled the endgame. The 1.0 full release is slated for 2026, with the exact date teased for an announcement at ExileCon.

#2 Diablo IV: The Series’ Best Graphics and a Seasonal Model That Keeps the Classic Formula Going Strong

For hack-and-slash newcomers, Diablo IV is the no-brainer first pick. Its 88 Accessibility and 93 Graphics are among the best on this list, and it perfectly delivers what beginners want: to mow down hordes of monsters without having to think about complicated mechanics. Since its 2023 launch, it has kept adding content on a regular seasonal schedule, and in April 2026 the new expansion Lord of Hatred was released.

The six classes (Barbarian, Sorcerer, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, and Spiritborn) each play very differently, so no matter how many times you roll a new character, it feels fresh. The Replayability score of 82 reflects the new content each season brings and the ongoing updates to endgame challenges like the Pit. Game Watch named it “the best choice for newcomers among the big three hack-and-slash games (PoE2, Diablo IV, and Last Epoch)” in a feature, which backs up that 88 Accessibility score.

The sticking point is its low Brutality score of 65. Veterans craving a real challenge will sometimes find it lacking. That said, there’s still plenty to sink your teeth into, from time attacks on the seasonal ladder to pushing the highest difficulty tiers. The standard Steam price is about $29 (reference price as of May 2026), and getting the genre’s top-tier graphics at that price is an incredible value.

#3: Hades II | The Mythological Roguelite Hack-and-Slash Reaches Its Final Form in 2025

Hades II hit its full release on September 25, 2025, and it’s sitting on a staggering 95% positive rating in recent Steam reviews. It has carved out its own lane as a roguelike/hack-and-slash hybrid, and it lands perfectly with players who want something tighter and more focused than a Diablo-style loot grind. Each run wraps up in 30 to 60 minutes, giving it a pick-up-and-play convenience that’s rare in the genre.

You play as Melinoë, fighting your way through the Underworld of Greek myth to take down the Titan Chronos, and the narrative is polished to a shine, right down to the banter with returning characters from the first game. Its gorgeous hand-painted art style earns that 90 in Graphics, and it looks great whether you’re on a PC monitor or kicking back with a controller. The standard Steam price is about $22 (reference price as of May 2026).

The catch is that it’s a roguelite, not a traditional hack-and-slash. When you die, you start over, and that structure may not click with players chasing the Diablo-style thrill of stockpiling gear and building up a character. But judged as a new take on the genre, this is game design at the highest level you’ll find right now.

On top of that, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions launched in April 2026, along with Xbox Game Pass support. Combined with the earlier Switch and Switch 2 releases, it now covers every major platform.

#4: Last Epoch | 2024’s Big Surprise That Takes the Best of PoE2 and Diablo IV

“If Diablo IV let you down and you’ve been waiting on Path of Exile 2, this is the game for you.” That one line, from a Game*Spark roundup of international reviews, nails exactly where Last Epoch stands. Officially released on February 22, 2024 ($25 on Steam), it widened the genre’s front door with a sweet spot that’s neither too complex nor too simple.

Its time-travel setting is all its own, and the Loot Filter makes item upgrades easy to read without sacrificing build variety. That combo makes it the ideal answer for intermediate ARPG fans hunting for their next game. The 88 in Replay Depth comes from a stacked endgame, with the Monoliths of Fate, the Arena, and a ranking system, so it holds up for the long haul after the credits roll. Game Watch’s PoE2 vs. D4 vs. Last Epoch comparison feature also praised it as suited to a wide range of players.

The weak spot is a middling 80 in Graphics. Next to Diablo IV’s jaw-dropping visuals, it can look a little plain at times. But the depth of the gameplay more than makes up for it, and it’s an especially good fit for players who care more about substance than looks.

#5: Grim Dawn | The Pinnacle of Offline ARPGs, With a Bottomless 95 in Replay Depth

“The best offline game I’ve ever played: 99 out of 100.” That verdict gets passed around among ARPG veterans, and it sums up what Grim Dawn is all about. It’s one of the few full-fledged hack-and-slash games you can play completely offline with no internet connection, and it has held a “Very Positive” rating on Steam for years. Its 95 in Replay Depth is second only to Path of Exile 2 on this list, reflecting the massive number of build combinations from its dual-class system and the sheer depth of its endgame.

You’re surviving in a grim, dark world where farmland has been devoured and civilization has collapsed, and that heavy thematic weight gives it a gravitas you won’t find in Hades II or Diablo IV. The loot rabbit hole is straight out of Diablo II’s bloodline, purely distilling the thrill of grinding runs over and over in search of random rare drops. During 90%-off Steam sales you can sometimes grab it for just a few dollars, and it’s well known as one of the best values around.

The sticking point is its 65 in Accessibility. The graphics aren’t exactly modern either, and first-timers may find it looks dated. But once you dig into the deeper layers of the game, its level of polish will blow you away. That’s exactly why people have loved it for more than a decade.

#6: Diablo II: Resurrected | A Legend Reborn After 20 Years, and Perfectly Punishing

Released in 2001, Diablo II is the all-time classic that turned hack-and-slash into a global standard. It came back in 2021 as the fully remastered “Resurrected,” and it’s now playable on Steam too. Its 85 in Brutality ranks second on this list: Baal runs on Hell difficulty and Hardcore mode (where death deletes your character) are brutal challenges that haven’t lost a bit of their bite.

The graphical remaster is superb, and the ability to swap between the old and new visuals with a single button lets you feel just how far the tech has come while you play. Every bit of content is included, Lord of Destruction expansion and all, and the original’s five Acts and seven classes are just as rock-solid 20 years later.

The drawback is a 71 in Replay Depth, low compared to modern ARPGs. There’s no “infinite endgame” on the level of PoE2 or Grim Dawn, and post-game replays settle into a noticeable loop. Still, if you have a clear goal, like experiencing the roots of the genre or taking on the most punishing challenge around, sixth place on this list might actually be selling it short.

#7: Titan Quest II | A Modern Take on Classic ARPG Loot-Grinding in a World of Ancient Myth

The sequel to 2006’s original Titan Quest, Titan Quest II has racked up more than 15,000 reviews on Steam for a “Very Positive” rating. The core concept carries over from the first game: you roam the worlds of Greek, Egyptian, and Norse mythology slaying monsters, now refreshed with modern visuals that earn an 82 for graphics. It’s a carefully crafted game, and you can feel the DNA of Crate Entertainment, the studio behind Grim Dawn and the original Titan Quest.

The freedom of character building through its dual-class system sits comfortably alongside the joy of exploring each region of its mythological world. It’s tuned to work as a bridge for intermediate players who find PoE2 or Grim Dawn too punishing, and its 75 for accessibility and 73 for replay depth land in a genuinely sweet spot.

The catch is that modest 73 for replay depth. Its endgame doesn’t reach the depths of Grim Dawn or Last Epoch. But if what you want is to hack and slash your way through a gorgeous mythological world, this is the perfect answer.

The full release is targeted for the second half of 2026, and the price is set to rise to $49.99 at launch. If you want to take your time with it, now, during Early Access, is the best time to buy price-wise.

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#8: No Rest for the Wicked | An Ambitious Soulslike-Meets-ARPG Hybrid With Big Promise

From Moon Studios, the team behind Ori and the Blind Forest, No Rest for the Wicked is an ambitious project that launched into Steam Early Access in April 2024. Its 88 for graphics comes from a gorgeous art style that looks like a living oil painting, and its visuals are head and shoulders above any other isometric ARPG. Combining weighty, Soulslike combat with ARPG loot collection is a design gamble without real precedent.

The 78 for brutality reflects those Soulslike elements. Its “every hit counts” combat creates a tension that’s a world apart from the satisfying mob-clearing of Diablo IV. Even in Early Access, the team has pushed out more than 500 bug fixes, and you can feel the developers’ passion. The 58 for replay depth reflects the thin content that comes with Early Access, and we expect that number to climb significantly after full release.

The downsides are that low 58 for replay depth and the fact that it’s still in development. Buying it right now means accepting that you’re getting early access to an unfinished game. Once it’s complete and we re-review it, there’s a good chance it climbs into the upper ranks of this list.

And the road to that finished version is now official. Version 1.0 has been announced for October 2026 on PC and PS5, with Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 versions to follow later.

#9: Torchlight II | The Classic Gateway to ARPGs, and a Masterpiece That Still Holds Up

Released in 2012, Torchlight II is the best entry point for ARPG newcomers, as its 88 for accessibility, the highest on this list, makes clear. It was developed by Runic Games, the studio founded by Max Schaefer and other Diablo creators, and it embodies their philosophy of making the Diablo formula more approachable. Robust mod support keeps its Steam community active to this day, and at a regular price of about $10 (reference price), it’s ridiculously cheap.

Its colorful art style is friendly enough for kids and adults alike, and each of its four classes plays in a clearly distinct way. If you’ve ever wondered what an ARPG actually is, one session of Torchlight II will answer that instantly. Its well-judged length and satisfying design are still a textbook example today.

The downside is its low 63 for replay depth; compared with the latest titles, the endgame is thin. There’s also no denying the graphics are very much 2012. But looking across this entire list, Torchlight II is the only game that perfectly fits the goal of picking something up cheap and learning ARPG fundamentals.

#10: Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem | The Highs and Lows of a Bold Experiment That Falls Just Short

Ever since its 2020 release, Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem has been fighting the reputation of “beautiful graphics, but the substance hasn’t caught up.” That 82 for graphics is well earned; its skill effects and the visual polish of its world come close to Diablo IV. Its ambitious classless system for free-form character building also deserves credit for trying to carve out a niche of its own.

The downsides are its low 58 for replay depth and 62 for brutality, which honestly reflect its rough game balance. In 2026, with PoE2, Diablo IV, and Last Epoch all out there, it’s getting hard to find a reason to pick this one. Still, if you just want to try a great-looking ARPG cheaply during a sale, it’s worth putting on your shortlist.

ARPG FAQ: Your Hack-and-Slash Questions Answered

Finally, here are straight answers to the questions people most often have when searching for hack-and-slash games.

What is a hack-and-slash game? What does it mean?

“Hack-and-slash” (often called an action RPG or ARPG) is a game genre built around a core loop of killing enemies, collecting gear, and powering up your character. The addictive hook comes from hunting rare loot and endlessly experimenting with character builds, and every game in this Top 10 is designed around that thrill.

What are the best free-to-play hack-and-slash games?

The one you can start for free is our #1 pick, Path of Exile 2. Despite being free, it posts a replay depth score of 98, the highest in this article, and the developer has officially stated it will remain free-to-play after full release. If you want to get hooked without spending a dime, this is the only pick you need.

What’s the difference between hack-and-slash, roguelikes, and Soulslikes?

Hack-and-slash games focus on collecting gear and powering up, roguelikes on random generation and the tension of learning through death, and Soulslikes on high-difficulty action. The lines blur more every year: on this list, #3 Hades II is a roguelite/ARPG hybrid, and #8 No Rest for the Wicked fuses Soulslike combat with ARPG looting. You can find our dedicated rankings for each genre in the related articles at the end of this piece.

Are there hack-and-slash games on Switch or PS5?

Yes. Seven of the Top 10 are playable right now on at least one console: PS5, Xbox, or Switch. Here’s the current platform breakdown (as of August 2026, confirmed by our editors).

Which one should beginners start with?

For your first game, we recommend Torchlight II or Diablo IV. Both score 88 for accessibility: the former is the classic starter that teaches you the basics on the cheap, while the latter is the polished choice that eases you into the rabbit hole with top-tier graphics. Once you’re comfortable with the controls and builds, moving on to the free-to-play Path of Exile 2 is the route SpotGeeks recommends.

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Wrap-Up: The Best ARPG Depends on Your Skill Level and What You Want

The “best choice” changes depending on whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, whether you play online or offline, and whether you want free or paid. Boiled down to one sentence, the SpotGeeks editorial team’s conclusion from this list is: “Try the free PoE2 first; if you like it, enjoy a comfortable visual feast in Diablo IV, and after that, sink into the rabbit hole with Grim Dawn or Last Epoch.”

• First pick for total beginners → Torchlight II (cheap, highly accessible) / Diablo IV (best graphics)
• Just want to start for free → Path of Exile 2
• An ARPG gateway for roguelike fans → Hades II
• Intermediate players who want a bridge between PoE2 and D4 → Last Epoch
• Veterans chasing bottomless depth → Grim Dawn / Path of Exile 2
• Respect for the roots and a brutal challenge → Diablo II: Resurrected

The 2026 ARPG market is in the best possible state: easy to pick from, but with incredibly deep rabbit holes. Search any of these titles and you’ll find them on Steam right away, and most of them support Japanese. All that’s left is choosing which rabbit hole to fall into. This article is based on information as of August 2026.

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