25 Best Hack-and-Slash Games — Similar Game Analysis
Game Analysis · 25 loot-driven titles sorted into 5 types via GPA scores
We analyze hack-and-slash games by genre and game elements, comparing 25 picks across five types. We classify experiential factors — loot power spikes, build depth, crowd-combat satisfaction, or all three. GPA goes beyond generic genre labels, weighting tags like Character Building, Looter Shooter, and Action so you can find a fit by type, not hype rank.
Five Hack-and-Slash Types
Classic ARPG, looter shooter, musou, hunt-craft, roguelite action — 25 picks across five lanes.
① Classic ARPG — Builds and Loot First
The Diablo / Path of Exile lane: skill trees plus dropped gear equal your personal build. GPA scores run high on Character Building, Dark tone, and High Difficulty.
② Looter Shooters — Guns, Gear, Co-op Endgame
Destiny / Warframe style: shooter feel with rare drops and endgame loops in squads. Watch GPA's Looter Shooter and Co-op tags.
③ Musou & Crowd Combat — Power Fantasy First
Cut through armies — upgrades exist, but the core is overwhelming action over chess-like reads. High Action and Co-op on GPA.
④ Hunt & Craft — Gear From the Prey
Monster Hunter and Nioh-style loops: beat a target, craft gear, hunt bigger. GPA marks these with high Character Building, Difficulty, and Co-op.
⑤ Roguelite Action — Short Runs, Loot High
Shorter runs with build swaps and drops that demand one more try — not classic persistent ARPG, but essential for hack-and-slash search intent.
Hack-and-Slash Games — Article-Exclusive Loot Loop Scores
Higher scores mean stronger loot-and-grind appeal — editorial estimates, not official GPA totals.
Some titles have limited platform support. Use the buttons below to filter games featured in this article.
| # | Title | Platform | Loot Loop Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monster Hunter Wilds | PS5steamXbox | 94% |
| 2 | Path of Exile 2 | PS5steamXbox | 92% |
| 3 | Monster Hunter: World | PS5PS4steamXbox | 92% |
| 4 | Dragon's Dogma 2 | PS5steamXbox | 90% |
| 5 | Destiny 2 | PS5PS4steamXbox | 90% |
| 6 | Monster Hunter Rise | Nintendo SwitchPS5steam | 90% |
| 7 | Hades II | Nintendo SwitchNintendo SwitchPS5Xboxsteam | 90% |
| 8 | Diablo IV | PS5PS4Xbox | 88% |
| 9 | Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity | Nintendo Switch | 88% |
| 10 | Nioh 2 | PS5PS4steam | 88% |
| 11 | Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment | Nintendo Switch | 87% |
| 12 | Warframe | PS5PS4steamXbox | 86% |
| 13 | Granblue Fantasy: Relink | PS5steamXbox | 86% |
| 14 | Dead Cells | Nintendo SwitchPS5PS4steamXbox | 86% |
| 15 | Elden Ring | PS5PS4steamXboxNintendo Switch | 85% |
| 16 | Armored Core VI | PS5PS4steamXbox | 85% |
| 17 | Returnal | PS5steam | 84% |
| 18 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | PS5steamXbox | 84% |
| 19 | Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty | PS5PS4steamXbox | 83% |
| 20 | Lies of P | PS5steamXbox | 82% |
| 21 | Vampire Survivors | Nintendo SwitchPS5PS4steamXbox | 82% |
| 22 | The Division 2 | PS5PS4steamXbox | 80% |
| 23 | Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero | PS5PS4steamXbox | 80% |
| 24 | Arc Raiders | PS5steamXbox | 78% |
| 25 | Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles | Nintendo SwitchPS5PS4steamXbox | 78% |
* Article-exclusive ratings (not official GPA scores). Informed by loot satisfaction, grind loops, and build depth.
Hack-and-Slash Classification Matrix
X = build depth, Y = action satisfaction and grind addiction — representative picks by type.
* Editorial placement — not official GPA scores.
Diablo IV vs PoE2 vs Destiny 2 vs Warframe
Depth: PoE2. On-ramp: Diablo IV. Squad loot: Destiny 2. Free rabbit hole: Warframe — choose by need.
| Tag | Diablo IV | PoE 2 | Destiny 2 | Warframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Character Building | 85% | 95% | 75% | 90% |
| Co-op | 70% | 65% | 95% | 85% |
| Action | 80% | 75% | 95% | 90% |
| Looter Shooter | 40% | 35% | 95% | 90% |
| High Difficulty | 70% | 85% | 75% | 70% |
* Approximate values referencing GPA sheet tags at time of writing.
① Classic ARPG — Builds and Loot First
The Diablo / Path of Exile lane: skill trees plus dropped gear equal your personal build. GPA scores run high on Character Building, Dark tone, and High Difficulty.
1. Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2
Genre: Action RPG
Support gems and passive trees reshape every season — free to start, with endgame depth that rivals paid ARPGs.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Character Building / Strategy / Action / High Difficulty / Dystopian Setting
Overview
The sequel to the "hack-and-slash bible." Support gems and passive trees offer absurd build freedom — knowledge itself is the reward.
Why We Recommend It
Free to start with endgame depth that rivals anything paid — the top pick if depth beats accessibility.
2. Diablo IV
Diablo IV
Genre: Action RPG
Five classes, seasonal gear-and-skill synergy, and Blizzard polish — the default weekend dungeon loop ARPG.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Character Building / Action / Graphics / Dark / Dystopian Setting
Overview
Blizzard's modern hack-and-slash flagship — five classes and seasonal content built around gear-and-skill synergy explosions.
Why We Recommend It
Less depth than PoE2, but faster to learn — the default first pick for ARPG newcomers.
3. Dragon's Dogma 2
Dragon's Dogma 2
Genre: Action RPG
Open fields, pawns, and giant-monster reads — growth through exploration and boss hunts, not loot spreadsheets.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / Open World / High Difficulty / Story Depth
Overview
Open-field action RPG with pawns and giant targets — vocations and party setup change how you fight more than spreadsheet builds.
Why We Recommend It
Not pure loot ARPG, but gear upgrades and boss hunts still satisfy hack-and-slash cravings.
4. Elden Ring
Elden Ring
Genre: Action RPG
Open-world exploration and talisman builds — gear-driven growth in a soulslike, not a Diablo loot loop.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Dystopian Setting / Graphics / High Difficulty / Open World
Overview
Soulslike exploration plus open-world gear and build freedom — levels, equipment, and talismans reshape your character.
Why We Recommend It
Punishing, but the loop of looting power and crushing bosses hits the hack-and-slash nerve.
5. Lies of P
Lies of P
Genre: Action RPG
Pinocchio soulslike with swappable weapon parts and puppet arms — look and stats change together.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Dystopian Setting / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark
Overview
Pinocchio soulslike — swap weapon parts and puppet arms to customize look and performance together.
Why We Recommend It
Story-heavy, but farming bosses for upgrades feels close to hunt-style hack-and-slash satisfaction.
② Looter Shooters — Guns, Gear, Co-op Endgame
Destiny / Warframe style: shooter feel with rare drops and endgame loops in squads. Watch GPA's Looter Shooter and Co-op tags.
Related: 20 Co-op Game Recommendations →
6. Destiny 2
Destiny 2
Genre: FPS Shooter
Sci-fi gunfeel, seasonal story, and co-op strikes — free-to-start looter shooter flagship.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / Co-op / Character Building / High Difficulty
Overview
Free-to-start sci-fi looter shooter — gunfeel and seasonal narrative drive raids and Nightfalls as co-op peaks.
Why We Recommend It
Even FPS newcomers grasp the arsenal loop — a flagship live-service looter.
7. Warframe
Warframe
Genre: アクションTPSルートシューター
Free TPS looter with staggering Warframe and MOD build depth — optimization rabbit hole included.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Character Building / Action / Graphics / Co-op / Story Depth
Overview
A decade-plus free TPS looter — Warframe and weapon build freedom is staggering, with story quests stacking over time.
Why We Recommend It
Steep UI learning curve, but the optimization rabbit hole rewards patient build crafters.
8. The Division 2
The Division 2
Genre: Action RPG (TPS)
Realistic gunplay in collapsed D.C. — gear sets and co-op missions drive the endgame loop.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Co-op / Action / Graphics / Character Building / Dystopian Setting
Overview
Open-world TPS in a collapsed Washington D.C. — loot and co-op carry the endgame.
Why We Recommend It
Realistic gunplay plus completing gear sets delivers that "build finished" rush.
9. Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders
Genre: Action RPG
Co-op extraction on the surface — loot, fight colossal Arc machines, and extract with the haul.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Graphics / Action / Co-op / High Difficulty / Dystopian Setting
Overview
Embark's co-op extraction shooter — loot the surface, fight colossal Arc machines, extract with gear.
Why We Recommend It
Shooter feel plus extract tension — a next-gen looter candidate.
10. Returnal
Returnal
Genre: Roguelike Shooter
Roguelite TPS where weapons and parasites reshuffle each punishing run.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Roguelike / High Difficulty / Action / Graphics / Existential Themes
Overview
Roguelite TPS — weapons and parasites reshuffle each run in punishing 3D shooting bliss and despair.
Why We Recommend It
Light persistent progression, but per-run loot hunger works like a compact hack-and-slash hit.
③ Musou & Crowd Combat — Power Fantasy First
Cut through armies — upgrades exist, but the core is overwhelming action over chess-like reads. High Action and Co-op on GPA.
11. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
Genre: Action
Musou set 100 years before Breath of the Wild — mow armies as Link, Zelda, and allies.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Emotional Story / Graphics / Co-op / Story Depth
Overview
Musou set 100 years before Breath of the Wild — mow armies as Link, Zelda, and allies with fan-service story.
Why We Recommend It
Less build depth, more power fantasy — crowd-combat satisfaction over spreadsheet loot.
12. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
Genre: Action
Switch 2 musou covering Tears of the Kingdom's Imprisoning War — Sync Strike co-op included.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / Co-op / Emotional Story / Story Depth
Overview
Switch 2 musou covering Tears of the Kingdom's Imprisoning War — Sync Strike co-op and upgraded visuals.
Why We Recommend It
Same lane as Age of Calamity — story fans who want to read and smash.
13. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Genre: Action RPG
Cygames co-op action RPG — flashy combos and ultimates with gear growth loops.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / Co-op / Character Building / High Difficulty
Overview
Cygames co-op action RPG — flashy combos and ultimates feel musou-adjacent with gear and character growth loops.
Why We Recommend It
Solo viable, but breaking bosses with friends is the point — strong domestic appeal for action loot fans.
14. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Genre: 格闘ゲーム
3D action retracing the anime — character switching and repeated battle fun, not loot loops.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / High Difficulty / Emotional Story / Co-op
Overview
3D action retracing the anime — switch characters and repeat battles for power-fantasy satisfaction, not loot loops.
Why We Recommend It
IP-driven, but overwhelming enemies hits the musou power-fantasy entry point.
15. Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles
Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles
Genre: Brawler
Anime-following musou — distinct cast movesets and repeat-play satisfaction over loot.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / Emotional Story / Co-op / High Difficulty
Overview
Anime-following musou action — distinct cast movesets and a hefty story mode.
Why We Recommend It
Character collection over loot spreadsheets — for fans who want to rerun with favorites.
④ Hunt & Craft — Gear From the Prey
Monster Hunter and Nioh-style loops: beat a target, craft gear, hunt bigger. GPA marks these with high Character Building, Difficulty, and Co-op.
Related: 15 Parry & Soulslike Picks →
16. Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter: World
Genre: Action RPG
The global hunt-craft loop — slay monsters, forge gear, hunt bigger targets.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Co-op / Character Building / Graphics / High Difficulty
Overview
The global hit hunt-craft loop — slay monsters, forge gear, hunt bigger. The standard first Monster Hunter.
Why We Recommend It
What many hack-and-slash searchers mean by "craft to get stronger."
17. Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise
Genre: Action RPG
Wirebug mobility speeds up hunts — faster tempo than World, on Switch and beyond.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Co-op / Character Building / Graphics / High Difficulty
Overview
Wirebug vertical mobility speeds up hunts — faster tempo than World, solo-friendly pacing.
Why We Recommend It
Skill-set build depth ranks among series bests — for hunters who love optimization.
18. Monster Hunter Wilds
Monster Hunter Wilds
Genre: Action RPG
Latest Monster Hunter — open fields, shifting environments, and the core gear loop.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / Graphics / Co-op / Character Building / High Difficulty
Overview
Latest entry — open fields and shifting environments deepen hunt reads; gear loops remain core.
Why We Recommend It
Natural next "1000-hour" candidate for World/Rise veterans.
19. Nioh 2
Nioh 2
Genre: Action RPG
Sengoku soulslike — weapon types, onmyo, and guardian spirits explode build variety.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dark / Dystopian Setting
Overview
Sengoku dark soulslike — weapon types, onmyo, and guardian spirits explode build variety.
Why We Recommend It
Rare boss farming sits between Monster Hunter grind and Souls tension.
20. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty
Genre: Action RPG
Three Kingdoms action RPG — wizardry and gear reshape characters in compact co-op boss loops.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Story Depth / Dark
Overview
Team NINJA action RPG in Three Kingdoms China — wizardry and gear dramatically reshape characters.
Why We Recommend It
Shorter campaign than Nioh 2, but co-op boss farming hits just as hard.
⑤ Roguelite Action — Short Runs, Loot High
Shorter runs with build swaps and drops that demand one more try — not classic persistent ARPG, but essential for hack-and-slash search intent.
Related: 20 Roguelike & Roguelite Picks →
21. Hades II
Hades II
Genre: ローグライク
Full v1.0 since September 2025 — boon picks define each run with satisfying melee brawling.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Roguelike / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Emotional Story
Overview
Sequel to the roguelite landmark — boon picks define each run with satisfying melee brawling.
Why We Recommend It
Not persistent ARPG loot, but per-run boon hunger is perfect hack-and-slash onboarding.
22. Dead Cells
Dead Cells
Genre: ローグライクアクション
2D roguelite action — weapons and skills remix every run's combat style.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Roguelike / Action / High Difficulty / Graphics / Dystopian Setting
Overview
2D roguelite action — weapons and skills remix every run's combat style.
Why We Recommend It
Metroidvania layers exist, but the core is short-run build experiments — hack-and-slash in miniature.
23. Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors
Genre: Bullet-Hell Roguelike
Auto-attack casual roguelite — stacking numbers echoes hack-and-slash power inflation.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Roguelike / Character Building / Strategy / High Difficulty
Overview
Auto-attack casual roguelite — stacking numbers echoes hack-and-slash power inflation.
Why We Recommend It
Light controls, but synergy hunting mirrors ARPG build theorycrafting.
24. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Genre: Action-Adventure
Metroidvania lightsaber action — stances and gear reshape combat through exploration rewards.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Graphics / Action / Emotional Story / Story Depth / High Difficulty
Overview
Metroidvania lightsaber action — stances and gear customization reshape combat.
Why We Recommend It
Balanced exploration and bosses — solo power-growth satisfaction for hack-and-slash newcomers.
25. Armored Core VI
Armored Core VI
Genre: Action
Mech part swapping as the core loop — build your AC, not a fantasy loot spreadsheet.
Gameplay Profile
Key tags: Action / High Difficulty / Strategy / Dystopian Setting / Graphics
Overview
Mech part swapping as the core loop — mission rewards feed customization, not random loot drops like fantasy ARPGs.
Why We Recommend It
Build your AC, not a spreadsheet — for customization addicts.
FAQ
Q. Hack-and-slash vs ARPG?
Strictly a subset of ARPGs — in Japanese search, hack-and-slash usually means strong loot loops. This list uses that broad intent.
Q. Free hack-and-slash starters?
Path of Exile 2, Warframe, and Destiny 2 (free base) lead the pack — try one, then choose depth vs co-op.
Q. Is Monster Hunter hack-and-slash?
Included as hunt-craft type — less spreadsheet than Diablo, same craft-to-power loop.
Summary
Skip single-number rankings — pick by type (ARPG, looter shooter, musou, hunt, roguelite). Check GPA game pages for similar titles; see roguelike picks or co-op picks for adjacent lists.