Grim Dawn is a diablo-like ARPG, kickstarted in 2012 as the debut title from Crate Entertainment, an indie studio made up of devs from Iron Lore (who made the Titan Quest games). The devs describe it thus:
Players are thrust into the dark, war-torn world of Cairn where a once proud empire has been brought to ruin and the human race driven to the edge of extinction. Cairn has become ground zero of an eternal war between two otherworldly powers, one seeking to use human bodies as a resource, the other intent upon destroying the human race before that can happen. This cataclysmic war has not only decimated human civilization but is warping the very fabric of reality and, in its wake, giving life to new horrors.
I cannot recommend it highly enough if you enjoy the old-school style ARPGs. It hits perfectly on the loot-drop gameplay loop, class variety and differentiation, and world design (and it has excellent co-op!). Check out the homepage for guides, or the Steam page for the trailers.
It’s on sale on Steam for $2.50 USD right now, which is 90% off of its normal price. It is an absolute steal at this price. If you’re interested but still don’t want to pay that for it, DM me.
Grim Dawn makes Diablo look like a joke, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I started to play this one, then when I was trying to decide how to place some skill points I went down the absolute rabbit hole of online build sharing, and companion apps to help you track how to place your points and what gear you need to aquire, got overwhelmed and bored at the same time and put it down.
I highly recommend grabbing at least Ashes of Malmouth and Forgotten Gods ASAP, if you find yourself enjoying the base game. Inquistor, Necromancer, and Oathkeeper really add to the build variety, and the expansion content itself is decently hefty and as well written as the base(which is absolutely great, especially for an ARPG. Dig into those lore notes you find!).
if I just started the game should I still get them or play the base game first
I would go ahead and grab them, especially if they’re also still on sale, as a lot is unlocked immediately(the three masteries, you can enter Forgotten Gods content at any point by talking to an NPC. AoM requires beating the base game to start its act).
Great game. They also update it regularly with new content for free. There’s a new paid expansion coming soon.
Edit: Currently have played it for 740h.
If you also enjoy Diablo there’s a mod for Grim Dawn: https://forums.crateentertainment.com/t/mod-reign-of-terror/35347.
Can confirm: it’s a great game and really worth it! Loved the dark atmosphere as well.
