Anime Last Stand ALS Unit Tier List (October 2025) [UPD 73]
Are you struggling to decide which units deserve your precious gems and evolution materials in Anime Last Stand? I’ve spent…
The underground ARPG scene boasts exceptional titles like Tower of Kalemonvo, FATE: Reawakened, Dwarven Realms, Chronicon, and Din’s Legacy, delivering innovative mechanics and compelling gameplay that can hold their own against industry giants like Diablo and Path of Exile.
Having invested over 500 hours exploring the indie ARPG landscape this year, I’ve uncovered remarkable games that deserve far greater recognition than they receive. While most players focus on Path of Exile 2 or Diablo IV, I’ve been scouring Steam, itch.io, and various niche platforms to uncover genuinely obscure isometric ARPGs that satisfy that loot craving appetite in unexpected ways. Believe me, several of these games feature mechanics that outshine their AAA counterparts, and I’m thrilled to share my hands on experiences with each title.
My exploration of these underground treasures mirrors discovering influential retro classics that defined the industry every game presents distinctive elements that major studios frequently ignore. This thorough investigation reflects my approach of seeking alternatives beyond mainstream options, similar to my other in depth gaming analyses that explore underappreciated interactive gems.
| Game Category | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Roguelike ARPGs | Procedural generation, permadeath options | Players seeking endless replayability |
| Classic Remasters | Updated graphics, quality of life improvements | Nostalgia seekers and new players |
| Indie Innovations | Unique mechanics, experimental gameplay | Gamers tired of traditional formulas |
I discovered Tower of Kalemonvo during a midnight Steam exploration session, and what began as a “brief 30 minute evaluation” evolved into a 6 hour gaming binge that challenged everything I understood about ARPG progression mechanics. This title abandons the conventional isometric ARPG framework entirely with its classless character development and meaningful roguelike sessions.
Tower of Kalemonvo’s brilliance lies in its character construction approach. Rather than selecting a predetermined class, you’re thrust into dynamically generated dungeons where discovered abilities, spells, and passive skills organically define your build. During my first victorious run (following 12 unsuccessful attempts, admittedly), I developed an unconventional yet remarkably effective fusion of necromancy, dual axe combat, and storm magic that defied any initial planning. The system demands adaptation and creativity, producing builds impossible within traditional class restricted frameworks.
The procedural generation system genuinely impresses. Unlike many ARPGs where “procedural” simply means varied room arrangements, Tower of Kalemonvo creates comprehensive dungeon aesthetics, enemy varieties, and dynamic boss mechanics. After 80+ hours of gameplay, I continue encountering completely novel scenarios. Recently, I explored a dungeon with inverted gravity where projectiles followed unexpected trajectories fundamentally altering my combat strategies.
Operating on my moderate gaming laptop (RTX 3060, 16GB RAM), Tower of Kalemonvo maintains consistent 144 FPS at 1080p with maximum settings. The optimization impresses considering the three person development team. Loading sequences are virtually instantaneous (2-3 seconds maximum), and I’ve experienced zero crashes throughout my complete playthrough. For budget gaming laptop enthusiasts, this title runs excellently even on integrated graphics with minor setting modifications.
When FATE’s remake announcement surfaced, my initial response was doubt. The original 2005 release introduced me to ARPG gaming, and I’ve witnessed too many cherished titles destroyed by “modernized” remakes. I’m pleased to confirm that FATE: Reawakened honors the original while enhancing it appropriately, preserving the welcoming, accessible charm that made it memorable.
FATE: Reawakened’s most remarkable achievement is balancing familiarity with innovation. The pet mechanics, revolutionary in 2005, have received substantial expansion. My loyal companion, a cybernetic wolf named “Glitch,” transcends simple item carrying and combat assistance it now features dedicated skill progression, equipment options, and permanent transformation capabilities through specific fish combinations. I devoted considerable time to fishing experiments with various pet metamorphoses, each dramatically altering gameplay approaches.
The dungeon exploration in FATE: Reawakened perfectly captures that addictive “just one more level” compulsion. The game now includes infinite dungeon mode alongside the traditional campaign, consuming entire weekends of my time. What distinguishes it from other endless dungeon crawlers is the town development system as you delve deeper and retrieve artifacts, your home base evolves, unlocking new merchants, missions, and gameplay features. After reaching level 150 (my current achievement), my settlement appears completely transformed from its starting state, featuring floating platforms, mystical gateways, and rescued NPCs from the depths.
FATE: Reawakened’s modding community has flourished since launch. The developers included comprehensive modding utilities from release, and Steam Workshop already hosts over 500 modifications ranging from simple convenience improvements to complete gameplay overhauls. I’m currently using a modification adding 200 new pet varieties and another implementing a seasonal system where dungeon properties shift every few real time hours. This community support ensures long term game longevity.
Dwarven Realms represents the ARPG equivalent of those oddly satisfying organization videos online. While other games treat inventory management as tedious busywork, Dwarven Realms elevates it to centerpiece status, and somehow it works magnificently. I never anticipated spending 20 minutes organizing my backpack in any game while thoroughly enjoying every moment, yet here I am.
The loot mechanics in Dwarven Realms differ from anything I’ve experienced across 20+ years of ARPG gaming. Items possess physical dimensions and mass that influence not only carrying capacity but actual mobility and combat performance. That massive two handed warhammer might deliver devastating damage, but wielding it requires complete inventory reorganization and potentially abandoning valuable crafting components. I once faced the agonizing choice between keeping a legendary armor piece or 50 units of rare minerals needed for crafting the armor prevailed, but those minerals still haunt me.
Combat in Dwarven Realms features deliberate, strategic pacing that rewards preparation over quick reflexes. Each equipment piece alters your combat animations and timing, so transitioning from sword to axe isn’t merely a statistical change it fundamentally transforms your enemy engagement approach. My preferred build combines throwing axes with explosive containers crafted during combat. Yes, you can manufacture items mid battle if you possess the materials and courage to remain stationary briefly.
Don’t underestimate the pixel art presentation Chronicon ranks among the most mechanically sophisticated and deepest ARPGs I’ve encountered. Developed by a single individual over seven years, this game offers more build diversity than most AAA productions, and its endgame content makes Diablo’s Greater Rifts appear tutorial level. After 200+ hours, I’m still uncovering new synergies and build possibilities.
Chronicon’s skill system is absolutely incredible in the most positive way. Each of the five classes features over 50 abilities, and every ability includes a mastery progression that can completely transform its functionality. My current Templar build converts the basic healing spell into a damage dealing, enemy seeking projectile swarm that simultaneously shields allies. That represents just one skill with its masteries imagine combining 8-10 skills with similar customization depth. The build possibilities are genuinely limitless.
What truly distinguishes Chronicon is its endgame progression philosophy. Instead of simply increasing enemy health and damage, the True Legendary difficulty introduces completely new mechanics, enemy types, and fundamental system changes. Enemies can appropriate your buffs, invert your controls, or temporarily remove skills from your action bar. It sounds frustrating, but it encourages building adaptable characters rather than just stacking damage multipliers.
Chronicon’s enchanting and crafting mechanics deserve special mention because they’re exceptional. Every equipment piece can be endlessly customized through enchanting, augmentation, and transmutation. I invested three hours perfecting a single ring, rerolling statistics, adding new properties, and even changing its base type. The game provides complete control over gear progression, eliminating the frustration of hoping for perfect random drops. If you want it, you can create it it simply requires time and resources.
Din’s Legacy accomplishes something unprecedented in ARPG gaming: it creates a world that continues functioning regardless of your presence. While you’re organizing inventory in town, monsters assault other settlements, NPCs develop rivalries, and quest objectives literally expire. This generates urgency and consequence that most ARPGs lack. In my current playthrough, I delayed rescuing a blacksmith too long, and upon finally reaching him, he had transformed into a zombie I was forced to combat.
The mutation system in Din’s Legacy embodies pure chaos and I adore it. As you play, your character randomly mutates, acquiring new capabilities alongside potential disadvantages. My current character began as a basic warrior but has mutated to possess spider appendages (increased movement speed but fire vulnerability), crystalline skin (enhanced defense but reduced attack speed), and psychic abilities (mind control powers but constant mana drain). Each mutation changes not just statistics but entire playstyle approaches, demanding constant adaptation.
The world in Din’s Legacy feels genuinely alive. NPCs maintain relationships, grudges, and objectives. I once encountered a situation where two previously rescued NPCs initiated a feud that escalated into hiring assassins against each other. I had to choose sides, and my decision affected the entire town’s economy and available quests. This emergent storytelling is rare in ARPGs, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.
While Grim Dawn itself isn’t obscure, the Forgotten Gods expansion introduces so much content and numerous new mechanics that it feels completely different. Most players I encounter haven’t explored this expansion, missing what might be the finest ARPG content ever created. The new Shattered Realm endless dungeon mode alone justifies the purchase price.
The Rune Augment system introduced in Forgotten Gods completely revolutionized my character building approach. These special items provide movement abilities something notably absent from base Grim Dawn. My Necromancer can now teleport through enemies leaving decay trails, while my Soldier can charge forward creating flame barriers. These movement skills aren’t mere convenience improvements; they enable entirely new build archetypes previously impossible.
Last Epoch attempts something remarkably ambitious: utilizing time travel not merely as narrative device but as core gameplay mechanic. You’re not simply visiting different time periods for variety; your past actions directly influence future zones. I once helped defend an Ancient Era town, and returning to the Divine Era revealed it had become a thriving metropolis with superior merchants and exclusive quests. This cause and effect system makes the world feel responsive to your decisions in ways most ARPGs never attempt.
The skill specialization system in Last Epoch masterfully demonstrates player choice. Each skill features its own independent progression tree with 20+ nodes, and you can specialize in five skills total. My Void Knight’s basic attack, Vengeance, has transformed through specialization into an ability that activates automatically upon taking damage, creates void rifts on critical strikes, and drains life from enemies. The customization depth rivals Path of Exile but with a significantly more intuitive interface that doesn’t require spreadsheet management expertise.
The Monolith of Fate endgame system showcases Last Epoch’s true brilliance. Instead of running identical rifts or maps repeatedly, you navigate branching timeline paths where each choice affects future options. Selecting a path with increased monster density might unlock a boss encounter three nodes ahead, while choosing a path with superior rewards might prevent access to certain unique items. It resembles playing chess with your future self, and I’ve spent hours planning optimal routes through the possibility web.
Inquisitor Prophecy is technically a standalone expansion to Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor Martyr, but it adds substantial content and refinement deserving separate recognition. The Tech Adept class introduced here is possibly the most unique ARPG class I’ve encountered. Instead of traditional companions, you control robotic constructs that you can upgrade, modify, and even combine during combat.
The cover system in Inquisitor Prophecy introduces tactical layers most ARPGs ignore. Taking cover genuinely matters, providing damage reduction and accuracy bonuses. Destructible environments mean your protective pillar won’t last indefinitely. I’ve experienced intense firefights where positioning and cover usage mattered more than equipment quality. My most memorable encounter was a 10 minute boss battle where I constantly relocated as the boss’s attacks systematically destroyed every cover piece in the arena.
Yes, Wolcen had a disastrous launch. Yes, it was essentially unplayable for months. But here’s what most people don’t realize: the Bloodtrail update and subsequent patches have transformed Wolcen into a genuinely excellent ARPG. The developers invested two years fixing, refining, and adding content, and the current version bears no resemblance to the broken launch disaster. I gave it another opportunity last month and have been pleasantly surprised by its improvement.
The Gate of Fates passive tree in Wolcen features a rotating system enabling incredibly flexible builds. Unlike fixed skill trees, you can rotate sections to connect different paths, creating combinations normally impossible. I’ve developed a tank mage build utilizing heavy armor and shields while casting devastating spells something requiring careful rotation and planning of passive tree segments. It resembles solving a puzzle where the solution becomes your perfect build.
Victor Vran does something that sounds awful theoretically but works brilliantly practically: it adds jumping and wall running to the ARPG formula. The vertical level design completely transforms combat and exploration approaches. I can leap over enemy attacks, wall run to reach secret areas, and perform diving attacks from above. It feels like Devil May Cry and Diablo created a beautiful offspring.
The weapon based skill system in Victor Vran means your entire playstyle changes based on your current weapon. Weapons aren’t merely statistical improvements; each weapon type features two unique abilities. Switching from hammer to rapier completely alters your available skills and optimal positioning. I appreciate how this system encourages carrying multiple weapons and switching between them mid combat for combinations. My favorite sequence starts with a scythe’s area of effect spin, switches to shotgun for point blank blasts, then finishes with a hammer’s ground slam.
The Van Helsing Final Cut combines all three series games into one massive adventure with seamless progression. Most people played the first game without realizing the series improved exponentially with each entry. The Final Cut includes six playable classes, a 50+ hour campaign, and endgame content rivaling any modern ARPG. The best part? It regularly sells for under $10, making it possibly the best value in ARPG gaming.
Lady Katarina, your ghostly companion, makes Van Helsing special. She’s not merely a pet or follower; she’s a complete character with dedicated skill trees, equipment, and personality. The dialogue between Van Helsing and Katarina is genuinely humorous and well written, adding personality to endless demon slaying. You can build Katarina as tank, damage dealer, or support character, and her build importance equals your own. In my current playthrough, I’ve developed her as a rage generating tank while my character serves as a glass cannon Elementalist she occupies enemies while I rain destruction from distance.
Shadows: Awakening has you playing as a demon possessing dead heroes’ souls, switching between them in real time. The twist? The demon exists in the shadow realm while heroes exist in the mortal realm, and you constantly switch between these parallel dimensions during combat and exploration. Enemies and obstacles in one realm might not exist in the other, creating unique tactical possibilities.
The soul switching mechanic creates incredible combination potential. I can begin fights as my archer in the mortal realm, switch to the demon to phase through enemies and attack their rear line in the shadow realm, then switch to my warrior to tank damage while my mage charges devastating spells. It’s like playing an entire party simultaneously, but real time switching makes it feel fluid rather than overwhelming. The game constantly introduces scenarios requiring creative realm switching use, like bosses only vulnerable in specific realms or puzzles requiring cross dimensional object manipulation.
Book of Demons resembles a children’s pop up book, but don’t let the art style deceive you this is a surprisingly deep ARPG with one revolutionary feature: the Flexiscope system letting you choose exactly how long each dungeon run takes. Want a 5 minute coffee break run? Done. Have two hours available? It’ll generate an appropriate adventure. This respect for player time is revolutionary in a genre known for endless grinding.
The card based skill system in Book of Demons is brilliantly designed. Instead of traditional skills and items, everything becomes a card placed in your limited hand. Do you take that powerful spell using three card slots, or three smaller utilities offering more flexibility? Cards can be upgraded and feature different variants (common, magic, legendary), and building your deck equals combat execution importance. My current Warrior deck focuses on defensive cards and counterattacks, transforming me into an unstoppable fortress that punishes attacking enemies.
While technically playable on desktop, Zenith was built for VR, and it’s the first VR MMORPG actually delivering on its promises. The isometric style gameplay translates surprisingly well to VR, where you observe your character from a god’s eye view while physically performing attacks and abilities. After my first session, my arms ached from spell casting gestures, but I was completely hooked.
The gesture based combat system makes you feel like an actual wizard or warrior. Casting fireballs requires drawing circles in the air, while blocking with shields means physically raising your arm. The game tracks your movements and translates them into combat effectiveness lazy gestures result in weaker spells, while perfectly executed movements provide damage bonuses. It’s the most physically engaging ARPG I’ve experienced, and it’s an incredible workout. I’ve actually lost weight playing this game, which is not something I ever expected to say about an ARPG.
After testing all these games on various systems, from my high end desktop to my old laptop, I’ve learned universal optimization tricks working across most indie ARPGs. First, shadow quality usually provides the biggest performance hit with minimal visual impact dropping shadows from Ultra to Medium typically yields 20-30% more FPS with barely noticeable differences.
For those running these games on high refresh rate gaming laptops, most indie titles can easily achieve 144+ FPS with some adjustment. The key is prioritizing effects impacting gameplay (particle effects, spell visibility) over purely cosmetic options like ambient occlusion or motion blur. I always disable motion blur anyway it just makes chaotic battles harder to follow.
If you’re looking to explore these hidden gems, I recommend starting with whichever game’s unique mechanic appeals most to you. Love complex character building? Start with Chronicon. Prefer tactical combat? Try Inquisitor Prophecy. Want something completely different? Din’s Legacy or Shadows: Awakening will satisfy that craving. Most of these games frequently go on sale, and several offer generous demo versions for testing the waters.
The beauty of exploring obscure ARPGs is that each attempts something different. While mainstream titles often play it safe, these indie developers take risks sometimes resulting in genuine innovation. Sure, not every experiment succeeds, but when they do, you get experiences unavailable elsewhere. This philosophy of looking beyond obvious choices has led me to discover gaming treasures across genres, from cross platform gaming experiences to hidden gems in every category.
The indie ARPG community is surprisingly active and helpful. The r/ARPG subreddit is a goldmine for discovering obscure titles, with weekly threads dedicated to lesser known games. The Lurker Lounge forums, while ancient by internet standards, still host some of the most knowledgeable ARPG players discussing obscure titles and creating detailed build guides.
For finding new releases, I regularly check itch.io’s RPG section, Steam’s upcoming releases filtered by the ARPG tag, and follow several indie ARPG developers on Twitter. Some of my best discoveries came from random itch.io browsing sessions where I found games with literally zero reviews that turned out to be fantastic. The upcoming Crystalfall, releasing later this year, is already on my radar thanks to these community resources.
Similar to how I discover free MMORPG experiences through community recommendations, the indie ARPG scene thrives on word of mouth and passionate developer player relationships rarely seen in AAA gaming.
The indie ARPG scene is more vibrant than ever in 2025. With accessible game development tools and digital distribution platforms, we’re witnessing more experimental and innovative ARPGs than ever before. Upcoming titles like Hell Clock (a time loop ARPG) and Dragonkin: The Banished (dragon focused gameplay) demonstrate that developers aren’t afraid to try completely new concepts.
What excites me most is the trend toward respecting player time and eliminating unnecessary grind. Many of these obscure ARPGs understand that not everyone has 1000 hours to reach endgame content. Games like Book of Demons’ Flexiscope system and Last Epoch’s more generous loot systems prove that you can create engaging ARPGs without requiring players to treat them like second jobs.
In my experience, obscure ARPGs typically have fewer than 10,000 concurrent players, limited marketing budgets, and are often developed by small indie teams or solo developers. These games rarely appear on mainstream gaming sites but often have dedicated cult followings. The lack of visibility doesn’t reflect quality many obscure ARPGs offer more innovation and unique mechanics than their AAA counterparts.
Absolutely! In fact, some obscure ARPGs are more beginner friendly than mainstream titles. FATE: Reawakened and Book of Demons are perfect entry points with their accessible mechanics and adjustable difficulty. These games often have cleaner, more focused designs without the overwhelming complexity that can intimidate newcomers to the genre. Start with these before diving into more complex titles like Chronicon or Last Epoch.
Check the game’s Steam page or official website for recent update news. Active Discord servers are another great indicator developers of obscure games often interact directly with their communities. I always look for games that received updates within the last 6 months. Even if development has ended, many of these games are feature complete and worth playing. Din’s Legacy, for example, still receives regular updates years after release.
Most obscure ARPGs are surprisingly affordable, typically ranging from $10-25 at full price. During sales, you can often grab them for under $10. Compared to AAA titles at $60-70, these games offer incredible value. I’ve gotten hundreds of hours from games that cost less than a movie ticket. Always check for bundle deals too many of these games appear in Humble Bundles or Fanatical bundles for even better prices.
Multiplayer support varies greatly among obscure ARPGs. Games like Last Epoch and Wolcen offer full online multiplayer, while others like Chronicon have local co-op only. Many focus on single player experiences with incredibly deep mechanics instead of multiplayer features. Always check the Steam page for multiplayer details if that’s important to you. In my opinion, the single player experience in most of these games is so rich that you won’t miss multiplayer.
Based on my extensive testing, Chronicon has the most robust endgame with its True Legendary difficulty and endless progression systems. Last Epoch’s Monolith of Fate comes in a close second with its branching timeline system. Both games offer hundreds of hours of meaningful endgame progression without feeling repetitive. The key difference is that Chronicon focuses on pushing your build to absurd limits, while Last Epoch emphasizes strategic choice and consequence.
After spending countless hours exploring these obscure ARPGs, I’m convinced we’re in a golden age for the genre. While everyone’s focused on Path of Exile 2 and Diablo IV, innovative indie developers are quietly revolutionizing what ARPGs can be. These games prove that you don’t need a massive budget or team to create compelling gameplay experiences.
My journey through these hidden gems has rekindled my love for the genre in ways I didn’t expect. Each game offers something unique, whether it’s Tower of Kalemonvo’s classless progression, Din’s Legacy’s living world, or Shadows: Awakening’s dimension switching combat. These aren’t just cheap alternatives to mainstream games they’re genuine innovations that big studios could learn from.
If you’re feeling burnt out on mainstream ARPGs or just want to experience something different, I cannot recommend these obscure titles enough. Start with one that catches your interest, join its community, and discover what you’ve been missing. The ARPG genre is so much bigger and more diverse than just the few games everyone talks about. Sometimes the best gaming experiences come from the games nobody’s heard of and that’s exactly what makes discovering them so special.
