Grim Dawn

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 818 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 654 out of 818
  2. Mixed: 107 out of 818
  3. Negative: 57 out of 818
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  1. adoomgod
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    Grim Dawn is a theorycrafter's paradise, and the first ARPG that has truly allowed me to live, and even surpass the feelings I had playing Diablo 2 as a kid. It is, in my opinion, the best ARPG I have played.

    About me: I have played and beaten every ARPG known to man since Diablo. Diablo 2 was my favorite of the genre, and I spent the next decade+ searching for a game that would evoke    Grim Dawn is a theorycrafter's paradise, and the first ARPG that has truly allowed me to live, and even surpass the feelings I had playing Diablo 2 as a kid. It is, in my opinion, the best ARPG I have played.

    About me: I have played and beaten every ARPG known to man since Diablo. Diablo 2 was my favorite of the genre, and I spent the next decade+ searching for a game that would evoke even more fun and joy while playing. I played all the mainstream games, all the indie games, and even some foreign titles in languages I could not understand in the hopes of finding a game with satisfying combat, interesting loot, great atmosphere, and amazing build diversity. I even ended up playing a bunch of short Flash based ARPG's in my darkest hours of desperation. I've beta-tested plenty of games, and even impacted a few. I haven't reviewed a game since Torchlight 2 (I regret giving it a 10, it's more like an 8 in comparison to Grim Dawn, as it's itemization lacked flavor and it's diversity was shallower than I realized) So Grim dawn is the first game I'll be reviewing in 2.5 years, as it has earned it.

    When I stumbled upon Grim Dawn I was intrigued, especially when I saw it's lead designer, Arthur Bruno, was also a leader in the development of Titan Quest (which fell short in a lot of ways but was the closest I had gotten, I loved the variety of items in that game and the dual class system). As I read up on him, and his posts, it occurred to me that he was the most articulate and intelligent mind I've ever come across when it came to designing ARPG's, and what made them so fun, and so difficult to get right. I originally pirated a version of the beta (build 13), then caved and bought early access around build 17. Each build was so significantly better than the last that I was floored by how such a small team could make such efficient progress. Slowly and slowly the feeling got better until around B21 when I realized it happened: I felt the drug-like Diablo 2 cravings become satiated for the first time in over a decade. Needless to say, they've made a fan of me. As for the review:

    Let's go over the basics:
    Music: 9 - Atmospheric, moody, grim. Fits the theme of the game, and at no times is tiresome. I only wish they had more songs in their soundtrack.
    Sound: 8 - Usually satisfying and fitting, but there are some spells and attacks that get annoying to hear. Forgivable as we all have our opinions, and they're a small team.
    General Combat: 10 - Meaty, corpses flying, enemies flinching and wailing as they die. Tons of variety and ways to make your foes cease to exist.
    Gameplay: 10 - Will go into this below
    Fun: 10 - Ditto

    I cannot summarize why I love Grim Dawn, as I love so many parts of it, but before I try to consider that this is a game originally made by like 2 full time employees and a few part-timers (eventually expanded to a full-time team of 10 people). It was kick-started by people who saw the potential of what Titan Quest could have been, and who were tired of Diablo-Clones failing to live up to the originals. Medierra (lead designer) and his team have on all accounts succeeded.

    An hack and slash that actually has a combat system with depth. It is a game with someone to offer every ARPG player. Whether you want to be a summoner, a massive area of effect spell caster, a dual wielder, a tank, a supporter, a ranged dps, or any combo of the above, you can do so in Grim Dawn... with style!

    Every skill in the game feels distinct in it's flavor, and with a devotion tree reminiscent of Path of Exile, yet very different, and items that can enhance an insane variety of your combat abilities, let alone grant you new skills and procs that you could build around. The higher difficulties you unlock are challenging but fair, and instead of just having a damned stat-wall (a numerical value your character must reach in it's stats before being able to reasonably progress) as many ARPG's opt for, Grim Dawn actual has some mechanical difficulty in it's fights, especially bosses. You will do best once you learn their abilities and how to play around them.

    The game is addictive to say the least. If there was anything it had that might put players off, it would be that there is so much going on in the combat formulas and stats available, that it might overwhelm less experience players.

    Do NOT let this stop you from trying this title. The best thing you can do to learn what means what, is jump in and experiment, and the players on the forum are more than happy to explain features and stats to you. Get past level 30 (out of 85) and you will see the game open up unlike any other you've played previously, and truly start to understand the scope of build customization available.

    My name is also adoomgod on steam, please feel free to add me to ask questions about GD, ARPG's in general, or for help building your character(s). GD is a game you will want to beat more than once, see you soon. :)    … Expand
  2. megabear
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    Blizzard has a LOT to learn from the developers of Grim Dawn. Massively entertaining with depth that surpasses any ARPG in existence. I have been waiting for this game to be released over the years and I'm so very happy to see that it's released and it's beautiful. A must buy.
  3. MaxWar
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    I just don't know how to properly describe the awesomeness that Grim dawn is.
    I think I will just cry from pure happiness. Even after I played it 300h
    Ok I'm off to play Grim dawn, bye.
  4. Korwin
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    The game is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished by a small, dedicated team of developers. I was (still am) a long-time Titan Quest: Immortal Throne fiend. So when I heard some of the developers from that game were developing a new aRPG I was immediately on-board.

    I was an early backer (2010), then Kickstarter backer, and have purchased the game for a few friends. It has    The game is a remarkable example of what can be accomplished by a small, dedicated team of developers. I was (still am) a long-time Titan Quest: Immortal Throne fiend. So when I heard some of the developers from that game were developing a new aRPG I was immediately on-board.

    I was an early backer (2010), then Kickstarter backer, and have purchased the game for a few friends. It has more than lived up to the hype and exceeded all expectations. I played nearly 400 hours while it was in beta alone, and can't wait to actually, really start playing the game now that it is in full release.

    It has all the best elements of an old-school aRPG game, with some new mechanics to keep it fresh. The environment/climate is interesting, the classes are fairly archetypal but with a fresh spin, and the hunt for loot keeps you hungry for progression.

    The story is interesting and there is enough to keep those interested immersed. The graphics are very good - not amazing, but authentic for the type of game. Not cartoonish at all. The pace is great and there's enough play diversity to offer plenty of replayability. It's a great mix of challenge and depth.

    I recommend this game highly. I've only played as single player, but the game does offer co-op mulitplayer via local server connections (like Titan Quest - no online servers, yay)!

    PS - really looking forward to expansion AND the modding community once the game settles in.    … Expand
  5. Malfet
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    Okay, of course it's not a 10/10, no game is this perfect.
    But it is the best in genre currently, for me.
    Main entertaining point is HUGE variety of skills, gear, stat tweaks and various game-changing mechanics, resulting in very long playtime (300 hours in, will play for much more). There is possibly little "endgame", but I never was a fan of that. As soon as I feel that I have no    Okay, of course it's not a 10/10, no game is this perfect.
    But it is the best in genre currently, for me.

    Main entertaining point is HUGE variety of skills, gear, stat tweaks and various game-changing mechanics, resulting in very long playtime (300 hours in, will play for much more).

    There is possibly little "endgame", but I never was a fan of that. As soon as I feel that I have no real challenge I roll a new char. Problem solved. Plus, there will be survival mode, coming shortly after release, that will give even the most overgeared characters decent challenge.

    My advice — if you love the "diablo-like" arpg genre, nay, if you even remotely like it — try GD out. You will very likely not be disappointed. Especially considering quite low asking price.

    Also, to be fair, I never tried multiplayer, so I can say nothing on that.    … Expand
  6. Daeblana
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    By far my favorite ARPG I've played since Diablo 2. I've had a craving for years for something fresh that borrowed as much as possible from Diablo 2 and implemented it well and Grim Dawn hits an absolute home run in that department. I enjoyed Diablo 3 and sunk a ton of hours into it, but man does Grim Dawn feel like what Diablo 3 should have been. It's that good. It's like everything TitanBy far my favorite ARPG I've played since Diablo 2. I've had a craving for years for something fresh that borrowed as much as possible from Diablo 2 and implemented it well and Grim Dawn hits an absolute home run in that department. I enjoyed Diablo 3 and sunk a ton of hours into it, but man does Grim Dawn feel like what Diablo 3 should have been. It's that good. It's like everything Titan Quest and Diablo 2 did well had a baby and this is our result.

    I've been a supporter since 2012 and playing on and off since well before the game ever hit Steam Early Access and man... it's incredible how far this game has come.

    If you're a Diablo fan of any sort and wasted away who knows how many hours of your youth on Diablo 1 and 2, do yourself a favor and pick this game up. Even at the full price of $25 it's an absolute steal.

    10/10    … Expand
  7. termenk11
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    Excellent game! This game really satisfy my hunger for ARPG. The last time that I get addicted this much to video games is during the Diablo 2 LOD days followed by Titan Quest Immortal throne. I can definitely say that Grim Dawn really fills the void left by Diablo 2 and Titan Quest.. Kudos to Crate Entertainment. Please keep it up!

    If your are contemplating about buying this game,    Excellent game! This game really satisfy my hunger for ARPG. The last time that I get addicted this much to video games is during the Diablo 2 LOD days followed by Titan Quest Immortal throne. I can definitely say that Grim Dawn really fills the void left by Diablo 2 and Titan Quest.. Kudos to Crate Entertainment. Please keep it up!

    If your are contemplating about buying this game, please buy this game. It is well worth your money.    … Expand
  8. gregory_portman
    Feb 25, 2016
    9
    TQ on steroids and... pure single-player arpg awesomeness.

    We haven't had that feeling here since... 2001.

    You love the "old-school" aprgs? Buy yourself the GD... you won't regret it :)

    -1 point for a bit clunky multiplayer experience.
  9. bryanw1995
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    I've played thousands of hours in d3, plus many more of d2, titan quest, d1, dao, some POE... and many many more back in the old days of crpg games like bg1, bg2, pool of radiance, nwn, nwn2, you name it and I've played it. And Grim Dawn is right up there with the best of them. The action, the combat, the itemization, the replayability...everything about the game is just top notch.I've played thousands of hours in d3, plus many more of d2, titan quest, d1, dao, some POE... and many many more back in the old days of crpg games like bg1, bg2, pool of radiance, nwn, nwn2, you name it and I've played it. And Grim Dawn is right up there with the best of them. The action, the combat, the itemization, the replayability...everything about the game is just top notch.

    If you liked any of the games that I mentioned above, then GD is a must have for your collection.    … Expand
  10. Peeto
    Feb 27, 2016
    10
    Worth full AAA price, not 20 only. Already 100+ hours in. Who loves Diablo 1, 2, titan quest... buy it immediately, you will love it. Fully recommended.
  11. curvy2
    Feb 25, 2016
    9
    It's like the creators went to the salvage yard, found the old and rusted remains of Diablo II, Titan Quest, and Fallout and thought "Hey, I remember these. You know what, I bet we could make something out of them." So they hauled them back to work shed, where they were carefully looked over and disassembled, then they began to draft new designs and tinker with the parts. As time passed,It's like the creators went to the salvage yard, found the old and rusted remains of Diablo II, Titan Quest, and Fallout and thought "Hey, I remember these. You know what, I bet we could make something out of them." So they hauled them back to work shed, where they were carefully looked over and disassembled, then they began to draft new designs and tinker with the parts. As time passed, what began as sort of a hobby turned into a real undertaking. And then a work of passion. Now, 6 years later, we are looking at the end result of that work, all new paint, polished up and ready to drive.

    So was the wait worth it? Hell yes it was. This game is a masterpiece. If you're a fan of ARPG's and don't have this yet. Buy it.

    Thank you Crate Entertainment. You have given us something truly special.
    Owlofsecrets    … Expand
  12. mothballs
    Feb 25, 2016
    9
    What's really admirable about GD is that it knows exactly what it is, and doesn't make a fool of itself pretending to be anything it knows it isn't.

    What is GD, that it knows it is? -GD is the rightful inheritor of the throne of loot-, stat-, and skill-rich grindy ARPGs previously tenanted by heavyweights like DII, Dungeon Siege and Titan Quest. What is GD NOT, that it knows it    What's really admirable about GD is that it knows exactly what it is, and doesn't make a fool of itself pretending to be anything it knows it isn't.

    What is GD, that it knows it is?

    -GD is the rightful inheritor of the throne of loot-, stat-, and skill-rich grindy ARPGs previously tenanted by heavyweights like DII, Dungeon Siege and Titan Quest.

    What is GD NOT, that it knows it isn't?

    -GD is not your bestest friend, delivering buckets of loot tailored to your character's needs at the press of a button.
    -GD isn't a telescoping clowngasm arms race where your damage goes up a magnitude every 3 levels and the endboss has fleventy hundred billion HP.
    -GD is not a masterpiece of narrative and characterization.
    -GD is not the next generation of HD graphical brilliance.
    -GD is not a social phenomenon. GD does not come with the built-in ability to tweet your loot.
    -GD doesn't need your love. It doesn't care if you play 10 hours or 1000 hours. It doesn't desperately coerce you with dailies and promotional hats.
    -GD is not a moral agent. Cheat if you want. It might enhance your fun, it might ruin your fun. It's your risk to take.

    You might notice that the first list is a lot shorter than the second. That's because GD toes the line. It's got the formula down, it's got the chops. It's a terrific formula. This is the same formula that had me go sleepless for 3 night in a row at age 14 just giddily grinding to max level in DII so I could finally equip my Buriza and go nuts on the cow level. It's the same formula that compelled me to put in over 300 hours in Dungeon Siege and its sequel, hunting obscure loot just for sake of hunting it. This formula is solid. It's timeless.

    Either the formula speaks to you, or it doesn't. If it does, this is the game. It takes the torch last held by Titan Quest, polishes the everliving buttery daylights out of it, and takes off sprinting with it. You won't be disappointed.

    If the formula doesn't speak to you, that's fine. There are other games out there eager to hold your hand, give you presents, and sing and dance for you. You can even live tweet about it. Go crazy.    … Expand
  13. Martimus
    Feb 25, 2016
    9
    Where to begin? I kickstarted this game nearly from the moment I was able to afford it. The game is really good. It's quite a bit more indepth than D3 and PoE. Better crafting (though heavily dependent on RNG to a fault), better build options and more fun gameplay, though Diablo 3 has far better character animations than both PoE and GD. The performance is solid and the game runs well onWhere to begin? I kickstarted this game nearly from the moment I was able to afford it. The game is really good. It's quite a bit more indepth than D3 and PoE. Better crafting (though heavily dependent on RNG to a fault), better build options and more fun gameplay, though Diablo 3 has far better character animations than both PoE and GD. The performance is solid and the game runs well on even lower end machines with some quality downward adjustments. My biggest complaint about the game is how the difficulty ramps up far too quickly on Ultimate difficulty. The amount of farming for gear can lower morale for many who want to continue, and if your build isn't at the peak top of the hill list of best builds, you won't progress on Ultimate. Some balancing issues need to be taken care of, but the community is extremely friendly and helpful, and for the most part, so are the Devs. They are EXTREMELY responsive and attentive to the needs of the community, with the exception of a few acerbic and crass attitudes displayed towards paying customers. The community has a tight clique of players who tend to circle the wagons against what would be good feedback from players on occasion. If you like an excellent ARPG that harkens back to the old days of Diablo 2's playstyle and mehcanics, this is the game for you. I have logged over 1000 hours playing the game and for the most part, it has been rewarding. Now if only all the skill trees and stats could be balanced...… Expand
  14. RealBugsy
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    I kickstarted this game and as soon as I was granted early access to this game (nearly 3 years ago) I fell in love. The depth of character building in this game is second to none, awesome loot, the dual class system as well as the devotion system means you can build a nearly limitless amount of characters. And you will - because the story, graphics and gameplay keep you coming back forI kickstarted this game and as soon as I was granted early access to this game (nearly 3 years ago) I fell in love. The depth of character building in this game is second to none, awesome loot, the dual class system as well as the devotion system means you can build a nearly limitless amount of characters. And you will - because the story, graphics and gameplay keep you coming back for more.

    I also have to give special mention to the dev team who are incredibly involved with the community and love to play the game they are making which is a rarity nowadays. The forums are incredible as well, with a great sense of community.

    Cthulu + Zombies + Post Apocalyptic World = Epic ARPG. This game is an absolute steal at 24.99 - do yourself a favor and but it now!    … Expand
  15. jtrand
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    I literally made a metacritic account for this review...I just feel I owe it to give my say about this game.

    This is probably in my top 3 games of all time. It's hard to describe without actually playing it. The two class system is amazing. Combat is fluid, and really rewarding. Can't wait for the expansion
  16. Cloud_Strife
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    Well what can I say that hasn't already been said. I've played since build 13 years ago. I've got around 1.5K hours in it and I'm far from done. The build possibilities are just endless. The item hunt is top class.

    There is just so much to fall in love with. And to boot, there is so much more in the final release than what I thought possible during the development time. This is a    Well what can I say that hasn't already been said. I've played since build 13 years ago. I've got around 1.5K hours in it and I'm far from done. The build possibilities are just endless. The item hunt is top class.

    There is just so much to fall in love with.

    And to boot, there is so much more in the final release than what I thought possible during the development time.

    This is a must get for any ARPG fan. Don't miss out on this one!    … Expand
  17. jiraiya78
    Feb 26, 2016
    10
    grim dawn is the best thing happen to loot hunter ARPG gamer. what i love about arpg is the loot (and story) but after diablo 2, titan quest and dungeon siege 2, i'm at loss for a new one. torchlight sure have quite interesting loot but the graphic doesn't captivate me or more accurate, it's turn me off.

    grim dawn is not server based game. it's not online game. the save file is saved    grim dawn is the best thing happen to loot hunter ARPG gamer. what i love about arpg is the loot (and story) but after diablo 2, titan quest and dungeon siege 2, i'm at loss for a new one. torchlight sure have quite interesting loot but the graphic doesn't captivate me or more accurate, it's turn me off.

    grim dawn is not server based game. it's not online game. the save file is saved locally. mean it's moddable, hackable. so if you the kind who care about other who cheat their game but not your game yet feel disturbed/concerned, then by all mean, spare your worry and look else where.

    you will like grim dawn if you like below item:
    - loot with variety of affixes. and many many things to find with particularly fair drop rate.
    - story driven (but not so much like DS2 or diablo). i particularly love story of d2 and ds2 so GD kinda struck below both but if you takes time to walk thru the world slowly and read thru lore notes, i think its gonna drown you in its forsaken world.
    - many choice of skill for build. i have already tried several including poison bullet occultist, blade throwing rogue, dual wield rogue, 2-handed shockwave spam soldier, storm totem shaman. and i have yet to try some few other build i want to try.
    - love to replay many many times. 2nd difficulty, replay quest. 3rd difficulty, replay quest. replay replay replay.
    - multiplayer with option for individual loot. since it hard for me to set rule with my dope friends.
    - looking at gorgeous world, zooming in to look more.
    - don't mind graphics that is not like latest engine. it's TQ engine after all with improve effects and feature.
    - modding tools which will come later. meaning i will get to play community driven contents and more class to play in future.

    my only wish for drum beat when fight boss monster. it's a bit dull fighting boss without fighting drum and victory drum. some people say it's dumb reason to ponder but why there are people talking about immersion?

    tldr: the dream of mine 6-7 years ago become true and better. the feeling is like, a child getting a room full of candy. it's really exciting.    … Expand
  18. kozzy420
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    Best Action rpg since Titan Quest and Diablo 2! Awesome variety in the enemies, great art design and fun gameplay. If you want a new action rpg, go pick this up ASAP!
  19. Winterspark
    Apr 27, 2016
    6
    There is nothing to complain about in this game. Nothing at all. It does everything beautifully, its well put together, delivers on its promises and is nicely structured. I'd happily buy the developers a pint and say good job. If all games were delivered with the quality and thought this has had put into it, everything would be right in the world. The only problem is that, after a fewThere is nothing to complain about in this game. Nothing at all. It does everything beautifully, its well put together, delivers on its promises and is nicely structured. I'd happily buy the developers a pint and say good job. If all games were delivered with the quality and thought this has had put into it, everything would be right in the world. The only problem is that, after a few hours of the same grind, it gets really f*****g boring.… Expand
  20. SPARTACVS
    Mar 30, 2017
    7
    The game is fine. I played many hours but it got some serious flaws. First, the game is a bit complex and feel too much a mix of many other games (mostly POE but also torchlight 2, diablo 3, etc.). The complexity add to the dept but the learning curve is a bit steep. Second, there is a lack of portals. That force you to play longer than you would like. Third, the inventory space is, likeThe game is fine. I played many hours but it got some serious flaws. First, the game is a bit complex and feel too much a mix of many other games (mostly POE but also torchlight 2, diablo 3, etc.). The complexity add to the dept but the learning curve is a bit steep. Second, there is a lack of portals. That force you to play longer than you would like. Third, the inventory space is, like so many games, too small. That force you to create mules. Unfortunately, you have to play the mule a bit to be able to access the transfer stash. Forth, it's overpriced at regular price IMHO.… Expand
  21. Maurenos
    Jun 11, 2020
    7
    A diablo clone game with some nice features such as constellation upgrades and classes. The game features 2 DLCs so if you like such kind of games, you may extend your gameplay.

    For me, the beginning was boring, I wanted to give up, but the plot and quests were enjoyable enough. Thus, I managed to complete this game after 22 hours. In general, a fine mix of elements available in    A diablo clone game with some nice features such as constellation upgrades and classes. The game features 2 DLCs so if you like such kind of games, you may extend your gameplay.

    For me, the beginning was boring, I wanted to give up, but the plot and quests were enjoyable enough. Thus, I managed to complete this game after 22 hours.

    In general, a fine mix of elements available in Diablo 2 and Path of Exile. If you are an ARPG fan, it's worth trying out.    … Expand
  22. Luigichief
    Jul 29, 2020
    6
    I didn't like this game, I think this style of gameplay is very weak. The game has quite a variety of gameplay but just like I said I found these variations useless because the basis of combat for me is boring. The story is very bad, the dialog with the characters is ok. You are free to make certain decisions but they do not affect anything other than the future of some random characters.I didn't like this game, I think this style of gameplay is very weak. The game has quite a variety of gameplay but just like I said I found these variations useless because the basis of combat for me is boring. The story is very bad, the dialog with the characters is ok. You are free to make certain decisions but they do not affect anything other than the future of some random characters. I found the soundtrack horrible. I recommend this game only if you like this gameplay style.… Expand
  23. Aeryx
    Sep 20, 2018
    9
    It's a Diablo 3 game but so much better. Here, you get so much more action and rpg for a much better price. Fast-paced gameplay, more items, more enemies, a deep and engaging gear system and the optional crafting system that gets you really good items. Having played The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing and Diablo 3, I'd say Diablo 3 is the worst of the bunch by a long shot and GrimIt's a Diablo 3 game but so much better. Here, you get so much more action and rpg for a much better price. Fast-paced gameplay, more items, more enemies, a deep and engaging gear system and the optional crafting system that gets you really good items. Having played The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing and Diablo 3, I'd say Diablo 3 is the worst of the bunch by a long shot and Grim Dawn is tied to Van Helsing. The graphics is also impressive and gameplay depth is superb. It's getting a 9 because I found the story to be dark, but a too boring, predictable and linear, which made me care less for the characters. Grim dawn doesn't have excellent, well-written companions like Lady Katarina in Van Helsing, which I found to be a minus, but given the excellent gameplay, it's not a big issue. For an asking price of $30 dollars or less, during a sale, you are getting excellent value.… Expand
  24. jmpessanha
    Dec 6, 2021
    10
    Perfect gameplay, interesting LORE, great ambience, diversity of maps, monsters, classes, items, everything. The spiritual successor to Titan Quest & Diablo 2. Everything that ARPG's old school players needed in this decade.
  25. Hexen-Slayer
    Sep 15, 2020
    9
    GRIM DAWN is by far the best DIABLO clone out there, yes, better than DIABLO II & III, better than TORCHLIGHT 2 and PATH OF EXILE.
    GRIM DAWN has a unique atmosphere and setting - post-apocalyptic fantasy with guns - unique classes (occultist, necromancer, etc.) and allows for dual-classing.
    The maps are hand crafted rather than procedurally generated - and you really can feel the    GRIM DAWN is by far the best DIABLO clone out there, yes, better than DIABLO II & III, better than TORCHLIGHT 2 and PATH OF EXILE.
    GRIM DAWN has a unique atmosphere and setting - post-apocalyptic fantasy with guns - unique classes (occultist, necromancer, etc.) and allows for dual-classing.
    The maps are hand crafted rather than procedurally generated - and you really can feel the difference! Levels are not endless mazes trying to create the longest way from A to B, they feel like real places. The entire map is one whole open world, the only loading screens are some interiors.
    Monsters are varies and well-designed.
    Despite no randomized levels, GRIM DAWN never gets boring - I've spent 1000+ hours in this game, longer than in any of this type, and I just started a new playthrough.
    9 out of 9!    … Expand
  26. Torgall
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    Remarkable title that helps me quench the thirst for some good role-playing hack and slash game. Over the years I still played Diablo II but let's be honest, it's really old. Grim dawn brings back good memories with it's dark setting and nice gameplay. The class system that allows you to combine two of them is very fun and makes for better re-playability.
  27. TheTownDrunk
    Feb 25, 2021
    10
    GRIM DAWN is the best Action-RPG out there, hands down. Forget DIABLO II, forget TORCHLIGHT II, forget PATH OF EXILE, forget HADES, this is it!
    Firstly: the semi-open world is hand crafted which makes it look more like a real place instead of those randomly generated maze worlds. And no, it does not affect replayability, doing the same mazes with a few different turns in DIABLO is not    GRIM DAWN is the best Action-RPG out there, hands down. Forget DIABLO II, forget TORCHLIGHT II, forget PATH OF EXILE, forget HADES, this is it!
    Firstly: the semi-open world is hand crafted which makes it look more like a real place instead of those randomly generated maze worlds. And no, it does not affect replayability, doing the same mazes with a few different turns in DIABLO is not great either. There's so many secrets and optional crypts here, it gives SKYRIM a run for its money.
    The monster types are superb and there's so many of them where other ARPGs lack variety. I lover the world and the setting, it's pure post-apocalyptic dark fantasy, gritty and without the stupid cartoonish look of TORCHLIGHT or DIABLO 3. None of the light-heartedness, it's DARK, just the way I like my fantasy. That's another huge plus.
    The class system is unique: pick one at level 2 and another (if you like) at level 10 to create a new class, then take skills from each branch. Love it.
    Weapons and armor are a mix of classic fantasy (plate armor, swords, morning stars) and 18/19th century (Western style dusters, blunderbusses, six-shooters and shotguns). The mix really works here. I've beaten the game 6 times already, and unlike the DIABLO series, I keep coming back to this and finding new hidden areas, new items and new monsters that I missed on previous playthroughs.
    The DLCs range from awesome (ASHES OF MELMOUTH) to good (CRUCIBLE, an excellent leveling tool) to meh (FORGOTTEN GODS - new Oathkeep class is great, but the desert sucks), still all worth a buy.    … Expand
  28. Pipemastersven
    Mar 2, 2016
    10
    Played the Alpha for the last year - and watching how the devs constantly updated the game, engaged with the community makes this game all the more sweeter; It has that classic ARPG style that gives your nostalgia a nice nod and really has that grittiness that we loved in the D1/D2 games.
    The perfect indie game in my opinion
  29. AnTi_HeRo2100
    Mar 3, 2016
    10
    Grim Dawn

    This Game is what people were wishing for when Diablo 3 came out, this game is a instant classic in the area where aRPG's have kind of suffered in an era of half finished games pushing the remaining portion as DLC. The environment is dark and twisted starting from the beginning area where the roads are littered with bodies and blood to later on when much of the effects are    Grim Dawn

    This Game is what people were wishing for when Diablo 3 came out, this game is a instant classic in the area where aRPG's have kind of suffered in an era of half finished games pushing the remaining portion as DLC.

    The environment is dark and twisted starting from the beginning area where the roads are littered with bodies and blood to later on when much of the effects are similar in the dark category, the enemies are not original but they are not over done at the same time ie zombies of different types, different types of hounds and things of that nature but as I said before it is not over done.

    Similar to Diablo this game is a quest for gear as you roam and kill everything in sight your constantly waiting for that better weapon to drop, its also (similar to diablo) a dungeon crawler which isn't a bad thing after Diablo 3 aRPG fans needed something that wasn't diablo but played similar but managed to still be new and fun and Grim Dawn is just that.

    Grim Dawn also has full controller support and its actually not horrible however it is a little different than what may be expected and have the need for a quick Google and familiarization with, if you want to know how to fully operate every aspect of the game from the controller support. however none the less the controller support is nice.

    Summary; Grim Dawn is an aRPG that classic and new fans of the genre will love all the same. the environment is awesome and the enemies while recycled still feel new or just don't feel old, make that decision for yourself, the controller support while it can be kinda strange for the first 5 minutes is really nice I give Grim Dawn a 10/10 when it comes to an aRPG.    … Expand
  30. nilsy
    Jun 28, 2016
    5
    Cant find anything "wrong" with it, but just could not find any desire in myself to continue playing.
    Tried another class and it went alot better but still could not find any desire to start playing or continue playing.
    While the classes were pretty free and loot had unique abilities that actually impacted did not feel any real desire towards any particular path none of them appealed    Cant find anything "wrong" with it, but just could not find any desire in myself to continue playing.
    Tried another class and it went alot better but still could not find any desire to start playing or continue playing.

    While the classes were pretty free and loot had unique abilities that actually impacted did not feel any real desire towards any particular path none of them appealed to me, best i found was a kind of AoE DOT build
    but even that bored me to death.

    Like D1 and D2 and was very inlove with TQ so in theory this should be my type of quest but it did nothing for me could not stand it.
    Maybe ive just played to many diablo clones and a decent clone just does nothing for me anymore or else it lacks a certain charm hard to tell.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

41
#41 Best PC Game of 2016
25
#25 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
62
#62 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. CD-Action
    May 30, 2016
    85
    Dozens of hours of hacking and slashing done so well and so addictive that you could swear it’s Blizzard’s game. [05/2016, p.56]
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    May 9, 2016
    87
    Grim Dawn scratches the right action RPG itch with a plenty of loot to hoard and a decent skill system that offers plenty of options to build the perfect demon-blasting hero. The only problem is the lack of a proper endgame, as the non-randomized maps and locations becoming too familiar too fast. [May 2016]
  3. RPG Fan
    May 9, 2016
    79
    Truly, Grim Dawn represents the modern gamer's slot machine, where three cherries are a set item drop and three 7's are a jackpot of a story that never comes to fruition.
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