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Action RPG hidden gems on Steam
Every game here is tagged Action RPG on Steam, sits between 1,000 and 5,000 reviews, is rated at least 80% positive, and carries a catch drawn from its own negative reviews. All 43 of them. How these pages are made.
Action RPG with real-time combat and character switching. Features a story-driven adventure with exploration and boss battles.
What players likedPlayers praise its story, characters (especially Yuri), and combat, comparing it favorably to other JRPGs and Tales of games.
The catchCombat feels clunky and unresponsive, especially early on before mechanics unlock.
Games like Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition →
Dark fantasy 2D action RPG. Explore a post-apocalyptic world, fight feral monsters, and purify them with your powers.
What players likedPlayers praise Ender Magnolia as a beautiful Metroidvania with improved quality-of-life features and exploration, often comparing it favorably to its predecessor, Ender Lilies.
The catchBosses are bloated damage sponges that turn fights into long defensive slogs.
Games like ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist →
Action RPG with challenging combat and deep job customization. It offers a dark fantasy feel with familiar Final Fantasy locations.
What players likedPlayers describe it as a Nioh-like or Souls-lite Final Fantasy action game, praised for its deep job system and satisfying combat.
The catchStory and dialogue feel incoherent and largely skippable
Games like STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN →
This is an open-world space exploration RPG with ship building and tactical combat. Players explore, research, and engage in faction-based interactions.
What players likedPlayers praise Starcom: Unknown Space as a Star Control 2-like exploration game with deep ship customization and engaging combat.
The catchObjectives are unclear, leaving you unsure where to go
Games like Starcom: Unknown Space →
Weird RPG92% positive from 4,232 reviews202224% finish itDeck Verified
This is a challenging action RPG with a rapid response combat system focused on dodging and counterattacking. It features creative weapons and exploration across infinite worlds.
What players likedPlayers describe it as a unique, odd Souls-like that innovatively integrates real-world elements into gameplay mechanics.
The catchProgression is gear only, no levels or skills, so it turns into a repetitive grind.
Games like Weird RPG →
Action RPG with party-based combat and continuous exploration. You fight monsters, gain skills, and recruit companions in a fantasy world.
What players likedPlayers praise its seamless fantasy adventure and unique leveling system, comparing it to Baldur's Gate 3 and Elder Scrolls titles.
The catchThis Steam version often refuses to run on modern Windows without mods or workarounds.
Games like Dungeon Siege →
This is a remastered JRPG collection featuring a story-driven adventure with action combat and a focus on character progression. It offers a nostalgic experience with enhanced visuals and gameplay.
What players likedPlayers praise the nostalgic story and upgraded graphics, comparing it favorably to its PS2 predecessors and other JRPGs.
The catchSaves live in the game folder with no cloud backup, so progress vanishes easily.
Games like .hack//G.U. Last Recode →
This is a fast-paced action RPG where you build and customize mechanical suits to fight alien beasts. It features deep aesthetic and stat customization for your combat mech.
What players likedPlayers praise the deep mech customization and varied combat, reminiscent of other build-focused action games.
The catchThe mech building shines but combat is shallow, repetitive and full of bullet sponges.
Games like M.A.S.S. Builder →
Cat Quest III95% positive from 4,083 reviews202423% finish itDeck Verified
This is a 2.5D open-world action RPG where players explore a pirate-themed world, sail a ship, and engage in combat. It offers solo or local co-op gameplay with refined combat and treasure hunting.
What players likedPlayers praise its improved combat, charming art style, and engaging pirate-themed adventure, making it the best in the series.
The catchThe pirate ship handles clumsily and its combat is more chore than fun.
Games like Cat Quest III →
An epic fantasy RPG with hack-and-slash combat and deep, classless character development. Explore a vast world, complete non-linear quests, and manage thousands of items.
What players likedPlayers praise its open world, story, and blend of action and traditional RPG elements, comparing it to Diablo, Baldur's Gate, and Morrowind.
The catchFrequent crashes and corrupted saves wipe out hours of progress on modern systems.
Games like Divine Divinity →
This is an action-adventure game with a crime drama story. Players explore detailed Japanese cities, engage in street brawls, and manage a baby.
What players likedPlayers praise its emotional story as a fitting end to Kiryu's saga, often comparing it favorably to Yakuza 0.
The catchCombat is slow and floaty with few heat actions, a clear downgrade on earlier entries.
Games like Yakuza 6: The Song of Life →
Ys Origin93% positive from 3,609 reviews20127% finish itDeck Unsupported
Ys Origin is an arcade-like platformer RPG with Metroidvania elements. It features action-packed combat, exploration, and a multi-faceted narrative.
What players likedPlayers praise Ys Origin's engaging story, fun boss fights, and responsive action, often comparing its old-school JRPG aesthetic to Zelda.
The catchOne repetitive tower makes up the whole game, replayed again with each character.
Games like Ys Origin →
This is an action RPG with deep customization and intense mob-slaying combat. Players craft gear and develop unique builds to survive challenging seasonal content.
What players likedIt's a streamlined ARPG/MMO hack-and-slash with addictive grind, in-depth builds, and competitive leaderboards.
The catchEvery map is the same circular arena grind, and upgrades are just bigger stat numbers.
Games like Dwarven Realms →
FATE96% positive from 3,516 reviews2005Deck Playable
FATE is a classic, procedurally generated dungeon crawler with a pet system. Players battle monsters, collect loot, and level up in a fantasy setting.
What players likedPlayers praise FATE as a simple, fun dungeon crawler reminiscent of beloved childhood games.
The catchThe Steam release is unstable on modern PCs, crashing at startup or during play.
Games like FATE →
Eternights85% positive from 3,415 reviews202328% finish itDeck Verified
Dating sim meets action RPG. Explore dungeons, fight monsters, and build relationships to unlock combat skills before time runs out.
What players likedPlayers praise its engaging combat and unique dating sim mechanics, reminiscent of anime-style action RPGs with a compelling story.
The catchCombat is a stiff, repetitive perfect dodge loop with an unreliable camera and lock-on.
Games like Eternights →
VOIN94% positive from 3,340 reviews2024Deck Playable
This is an action-adventure game where players wield elemental powers to fight hordes of enemies. The core loop involves combat, exploration, and acquiring powerful gear.
What players likedPlayers praise VOIN as a first-person ARPG slasher akin to Doom, Diablo, and Shadow Warrior, with deep build crafting and satisfying combat.
The catchCombat turns repetitive fast as enemy variety is thin and maps are large and empty.
Games like VOIN →
This is a side-scrolling action RPG with a focus on strategic combat, character building, and boss battles. It features a story-driven experience with a talking bird companion.
What players likedPlayers praise ASTLIBRA Revision as a rich, addictive 2D action JRPG with satisfying progression, a deep story, and a fantastic OST, reminiscent of golden-age JRPGs and Metroidvanias.
The catchCombat is mostly mashing attack at damage sponge enemies while grinding for gear.
Games like ASTLIBRA Revision →
Action RPG with a fishing combat mechanic. Explore, battle fish, and upgrade abilities in a fantasy world.
What players likedPlayers praise its relaxing, retro 2D fishing mechanics and charming story, reminiscent of arcade-style games.
The catchEndless fetch quests with tedious back-and-forth padding
Games like Nice Day for Fishing →
Action RPG with a "bump" combat system. Features a classic fantasy adventure feel.
What players likedPlayers praise its fantastic soundtrack and engaging adventure, despite its age and unique "bump system" combat.
The catchBoss fights swing between trivial and near impossible, with janky hitboxes.
Games like Ys I & II Chronicles+ →
This is a collection of classic 2D action fighting and shooting games. Players engage in combat, acquire weapons, and utilize movement mechanics.
What players likedPlayers praise this collection as a fun, nostalgic return to classic flash games from their childhood.
The catchThe port stutters badly and locks to a tiny window, so the browser version runs better.
Games like Crazy Flasher Series 2021 →
This is a third-person action game featuring gunplay and stealth. Players fight spirits as a government exorcist investigating a supernatural village mystery.
What players likedPlayers praise its deep, comical story and power fantasy, comparing it to a 2010 CoD campaign with a tactical shooter twist.
The catchJanky controls, camera and performance problems get in the way of every fight.
Games like 近畿霊務局 - Kinki Spiritual Affairs Bureau →
Action RPG with Disney characters. Explore worlds, fight enemies with Keyblades, and strengthen friendships.
What players likedPlayers praise the fun, flashy combat and nostalgic story, often comparing it favorably to other games in the series.
The catchLong cutscenes crowd out actual gameplay
Games like KINGDOM HEARTS III + Re Mind (DLC) →
Dark fantasy ARPG with ritual-based progression and god-slaying build crafting. Intense runs offer instant gratification in a brutal, cosmic horror setting.
What players likedPlayers praise this "survivor-like" or "horde survivor" game for its fun combat, tactical depth, and extensive upgrade/build variety.
The catchBalance is off, with few viable builds and bosses that soak damage for ages.
Games like Conquest Dark →
Action RPG with town-building and character-driven story. Explore ruins, resolve conflicts, and upgrade a town in a prequel to Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes.
What players likedPlayers praise this action-based side-scrolling RPG as a satisfying prequel to Hundred Heroes, often compared to Suikoden and Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes.
The catchThe bulk of it is repetitive fetch quests and backtracking through the same few zones.
Games like Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising →
Archvale89% positive from 2,377 reviews202139% finish itDeck Verified
Archvale is an action RPG with bullet hell combat and crafting. Players explore diverse regions, defeat enemies, and upgrade gear to uncover lore.
What players likedPlayers praise Archvale as a fantastic bullet-hell game, especially for couch co-op, with engaging, pixel-perfect combat.
The catchMelee is nearly unplayable next to ranged and magic, and most items are useless.
Games like Archvale →
Mini Healer88% positive from 2,292 reviews2020Deck Playable
MMO-inspired RPG with ARPG loot, focusing on boss battles as a healer. Features deep customization and procedural dungeons.
What players likedPlayers praise "Mini Healer" as a "WoW" or "Path of Exile"-like MMORPG healing game with deep build options.
The catchThe developer abandoned it in Early Access years ago, so it will never be finished.
Games like Mini Healer →
WARRIORS: Abyss86% positive from 2,222 reviews20256% finish itDeck Verified
Hack-and-slash action game featuring large-scale battles with over 100 allied heroes. Players summon heroes to overwhelm swarms of enemies in a hellish setting.
What players likedPlayers praise it as a fun, addictive roguelike Musou game, similar to Hades or Warriors Orochi, with a huge roster of characters.
The catchEvery run repeats the same stages and bosses, and characters barely play differently.
Games like WARRIORS: Abyss →
This is a fast-paced 3D action RPG with Metroidvania exploration and intense combat. It features a thrashing soundtrack and challenging boss battles.
What players likedPlayers praise its simple yet challenging gameplay, especially boss battles, and phenomenal music, reminiscent of classic Falcom titles.
The catchBosses are drawn out damage sponges that force grinding before they become beatable.
Games like Ys: The Oath in Felghana →
This is a 2.5D JRPG remake featuring dual protagonists, a unique visual style, and a story-driven adventure with relationship building. It combines fantasy and sci-fi elements with new battle mechanics and full voice acting.
What players likedPlayers praise its dynamic combat and replayability, comparing its engaging story and concepts to Chrono Trigger.
The catchSupporting characters and dialogue feel thin and underdeveloped
Games like STAR OCEAN THE SECOND STORY R →
This is a 2D beat-'em-up with co-op play. Players punch enemies, level up, and recruit allies in a larger, nonlinear city.
The catchLong stretches of backtracking and fetch quests separate the actual fighting.
Games like River City Girls 2 →
Action RPG with challenging combat and beast hunting. Explore a snowy world, upgrade your settlement, and uncover secrets.
What players likedPlayers praise its art, music, and story, comparing its challenging action to Salt and Sacrifice, but not a Souls game.
The catchThe elemental system forces constant gear swapping in menus between almost every fight.
Games like Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter →
Action RPG with unique character abilities and fast-paced combat. Explore a city, fight monsters, and uncover mysteries.
What players likedPlayers praise its amazing story and fun action combat, comparing it favorably to other RPGs like Ys VIII and Tales of Arise.
The catchMost of the game is spent in one drab grey city with bland, samey dungeons.
Games like Ys IX: Monstrum Nox →
A humorous hack-and-slash action game where you fight enemies with various weapons to fix the chaos you caused. Explore an open world with puzzles and treasures on your quest.
What players likedPlayers praise its humorous story and RPG tropes, comparing it to Spiffing Brit's style.
The catchThe jokes wear off after a couple of hours and the combat underneath is repetitive.
Games like Sir Whoopass™: Immortal Death →
Survival horror game with stealth and crafting. Explore a dangerous zone, scavenge resources, and fight mutants.
What players likedPlayers praise its STALKER-like atmosphere and gameplay, with elements reminiscent of Project Zomboid, offering player agency and a good story.
The catchClunky controls and unreliable aiming make the combat frustrating rather than tense.
Games like Tunguska: The Visitation - Final Cut →
This is a 60 FPS action RPG where players explore a city, battle monsters in dungeons, and experience new story content. It features combat, relationship building, and mini-games.
What players likedPlayers praise its realistic relationships and story progression, comparing it to Persona and Trails of Cold Steel with paranormal investigation.
The catchThe combat is dull and floaty, and the camera fights you during boss encounters.
Games like Tokyo Xanadu eX+ →
Magic Rampage95% positive from 1,736 reviews202213% finish itDeck Verified
Magic Rampage is a 2D action platformer with RPG elements. Players explore dungeons, fight enemies, and customize characters with weapons and classes.
What players likedPlayers praise its epic, long-awaited story, reminiscent of classic platformers.
The catchThe mobile roots show, with constant shop prompts and gold sales pushing you to pay.
Games like Magic Rampage →
Garden Story89% positive from 1,703 reviews202116% finish itDeck Verified
Garden Story is a cozy adventure game where you rebuild a village by completing requests. Its core loop involves defending, restoring, and improving the town while collecting items.
What players likedPlayers praise its charming art, music, and touching story, comparing it to a relaxing and rewarding indie gem.
The catchMost of the game is repetitive fetch quests and grinding the same daily chores.
Games like Garden Story →
This is a 3D action-adventure game with a deep martial arts combat system. Players explore a surreal world, master fighting styles, and engage in ritualistic dice duels before battles.
What players likedPlayers praise its unique art, engaging combat, and interconnected world design, reminiscent of Soulslikes.
The catchCombat is clunky and unresponsive, with hits that land with no weight or feedback.
Games like Clash: Artifacts of Chaos →
This is a 3D action RPG featuring fast-paced combat and exploration. Players experience a classic Ys adventure with new gameplay features and an original translation.
What players likedPlayers praise its solid Ys gameplay, featuring simple yet fun combat and an interesting world with a great story.
The catchDamage is tied so tightly to level that most bosses demand long grinding sessions.
Games like Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim →
This is a collection of action RPGs featuring grid-based battles and deck-building with BattleChips. Players explore the net as Lan and MegaMan.EXE to fight network crime.
What players likedPlayers praise the unique and still-holding-up combat system, comparing it to the addictive gameplay of the original series.
The catchInvasive DRM was added after launch without notice, breaking play for existing owners.
Games like Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection Vol. 1 →
POPGOES Arcade96% positive from 1,455 reviews202253% finish itDeck Unsupported
This is a retro-style RPG with two campaigns, featuring exploration, turn-based combat with random modifiers, and a focus on new characters within the FNAF universe.
What players likedPlayers praise the game's content and replayability, finding it a varied and well-crafted experience.
The catchCombat is shallow, mostly hold-space-to-win
Games like POPGOES Arcade →
A 3D roguelite survivor game with cute characters. Players collect weapons and skills to create super weapons and strengthen characters through talent trees.
What players likedPlayers describe it as a standard "survivors" game, praised for its unique character progression, flashy anime art style, and light-hearted atmosphere.
The catchDifficulty spikes unevenly, especially in late stages
Games like Twilight Survivors →
This is an action RPG where players battle using psychic powers in Shibuya. The core loop involves participating in the Reapers' Game to change fate.
What players likedA stylish and fun action RPG sequel with engaging combat, memorable characters, and an outstanding soundtrack.
The catchCombat becomes shallow and repetitive within hours
Games like NEO: The World Ends with You →
