The genre of isometric RPGs, often stemming from tabletop game adaptations for video games, offers a wide range of experiences. From epic medieval fantasies like Baldur’s Gate 3 to intricate investigative narratives like Disco Elysium, these games are renowned for their rich single-player campaigns.
However, many also feature cooperative modes, allowing players to team up online or locally. This ability to play with friends enhances immersion and engagement in these adventures. Cooperative mode transforms the experience, enabling players to share journeys and challenges, increasing the fun and depth of the game.
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10 Project Zomboid
Metacritic Score: N/A
Project Zomboid
- Released
- November 8, 2013
- Developer(s)
- The Indie Stone
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
One of the largest and most complex zombie survival games ever created, Project Zomboid is another isometric RPG perfect for multiplayer with friends. Set in the United States in 1993, the regions of West Point, Muldraugh, and the surroundings are quarantined due to zombies.
The game features many complex systems that make gameplay even more enjoyable, such as precautions to avoid being noticed by zombies, base-building, and managing resources. Playing with friends allows everyone to explore these mechanics and try to survive together.
9 For The King
Metacritic Score: 76
For The King
- Released
- April 19, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Ironoak Games
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Mixing traditional board game elements with electronic RPGs, For The King is an excellent choice for players who want to have fun with friends, especially casual gamers. The game combines turn-based strategy with open-world exploration, allowing players to form groups with different classes to overcome challenges, explore dungeons, and fight various monsters.
Additionally, procedurally generated maps ensure new experiences each time a journey begins. The cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork, and the art style adds a charming, unique visual appeal to the game, enhancing the overall experience.
8 Darksiders Genesis
Metacritic Score: 77
Darksiders Genesis
Set before the first game, Darksiders: Genesis offers a hack-and-slash experience where players can switch between the knights War and Strife. War uses his chaotic sword for melee combat, while Strife uses guns for ranged attacks. The game also allows two friends to play together, with one in each role.
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Cooperative modes include both online and local play. Online, two players can team up to fight demons and solve puzzles. Locally, the game offers split-screen, allowing two players to share the same screen and explore the world together. The Steam version also supports Remote Play, where only one player needs to own the game.
7 Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader
Metacritic Score: 78
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
- Released
- December 7, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Owlcat Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
Developed by OwlCat Games, the same studio behind Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous, Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader introduces several new features. It shifts from medieval fantasy to the sci-fi world of Warhammer and includes a multiplayer mode, a first for the developer.
In Rogue Trader, up to six players can join a single cooperative game. One player assumes the role of the Lord Captain, while others form the crew. Though not all characters are customizable, the multiplayer mode remains a fun experience, especially since single-player and multiplayer modes can be alternated easily.
6 Wasteland 3
Metacritic Score: 85
Wasteland 3
- Released
- August 28, 2020
- Developer(s)
- inXile entertainment
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Strategy
The third entry in the Wasteland series introduced several new features, most notably the addition of multiplayer, a first for inXile. Players can now team up with a friend to enjoy everything the official campaign offers.
The game provides considerable freedom for players to control their actions. Characters can explore the map independently; for example, one might be in combat while the other negotiates with merchants. Later, they can reunite to continue the fight together, enhancing the cooperative experience in Wasteland 3.
5 Diablo 4
Metacritic Score: 86
Diablo 4
- Released
- June 5, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
The Diablo franchise is known for engaging gameplay and a dark atmosphere. The fourth installment, Diablo 4, continues this tradition, offering a rich experience for both solo and group players. Set in the vast and perilous world of Sanctuary, the game presents plenty of content to explore.
In multiplayer mode, Diablo 4 allows players to form teams with friends, benefiting from skill synergies to ease dungeon exploration. The game also supports cross-play between PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, as well as cross-progression, enabling players to continue theit progress on any platform. It's perfect for players seeking an enjoyable cooperative isometric RPG experience.
4 Path of Exile
Metacritic Score: 86
Path of Exile
- Released
- October 23, 2013
- Developer(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Among games similar to Diablo, Path of Exile stands out for its complexity and depth, making multiplayer an essential part of the experience. Unlike other games, Path of Exile does not have an offline campaign. Instead, it functions more like an MMORPG, with constant interaction with other players.
In multiplayer mode, players can form groups with friends to explore dungeons, face powerful enemies, and complete quests together. The skill and class system is highly customizable, allowing for unique synergies among team members. For those who prefer team play, Path of Exile offers a rich cooperative experience, making the journey in Wraeclast even more engaging and strategic.
3 Torchlight 2
Metacritic Score: 88
Torchlight 2
Ideal for fans who enjoy the gameplay of the Diablo franchise, Torchlight 2 is a highly enjoyable isometric RPG to play online. The game offers various character classes, a vast world to explore, and numerous quests to complete, ensuring a fun and comprehensive experience.
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Unfortunately, servers are not very active for those looking to adventure with strangers. However, the solid gameplay of Torchlight II still shines when played with friends. Cooperation makes the game more dynamic and enjoyable, allowing players to make the most of everything the game has to offer.
2 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Metacritic Score: 92
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is an acclaimed isometric RPG known for its deep narrative and complex gameplay, also featuring multiplayer modes. In local co-op, two players can play together. Online, the main campaign supports up to four players, though there is no cross-play, so all must use the same platform.
Additional modes include Game Master and Arena. Game Master Mode allows a GM to create and conduct a custom adventure, similar to a traditional tabletop RPG. In Arena Mode, players form teams of up to four heroes to compete online, ideal for those wanting to test battle tactics without embarking on a complex adventure.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
Metacritic Score: 96
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Larian Studios excelled with Baldur’s Gate 3, offering compelling characters, an immersive setting, stunning graphics, and the ability to play with friends. Up to four players can join this amazing isometric RPG, bringing chaos to the world of Dungeons & Dragons.
New characters can be created for players in a cooperative game at any time. However, those wishing to play an Origin character, like Astarion or Karlach, must choose before the story begins. The game also supports local multiplayer, allowing two people to share the adventure on the same couch.
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