8 Best Isometric RPGs With Real-Time Combat, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• Isometric RPGs offer versatile storytelling & real-time combat with MMOARPGs like Lost Ark & action-packed titles like The Ascent.
• Games like Children of Morta & Grim Dawn showcase diverse themes & character classes tailored for dynamic combat experiences.
• Standout titles such as Transistor, Diablo 4, & Hades blend captivating narratives with challenging real-time combat mechanics.

Isometric RPGs can take on many different forms. The genre is so versatile, that there are nearly infinite possibilities to explore and a ton to offer to players in terms of stories, game mechanics, and even combinations with other genres to deliver an enjoyable and memorable experience. Many RPGs are based on historical fantasy, while others touch on modern times and the struggles that come with them. Whatever the case, combat is typically a central piece of the RPG puzzle, and it often comes presented with real-time mechanics.

As opposed to turn-based combat titles, real-time Isometric RPGs don’t give players time to plan out their strategic approaches and force them to think on their feet, which is, arguably, the more exciting alternative. Here are some of the best Isometric RPGs with real-time combat.

8 The Ascent

A Cyberpunk Adventure With Exciting Combat Mechanics

• Players can adjust their aim to hit different targets
• It’s possible to upgrade players’ cyberdeck to unlock restricted areas and chests

With a heavy cyberpunk theme and tons of action, The Ascent presents players with an exciting story that will have them entertained for hours. Sticking to the standard isometric viewpoint, this game allows players to adjust their aim so that they can hit targets both high and low.

There are also multiple destructible environments and a lot of options for upgrading players’ weapons and cyberdeck devices, which are useful to unlock restricted areas and chests. The combat mechanics in The Ascent are great, fast-paced, and exciting, delivering a very enjoyable overall experience.

7 Lost Ark

A Story Of War And The Search For Power

• A fun MMOARPG with lots of elements to discover
• Combat feels balanced and entertaining

Unlike other titles on this list, Lost Ark is an MMOARPG with an isometric viewpoint that offers hours of fun for players and a ton of secrets to discover. Similar to other titles of the genre, Lost Ark is based on the search for power in the absence of gods and the war that ensues as a consequence of this.

The combat mechanics in this game are fast-paced without feeling overwhelming, allowing players to be able to plan their approaches without getting too comfortable staying in one position for long periods.

6 Children Of Morta

The Bergson Family Must Stop The Corruption From Consuming Their Home

• The members of the Bergson family act as the Guardians of Mount Morta
• Rich color palette and beautiful areas

Children of Morta presents players with a very interesting concept that involves many fantasy elements and a family’s duty to protect their home. Focusing on the Bergson family, the inhabitants of a distant, fantastic land, they serve as the Guardians of Mount Morta.

In the game, their job will be to stop the spread of The Corruption, which endangers the lives of thousands of living beings. The level design in Children of Morta is a treat for the eyes, as every area has tons of details and stands out thanks to its rich color palette.

5 Grim Dawn

A Transdimensional War Brings Humanity To The Brink Of Extinction

• Nine different classes, or “Masteries”
• Challenging, yet rewarding combat mechanics

Grim Dawn is set on the distant land of Cairn, in a hopeless world where humanity has been brought to near-extinction due to a massive transdimensional war. This title allows players to choose several different classes, also known as Masteries, each with its own advantages and disadvantages for combat.

Depending on players’ choices, they will be able to approach Grim Dawn‘s real-time combat mechanics differently, making their journey easier or harder. While the game’s graphics and overall design might feel a little outdated when compared to more modern titles, Grim Dawn still manages to deliver a fun and interesting experience for lovers of isometric RPGs.

4 Transistor

The City Of Cloudbank Is Full Of Excitement

• Red wields the Transistor throughout the game
• Cloudbank has an amazing look that is reminiscent of Night City from Cyberpunk 2077

If Cyberpunk 2077 had been designed to be an isometric RPG, it probably would have looked a lot like Transistor. Set in the futuristic city of Cloudbank, players will take control of Red, a singer who will stop at nothing to bring the Camerata, a group of influential individuals of the city, to justice for their many crimes.

Throughout the game, Red wields the Transistor, a powerful sword that makes it possible to trace people’s consciousness for various purposes. Transistor has a unique art style and its levels are challenging and very interesting to explore.

3 Diablo 4

The Latest Installment Of A Wonderful Franchise

• Diablo 4 sticks to its predecessors’ isometric view
• Lots of enemies to face and weapons to wield

While the game has been out for less than two years at the time of writing this article, Diablo 4 has already captivated millions of players worldwide, who, to this day, continue to play it for hours on end. Blizzard Entertainment understands that, if something isn’t broken, it should not be fixed, which is why it decided to stick to the franchise’s classic isometric view for this title.

With fearsome enemies to face, exciting real-time combat mechanics, tons of different elements to explore and a wide arsenal of unique weapons to wield, players will find no shortage of options during their adventures.

2 Diablo 3

A Title That Fills Veteran Players With Nostalgia

• Players had to wait 12 years between Diablo 2 and Diablo 3
• Great class system for players to choose from

The first two Diablo games were released within four years of each other, with the second installment of the franchise coming out in the year 2000. So, when 2004 came around and there were no plans to release Diablo 3, players were a little frustrated—and understandably so, as the title wouldn’t be released until 2012.

Having to wait 12 long years was, naturally, not at all pleasant for fans of the franchise. However, when Diablo 3 finally came out, the consensus was that the wait was worth it. With fun real-time combat mechanics, tons of different weapons to wield and a robust class system, the game did not disappoint and is still beloved today by many.

1 Hades

An Interesting Take On The Greek Pantheon

• Outstanding real-time combat mechanics
• Players will sometimes be granted boons by certain Olympians

While Hades is not the first game to touch on the topic of the Greek pantheon, it still manages to deliver an outstanding isometric RPG experience to players who love the genre. Players will control Zagreus, the son of Hades, in his endless quest to leave his father’s halls in the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus.

This title has many interesting aspects about it. From its captivating story to its adrenaline-rushing combat that features beautiful visual elements, there’s no shortage of fun to be had or things to appreciate. Throughout the game, players will be able to use boons (a power-up of sorts) granted by other Olympians to make their journey easier.