Diablo 4 vs Grim Dawn: 5 major differences between the two games

Diablo 4 and Grim Dawn are both ARPGs at heart and share a lot of similarities like having a top-down camera view, hack-and-slash combat, and being a dungeon crawler. These games have been praised for their deeply structured RPG elements which let you customize your builds. While both titles stem from the same genre, there are a few differences that distinguish them.

Here are 5 differences between Diablo 4 and Grim Dawn.

Note: This article is subjective, reflects the writer's opinions, and is not ranked in any particular order.

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These are all the differences between Diablo 4 and Grim Dawn

1) Setting and atmosphere

Grim Dawn is set in a fantasy world (Image via Crate Entertainment)

Diablo 4 is set in a dark fantasy world that puts heavy emphasis on gothic themes. The game features dark environments that help in creating creepy locations, which are only enhanced by its red and black color palettes. The use of dark shades helps in creating the set pieces required for the gothic setting.

Grim Dawn, on the other hand, is set in the Victorian era which blends steampunk elements with a pinch of supernatural forces that run the world. While this world has a lot more colors to it, there are still some sections with darker color palettes. However, they are not as evident because Grim Dawn doesn't lean towards exploring horror themes like the Diablo series.

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2) Gameplay mechanics

Grim Dawn allows players to create unique builds (Image via Crate Entertainment)

The combat of Diablo 4 is fast-paced and requires the player to have deep knowledge of their build as each class heavily changes the playstyle. Most special abilities are splash area attacks which help clear the room a bit. You also have a heavily customizable skill tree which looks confusing at first, but helps in giving your character an entirely new skillset.

Grim Dawn uses slower-paced combat that requires the player to focus on their positioning during encounters. The Dual class system allows them to try out a mixture of builds with unique abilities called celestial powers. While the game primarily sports single-player mode with co-op elements on the side, they are not as polished as the latest Diablo entry.

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3) Story and narrative

Diablo 4 was nominated for the Game of the Year award (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

The storytelling In Diablo 4 is done through high-quality cutscenes where players get to witness the ongoing conflict between angels and demons. The story is a continuation of the previous games in the franchise, featuring top-notch voice acting and a focus on cinematic storytelling. The conflict between heaven and hell has been the main draw for the series.

Grim Dawn revolves around the aftereffects of postapocalyptic events where the human race is trying to survive while avoiding unwanted attention from invaders and dangerous factions. The storytelling here is not as comprehensive as Diablo 4, but it's still serviceable. Players interested in an even deeper narrative can always find lore spread throughout the world in notes written by other NPCs.

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4) Graphics and Visual Design

Diablo series has always had gothic-themed environments (Image via Blizzard Entertainment)

Diablo 4 is a game with a big budget which is why it can have high-quality graphics and lighting effects. Since the game is AAA quality and backed by a huge publisher (Blizzard Entertainment), it boasts detailed character models and environments that enable immersion.

Meanwhile, Grim Dawn does not have a AAA budget, meaning the graphics here are not as advanced as the AAA games of 2024. However, the title still impresses with a unique art style and atmosphere that perfectly replicates the Victorian-era aesthetic.

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5) Endgame content and replayability

Grim Dawn allows for extensive mod support (Image via Crate Entertainment)

Diablo 4 offers a variety of content after the main story. There are plenty of dungeons to raid for unique loot which can be used to create even stronger builds. The game also contains bosses across all dungeons which players can fight along with their friends. Seasonal resets also allow for increased replayability, encouraging players to return.

Grim Dawn features modes like Crucible and Shattered Realm which offer elements like endless dungeons and arena modes. The game also allows mod support which means players can experience the content created by other users. This makes Grim Dawn more replayable than Diablo 4.