Grim Dawn

Grim Dawn is the first game to come from Crate Entertainment, but make no mistake, this is not some amateur dev team.

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Grim Dawn is a dark, atmospheric action RPG set in a crumbling world overrun by supernatural forces. Choose one of the ten distinct classes to build your character and explore the vast, open world to uncover its many secrets. With a focus on deep, engaging gameplay and a rich, compelling story, Grim Dawn offers a challenging and immersive experience for ARPG fans.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 34,583 reviews

story2,412 positive mentions

grinding970 negative mentions

story
7,652 mentions
32 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story in *Grim Dawn* is often described as engaging yet somewhat generic, with a dark, post-apocalyptic setting that draws on themes of survival and conflict between factions. While many players appreciate the depth of lore found in scattered notes and side quests, the main narrative can feel linear and lacks significant character development, leading some to focus more on gameplay than the story itself. Overall, the game is praised for its immersive world and character customization, but the storytelling may not captivate everyone, especially those seeking a more intricate plot.
- “The story is engaging, interesting, and fun; there are even lootable lore pages to find and complete to gain extra xp.”
- “The world is richly detailed, with a captivating storyline that unfolds as you explore its diverse regions.”
- “Grim Dawn combines so many great aspects of other games that I have played over time into one big game full of a great storyline and soundtrack.”
- “The story is minimal, the characters aren't really 'alive'.”
- “The story is pretty basic but the world is surprisingly large, with lots of side quests and secret areas to explore.”
- “The story is fairly run of the mill do this, save that.”
gameplay
3,747 mentions
41 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
Grim Dawn's gameplay is characterized by its deep mechanics, extensive character customization, and satisfying combat, drawing comparisons to classic ARPGs like Diablo II and Titan Quest. Players appreciate the dual-class system, which allows for diverse builds, and the devotion mechanic that adds further depth to character progression. While some find the gameplay repetitive over time, many agree that the engaging loot system and immersive dark atmosphere keep the experience enjoyable for hundreds of hours.
- “Grim Dawn has much deeper mechanics than any other ARPG out there.”
- “Gameplay is addictive, satisfying, and highly customizable to fit your play style.”
- “The core gameplay is fun, and you can really just play what you like and get through the game fairly easily.”
- “The gameplay was too repetitive.”
- “The mechanics in this game are confusing and very complicated.”
- “The gameplay is boring.”
graphics
2,697 mentions
45 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Grim Dawn" receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals are not cutting-edge, they effectively convey the game's dark and gritty atmosphere. Some appreciate the art style and detail, particularly in environments and spell effects, while others criticize the graphics as outdated compared to modern titles like "Diablo III" or "Path of Exile." Overall, the game's aesthetic is often described as fitting for its theme, with a nostalgic nod to classic ARPGs, though some players express a desire for graphical improvements in future updates.
- “Amazing game, nice graphics, great set pieces, stunning classes.”
- “The graphics are excellent along with the physics.”
- “The graphics are gorgeous, the music is brooding, and the gameplay loop is fun.”
- “The graphics definitely show their age but the modding community remedied this pretty quickly for me.”
- “The graphics are old gen, and too bulky.”
- “The graphics are a bit dated, and the animations and overall presentation of the story will not wow you, but the build system is very intricate and customizable.”
music
1,161 mentions
49 % positive mentions
47 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance immersion, often drawing comparisons to the iconic soundtracks of the Diablo series. While some find the soundtrack to be haunting and fitting for the game's dark themes, others criticize it for being repetitive and forgettable over extended play sessions. Overall, the music is generally regarded as a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to the overall experience, though it may not stand out as memorable for all players.
- “The music and sound design further enhance the immersion, with atmospheric tracks and sound effects that bring the world to life.”
- “The haunting landscapes, coupled with the chilling soundtrack, created an ambiance that sent shivers down my spine in the best possible way.”
- “The music, atmosphere, and visual style are great and the combat is fun and polished.”
- “I've spent a lot of time clicking m1 and hearing the same sound effects over and over, along with bland background music.”
- “The music is dull, forgettable, and monotonous.”
- “The music could use more work; it's really bland and generic, sadly even in Forgotten Gods.”
atmosphere
1,095 mentions
56 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Grim Dawn is widely praised for its dark, immersive, and gritty qualities, reminiscent of classic titles like Diablo II. Players appreciate the haunting visuals, atmospheric soundtrack, and rich environmental storytelling that enhance the sense of dread and exploration throughout the game. While some note that the graphics may feel dated, the overall ambiance and thematic consistency create a captivating experience that draws players into its post-apocalyptic world.
- “The dark atmosphere and deep gameplay mechanics draw me in, and I love exploring the grim world of Cairn.”
- “Grim Dawn excels in creating a dark, foreboding atmosphere that perfectly suits its grim narrative.”
- “The hauntingly beautiful landscapes, meticulously crafted environments, and atmospheric soundtrack combine to create a sense of immersion rarely seen in modern RPGs.”
- “The atmosphere is oppressive and hopeless, but strangely captivating.”
- “The atmosphere is dark and cruel.”
- “The atmosphere, the story, the music, the gameplay.”
replayability
1,031 mentions
51 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
Grim Dawn boasts exceptionally high replayability, primarily due to its dual-class system that allows players to create a vast array of unique character builds. The game's extensive customization options, engaging lore, and well-designed world encourage multiple playthroughs, while the addition of expansions and ongoing developer support further enhance its replay value. Players appreciate the variety of playstyles and the challenge of experimenting with different class combinations, making it a standout title in the action RPG genre.
- “The base classes and ability to multiclass allow a lot of replayability with multiple playstyles, the world is well designed, there's plenty to do off the beaten path, and the story is pretty interesting.”
- “The dual-class system creates an absurd amount of replayability, and the devotion system means you always have some options to make exactly the build you're after.”
- “The replayability, the atmosphere (the guys have practically written a book with all the lore there is in the game!), the skills, the loot, the choices....”
- “The replayability of this game is about as infinite as an ARPG can be.”
- “Despite not having random maps as other ARPGs out there, the game yet offers endless replayability by giving the user the possibility to combine two classes with distinct set of skills to create a completely new character that plays very differently from the ones you had before.”
- “The dual-class system, skill trees, and devotions give it huge depth and replayability; if ARPGs and tinkering with builds is your kind of jam, of course.”
grinding
997 mentions
1 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of Grim Dawn is a mixed bag, with many players finding it both rewarding and tedious. While some appreciate the satisfying loot grind and the depth of character customization, others criticize the repetitive nature of farming for specific items and the lengthy process of leveling up. Overall, the game strikes a balance between enjoyable grinding and moments of tedium, appealing primarily to fans of the genre who relish the grind for gear and character progression.
- “Grim Dawn is in that sweet spot between the two - satisfying loot grind that isn't too grindy; more engaging gameplay and build management than Diablo, but not exhausting like Path of Exile.”
- “Great amount of depth but not too grindy.”
- “It's not grindy and discovering the lore and dungeons are really involving.”
- “The game in itself outside of literally playing it has become a tedious chore.”
- “My only critique is that farming is a bit of a chore, as there is a lot of walking from the nearest portal to reach literally every boss, plus the time it takes to annihilate the hordes of enemies between that portal and the boss.”
- “The late game is sooo stale, the grinding omfg.”
optimization
356 mentions
24 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting both improvements and persistent issues. While some report smooth performance and effective use of lower-end hardware, others experience significant stuttering, particularly in multiplayer modes or during intense gameplay scenarios. Overall, the game is seen as well-optimized for its age, but it still suffers from limitations due to its older engine, leading to inconsistent performance across different systems.
- “The game's optimization is admirable, and the replayability with the story as New Game Plus opens up a lot of even more powerful loot which encourages multiple runs.”
- “Absolutely no performance issues, I don't even remember the game ever crashing on me, the story is great, the loot system is honestly really satisfying, and the setting suits my taste pretty well.”
- “The gameplay is very fluid, the game is very well designed and there are no crashes, bugs, memory leaks, or any other performance problems, (in my experience at least).”
- “Unfortunately, it is poorly optimized and only allows you to use one CPU thread, which severely bottlenecks performance, especially on maps with denser mob populations or more effects being calculated.”
- “I would consider this a popular AA title that deserves much more optimization; unless you are from the future and have a computer that is beefy enough to brute-force through these performance issues, I wouldn't recommend this game.”
- “The game has poor CPU usage due to no multithread support (again, old engine), so if you have a CPU with horrible single-core performance, your performance will most likely be lacking.”
character development
232 mentions
40 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
Character development in Grim Dawn is widely praised for its depth and flexibility, featuring a dual-class system, a devotion mechanic, and extensive skill trees that allow for a vast array of build possibilities. Players appreciate the balance between complexity and accessibility, enabling both casual and hardcore gamers to experiment with various character combinations and strategies. While some find the sheer number of options overwhelming, the overall consensus is that the character development system significantly enhances replayability and engagement in the game.
- “The depth of character development will have you absorbed in this game.”
- “Character development is a core product of Grim Dawn, with effective dual classing, a 'devotion' system in which characters can choose increasingly more powerful stats and proc abilities from a wide array of constellations, and modifiers to skills found within the skill tree.”
- “With its dark fantasy setting, deep character development, and satisfying gameplay mechanics, it is a game that can be enjoyed for countless hours, even without the DLCs.”
- “The character development is often overwhelming, but due to the great forums on Crate's site, plus the community support writing guides, it helps ease the burden.”
- “This game advertises 'complex character development.' If your idea of character development is sorting through lists of statistics to determine how to maximize a particular status effect, then I guess this is the game for you.”
- “Character development can be a bit overwhelming and I would suggest a guide.”
stability
213 mentions
19 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
79 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs during single-player sessions, while multiplayer experiences are often plagued by crashes, freezes, and various glitches. Despite these issues, some users have noted improvements following updates, and many find the game runs well on various platforms, including PCs and the Steam Deck. Overall, while single-player gameplay is generally stable, multiplayer remains problematic and may require patience from players.
- “It's officially supported, works out of the box, and runs great.”
- “Runs great with no hiccups and will basically run on anything.”
- “The game is well polished, runs great, and also serves up multiplayer.”
- “Extremely unstable multiplayer with constant glitches.”
- “Only con is that the multiplayer is slightly buggy; after a long session, the game will crash if one of you checks your stash, and some report black screen bugs that have been going on for years.”
- “The game freezes and crashes on me more often than it doesn't, and it is really annoying.”
humor
116 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often described as charming and cleverly integrated, with players enjoying hidden jokes, funny item descriptions, and amusing ragdoll physics. While the overall tone can be dark, there are plenty of lighthearted moments and quirky characters that provide comic relief, making the gameplay experience both engaging and entertaining. Many players appreciate the balance of humor amidst the game's serious themes, contributing to its unique appeal.
- “You'll find the odd bit of humor hidden throughout the game (think, Wirt's leg), which I find charming.”
- “Enemies ragdoll hilariously when killed.”
- “The ragdoll physics make this game very funny with a demolition explosive build with bodies and bits flying all over.”
- “Oh, I know, how unfunny! Starting with the enemies when it is so much fun to think about the heroes, right?”
- “It's to the point where it's never not funny to me.”
monetization
109 mentions
6 % positive mentions
67 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its lack of microtransactions, with many reviewers highlighting that it offers a complete experience without the typical cash grab tactics seen in modern titles. While there are optional DLCs available, players appreciate that the core game is designed for enjoyment rather than monetization, making it a refreshing alternative to other ARPGs that rely heavily on in-game purchases. Overall, the monetization model is seen as fair and supportive of the game's integrity, focusing on delivering solid gameplay rather than exploiting players financially.
- “A fantastic game that you can tell has been designed to be fun to play, instead of funnelling people towards microtransactions (of which there are none).”
- “No microtransactions, no pay2win, no lootboxes, no game pass, no season pass, no overpriced skins, no casino gameplay, no in-game shop, no unskippable ads during loading screens.”
- “No microtransactions or other predatory monetization.”
- “No cash grab, no microtransactions, just purchase and go.”
- “I still haven't gotten to the endgame but I can say with all my heart that this game is 12312312312 times better than Diablo 4, it is after all made by the same ARPG veterans that created Titan Quest. It's an ARPG with no hidden agendas and no monetization of any sort.”
emotional
54 mentions
85 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is mixed, with some players finding deep engagement through well-crafted quests and character interactions, while others criticize the overall story as boring and lacking emotional depth. Many express a nostalgic connection reminiscent of classic titles like Diablo 2, highlighting moments that evoke strong feelings, but also note that some characters and plotlines feel underdeveloped. Overall, the community is described as wholesome, contributing positively to the emotional experience despite the game's narrative shortcomings.
- “The lore and quests scattered throughout the game added depth to my journey, and the well-crafted dialogue with NPCs made me feel like an integral part of this post-apocalyptic world.”
- “The story made me feel devastated, creeped out, superstitious, heroic, righteous, and triumphant all in the right ways.”
- “When your dreams are crushed by bad releases (cough) Diablo 3 (cough), a game like this sweeps in to fill that dark empty hole left by trauma and heart-wrenching disappointment.”
- “I just tried playing Diablo 3 again after the announcement of Diablo 4 and just couldn't deal with the mind-numbingly boring story.”
- “A boring story without any plot twists and with soulless characters.”
- “Every other ARPG I've tried either has gender-locked classes or a boring story or gameplay.”