Grim Dawn is one of the most iconic ARPG games you can play alongside behemoths like Path of Exile and Diablo. Despite being a smaller IP, the game has a huge following due to its satisfying gameplay and freedom of construction and combat. With an expansion coming out almost seven years after the last one, people are once again excited about the game.

You may well be asking whether Grim Dawn is worth playing in 2026. The answer is yes. Let’s find out why, and everything you should remember before jumping into the game.

notes: Articles are subjective and reflect the views of the author.

Why should you play Grim Dawn in 2026?

It might take a while to list all the reasons why this game is so popular, but here are a few reasons why it’s worth your time in 2026.

1) New extension

The biggest attraction of Grim Dawn right now is the upcoming Fang of Estkarn expansion. It’s set to release sometime this year and will bring a ton of new content, including new masteries, dungeons, zones, and challenges. I recommend at least playing the base game before expanding to get an idea of ​​how things work.

2) Extensive build process

The game features nine different masteries, but that’s not all. With the dual-class system, you can choose from melee and ranged masteries to create a hybrid character. There are a variety of abilities to choose from, and while the skills you choose are permanent, you can always reapply the skills you use to something different. Additionally, the dedication system allows you to push your build to its limits.

3) A vast open world to explore

The world of Grind Dawn is vast, filled with new encounters, quests, and secrets around every corner. It’s easy to get lost while leveling up and taking out enemies, only to come back and find you’ve completed multiple missions. The game won’t stop you from going anywhere, but it won’t hold your hand all the time, either.

4) Respect player time

Grim Dawn’s gameplay feels fun and rewarding because the loot drops aren’t limited to any specific boss. Any enemy can drop epic or legendary gear as long as you have the relevant expansion. Being a solo player also means not having to rush into anything. You can leave at any time and return with the same progress as there are no seasonal resets.

5) Modules

Another reason you might want to try this game is the modding community. There are hundreds of mods you can try to change your gameplay that is not possible in online gaming. We mentioned before that you can’t change mastery levels, but the mod will allow you to do so so you don’t have to struggle with another character.

Things that might keep players away from Grim Dawn

Just as there are many reasons to try the game, there are also some things that may not be what some players are looking for. Here’s what you need to remember before jumping into the game.

1) Dated graphics

The graphics of Grim Dawn have always been a topic of conversation for many players. While some people think this is fine, others may wish it looked as good as Diablo 4 or Path of Exile 2. The developers are making some tweaks to the UI, but the core visuals and themes of the game will remain the same.

2) Nothing to compete with

Being a single player game means there are no other players to compete with. The game itself doesn’t compete with other ARPGs in terms of seasonal content or regular updates. You can play co-op with friends, but competition only goes so far. Even so, you’re just working together towards the same common goal.

in conclusion

If you love ARPGs but are tired of seasonal patterns and want to progress at your own pace without worrying about FOMO, Grim Dawn is one of the best games you can play in 2026. The announcement of the expansion also surprised everyone, but it makes you want to start playing as soon as possible.

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