Diablo 4 Collides with Red Dead Redemption 2 in Brand New ARPG

While it hasn’t been without competition, it’s hard to argue that Diablo 4 has not been the top dog in the ARPG space in recent years. The upcoming release of Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred in April, as well as the content heading into it, is proof of that. The continued support since its initial launch also goes a long way. In a similar vein, no game has come close to capturing the western world of Red Dead Redemption 2, and it may be a long time before that crown is taken. An upcoming ARPG isn’t attempting to dethrone either, but it understands the valuable lessons of each: The Dark West.

The Dark West is an upcoming isometric ARPG from developer Black Hand, which leaves a strong impression with each screenshot. Of course, proper gameplay is the best determiner of quality, so fans will have a hand in shaping that when it releases on Early Access in 2026. In essence, the elevator pitch for The Dark West seems to be Diablo 4‘s approach to gameplay, but if the world of Sanctuary was actually once the Wild West of Red Dead 2. From both, it takes strong lessons in storytelling and worldbuilding.

Right now, The Dark West is currently only slated for release on PC via Steam. It will launch on Early Access in 2026 and is expected to remain as such for one year. Developer Black Hand wants community feedback to shape decisions around balancing loot, optimizing difficulty, and refining the in-game economy, among other directions. When The Dark West fully launches sometime in 2027, the five acts will be fleshed out, the various classes will be ready for new players, and various systems (from crafting to endgame) will be extant and ready for a real pressure test.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)

Start

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)Start

The Dark West Features at a Glance

• CURSED FRONTIER: Explore dying towns and depleted mines in a ruined Wild West.
• OCCULT WESTERN: The world lies barren beneath an eternal dusk.
• POWER COMES AT A PRICE: Players can consume alcohol to gain strength but dull the senses.
• POKER-CARD POWER: Players can assemble Poker hands that twist abilities and bonuses.
• DEEP, DARK PROGRESSION: Complete with dynamic skills and legendary weapons.
• BRUTAL ARPG COMBAT: Fast-paced, strategic, and unforgiving.

Say Hello to the Occult West of Worldbuilding

While both Diablo 4 and Red Dead Redemption 2 have drastically different worldbuilding, what lies at the heart of both is a sense that it is fully lived in. Red Dead 2 is more grounded and historical, perhaps making that easier, but even the world of Diablo 4‘s Sanctuary has excellent worldbuilding that sets the tone—straight from the name. The Dark West is no different.

In The Dark West, the world is described as an “occult west” where the sun refuses to rise. The land, presumably once a vibrant west as seen in Red Dead 2, is forever damaged by cultists. As players choose a class, they will each come with a “difficult past.” The Dark West‘s classes have yet to be revealed in full, but hopefully, they come with the strengths of Diablo 4‘s best classes. In this world, towns are destroyed, buildings stand empty, and black magic rots everything it touches.

The Dark West’s Combat Promises Brutality

The best moments in any ARPG are when players are pushed to the limits of their builds (or when they can craft clever 1-button builds a la Diablo 4). The Dark West promises more of the same. It suggests combat is a constant, complete with gunfire befitting a western desperado and strange, magical powers befitting a world destroyed by black magic. As players progress in their class, they’ll be able to proceed down expansive skill trees. Right now, only two classes have been shown off:

• The Gunslinger, your run-of-the-mill gun-toting desperado
• The Padre, a Fire Mage-like class

Alongside the skills, players will be able to craft character builds with gear. That’s the bare bones of ARPG, and while there’s plenty more to see regarding builds, there is one interesting facet worth highlighting. As detailed on the Steam page, “Choices also shape how you fight and what you become, and power leaves a mark that does not wash off. Before long, survival gives way to reputation, and the respect you’ve built is no longer taken lightly by the land or the people still standing in it.” It remains to be seen how extensive choice, power, reputation, and respect contribute to character building, but it does bring to mind Red Dead 2‘s honor system off the bat.

Black Magic and Western Justice Are At The Heart of Two Factions

While the characters of The Dark West will no doubt impact its longevity, there are two known factions in the world, too. There is The Order and the Damned. The Order sounds a lot like Diablo 4‘s Paladins, as warriors of “justice” who wear it like “armor.” Narratively, they are unwilling to see the “rot” growing within the faction, and the best part is that such rot could be literal, figurative, or both.

The Damned are those who have fully given themselves to Black Magic, or at least those who have been claimed by it. They are described as cursed and unapologetic, and navigating both factions will no doubt play a role in how the world of The Dark West develops.

The Dark West Has Big Goals and a Strong Premise

The Dark West is not going to dethrone Diablo 4 in ARPGs or Red Dead 2 in depictions of the West, but based on everything shown so far, it promises to offer a unique take inspired by both their strengths. With Early Access and support from the community, it’s easy to see how The Dark West could be something truly special by its full release in 2027.