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- Best overall: Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC (Free-to-Play Digital Edition)
- Best premium: Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
- Best for couch co-op: Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for PlayStation 4
- Path of Exile is a free-to-play action RPG with 10 campaign acts and extensive character customization.
- Diablo III: Eternal Collection bundles the base game and expansions, with four-player local co-op on consoles.
- Choose Path of Exile for ongoing build experimentation and Diablo III for a more straightforward campaign and couch co-op.
- Check platform compatibility before buying: console editions and PC editions are separate products.
- Black Friday 2026 is a good time to compare game editions and gaming hardware around your preferred platform.
Path of Exile vs Diablo III Black Friday 2026 comes down to build depth, co-op style and the platform you already own. Path of Exile is free to play and built around intricate character customization. Diablo III is a polished action RPG with a guided campaign, loot chase and local multiplayer on consoles. Both deliver fast combat and monster-packed runs, but the feel of each game is different.
I’m Jake Morrison, and we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make this buying guide useful across PC and console. The picks below cover the main game editions, plus a handheld PC option. Check each product’s platform and included content before checkout. Here’s the bottom line: Path of Exile suits players who love tinkering with builds, while Diablo III: Eternal Collection is the easier recommendation for shared-screen action.
How We Picked
- Compared the core games, editions and platform versions rather than treating every listing as interchangeable.
- Prioritized products with clear platform identity, useful included content and established action-RPG gameplay.
- Checked published specifications such as campaign acts, character classes, edition contents and local co-op support.
- Used owner feedback and platform details to identify practical strengths, including controller support and couch multiplayer.
- Selected products for different player needs, from a free PC entry point to complete console editions and portable PC gaming.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Campaign acts | Playable classes | Local co-op players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC (Free-to-Play Digital Edition) | PC buildcraft | 10 | 7 base classes | 0 |
| Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PlayStation 4 (Free-to-Play Digital Edition) | PlayStation buildcraft | 10 | 7 base classes | 0 |
| Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for Xbox One (Free-to-Play Digital Edition) | Xbox buildcraft | 10 | 7 base classes | 0 |
| Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch | Portable couch co-op | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for PlayStation 4 | PlayStation couch co-op | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Xbox One | Xbox couch co-op | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB | Portable PC gaming | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC (Free-to-Play Digital Edition)
The Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC (Free-to-Play Digital Edition) is the best pick for PC players who want deep buildcraft without an upfront game purchase. The campaign spans 10 acts, and its broad skill and gear systems reward experimentation.
Best for: PC players who enjoy complex character builds
- Platform
- PC
- Campaign acts
- 10
- Base classes
- 7
- Cost model
- Free-to-play
- Free entry to the core game
- Extensive character customization
- Long campaign with ongoing endgame activities
- Build systems can feel demanding for newcomers
Is Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC is worth adding to your library if you want a free action RPG with a 10-act campaign and deep character builds. Start with the core game, then decide whether optional account purchases fit your play style.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PlayStation 4 (Free-to-Play Digital Edition)
The Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PlayStation 4 (Free-to-Play Digital Edition) is the best console pick for players who want the Path of Exile experience on PlayStation. The 10-act campaign brings its extensive build system to the console version.
Best for: PlayStation players who want complex ARPG progression
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Campaign acts
- 10
- Base classes
- 7
- Cost model
- Free-to-play
- Free-to-play access
- Deep character customization
- Controller-based console play
- Not a couch co-op game
Is Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PlayStation 4 is worth trying if you own a compatible PlayStation console and want long-term character progression. The free-to-play game includes 10 campaign acts, while its intricate systems suit players who enjoy learning builds.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for Xbox One (Free-to-Play Digital Edition)
The Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for Xbox One (Free-to-Play Digital Edition) is the best free ARPG entry point for Xbox players who enjoy deep progression. Seven base classes and a 10-act campaign give players plenty to explore.
Best for: Xbox players who want a free, long-form ARPG
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Campaign acts
- 10
- Base classes
- 7
- Cost model
- Free-to-play
- No upfront game cost
- Multiple class and build paths
- Large campaign and endgame
- Steep learning curve for new ARPG players
Is Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for Xbox One is worth trying for Xbox owners who want a free action RPG with a 10-act story. The game emphasizes complex builds and long-term character development rather than a simple, short campaign.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4 · Top pick
Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch
The Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch is the best overall pick for portable Diablo action and local multiplayer. The complete edition includes the base game and expansions, with support for up to 4 local players.
Best for: Switch owners who want portable couch co-op
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Campaign acts
- 5
- Playable classes
- 7
- Local co-op players
- 4
- Edition content
- Base game and expansions
- Portable play and local multiplayer
- Includes major expansions
- Accessible combat and progression
- A separate purchase from other platform editions
Is Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch is worth buying for players who want a complete Diablo package with portable play. The edition includes the base game and expansions, and supports up to 4 local players on one console.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for PlayStation 4
The Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for PlayStation 4 is the best pick for PlayStation players who want the full Diablo III package and local co-op. The collection includes 7 playable classes and supports up to 4 players locally.
Best for: PlayStation households and local co-op groups
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Campaign acts
- 5
- Playable classes
- 7
- Local co-op players
- 4
- Edition content
- Base game and expansions
- Full edition with expansions
- Four-player local co-op
- Easy-to-follow combat loop
- Does not include a PC or Xbox license
Is Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for PlayStation 4 is worth choosing if your group wants action RPG combat on one screen. The edition has 7 playable classes, the major expansions and local co-op for up to 4 players.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Xbox One
The Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Xbox One is the best choice for Xbox owners who want the complete Diablo III campaign and couch co-op. The console edition supports up to 4 local players.
Best for: Xbox players who want a complete co-op ARPG
- Platform
- Xbox One
- Campaign acts
- 5
- Playable classes
- 7
- Local co-op players
- 4
- Edition content
- Base game and expansions
- Complete edition in one package
- Supports four-player couch co-op
- Straightforward loot and combat loop
- Separate platform license required
Is Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Xbox One worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Xbox One is worth choosing for Xbox players who want the campaign, expansions and local multiplayer together. The edition supports up to 4 local players and offers 7 playable classes.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB
The Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB is the best premium handheld for PC players who want a portable library for action RPGs. The Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB's 7.4-inch OLED display and 1TB of storage give room for a substantial installed game collection.
Best for: PC players who want portable gaming
- Display
- 7.4-inch OLED
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Refresh rate
- 90Hz
- Platform
- SteamOS handheld PC
- Portable PC gaming library
- Large OLED display
- 1TB internal storage
- PC game setup and compatibility vary by title
Is Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB is worth considering if portable PC gaming matters more than a dedicated console experience. The 7.4-inch OLED screen and 1TB SSD suit a large library, while game compatibility and setup requirements still deserve a quick check.
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Which game is better, Path of Exile or Diablo III?
Path of Exile and Diablo III each deliver fast-paced action RPG combat, but Path of Exile has 10 campaign acts while Diablo III has 5. Path of Exile leans into extensive build choices and a dense progression system. Diablo III keeps its combat loop more direct and easy to pick up.
Choose Path of Exile if experimenting with skills, gear and character setups is the main attraction. Pick Diablo III if you want a clear campaign, satisfying loot drops and simpler onboarding. Both games offer long-term play beyond the story, so the best fit depends on how much complexity you want.
Which game is better for couch co-op?
Diablo III: Eternal Collection supports up to 4 local players on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, while Path of Exile is not a couch co-op choice. That difference makes Diablo III the clear pick for shared-screen sessions.
The Switch edition adds portable play, so players can take the same local multiplayer focus on the go. Console owners should match the game edition to their system; a PlayStation or Xbox copy is not a Switch license. PC players should also note that Diablo III on PC does not provide console-style local co-op.
Is Path of Exile really free to play?
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile is a free-to-play game with 10 campaign acts and 7 base classes. Players can start the core experience without buying a boxed game, which makes the PC edition a strong budget pick.
The free entry point does not remove the need to check platform storefront details or optional purchases. Think about your play habits before adding extras, and focus first on whether the combat and intricate build systems click. Console players should download the edition for their specific platform.
Which Diablo III edition should I buy?
Diablo III: Eternal Collection is the most complete pick across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One because it bundles the base game and expansions. Each console version supports up to 4 local players and features 7 playable classes.
Choose the Nintendo Switch version for portable play and local co-op. Select PlayStation 4 or Xbox One when your household already uses that console. A platform-specific edition is not interchangeable with another system’s copy, so verify the store listing and included content before ordering.
Should I choose a handheld PC for these games?
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB pairs a 7.4-inch OLED display with 1TB of storage, making it a premium option for players who want portable PC gaming. SteamOS gives access to a PC library, but game compatibility and setup vary by title.
The Nintendo Switch version of Diablo III is the more straightforward portable Diablo choice. Steam Deck suits players who value a broader PC library and are comfortable checking controller support, account requirements and installation steps. Compare the convenience of a console game with the flexibility of handheld PC gaming.
Buying Guide
Pick your platform first
Match the edition to the console or PC you already use. Path of Exile is available as a free digital game on PC and consoles, while Diablo III: Eternal Collection is sold in distinct platform versions. Check platform, edition name and included content on the product listing.
Decide how much build complexity you want
Path of Exile is the fit for players who enjoy detailed character planning and long-term build experiments. Diablo III offers a more straightforward route into combat and loot progression. Newcomers who want quick sessions often find Diablo III easier to learn.
Choose solo play or local multiplayer
Diablo III: Eternal Collection supports up to 4 local players on console, making it the stronger shared-screen pick. Path of Exile is designed around solo play and online interaction rather than couch co-op. Check the specific edition for multiplayer details.
Compare complete editions and portable options
The Diablo III: Eternal Collection bundles the base game and expansions, so confirm the listing says Eternal Collection. For portable play, compare Nintendo Switch convenience with a handheld PC such as Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB, where game setup and compatibility can vary.
FAQ
Is Path of Exile better than Diablo III for beginners?
Diablo III is usually the easier starting point because its campaign and combat systems are more direct. Path of Exile has 10 campaign acts and deeper build customization, which rewards players who enjoy learning complex systems. Choose based on whether you want a simpler introduction or more experimentation.
Can you play Diablo III: Eternal Collection with 4 players?
Yes. Diablo III: Eternal Collection supports up to 4 local players on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Each player can choose from 7 playable classes. Check the exact platform version before buying, since the console editions are separate from one another.
Is Path of Exile free to play on consoles?
Yes. Path of Exile is a free-to-play digital game on supported console storefronts, as well as PC. The core game includes a 10-act campaign and 7 base classes. Confirm that the download matches your console and review any optional purchases separately.
Does Diablo III: Eternal Collection include expansions?
Yes. Diablo III: Eternal Collection packages the base game and major expansions, including Reaper of Souls and Rise of the Necromancer. The edition is available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Verify the full edition name on the listing to avoid choosing a different release.
Which Path of Exile vs Diablo III version is best for Black Friday 2026?
Grinding Gear Games Path of Exile for PC is the best budget entry because the core game is free to play. Blizzard Entertainment Diablo III: Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch is the stronger complete-package pick for portable play and local co-op with up to 4 players.