Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Torchlight.
What is Torchlight as a game series?
Torchlight is a line of action role-playing games created by Runic Games that pairs fast melee and spell combat with loot-driven progression in a dark-fantasy world. The 2009 original and its 2012 sequel are the most recognized entries, with a third title arriving in 2023.
Who is the main character and who do I play as?
You control a customizable Witch, a young woman who can swap between a staff for ranged spells and a sword for close combat. She is joined throughout the adventure by a pet companion, which is a signature element of every main entry.
What classes are available?
Torchlight 1 and 2 each offer three classes—Witch, Knight, and Engineer—each with its own skill tree and combat identity. You choose one at the start of a playthrough, and the Engineer in particular is known for deploying automated turrets.
Is it single-player or multiplayer?
The core experience is single-player, built around a persistent overworld and procedurally generated dungeons you can revisit. Torchlight 2 expanded this with four-player co-op, letting friends tackle the same world together.
How does Torchlight differ from Diablo?
Both are hack-and-slash ARPGs, but Torchlight adopts a lighter, more whimsical tone and gives you a pet that fights and carries gear alongside you. The map design also leans toward an interconnected overworld rather than strictly instanced dungeon crawls.
Where should a newcomer begin?
The 2009 original is the most natural starting point and is available at no cost on Steam, making it an easy first dip. If you want the more refined systems and co-op, Torchlight 2 is a solid alternative, though it carries a purchase price.
What is the basic lore and setting?
The world is in crisis: the sun is fading and a creeping blight is devouring the land. Players travel through villages, forests, and deep caverns to track down and stop the source of the corruption before everything is lost.
What is the pet system and why does it matter?
Your pet—ranging from small critters to large dragons—fights beside you, stores extra loot, and can be outfitted with its own gear. It is woven into nearly every combat encounter and is a defining identity of the franchise.
Who developed the series and what is the studio known for?
Runic Games, a small team of former Blizzard developers, built all three main titles. The studio is recognized for keeping each game compact and tightly scoped rather than stretching out into a massive open world.
What do fans most often cite as standout moments or mechanics?
The Engineer's turret placements, the colorful rarity tiers on loot drops, and the race against the Blight's timeline are frequently mentioned as highlights. The first game's climactic confrontation with the source of the blight is also a fan-favorite ending.