Summary
The RPG genre is one of the broadest and most varied genres in video gaming. RPGs may have roots intabletop role-playing gamessuch asDungeons & Dragons, but over the years the RPG has become a diverse and highly saturated genre.
From action-RPG classics such asDiablo 2to the massively popularElden Ring, all the way toroguelike RPGslikeDarkest DungeonandCaves Of Qud, there are more fantasy-themed RPGs than any one person could possibly play. In the interest of variety, however, RPGs of all kinds have been included.
Light on story but heavy on the gameplay,For The Kingis a surprisingly addictive RPG despite its somewhat simplistic gameplay. In the game, players control a party of three characters, picked from a diverse selection of distinctive classes with their starting stats and abilities. Players explore an overworld map, attempting to complete objectives and raid dungeons in turn-based combat encounters.
What makesFor The Kingsuch an engaging RPG, however, is its multiplayer component. Fans can play the gamein online co-op, which makes for an often intense and frequently fun experience. Its narrative is incredibly loose, but RPG fans looking for a game they can play with friends should be sure to take a look at this strategic title.
Titans such as theDiabloseries and, more specifically,Diablo 2, are almost synonymous with fantasy RPGs. TheDiablogames are cornerstones of the action-RPG genre, andGrim Dawntakes clear inspiration from them. However,Grim Dawnstill manages to offer its unique flavor of dark fantasy.
While games such asDiablo 2may be more revered than the more recentGrim Dawn, this modern indie title is arguably more accessible. Whether players are looking for a modern experience reminiscent ofDiablo 2, or looking for a way into the action-RPG genre,Grim Dawnis an easy recommendation.
Wildermythis a charming fantasy RPG that takes a narrative-driven approach to its design. However,Wildermythdoesn’t compromise on its gameplay, offering an engaging turn-based combat system and a strategic layer that adds a great deal of depth.
Attempting to harness the spirit of tabletop RPGs,Wildermythuses procedural generationto provide players with a diverse and ever-changing party of heroes on a quest that truly feels like their own. The combination of tactical combat and procedural storytelling makes for a consistently engaging experience that’s full of heart. Furthermore,Wildermythis frequently pleasant to look at, thanks to a beautifully realized paper-craft art style.
Developed by the legendary Obsidian Entertainment,Tyrannyis a well-crafted and story-rich RPG that’s driven by meaningful player choice and real-time-with-pause combat. This results in a remarkably old-school experience but features a modern style.
Of its many qualities, the meaningful choices thatTyrannyasks the player to make are arguably its greatest strength. However, its old-school gameplay will likely appeal to fans of older CRPGs, such as the first two entries in theBaldur’s Gateseries.
Baldur’s Gate 3takes place in the iconic fantasyuniverse ofDungeons & Dragonsand was developed by the creators of another popular fantasy RPG,Divinity: Original Sin 2. However,Baldur’s Gate 3still manages to offer a unique experience despite its pre-existing IP.
The sheer agency thatBaldur’s Gate 3offers players is enough to set it apart from many fantasy RPGs. However,Baldur’s Gate 3is also rich in its story, characters, and world-building, providing players with a narrative-driven RPG that rewards exploration and encourages players to play their own way.
Taking place in a sci-fi fantasy setting,Caves Of Qudcombines hand-crafted locations and procedurally-generated areas to offer an intricate open world.Caves Of Qudplays likea traditional roguelike, but more heavily focused on RPG elements and open-world exploration. Although it does feature permanent death mechanics,Caves Of Qudallows players to play the game like an RPG via its “roleplay” mode.
Caves Of Qudfeatures an extremely old-school, tile-based art style that won’t be for everyone. However, it offers a great deal of charm and, when combined with the sound and music, offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. For fans of sci-fi fantasy settings, deep RPGs, and turn-based combat,Caves Of Qudoffers nearly unparalleled replay value in a consistently intriguing open world.
Many of FromSoftware’s RPGsmake for compelling fantasy experiences, withElden Ringbeing perhaps the most mainstream example. The world of the originalDark Souls, however, still holds a certain charm and mystery that its successors arguably lack. The intricately designed, looping world ofDark Soulsis consistently rewarding to explore, offering players a diverse set of interconnected locations to uncover.
Although it may be somewhat rough around the edges,Dark Soulsis still an engaging experience thanks to its iconic combat system and deep RPG mechanics. As with allDark Soulsgames, however, the bosses are the main event, providing players with a dizzying array of unique and unusually large adversaries to take down.
