Role-playing games (RPGs) have long been a cherished genre for fantasy lovers, providing immersive worlds full of magic, epic quests, complex characters, and thrilling adventures. From sprawling open worlds to intricate dungeon crawls, RPGs offer a variety of experiences that satisfy the imagination of any fantasy fan. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or new to the genre, there’s an RPG for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will explore some of the must-play RPGs for every fantasy lover, ranging from modern masterpieces to timeless classics, ensuring a captivating experience for all.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Genre: Open-world, Action RPG, Fantasy
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game that transcends the RPG genre, standing as one of the greatest video games ever made. Developed by CD Projekt Red, it is an open-world RPG that follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, as he searches for his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being pursued by the terrifying Wild Hunt. The game features a vast, detailed world, packed with mythical creatures, political intrigue, and moral quandaries that challenge the player’s decisions.
One of the game’s most appealing aspects is its deep, branching narrative. Every decision Geralt makes – whether saving a village, choosing sides in political conflicts, or making personal choices for his companions – influences the world and the story’s outcome. The combat system is fast-paced and fluid, with Geralt using swords, magic (known as Signs), and alchemy to defeat enemies, which can range from grotesque monsters to human foes. The Witcher 3 also features expansive side quests that feel like main storylines, allowing players to dive deep into the world and uncover countless tales of lore.
The DLCs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, add even more content, including new areas, quests, and characters, ensuring that there’s always something to do in the world of The Witcher.
Why Play This RPG:
- A massive, richly detailed open world full of stories to discover.
- Deep role-playing elements, with meaningful choices and consequences.
- Fascinating characters, including Geralt’s companions like Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri.
2. Elden Ring
Genre: Action RPG, Dark Fantasy
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
From the creators of Dark Souls and Bloodborne, Elden Ring is a sprawling, dark fantasy RPG set in a world known as The Lands Between. Created in collaboration with fantasy novelist George R.R. Martin, Elden Ring presents a rich and mysterious world with lore that unfolds as players explore. The game features a beautiful, interconnected world filled with secrets, ancient ruins, powerful foes, and challenging bosses.
The hallmark of Elden Ring is its difficult, but rewarding, combat system. Players assume the role of the “Tarnished,” a character who is tasked with gathering the shattered pieces of the Elden Ring and battling powerful enemies, including massive bosses that tower over the player. The game’s difficulty is notorious, with punishing difficulty spikes, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after overcoming a tough challenge is what keeps players coming back.
Unlike previous Souls games, Elden Ring introduces an open-world design where players can explore vast landscapes on horseback, discovering new locations, crafting items, and encountering unique characters along the way. The game also supports co-op play, making it a great choice for those who want to tackle the game’s difficult bosses with friends.
Why Play This RPG:
- A beautiful and vast open world with hidden secrets and lore.
- Challenging combat with a focus on precision and strategy.
- Rich world-building and storytelling, with a focus on player exploration.
3. Final Fantasy XIV
Genre: MMORPG, Fantasy
Platform: PC, PlayStation
Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most successful MMORPGs in the world, offering an expansive and highly immersive online world. Set in the high-fantasy world of Eorzea, players can choose from a variety of classes and races, embarking on quests, exploring dungeons, and interacting with other players in a dynamic world.
One of the key strengths of Final Fantasy XIV is its incredibly rich storyline, which spans across multiple expansions such as A Realm Reborn, Heavensward, Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker. Each expansion builds on the world and narrative, introducing new characters, epic quests, and powerful enemies. The game’s main story is an epic journey filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable moments, all set against the backdrop of stunning environments.
In addition to the story, Final Fantasy XIV also features exciting combat, including PvP (player versus player) battles, group activities like raids, and crafting and gathering systems. Players can also join guilds (known as Free Companies) and form bonds with others, making the game a deeply social experience.
Why Play This RPG:
- A vast and beautiful world full of quests, lore, and characters.
- Constant updates and expansions that keep the story fresh and exciting.
- A highly social experience with multiplayer features like dungeons and raids.
4. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Genre: RPG, Tactical, Fantasy
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a critically acclaimed RPG developed by Larian Studios that combines deep, turn-based tactical combat with a rich, fantasy world and a strong narrative. Set in the world of Rivellon, the game allows players to create their own characters and form a party with various companions, each with their own unique backstories and quests.
The game’s combat system is one of its standout features. Divinity: Original Sin 2 uses a tactical, turn-based combat system that requires strategic thinking, positioning, and the creative use of magic and elemental interactions. The environment plays a big role in combat, with players able to manipulate the elements to their advantage, such as casting lightning in water or setting fire to oil patches on the ground.
The story is deeply engaging, with multiple possible outcomes depending on the choices players make throughout the game. It also includes co-op multiplayer, allowing friends to join forces and tackle quests together. Whether playing solo or in a group, Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers a highly immersive experience that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and tactical RPGs.
Why Play This RPG:
- A complex and satisfying turn-based combat system.
- A strong narrative with rich lore, moral choices, and character development.
- Co-op multiplayer that allows for collaborative storytelling.
5. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Genre: Action RPG, Fantasy
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
The Dragon Age series is one of the most beloved franchises in fantasy RPGs, and Dragon Age: Inquisition is a worthy addition to the saga. In this game, you play as the Inquisitor, the leader of an organization tasked with solving a crisis in the world of Thedas. The game takes place across a variety of regions, each with its own unique landscape, people, and lore.
The combat system is a mix of real-time action and tactical elements, allowing players to take direct control of the Inquisitor while issuing commands to their party members. The Inquisition itself is a group that the player can build and lead, with choices about which factions to align with and how to handle the ongoing political struggles that arise.
Dragon Age: Inquisition also features strong character development, with companions that have deep backstories, motivations, and relationships with the player. These characters are crucial to the story and will help shape the events that unfold. The game’s narrative is full of choices, where the player’s actions determine the future of Thedas.
Why Play This RPG:
- A rich and detailed world filled with political intrigue and powerful factions.
- Compelling character development and companion interactions.
- A mix of real-time combat and tactical decision-making.
6. Skyrim
Genre: Open-world RPG, Fantasy
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
There’s no denying that Skyrim is one of the most iconic RPGs ever made. Developed by Bethesda, this open-world game lets players assume the role of the Dragonborn, a hero destined to save the world of Tamriel from an ancient dragon apocalypse. The world of Skyrim is vast, with stunning landscapes, hidden dungeons, and a rich variety of quests.
The game features a deep leveling system, allowing players to develop their character in countless ways by choosing different skills, abilities, and perks. Skyrim’s main story revolves around stopping the return of Alduin, the World-Eater, but the true beauty of the game lies in its side quests, which can range from slaying dragons to joining factions like the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood.
Skyrim is a highly moddable game, allowing players to customize their experience with new quests, characters, and even entire overhauls of the game world. If you haven’t experienced Skyrim yet, it remains one of the best RPGs available, and there’s always new content to discover.
Why Play This RPG:
- A massive open world filled with endless quests and exploration.
- A flexible character progression system with many paths to choose from.
- Legendary status in the RPG genre, with a huge modding community.
Conclusion
For any fantasy lover, RPGs are a gateway to magical worlds, epic battles, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re diving into the dark fantasy of Elden Ring, experiencing the depth of The Witcher 3, or exploring the intricate lore of Dragon Age: Inquisition, the games listed above offer some of the best experiences that the RPG genre has to offer. With their expansive worlds, deep narratives, and immersive gameplay, these titles are sure to captivate your imagination and provide hours of entertainment. If you haven’t played them yet, these RPGs are an absolute must for any fantasy enthusiast