Summary
- RPG magic systems include various meters like Mana or Stamina, some don't need energy, relying on cooldowns.
- Some games like The Witcher 3 use Stamina for spellcasting, offering a unique approach beyond traditional magic meters.
- Avowed's Essence meter offers unique spell mechanics with cooldowns, requiring players to strategize and manage spell usage.
Magic systems can differ between RPGs. Some games, like Diablo, have players cast spells using Mana while others, like Final Fantasy, rely on MP, which is typically short for Mana Points. Some spells or abilities don’t even need an energy system and instead rely on cooldowns.
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These systems are all good in their own ways but let's look at how they relate to open-world games be it in the form of literal MP or some other title. Can MP be used outside of battle? Can it be used for exploratory purposes? How does it regenerate? All of these questions and more will be answered in these fine examples. They will be ranked based on how intricate the magic systems are and the overall qualties.
7 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
A Rare Use Of Stamina
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and all of The Witcher games, have a unique approach to spell casting that goes beyond the realm of typical magic meters. Instead of bloating the UI with several meters, this game embraced Stamina as the all-around go-to for Geralt and Ciri.
When players select a Sign from the menu, using a spell will use Stamina. Igni, for example, can cast a wave of fire at enemies. Both characters aren’t exactly mages and rely more on blades and potions to enhance their powers, but magical Signs do come in handy especially when surrounded by monsters or if a bigger boss has a weakness.
6 Cat Quest 2
An Adorable Co-Op Campaign
Cat Quest II
- Released
- September 24, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
Cat Quest 2 is one of the better open-world offerings for kids and players who don’t play that many games. That said, it doesn’t hold back on the mechanics and players can get quite deep so don’t let the cute aesthetics be misleading.
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Every player will begin with a cat and dog hero that they can swap between in single-player or split apart for co-op. Each character has a magic type between fire and ice spells for starters and these can be upgraded in shops. The world map mostly connects itself to towns and dungeons, but there is still plenty to do above ground too.
5 Kingdoms Of Amalur Re-Reckoning
Too Many Builds To Count
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
- Released
- September 8, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Kingdoms of Amalur Re-Reckoning is a remaster of a PS3 and Xbox 360 era game that embraced player choice. Instead of offering classes players had to choose from the start, they could align themselves down several different pathways that resembled typical RPG class outputs like mages, rogues, and warriors.
Most special attacks, be it from a skilled warrior or a mage, will use Mana. Players can spam these attacks as much as they want so long as they have enough items to keep that Mana bar filled as they explore the world.
4 Elden Ring
Keep A Safe Distance Away With Magic
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Elden Ring was FromSoftware’s first true open-world game which is why it took off beyond most other entries. Elden Ring’s magic meter is called FP and like all magic systems in FromSoftware games, players both need to learn spells and use specific weapons to cast them in the world.
There are different elements from light-based magic to summoning spells and they will all make the game easier. Magic builds can help keep players safe from a distance although some bosses or enemies are relentless and will charge them quickly.
3 Diablo 4
Sorcerer Needs More Mana
Diablo 4
- Released
- June 5, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Diablo 4 offered players a good amount of classes at the start and every new season gives players more reasons to start anew. Within each class, players can customize their character’s abilities in a specific style and each class used a specific type of ability meter. For example, Sorcerer’s generate Mana for their spells which recharges over time or players can use potions. Sorcerer’s can freely use magic on the world map from flaming trails to ice winds.
Every point on the skill tree can be enhanced in a certain direction and they can be changed easily if players want to respec. It’s a great way to keep players hooked to the gameplay loop by offering them ways to experiment with their skill sets especially when thinking about multiplayer and how other classes complement each other.
2 Avowed
Obsidian’s Skyrim
Avowed
- Released
- February 18, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Avowed has a magic meter that’s called Essence and all spells used in the world use it. The odd thing about this system is that players cannot spam spells until they run out of Essence and spells also have cooldowns. Typically an RPG uses one system or another but the spell system gets even stranger.
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Players can learn spells down the Wizard skill tree to have them permanently or they can find books that are classified as weapons. Each book has four spells attached that players can use as they wish, but they also have cooldowns.
1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Level Up Spells Through Practice
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Just to be a bit different, most entries in The Elder Scrolls series call their magic meter Magick. While the new/old hotness right now is The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has a better magic system. Players can equip a spell in each hand and use them simultaneously as long as they have enough Magick.
For example, players could throw fireballs with their right hand and heal with their left. Using them constantly will level up their capabilities and there is also a skill tree attached to each spell type from offensive to defensive spells which can alter their power as well.
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