As one of the most popular genres, fantasy is often synonymous with great storytelling. Fantasy games can serve as a perfect escape from reality, a window into another world where everything feels new and exciting. At times, though, it's not just about enjoying a good story but discovering something truly unique, complex, and memorable.
8 RPGs With The Best Stories, Ranked
While some RPGs excel in their gameplay and combat, these titles blend the best of it all by also providing amazing stories.
Many games become beloved and iconic precisely by breaking rules, striving to deliver something never done before, whether it's a jaw-dropping twist, a fresh perspective on familiar themes, or something extraordinary hidden in plain sight. Today, developers have more ways than ever to craft not just great stories, but to deliver them in original and unforgettable ways. Below are not just standout fantasy games with rich storytelling to help escape reality, but ones that offer something truly special and long-lasting when it comes to their narratives.
Baldur's Gate 3
One RPG To Rule Them All
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
At this point, Baldur's Gate 3 is easily the safest bet for any fantasy fan who values strong narratives. Ever since its Early Access, the game has been universally praised for its incredible highs, including memorable characters and companions, cinematic yet deep and branching storytelling, stunning visuals and music, and an unmatched flexibility in how nearly every quest or dialogue sccene can unfold.
Needless to say, all of that praise is well-deserved. For anyone who still hasn't played it while searching for a new fantasy RPG to dive into, it's not entirely clear what they are waiting for. The only thing that might stand in the way of enjoyment is Baldur's Gate 3's combat, which can feel a little slow for those unfamiliar with tabletop RPG rules or the dice rolls behind nearly every action and response. Remember, that's part of the fun; going with the flow, accepting failures, and realizing how they only add to the game's charm and its many unexpected twists is what makes Baldur's Gate 3 so exceptiona.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
An Emotional Story That Will Break You
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
- Released
- April 24, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sandfall Interactive
- Genre(s)
- Turn-Based RPG, JRPG, Fantasy
Fans of modern RPGs should approach Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 without expecting the same level of freedom seen in Baldur's Gate 3, as its storytelling is surprisingly linear. In this case, though, that's not a drawback but an advantage, as it allowed the developers to deliver one of the most focused and elegantly crafted RPG stories in recent memory, one that's bound to be remembered for years to come.
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Every character interaction in Clair Obscur matters, and every subtle hint pays off with satisfying resolutions. The game masterfully shifts perspectives and even protagonists throughout the journey, staying true to its promise of revealing everything when the moment is right. As the story unfolds, it becomes nearly impossible to put the game down. A true emotional rollercoaster set in a fascinating new universe, painted with unmatched beauty, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is every fantasy fan's paradise, and is often described as the Final Fantasy of our time.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Appealing To Everyone, Disappointing No One
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
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as the ultimate crowd-pleasing dark fantasy blockbuster, with accessible combat, unforgettable characters, and a cinematic narrative. Despite its broad appeal, the game never compromises on narrative depth and complexity, staying true to its literary roots and the two (less popular) previous entries in the series.
In The Witcher 3, players can follow multiple major questlines at once, and they often intersect in unexpected, spectacular ways, leading to weighty consequences for both the world and its inhabitants. Every side quest feels carefully crafted, featuring a clever twist, a touch of humor, or an element that deepens the overarching story of Geralt's search for Ciri. To fully appreciate the game's intricate storytelling, it helps to read the books or at least play the earlier games. Not everyone will take that extra step, and it's not necessary, but it's absolutely worth it.
Tyranny
Defined By Its Unique Premise
Tyranny
- Released
- November 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
Tyranny stands as one of the most intriguing party-based CRPGs out there, with its only real drawback being that its ambitious story ends abruptly, with no sequel in sight. Even so, it remains a fantastic experience for fantasy RPG fans, featuring a richly developed world, deep lore, memorable characters (both allies and enemies), and a gripping, branching narrative built around a unique premise: stepping into the role of an arbiter of law in a world already conquered by an evil tyrant.
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True to Obsidian's strengths, Tyranny lets players align with or oppose various factions, constantly forcing tough choices between lesser evils while being closely watched and judged, or perhaps embracing corruption entirely and prolonging Kyros' reign forever. There's a lot of reading involved, so it's best suited for those who enjoy rich dialogue, moral dilemmas, and layered storytelling involving some imagination.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
It Was Right Under Our Noses the Whole Time
Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Released
- November 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
When it comes to storytelling, it might be tempting to choose Dragon Age: Origins over Dragon Age: Inquisition, since Origins introduced the dark fantasy world of Thedas and set its foundations. Inquisition, by contrast, begins as a more familiar fantasy tale about an unlikely group of heroes destined to stop a great evil that is threatening the realm. Of course, this is a BioWare RPG, so non-linear quests, fate-altering choices, and morally complex decisions are a part of the package, along with something far more rare and special.
Inquisition hides its ace up its sleeve in the form of Solas, who at first seems like just another companion. Without delving into spoiler territory, let's just say he's far more than he appears, becoming a key figure in the game's narrative (and its sequel, The Veilguard) and delivering some of the most powerful storytelling moments among the developer's games. To truly appreciate everything Dragon Age: Inquisition has to offer, the Trespasser DLC is an absolute must-play, though.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
So Many Narrative Layers To Wade Through
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Released
- November 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is an enormous game, one that suffers from a bit of “too much content” syndrome. Its massive world, multiple overlapping plotlines featuring historical figures, and numerous dreamlike sequences can make it hard to follow the core narrative, especially for those who approach it as a simple open-world Viking adventure.
Beneath all the facade, side activities, distractions, and endless targets to hunt, it's easy to overlook just how intricate and fascinating Valhalla's storytelling truly is. Guided by longtime Assassin's Creed loremaster Darby McDevitt, the game weaves together three major narrative threads: the continuation of the modern-day storyline with Layla Hassan, Eivor's Viking saga set in 873 AD, and an Isu (or Ancient Gods) reincarnation subplot featuring Odin, Loki, Tyr, and other Norse deities. Experiencing different perspectives on these mythic events and uncovering how all the memories connect can be a thrilling journey for Assassin's Creed fans, full of fascinating turns and intriguing revelations.
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