Summary
- RPGs emphasize character creation where players can design their dream hero, drawing fans.
- Certain RPGs like Mass Effect: Andromeda offer surprisingly good character creation options.
- Games like Code Vein and Kenshi provide deep character customization.
Character creation has become one of the biggest draws in many role-playing games, where people control an original hero instead of a pre-determined character. The idea of spending hours upon hours perfecting the look of a character is something players just can't get enough of.
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Some of the best character creators that players can get their hands on in RPGs are quite malleable and don't limit players when it comes to creating a character straight out of their dreams — or nightmares, in some instances. Either way, this fantasy is something that draws many fans to go ballistic with character creation systems in most RPGs.
8 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Players Can Project Themselves Into This Beautiful Shonen Series
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
- Released
- October 25, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Dimps
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Every Dragon Ball fan has dreamed about being a part of this battle shonen universe. It's a fantasy that is enabled in Dragon Ball Xenoverse and its sequel. As one would expect, the sequel boasts a better character creator with more options.
Players can choose one of many iconic Dragon Ball races and customize their character to help them become a valuable member of the Time Patrol. Most people will make Saiyans to acquire and use their iconic transformations, but the other races in Dragon Ball haven't been ignored in this fun, action-packed title.
7 Code Vein
Players Create A Powerful Revenant Who Fights Many Powerful Beings
Code Vein
- Released
- September 27, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Players are spoiled for choice when it comes to Soulslikes, with Code Vein being an obvious mention here. While the level and environment design are pretty disappointing, the amazing combat and fun story more than make up for this.
Code Vein's character creator is also surprisingly deep and lets players create some truly wild characters. Fans of the anime aesthetic will love how naturally their protagonist fits into the game world, although some players can go ballistic and create nightmarish monstrosities they can laugh at instead.
6 Demon's Souls
All FromSoftware Games Have Surprisingly Robust Character Customization
Demon's Souls
- Released
- November 12, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Bluepoint Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Bluepoint Games is known for developing some of the best remakes in modern times, and Demon's Souls is no exception here. Fans love how amazing the visuals of this game look, and this is hammered in from the very moment players open the character creator screen.
Sure, players will be clad in a suit of armor in no time, but that shouldn't stop players from admiring their character for a few minutes before this happens. If nothing else, fans can opt against wearing any headwear if they're very proud of how their character looks.
5 Wild Hearts
Character Creation Is Great In This Monster Hunter Clone
Wild Hearts
- Released
- February 17, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Koei Tecmo, Omega Force
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Wild Hearts is a Monster Hunter clone that is surprisingly great. More people need to get their hands on this title, especially if they love the gameplay loop of hunting down larger-than-life monsters to acquire rare materials that can be used to craft powerful gear.
One notable aspect of Wild Hearts is a character creator that many fans have grown to love. It doesn't limit players, allowing them to create characters that look terrifying, beautiful, or anything in between.
4 Kenshi
Players Can Go Wild While Creating Their Character
Kenshi
- Released
- December 6, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Lo-Fi Games
- Publisher(s)
- Lo-Fi Games
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Open-World, Survival
- Platform(s)
- PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
For a game that is mainly about letting players enjoy a non-linear journey, Kenshi cuts no corners when it comes to the character creator. There are little to no limits, allowing players to create absolute abominations that are painful to look at.
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Of course, players can also create realistic-looking characters, but keep in mind that players will be decked in armor and controlling a massive squad in no time. This may make it hard to appreciate a custom character's looks, but that shouldn't stop players from enjoying this robust character creator.
3 Crusader Kings 3
Creating A Custom Ruler Is More Compelling Than It Has Any Right To Be
Crusader Kings 3
- Released
- September 1, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Publisher(s)
- Paradox Interactive
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Grand Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The addition of a Ruler Designer in Crusader Kings 3 was great news for fans who wanted to role-play as an original ruler instead of having to assume the identity of an existing one. What made this moment even better was the sheer number of options players could tinker with in character creation.
Every aspect of their custom ruler or adventurer could be customized to make a truly unique character. Along with this, fans can also add as many traits as they want to their chosen protagonist to become a dominant ruler with little to no effort, although this does disable achievements if players cross a limit.
2 Monster Hunter Wilds
The Monster Hunter Games Are Known For Their Amazing Character Creation Systems
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Released
- February 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Publisher(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Every Monster Hunter game is known for featuring robust character creators, and Wilds is no exception. Players can create a custom character that can look bizarre, beautiful, or a combination of both.
This can either enhance a player's immersion or lead to some hilarious moments where a serious scene's atmosphere is completely shattered by the appearance of their outlandish-looking protagonist. Either way, this character creator will impress players and give them yet another reason to check out this amazing title in the Monster Hunter series.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
The Character Creator Is In A Class Of Its Own
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Baldur's Gate 3 is a showcase of how passion can elevate a product and help it reach new heights. In an age where big-budget RPGs have become by-the-numbers experiences with a checklist of common activities, Baldur's Gate 3 lets players immerse themselves in a grand adventure full of branching paths and meaningful consequences.
From the very moment players open the character creator, they'll realize just how much effort was put into honoring this legendary IP. Players can create a custom character from any race, with the suite of customization options being so extensive that players will be glued to their screen for hours as they make the perfect protagonist for the winding journey ahead.
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