10 Best Modern CRPGs Fans of the Genre May Have Missed

While the CRPG subgenre in video games hasn’t been as prolific as other subgenres within the RPG space more broadly, it’s received renewed and much-deserved interest in recent years. These styles of RPGs are known for rich, detailed worlds complemented by tactical combat and character customization. The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 is the most prominent example as of late, injecting a surge in CRPG excitement.

Still, even beyond the acclaimed 2023 RPG, several modern CRPGs have made impressive strides in bringing to life riveting fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Titles from franchises like Pathfinder and Warhammer have proven to be well-suited to this gaming genre. Even the BG3 studio has other CRPGs with their own appeal, but all these games inspire optimism for the subgenre’s future in modern gaming.

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10 Baldur’s Gate 3 Is a Blockbuster D&D Experience

Larian Studios Adapts the D&D 5e Ruleset for a Triple-A CRPG

Baldur’s Gate 3 has been enjoying consistent praise since its summer 2023 launch. And now that the recent and final major patch includes a staggering 12 new subclasses and community content shows no signs of slowing down, it seems Larian Studios’ game has also achieved evergreen success. The Dungeons & Dragons video game transports players to Faerûn in the iconic Forgotten Realms setting, where they take their customized character on a quest to uncover the mystery behind the Mind Flayer tadpole infecting them.

They’ll meet a well-rounded cast of supporting characters along the way, with their adventures spanning stunning forests, the moody Underdark, and the urban fantasy of Baldur’s Gate itself. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterstroke in nuanced turn-based combat, immersive worldbuilding, and cinematic storytelling where players’ choices have a tangible impact. It’s arguably the best streamlining of D&D 5e‘s tabletop RPG ruleset for gaming, and BG3‘s modding community is already boosting the game’s longevity.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Systems

Released

August 3, 2023

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

Engine

Divinity 4.0

Multiplayer

Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op

Cross-Platform Play

Full cross-platform play.

9 Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Brings Another TTRPG Into Video Games

Owlcat Games’ Sophomore Effort With Pathfinder Is a CRPG Achievement

Aside from the Baldur’s Gate series and the other D&D video games, players can experience another engrossing TTRPG adaptation in Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. This mechanically improved sequel is further evidence of developer Owlcat Games being one of the most promising RPG studios at the moment. Players will tailor their protagonists and accompanying party members on a daunting mission to end an age-long conflict. Nations have fought tirelessly to repel the demonic beasts invading from the Worldwound, a horrific rift that leads to their world.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous adapts Paizo Publishing’s Pathfinder TTRPG and will satiate CRPG fans looking for a game that’s even more mechanically intensive. The player has a wealth of options to choose from when creating their meticulous character builds, and it’s all backed by an immersive dark fantasy main questline. Wrath of the Righteous even includes new military management sequences to offer players even more strategic gameplay.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Systems

Released

September 2, 2021

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Owlcat Games

Publisher(s)

META Publishing

Engine

Unity

Franchise

Pathfinder

8 Disco Elysium Is a Truly Unique CRPG

Players in Disco Elysium Will Focus on Investigation

New and returning players to the CRPG subgenre wanting something unusual are in luck with the inventive Disco Elysium. Developer studio ZA/UM crafted an RPG experience with a classical isometric perspective but strays from the usual high fantasy and sci-fi genres that these games gravitate toward. The protagonist is an amnesiac, alcoholic detective struggling to piece together his identity and past, all while working a murder case with another investigator.

Opting for a more urban sandbox for its setting already helps Disco Elysium stand apart from its contemporaries. However, ZA/UM’s game also greatly differs by featuring very little combat. The bulk of Disco Elysium‘s role-playing gameplay loop revolves around investigating and dialogue sequences, along with the many skills that can be advanced to pass skill checks. The game carves a unique niche for itself in the modern CRPG arena, and its watercolor and oil-painting-like art direction, social and political commentary, and dark humor also help give it an identity of its own.

Disco Elysium

Systems

Released

October 15, 2019

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence

Developer(s)

ZA/UM

Publisher(s)

ZA/UM

Engine

Unity

You’re a detective tasked with solving a murder in the strange world of Elysium. Utilize a new and innovative skill system to be the detective you want to be. Become a hero or an absolute disaster of a human being.

7 Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Takes Owlcat to a New Franchise

Owlcat Refines Its CRPG Skills In Warhammer 40K’s Sci-Fi World

Similar to what developers like BioWare did decades ago with IPs like D&D and Star Wars, Owlcat Games is flexing its muscles with Warhammer after Pathfinder. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is another TTRPG adaptation that was released at the end of 2023 and is set in the mostly unexplored region of space known as the Koronus Expanse. Players will take on the role of a titular Rogue Trader, an autonomous explorer from the Imperium of Man, as they and their crew explore this dangerous space and the various threats along the way.

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Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader has been praised for faithfully adapting the grim sci-fi atmosphere and building many mechanical role-playing features around it to suit a long-running CRPG playthrough. The game’s loving adherence to Warhammer 40K lore carries over into its sprawling story. Just as well, it’s packed with gritty, tactical combat, a party of companions to fight alongside and interact with, and an intuitive moral alignment system to let players shape their protagonist’s journey. Fans have DLC in Void Shadows to play through as well, along with the latest expansion, Lex Imperialis.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Systems

Released

December 7, 2023

ESRB

T Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence

Developer(s)

Owlcat Games

Publisher(s)

Owlcat Games

Engine

Unity

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

6 Divinity: Original Sin II Was Larian’s Peak Before BG3

The World of DOS2 Is Larian’s Original Fantasy Universe

Even though Baldur’s Gate 3 is the most high-profile case of the CRPG subgenre’s bolstering popularity, it was still doing well in the years leading up to the game. Several talented studios have contributed to this, including Larian Studios again with Divinity: Original Sin II. This 2019 sequel has earned its acclaim for its sprawling and substantive adventure across the fantasy world of Rivellon. Players take their chosen protagonist, a character who can tap into a powerful magic, and form a diverse party in their fight against the Voidwoken monsters plaguing the land.

In some ways, Divinity: Original Sin II is the most natural next step for a modern CRPG to play after BG3. Players will find a similar attention to detail when it comes to rewarding exploration, storylines worth investing in, and satisfying turn-based combat. Each party member has something unique to contribute to exploration and combat scenarios, with the latter also encouraging players to manipulate the terrain around them to get an edge on enemies.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Systems

Released

September 14, 2017

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence

Developer(s)

Larian Studios

Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

Engine

Divinity Engine 3.0

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer

5 Wasteland 3 Is Perfect for Dystopian Sci-Fi Fans

The Post-Apocalypse of Wasteland Calls Back to Classic Fallout

Bethesda’s Fallout series has burst into mainstream gaming circles since becoming an open-world action RPG. However, its distant roots as a CRPG deserve to be remembered, and that’s where inXile Entertainment’s Wasteland 3 comes into play. The game has players control two members of the Ranger Team November during the post-apocalypse in Colorado. Their unit is left devastated after an ambush attack, and they must work with a local faction leader to earn his support.

Wasteland 3 is the perfect modern CRPG for fans of post-apocalyptic sci-fi who want an atmosphere akin to series like Fallout. Similarities to games like Fallout and Fallout 2 aside, it also stands on its own merits. The game features challenging, squad-based action in a turn-based combat system that matches the militarized approach of its setting and party. Even more excitingly, Wasteland 3 also includes player-manned vehicles to explore this ruined landscape.

Wasteland 3

Systems

Released

August 28, 2020

ESRB

m

Developer(s)

inXile entertainment

Publisher(s)

Deep Silver

Engine

Unity

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op

Wasteland 3 is a post-apocalyptic RPG from inXile entertainment, featuring challenging tactical combat, hours of exploration, and a deep, reactive story full of twists, turns, and brutal ethical decisions. Play in single-player or co-op as you customize your squad with perks and abilities geared to your playstyle, and customize your vehicle—the Kodiak—turning it into a hardened war beast. Saving Colorado isn’t going to be easy, but Arizona is counting on you, so… don’t screw it up.

4 Pillars of Eternity Is Obsidian’s Ambitious Original Series

The RPG Studio Follows Up Past Hits With Pillars of Eternity’s New Fantasy

Obsidian Entertainment is well known for developing beloved RPGs like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II and Fallout: New Vegas. But after honing their talents with massive, established franchises, the team introduces its own world through the high fantasy of Pillars of Eternity. The story opens with the protagonist discovering they can interact with the souls of others as a Watcher. They gather a group of traveling companions on their journey to uncover the meaning behind this powerful awakening, as well as resolve the crisis of the land’s children being born without their souls.

Pillars of Eternity tastefully strikes the balance between nostalgia (being influenced by the likes of the first two Baldur’s Gate games, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment) and modern-day gaming sensibilities. Its presentation and “real-time with pause” combat are undoubtedly vintage in style. Still, the engrossing story, detailed worldbuilding, and mechanical depth in character building justify Pillars of Eternity as more than just a spiritual successor. The number of ways players can tinker with party composition and have abilities and skills interact in battle will keep them busy for dozens of hours.

Pillars of Eternity

Systems

Released

March 26, 2015

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Paradox Interactive, Versus Evil

Engine

Unity

3 Shadowrun: Hong Kong Adapts a Cult Hit TTRPG

Fans of Cyberpunk and Genre Mashups Will Get Lost in Shadowrun’s World

Franchises like Blade Runner quickly come to mind when thinking of the cyberpunk subgenre. Even so, the Shadowrun TTRPG makes this sci-fi subgenre its own by throwing urban fantasy and crime drama into the mix. Harebrained Schemes’ Shadowrun: Hong Kong is perhaps the best video game adaptation of the TTRPG, putting players in the shoes of an orphan who’s done eight years in a corporate prison.

But it won’t be long before the punishing corporate dystopia of the world puts its boot on the protagonist’s neck after being released. Shadowrun: Hong Kong creates an incredibly immersive setting thanks to its striking blend of sci-fi and fantasy. This is seen in everything from storytelling to character customization to combat. The turn-based combat has a healthy mix of magical spells and a sci-fi arsenal to keep the system consistently interesting and give it plenty of room for unique builds.

Shadowrun Hong Kong Extended Edition

Systems

Released

August 20, 2015

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Harebrained Schemes

Publisher(s)

Paradox Interactive

Engine

Unity

2 Tyranny Presents Players With Serious Decisions to Make

Obsidian Experiments With the CRPG Subgenre in Tyranny’s Bleak World

While Obsidian Entertainment was fleshing out the world of Eora with Pillars of Eternity, the team experimented with a one-off CRPG in the form of Tyranny. The game was released between the first Pillars game and its eventual sequel, taking players to the new fantasy world of Terratus. The protagonist is a high-ranking official in the sinister Overlord Kyros’ regime, a villain who has already succeeded in conquering much of the land under their iron grip, and is tasked with settling a budding rebellion in another kingdom.

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Right away, Tyranny presents a shocking background and premise to make the game’s story stand out. The game features a classic “real-time with pause” combat system to feel like the CRPGs of the ’90s and early ’00s, but it also puts great emphasis on making deeply impactful narrative choices. By throwing players into a fantasy world where evil has already won, by and large, the protagonist can help incite positive change and navigate the regime’s red tape or succumb to personal ambition. Tyranny is a fascinating sandbox backed by a plot that also explores the nature of evil.

Tyranny

Systems

Released

November 10, 2016

ESRB

t

Developer(s)

Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Paradox Interactive

Engine

unity

Play an RPG with meaningful, world-altering choices, unique and memorable companions, and a new perspective on morality. Tyranny casts you as the arbiter of law in a world devastated by war and conquered by a despot.

1 Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Sees Obsidian’s Team Continue to Grow

Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity Series Takes a New Tonal Approach to Fantasy

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is Obsidian doubling down on its imaginative fantasy IP. The sequel has players assume the role of the “Watcher,” as they and their group of companions go on an ocean-spanning adventure to track down a reawakened and renegade god. It’s another must-play CRPG for fans wanting a modernized experience of classic isometric games, complete with the choice of “real-time with pause” and turn-based combat systems.

Much like the studio’s best efforts in the past, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire excels at telling a compelling main quest while giving players the freedom to tackle side adventures and open-ended exploration in between. This freedom extends to character customization for their protagonist and party composition. Meanwhile, the Deadfire Archipelago’s seafaring theme gives Pillars of Eternity II a swashbuckling atmosphere to shake up the fantasy feel compared to its predecessor, complemented by the game’s naval combat sequences.

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Systems

Released

May 8, 2018

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Developer(s)

Obsidian Entertainment

Publisher(s)

Versus Evil

Engine

Unity

Franchise

Pillars of Eternity