10 RPGs Where You Can Side With Nobody

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Instead of every RPG hero feeling the need to join a faction, kingdom, or cause, sometimes, the most intriguing journey is choosing to align oneself with none.

In numerous situations, I found myself strongly identifying with my personal principles over the agendas of the groups surrounding me. Regrettably, quite a few role-playing games compel players to pick a faction.

It’s truly unfortunate that having the freedom to carve out my own journey, or even deciding on none at all, isn’t more common. I firmly believe this restricts the sense of control and involvement, which I refer to as player agency, that players should have in a game.

Regardless if you’re choosing to maintain your autonomy by toeing the line or seeking radical change by tearing down the status quo, I’ve compiled an exciting selection of role-playing games that appreciate and incentivize players who prefer a gray area in their gameplay.

To discover top-tier RPGs, we focused our attention on games categorized as role-playing games, and those offering an evident option for players to remain neutral by declining factions or alignments.

10.
Mass Effect 3

Reject The Catalyst And Starchild

In simple terms, BioWare’s Mass Effect 3 concludes with a compelling science fiction storyline. Throughout the game, players have the ability to influence the galaxy’s destiny through their moral decisions and interconnected narratives. One unique ending, known as the Refusal Ending, allows the protagonist, Shepard, to maintain a neutral stance.

In the Expansion Pack DLC, a concealed route was unveiled where Shepard refuses all suggestions from the Catalyst, stating that organic lifeforms should carve out their destiny independently and resolutely.

It’s a bleak end to events. Shepherd’s troops have been annihilated, leaving the Reaper cycle unbroken. To be honest, I’ve always found it too daunting to engage with it.

Ultimately, this storyline presents an outcome where Shepard chooses neutrality, representing unyielding rebellion instead of alignment with any single faction. While it’s not a joyful conclusion, it showcases a courageous and resolute stance born out of human obstinacy.

9.
The Outer Worlds

Choose The Dumb Option And Bury Your Head In The Sun

As a devotee of The Outer Worlds, an amusingly sci-fi role-playing game, you have the freedom to ally with the rogue scientist Phineas Welles, the manipulative Board, or forge your own peculiar journey instead.

Choosing to establish your character’s Intelligence as “Sub-Par” during character creation opens up exclusive [Simplistic] dialogue options for you. As you progress through the game, when the moment comes to seize control of a colony vessel and escape to safety using its AI, many players typically resort to this automated system.

But with low Intelligence, you can take the wheel yourself and fly the ship directly into the sun.

It’s strange, funny, and surprisingly apt. It represents a form of rebellion, even though it involves avoiding interaction. This defiance, in a way, is still considered an act of free will.

This is the only way to earn the “Sunburn” achievement.

8.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Neutrality Lets The Bigger Evil Win

Over a long period of time, I’ve been deeply engrossed in the world of The Witcher books and series. A fundamental theme that resonates is this: when one remains impartial, evil tends to prevail. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Geralt is supposed to steer clear of politics and simply hunt monsters; however, it’s important to acknowledge that most characters don’t strictly follow this path.

To clarify, players have the option to steer Geralt towards a neutral course: abstaining from backing Nilfgaard or any other faction, staying impartial in Skellige’s internal affairs, and maintaining his solitude by not committing to either Triss or Yennefer.

Choosing neutral ground isn’t without its consequences. I’ve found that picking sides in the conflicts of Skellige can significantly shape its destiny, and at times, it leaves Geralt alone in the end.

In “The Witcher 3,” neutrality doesn’t equate to heroism or wisdom; instead, it’s a chilling indifference that underscores Sapkowski’s underlying message. Opting not to act is still a decision, one that seldom leads to favorable outcomes.

7.
Cyberpunk 2077

Taking One For The Team So Everyone Survives

In the game Cyberpunk 2077, which is based on decisions and relationships, there’s an ending that allows you to forgo them all: the Easiest Way Out or the Option of Minimal Effort.

In silence, V endures their destiny, bereft of their cherished companion or the friends they’ve gathered throughout their journey. You secretly dispose of Johnny’s medication, have a poignant farewell, and deliberately shield others from danger.

Instead of a grand confrontation or a significant act of treachery, there’s merely the sound of a solitary gunshot echoing as the city gradually disappears from sight.

As a devoted fan, I’d say that ending is the epitome of solitude yet self-reliance. In this game, V doesn’t beg for anything, nor do they play into anyone else’s scheme. Instead, they choose to depart according to their own will.

It’s plenty bleak, but in a world built on manipulation, it’s a striking act of neutrality.

6.
Disco Elysium

Reject All Ideologies And Become A Boring Common Man

In Disco Elysium, a variety of ideologies are thrown your way – fascism, communism, extreme liberalism, and morality – each vying for dominance within your troubled detective’s mind.

It’s perfectly fine if you don’t feel ready to choose a political vision. You can choose to remain uncertain, avoid adopting any particular ideology, and bypass the Political Vision Quests altogether. Although you might miss some engaging quests, it is absolutely possible to opt out of everything.

Instead of being flashy or grand, that’s exactly the idea – to stand out by blending in. In a world filled with rigid beliefs, choosing inaction can be a subtle form of protest. Alternatively, it merely underscores the unfortunate existence Harry endures.

In a subdued and melancholic manner, it remains a tale worth sharing in Disco Elysium, for even such a muted neutrality holds significance. And from an alternate viewpoint, standing firm against societal pressures that seek to force their beliefs upon you can be viewed as a courageous act.

5.
Fallout: New Vegas

Become A Wild Card And Reject The Legion And House

In Fallout: New Vegas, there are numerous dominant figures with their own agendas – NCR, Caesar’s Legion, and Mr. House, however, you aren’t obliged to align yourself with any of them.

By choosing the “Wild Card” option, which becomes accessible when you align yourself with the character known as the Yes Man, you gain the power to assume control. This allows you to expel the NCR, suppress the Legion, dismantle House, and determine the fate of various tribes – either allowing them to flourish or facing extinction.

It’s not freedom handed to you. It’s freedom taken through blood, strategy, and pure independence.

In New Vegas, choosing not to follow any path isn’t penalized; instead, it’s honored with rewards. Brave enough to take control in the Mojave, and it may even show respect.

Among all the Fallout games, New Vegas stands out as one of my favorites because I cherish the liberty it gives me to mold the Wasteland according to my unique playstyle and vision.

Taking the Wild Card path will also unlock the Wild Card achievement.

4.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Let Humanity Take The Wheel And Destroy Panchaea

In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, you play as Adam Jensen, a man who has been technologically enhanced, living in a world where technology is tearing humanity apart. Eventually, you’re confronted with a significant decision that could shape society, but among these choices, one option resonates the most: choose to destroy Panchaea and keep silent about it.

In this scenario, Jensen decides not to align with any of the game’s factions. Instead, he opts for trust in human nature, effectively choosing not to dictate or influence the storyline.

In a soft yet firm tone, Jensen’s last words echo: Humankind must forge its own destiny, despite the hardships. This ending in the game is the one true path of neutrality. One chooses to step away from manipulation, opting for belief over domination. Jensen does not persuade, distort, or intrude. He simply acts according to what he thinks is just.

What sets Human Revolution apart as an exceptional role-playing game is its faith in players to choose their own path, even if it means defying all sides, yet still making impactful decisions.

3.
Planescape: Torment

Will Yourself Out Of Existence To Escape Fate

I’m not certain if I’ll ever come across a role-playing game similar to Planescape: Torment – it’s a deep, psychologically engaging title with mechanics that are both peculiar and exceptional.

In a peculiar and thought-provoking fashion, I once managed to make a person disappear, metaphorically speaking. Living without allegiance in this world, not committing to any side including oneself, can be a legitimate choice.

The game provides three distinct conclusions, each with unique twists. You have the option to return to your former self, choose a path of self-rejection leading to something less desirable, or opt for the middle ground—ending your life with the Immortal’s Blade.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: While it’s theoretically possible to vanish by ramping up your stats sky-high, most players like me wouldn’t find that route practical. The Blade, on the other hand, seems much more approachable for us ordinary gamers.

Just himself.

2.
Tyranny

Take The Anarchist’s Path And Bow To No One

In a tyrannical setting, your role is primarily to dominate, yet this doesn’t always translate to controlling others. The Anarchist route allows for the rejection of Kyros, the military, the rebellion – in essence, it’s about opting out from everyone else’s influence.

By siding against every faction prior to Act I’s conclusion, you take control of the Spires, shun potential alliances, and forge your own ruthless destiny. Just be aware that by double-crossing the factions before Act I, you’re essentially orchestrating a Red Wedding-style act of treachery here.

In essence, you are now independent and making decisions under your own authority. Victories will be attributed to you, but maintaining control over all the levels requires considerable strength or intelligence.

In my gaming experience, choosing the Anarchist path in Tyranny leaves a chilling, desolate ending. Cities crumble, ancient powers fade, and darkness envelops the world, yet I’m still standing. I stand tall, rising above it all.

This game is ideal for those seeking total narrative control, regardless if their tale ultimately results in a devastated world.

1.
Baldur’s Gate 3

Who Needs Allies With A Tadpole In Your Head

In Baldur’s Gate 3, you’re provided with an exceptional degree of flexibility mirroring the tabletop Dungeons & Dragons playstyle. This freedom allows you to tackle circumstances in your preferred manner, including choosing not to align with any party member.

At the beginning of Act II, Gale could choose to self-detonate, thereby destroying the Absolute and everybody present, including yourself. There are no allies or safety nets in this situation. In simpler terms, it’s a single, lethal decision he must make. A final, tragic choice.

Should you opt against sacrificing Gale to conclude the Absolute on your preferred terms, you have the chance to assume command and rule as the Absolute instead. It’s not a joyful outcome, yet it offers unadulterated, brutal autonomy. Few will join your cause, but the power at your disposal will be absolute.

As a gamer, I can’t help but appreciate how these different endings truly embody my power as a player. They let me decide not just which path to take, but also how to get there – be it through selfless sacrifice or ruthless conquest. The game gives me the freedom to choose, and that’s what makes each playthrough unique and engaging.

Occasionally, choosing no side can lead to finding oneself utterly isolated, but Baldur’s Gate 3 has the audacity to allow you to traverse such a solitary road.

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2025-05-16 16:40