Best Fantasy Games With Extensive Lore

Highlights

Fantasy games with deep lore create believable worlds that immerse players in complex backstories and detailed settings.
Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim set high standards with engaging plots, rich history, and memorable characters.
Unique universes in games like Elden Ring draw inspiration from various sources, offering players intricate lore and exciting narratives.

As a longtime fan of fantasy novels and RPG games, I must say that the world of The Witcher, with its rich Slavic mythology and intricate lore, has always held a special place in my heart. The way CD Projekt Red managed to bring it to life in such an immersive and captivating way is nothing short of impressive.

Deep lore is as important to fantasy games as well-written characters and an engaging story. Few games truly excel in such departments equally, providing not only a simple and direct plot with key events and character interactions but also a complex background for the in-game setting. This adds extra context to almost every element of the fictional world players explore, making it much more believable and, in some cases, almost palpable.

As a long-time fan of immersive and complex fantasy worlds, I find myself captivated by games that boast extensive lore that fuels endless discussions among fans. My personal journey through the realm of gaming has led me to encounter several titles whose rich backstories have left an indelible mark on my imagination. Games like The Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons, and The Witcher are prime examples of this, as they draw upon established settings with deeply-rooted histories that captivate players from the get-go.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

Based On The Dungeons & Dragons Setting Of The Forgotten Realms Created By Ed Greenwood, Gary Gygax, And Dave Arneson

Undeniably, you’re familiar with it and have a soft spot for it. One of the most celebrated games in recent memory, Baldur’s Gate 3, has swept almost every award since its release last year and has broken records that were once thought unattainable for turn-based RPGs focused on parties. As the third chapter in the legendary Baldur’s Gate saga, this game takes full advantage of the latest edition of the tabletop fantasy role-playing system from Dungeons & Dragons, pushing it to new heights with a captivating cast of characters, diverse and engaging quests, crucial lore disclosures, and exceptional production quality that even the biggest studios would be proud of.

As a die-hard fan of the Forgotten Realms universe, I must admit that Baldur’s Gate 3 can be a tad overpowering at times, given its expansive and multifaceted setting. It seems as though it’s striving to cater to every fantasy enthusiast’s dreams, perhaps even leaning slightly too much on fan service. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the sheer brilliance this game represents for the genre, and it’s undoubtedly a new pinnacle for classic RPGs that we’ll be enjoying for years to come.

2 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Original Universe Created At Bethesda By Ted Peterson, Vijay Lakshman, And Julian Lefay

The Elder Scrolls series originated as a response to the well-loved games, Ultima Underworld and Dungeons & Dragons, in 1994. However, it quickly outgrew its secondary role with its second installment. By the time Morrowind transitioned the franchise into full 3D graphics, the realm of Tamriel was already a highly integrated and detailed fantasy world among the most captivating on the market. This richness was further enhanced in subsequent games like Oblivion, but Skyrim significantly contributed to this legacy.

13 years on from its release, I still find myself utterly captivated by the extraordinary open-world fantasy RPG, Skyrim, created by Bethesda. The game’s unrivaled freedom, the sense of adventure that never fades, iconic characters, and a rich lore steeped in a 16-year history continue to make it shine brighter than many newer games even from their own studio, such as the highly anticipated Starfield.

3 Elden Ring

Original Universe Created By Hidetaka Miyazaki And George R.R. Martin

The revelation that Hidetaka Miyazaki was teaming up with George R. R. Martin, the renowned writer of “A Song of Ice and Fire” (or “Game of Thrones”), sparked immense anticipation for Elden Ring after its unveiling. While there’s ongoing speculation about Martin’s exact involvement in Elden Ring, some humorously suggest that he merely provided a collection of character and boss names beginning with his initials. However, the intricate and expansive world of the Lands Between is undeniably complex, leaving players to diligently piece together every minor yet essential detail. Fans eagerly await exploring themes like powerful deities, dark cosmic forces, royal houses, bloodlines, disregarded offspring, and treachery, as well as encountering colossal legendary beasts within this masterwork.

In a league of its own, Elden Ring presents a unique universe. Miyazaki drew inspiration from various sources, including Shadow of the Colossus, The Elder Scrolls series, RuneQuest games, The Lord of the Rings, and The Eternal Champion novels. Despite Elden Ring being considered Miyazaki’s masterpiece and most acclaimed work to date, it is essential to acknowledge the studio’s previous games, notably Bloodborne and Dark Souls 3, which similarly boast original worlds brimming with intricate and profound lore.

4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Based On The World And Characters Created By Andrzej Sapkowski

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, an action RPG, is widely adored and highly praised, deservedly so. Following the success of its prequels, CD Projekt Red had the opportunity to fully expand, crafting one of the expansive open worlds teeming with captivating tales at every turn. Inspired by Andrzej Sapkowski’s series of fantasy novels called The Witcher Saga, the team skillfully maintained the original lore while presenting a fresh perspective, introducing the world of The Witcher to audiences worldwide and transforming it into a well-known and identifiable franchise.

Through his work on The Witcher series over the years, Sapkowski has carefully built a consistent framework for his universe, heavily influenced by rich Slavic folklore. In the world of The Witcher, known as “The Continent,” diverse races, cultures, and kingdoms intersect amidst constant threats from monsters and powerful entities originating from parallel dimensions. Despite its vast expanse, intricate history, and complex lore, The Witcher stories remain deeply personal, which is why they touch so many readers.

5 Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire

Original Universe Created At Obsidian Entertainment By Josh Sawyer And Eric Fenstermaker

As a devoted fan, I found myself captivated by the creation of Pillars of Eternity, a game that emerged as the spiritual heir to beloved classics like Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment. It was designed not only to continue the rich lore but also to recreate the captivating gameplay experience of these cult-classic RPGs. Thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, the talented team at Obsidian Entertainment breathed new life into a genre that had long been cherished by gamers like me. They delivered a fresh yet comfortably familiar universe and an intricate RPG that catered perfectly to hardcore gaming enthusiasts.

In the richly populated universe of Pillars of Eternity, brimming with various mythical races, powerful deities intertwined in their affairs, and a central theme known as The Hollowborn Crisis (Waidwen’s Legacy), which strips newborns of their souls, the game grips, entertains, and keeps players enthralled thanks to its exceptional storytelling. Its sequel, Deadfire, further expands on all aspects of the original, offering a multifaceted narrative equally focused on intricate colonial politics and divine matters, while adding a dash of pirate romance for good measure. Obsidian is set to revisit the world of Eora in the eagerly awaited RPG, Avowed, one of the most anticipated upcoming titles in the genre.

6 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Original Universe Created At BioWare By David Gaider

The Dragon Age series, initially launched as a successor to the widely acclaimed Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights series, draws significant inspiration from epic fantasy novels like The Lord of the Rings, A Song of Ice & Fire, and even hints at The Witcher. As per lead writer David Gaider, the world of Dragon Age was largely shaped by these literary works. Unlike elves in Tolkien’s stories, those in Dragon Age are depicted as marginalized ghetto dwellers and outcasts. The world of Dragon Age, Thedas, blends elements of both high and low fantasy, with key conflicts such as the Mages vs. Templars struggle and the Darkspawn Blights standing out as major highlights for the series.

Over the years, the Dragon Age series has undergone several transformations, shifting its visual style, ambiance, and tone from one game to another. However, it consistently adheres to the core elements of its long-standing lore and major conflicts that were established initially. Inquisition marked the peak of the series in modern times, receiving numerous Game of the Year awards in 2014. We eagerly await seeing how BioWare will conclude the intriguing Solas and Old Gods storyline begun in Inquisition in the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Here’s hoping fans won’t be let down.

7 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War

Based On The World And Characters Created By John R.R. Tolkien

The games “Middle-earth: Shadow of War” and “Shadow of Mordor” are well-known action role-playing games that focus more on intense battles and conquering orc camps and fortresses rather than other aspects. Although these games are set in the beloved world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, they provide fresh insights into familiar characters and stories, but some hardcore fans of the original books might not be completely content with every change.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but express my excitement for “Middle-earth: Shadow of War.” This game brings back familiar faces like Sauron, Shelob, Isildur, Celebrimbor, and Gollum (and many more), all in new, refreshed forms. The story and lore are robust and intriguing, while the Nemesis system offers a unique, engaging experience with NPCs. It’s a must-play for action enthusiasts who crave immersive open-world games set in richly detailed environments. Some might argue that Middle-earth deserves even grander treatment, but I can’t deny the allure of this game!

2024-08-02 04:34