Must-Play Modern CRPGs That You Cannot Skip

Computer role-playing games, often called CRPGs, are really popular right now. A few excellent new games have brought them to the attention of more players, leading to a renewed interest in this long-standing genre.

Many classic computer role-playing games (CRPGs) are gaining popularity, but their older graphics and lack of updated features can be a turn-off for some. These players often prefer newer CRPGs that offer a similar experience with modern improvements.

To ensure this article stays focused, we’ve only included computer role-playing games (CRPGs) that were released after 2015.

Baldur’s Gate 3

A Groundbreaking D&D Adventure That Redefined Modern CRPGs

Baldur’s Gate 3 has had a huge impact on the gaming world. Larian Studio’s game, based on Dungeons & Dragons, is the most influential modern role-playing game, successfully bringing the genre to a much wider audience. With three large acts, the game provides hundreds of hours of gameplay, compelling characters, an engaging story, and combat that’s easier to pick up than many similar games.

In Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), player choice is central to everything. From character development to the story’s direction and how your companions react, your decisions truly matter. Most quests offer multiple solutions, encouraging creative problem-solving. With fully voiced dialogue, every conversation feels like a well-run Dungeons & Dragons game, where players are rewarded for thinking outside the box.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

An Overwhelmingly Deep CRPG Built For Hardcore Strategists

Owlcat Games is a developer focused on creating classic role-playing games, and their latest game, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, is considered their best work so far. Similar to their previous game, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, Wrath of the Righteous is based on the Pathfinder tabletop role-playing game, which is a popular alternative to Dungeons & Dragons.

Few computer RPGs offer the same level of depth, customization, and complex gameplay as this one. It builds on the already detailed character progression and class systems of the original game, taking them to an even greater extreme. Players looking for a highly replayable RPG they can spend hundreds of hours enjoying will love this, as there are so many options and possibilities that you’ll still discover new things even after finishing a complete playthrough.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Masterful Writing, Tactical Depth, And Endless Replay Value

Larian Studios’ success with Baldur’s Gate 3 built on the strong foundation they created with earlier role-playing games. Their previous title, Divinity: Original Sin 2, was a major step forward, improving on everything from its gameplay and systems to its graphics and overall feel.

As a huge CRPG fan, I have to say that Divinity: Original Sin 2 is incredible. Larian Studios built this game with a really solid foundation, and it shows. The characters are fantastic – they all have these detailed stories, and the voice acting is top-notch. Plus, the way you can build your character with different classes and perks is so deep, it makes you want to play through the game again and again. Honestly, only Baldur’s Gate 3 really surpasses it in terms of how polished and ambitious it is. If you’re into this genre, you absolutely need to give DOS2 a try!

Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire

A Nautical CRPG Adventure Across The Exotic Deadfire Archipelago

Building on the success of the popular RPG Pillars of Eternity, the sequel is even better. The most noticeable improvement is the graphics, which bring the world of Eora to life with stunning detail.

Pillars of Eternity 2 offers flexible combat options, letting you choose between real-time battles with pause capability and a more strategic, turn-based system. You can also adjust the combat speed with five different settings, making it easy for both experienced and casual players to enjoy.

Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader

A Dark, Tactical Odyssey Through The Grimdark Future

I’m really excited about Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader – it’s the new game from Owlcat Games, and it’s set in the incredibly grim and dangerous universe of Warhammer 40,000. Basically, you play as a Rogue Trader, which is like a powerful agent of the Imperium, but with a lot of freedom. You get your own spaceship and are tasked with expanding the Emperor’s influence to the furthest reaches of space, outside of the normal Imperial control. It’s a pretty awesome setup!

As a fan of Owlcat’s RPGs, I can tell you the combat in Rogue Trader is really involved – you’ll need to learn the ins and outs of the game to master it. It’s not exactly like Pathfinder, but it definitely feels inspired by it. Think turn-based battles with your whole party, viewed from above, and a lot of strategic thinking like in XCOM. If you loved Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous, you’ll probably feel right at home here!

Wasteland 3

A Fast-Paced Tactical RPG Where Choices Shape The World

Wasteland 3, created by inXile Entertainment, is a classic computer role-playing game (CRPG) where you control a team of characters from a top-down perspective. Battles happen in turns, similar to the XCOM series, but with a faster pace. Instead of moving each character individually, your whole team and the enemies all act at once, making encounters quicker and more efficient for players who want to keep things moving.

The game is set in a unique version of Colorado, where players fight against the oppressive rule of a powerful leader known as the Patriarch. Your choices matter a lot – even small decisions can have unexpected and significant effects on the story as it unfolds.

Tyranny

A Bold Inversion Of Classic Good vs Evil Storytelling

If you’re like me and love a game with a really cool world, deep backstory, and a story that pulls you in, you absolutely HAVE to check out Tyranny. It’s made by Obsidian, and it’s different because you don’t play the hero – you’re a Fatebinder, basically an enforcer working for the bad guy who’s already won. It flips the whole RPG trope on its head, and I’m totally hooked.

Many players enjoy Tyranny because of the impactful choices you make – which side you choose and how you handle difficult moral dilemmas. The game’s worldbuilding is truly exceptional; while the combat is functional, it doesn’t stand out compared to other games.

Disco Elysium

A Philosophical Masterpiece That Redefines What Games Can Be

Disco Elysium is a truly original game. It blends classic computer role-playing gameplay with a complex and unusual story, all set within a detective mystery that becomes increasingly strange and captivating.

You play as a detective who’s lost his memory and must solve crimes by finding clues and uncovering secrets. Your detective has four key abilities, and improving each one unlocks new conversation options. Each of the 24 skills tied to these abilities is voiced by a unique character, and these characters significantly influence how the detective sees and understands the world.

2025-10-21 10:38