The Greatest Fantasy Open-World RPGs, Ranked

When it comes to solo gaming experiences, fantasy open-world RPGs are consistently popular. These games appeal to a wide range of players and often receive positive reviews. Many of the most memorable games from recent years fall into this category, and there are plenty of exciting new ones on the horizon.

We’re creating a list of the greatest fantasy open-world RPGs ever made. These influential games, spanning many years and developers, helped shape the genre into what it is today. Whether you prefer fast-paced combat or sprawling, story-driven adventures, you’ll find something to love in this collection for any fantasy enthusiast.

10. Avowed

Count On Obsidian For Top-Tier Writing

As a huge RPG fan, I’ve always been impressed by Obsidian Entertainment. So many game studios focus on gameplay first, but Obsidian really prioritizes story – they’re famous for their amazing writing. Everyone knows them for games like The Outer Worlds, Grounded, and the classic Fallout: New Vegas. But honestly, their newest game, Avowed, this open-world fantasy RPG, feels different – it’s truly something special, and I can’t wait to play it!

Obsidian Entertainment is known for its strong storytelling, and Avowed delivers on that front. However, the game also features exciting first-person combat from the very beginning. Weapons feel powerful – swords have satisfying impact, hammers knock enemies down, guns deal significant damage, and spells are both challenging and visually impressive. You can even use magic to interact with the world, solving puzzles in a way that makes the game’s environment feel real and immersive.

9. Gothic

There’s Nothing Better Than A Classic

Gothic is a classic open-world RPG that many people don’t know about, but those who’ve played it absolutely love it. The game takes place near the end of a war where humans are losing to an orcish army. In a desperate attempt to turn the tide, the king builds a prison colony, hoping to mine magical ore. He protects it with a magical barrier powered by twelve wizards. However, the barrier malfunctions, trapping the wizards inside and leaving the convicts in control. You play as one of these convicts.

Because Gothic doesn’t hold your hand – it doesn’t even give you a map! – understanding the game’s story and world is crucial. Small challenges, like needing to find the right teacher to learn a skill, make you really explore and pay attention to everything around you – the places, the people, and their names. While the game shows its age, a remake is coming that should improve the combat and controls. Even after 25 years, Gothic is still a captivating and immersive fantasy adventure.

8. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

A Light Tone And A Grand Adventure

The Dragon Quest series is well-known among gamers, but surprisingly, fewer people have actually played the games, particularly in Western countries. It’s one of the most beloved JRPG franchises ever created, but its lengthy gameplay, long stories, and generally cheerful fantasy setting haven’t appealed to everyone.

If you’re curious about the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a great place to begin. While it doesn’t connect to previous games’ storylines, it still captures the classic Dragon Quest experience with its turn-based battles, charming characters you can team up with, and expansive world to explore. Fans often debate which Dragon Quest game is the best, but most agree that Dragon Quest 11 is the most accessible and enjoyable entry point for new players in the modern era.

7. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Underrated, Overlooked, And A Classic Just Like Its Predecessor

Similar to the first game, Dragon’s Dogma 2 didn’t immediately get the attention it deserved, with many players focusing on its limited fast travel and confusing in-game purchases. However, beyond those issues lies a truly wonderful world to explore. The game constantly surprises you with new things to discover, and going off the main path is consistently worthwhile – you’ll find much more than just the usual crafting ingredients. This sense of adventure is balanced by a dynamic day-night cycle inspired by Dying Light: it’s safer to explore during the day, but nighttime offers bigger rewards…along with more dangerous enemies.

A fun world to explore is important, but Dragon’s Dogma 2 also delivers excellent gameplay. The combat is consistently thrilling, with satisfying combos and unique abilities for each character class. Every hit feels powerful, and the large-scale enemies are impressive – you can even climb on them to target specific weak spots! The game encourages you to experiment with all the different classes, and rewards you for doing so. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is truly one of a kind (aside from the original game), and despite a few shortcomings in its story, it’s a fantastic RPG that’s well worth playing.

6. Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning

Some Of The Best Combat In The Genre

When it comes to games with exciting combat, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning really delivers. It emphasizes fast-paced action over complex character builds. Every weapon has unique and visually impressive attacks, and you can unlock a wide range of skills to make them even more powerful. The combat system focuses on learning those moves, timing your blocks and dodges, and even parrying attacks to defeat enemies.

Even though the fighting isn’t as polished as in Dragon’s Dogma 2, Kingdoms of Amalur has a much stronger story, making it a bit better overall. Written by renowned fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, this game is classic, engaging high fantasy. You’ll encounter gnomes, fairies, immortals, and powerful ancient magic as you embark on a quest to change the destiny of the world. It’s not as dark and realistic as some other games, but if you enjoy The Lord of the Rings or stories from the Forgotten Realms, you’ll definitely love this one.

5. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

No Need To Worry About Running Out Of Things To Do

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is packed with content, arguably more than any other open-world game currently available. It continues the story from the first game in the remake series, so playing Final Fantasy 7 Remake first is recommended. However, even if you jump in without that background, the sheer number of activities – almost 30 minigames scattered throughout the world – makes the game well worth the price.

Honestly, most people sink at least 100 hours into Rebirth, but it’s easy to lose yourself for 200+ with everything going on. Between the main story, building your character, the battles, exploring the world, and even the Queen’s Blood card game (plus all the little side things!), time just flies. And it looks amazing – I found myself just staring at the screen even when I wasn’t actively doing anything. For pure fun, it’s hard to beat. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is easily one of the best games out right now, and if you want a game that gives you a ton of playtime for your money, this is it.

4. The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

Pure Role-Playing, No Hand-Holding

Before games like Oblivion and Skyrim made exploration simpler, The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind truly defined what an open-world fantasy RPG could be. Its world is unique, often dreamlike, and full of danger. You have complete freedom in how you play – from how you talk to people to how you develop your character. Similar to the game Gothic, Morrowind doesn’t hold your hand with waypoints or quest markers. Instead, you’ll need to rely on landmarks, learn names, and figure out where to go based on the information you gather.

Unlike Gothic, this game includes a map – though it’s basic – and features a significantly larger world to explore. This means you’ll have more to manage as you discover new areas. While characters will offer hints about where to go and what to find for quests, their information isn’t always accurate. They might forget details or only provide general descriptions. This encourages you to truly learn the game world, becoming so familiar with it that you’ll feel like a local and could easily guide new players.

3. Elden Ring

If Exploration Is Your Jam, There’s Nothing Better

Elden Ring truly excels in its exploration. The game’s world, The Lands Between, feels appropriately desolate, mirroring its history as a ruined kingdom, but is surprisingly full of hidden treasures. You’ll find a constant stream of new items – weapons, spells, armor, and useful consumables – and that’s just scratching the surface of what’s out there.

As a huge fan, I’m still blown away by how much there is to do in Elden Ring! Seriously, there are over 50 optional dungeons, and each one has its own boss. Some even unlock completely new parts of the world to explore! And don’t even get me started on the legacy dungeons – they’re massive and incredibly complex, leading to the hardest fights in the game. The amount of cool stuff you find just for exploring is honestly insane – it makes almost every other open-world game feel a little empty. It’s no wonder everyone calls it a classic – it truly deserves the title.

2. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

There Is Such A Thing As A No-Doubter

When it comes to immersive fantasy adventures, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim truly stands out. Its vast open world is famous for letting players freely explore in any direction and always discover something interesting. In fact, many players focus on exploring rather than completing the main story – they simply choose a direction and see what awaits them.

With three big expansions and a huge, active modding community, Skyrim always has something new to offer players. While the game is starting to show its age (though mods can help with that!), it remains a cornerstone of open-world RPGs. It’s not the combat or story that makes it special, but its unique ability to make you feel like you’re on a grand adventure – something few other games achieve.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Set The Bar A Decade Ago And Hasn’t Been Toppled Since

While Skyrim is fantastic for pure adventure, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the most complete open-world fantasy RPG available. It’s full of things to explore and side quests that are often as captivating as the main story. However, the main story itself is still one of the best RPG campaigns ever created, even after a decade. What really sets The Witcher 3 apart is how your decisions, both large and small, genuinely impact the narrative, which continues to earn it praise from players.

The game’s combat is deep and satisfying, with magic spells and potions that give Geralt an edge in battle. You’ll find new armor and swords, solve challenging puzzles, and hunt down a wide range of monsters – you can even collect trophies to display on your horse! It truly delivers everything a fantasy RPG fan could want, offering a level of depth and content that few other games match.

2026-02-02 20:13