7 Western RPGs Where Every Problem Has More Than One Solution

Modern Western RPGs usually focus on either challenging combat with detailed character customization, or immersive stories where your decisions matter. Many players enjoy a balance of both – exciting battles and a captivating narrative. But some dedicated RPG fans are looking for something even more: games that truly emphasize the impact of player choice throughout the entire experience.

It’s often surprising, but some Western RPGs really excel at offering players multiple ways to solve problems. Unlike games that force combat or limit choices with few repercussions, these RPGs give you genuine freedom to approach challenges as you see fit. Your decisions can have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences, impacting not just the story, but also how the game plays overall.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

Where Going Off-Script Is A Feature, Not A Bug

Set about a thousand years after the events of Divinity: Original Sin, Divinity: Original Sin 2 puts you in the role of a Sourcerer, chosen by the Seven gods to defend the world of Rivellon from the Voidwoken. Staying true to Larian Studios’ style, the game lets you solve problems through conversation and by creatively using the environment.

As a fan, I’m amazed by how much control the Teleport skill and Strength stat give you! You can create these crazy setups where you manipulate what happens in the game – sometimes even preventing fights or totally changing how conversations play out. It’s wild to think you can delay entire story sequences just by how you position your character and grab certain items. It adds a whole new layer of strategy and fun!

Fallout 2

SPECIAL Actually Matters In A Build

Even though it’s an older game, Fallout 2 is still a favorite among Bethesda fans because of how detailed and complex it is. The game takes place in 2241, and players take on the role of the Chosen One, tasked with finding a device that could revitalize their home. What’s unique is that there are multiple ways to complete this goal. Plus, Fallout 2 can change significantly depending on how you develop your character – it’s not just about reaching different endings.

In this Fallout game, your Charisma and Intelligence skills matter more than just when you’re talking to people. Having low Intelligence means your character will seem genuinely not very bright, and others will treat them accordingly. On the other hand, high Charisma unlocks benefits like getting extra information and better deals. These skills can even change how encounters play out – you might be able to talk your way out of a fight with the right approach.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Roleplaying Goes Beyond Set Choices

Taking place hundreds of years after Baldur’s Gate 2, Baldur’s Gate 3 returns players to the world of Faerûn, where they must confront a Mindflayer invasion. But the game quickly reveals that there’s no single way to be a hero. Surprisingly, even siding with the Mindflayers – and potentially handing the world over to them – could be presented as a way to save civilization. The idea that this is a viable option, stemming from the Mindflayers’ shared Hive Mind consciousness, is what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 such a captivating role-playing game.

What truly makes Baldur’s Gate 3 special isn’t just its faithful recreation of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules, but Larian Studios’ knack for creating incredibly interactive experiences. While the game follows a main storyline, players have a surprising amount of freedom in how they overcome challenges. You can do things like steal items from characters you’re talking to, get lucky with a skill check to avoid a fight, or uncover hidden details about characters through unique dialogue choices – all leading to memorable and unpredictable playthroughs.

Disco Elysium

Framing Failure As A Narrative Device

If you’re looking for an RPG that’s really different, you HAVE to check out Disco Elysium. It’s super story-focused and has this amazing open world where you play as a detective who’s lost his memory – all he knows is he’s gotta solve a murder. As you help him figure out who he is and what happened, things get… weird. You’ll be dealing with situations in ways you definitely won’t expect!

Unlike most role-playing games, Disco Elysium doesn’t feature traditional combat. Instead, the game relies heavily on conversations and mental skill checks – things like thinking, figuring out clues, analyzing situations, and gaining insights. What’s interesting is that both ‘successes’ and ‘failures’ in these checks actually move the story forward in unexpected ways. While you can save and reload to try again, it’s not really the best approach, because failing a check can lead to just as compelling a storyline as succeeding. With its intricate plot, Disco Elysium has over ten points where the game can end prematurely, three main endings, and even more variations depending on the player’s choices regarding Harry’s sobriety, his relationship with Kim, and his political beliefs.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Missions Always Have Different Approaches

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a prequel to the original Deus Ex, taking place in a 2027 where advanced artificial organs are causing widespread social unrest. Players control Adam Jensen, a security officer who becomes a cyborg after a devastating accident. This transformation pulls him into a complex conspiracy with the potential to change the world. As a cyborg, Adam possesses enhanced strength, speed, and intelligence thanks to his augmentations, which are essential for overcoming the game’s difficult obstacles.

Outside of battles with major bosses, most missions in Deus Ex: Human Revolution can be completed through fighting, sneaking, or using computer hacking. The game’s skill system lets you create your perfect version of Adam Jensen, specializing in combat, hacking, stealth, or a mix of everything. How you approach these missions determines which of the four main endings you’ll receive, and even within those endings, your choices throughout the game create unique variations.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Realism Paves The Way To Different Paths

Building on the original, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 features a world twice the size and even more ways to overcome challenges. Players once again control Henry of Skalitz, now a soldier leading a rebellion against King Sigismund. While Henry is more experienced, the game remains demanding. Characters react more realistically to his choices, and players can use both conversation and combat to resolve situations – depending on how they build relationships with others.

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, like the first game, uses smart AI based on what people actually need and want. This makes the way characters react feel surprisingly realistic. You can often get by simply avoiding guards if you’re quiet, or succeed in quests by using skills like charm, deception, or intimidation – or, of course, by fighting. The game strives for believable interactions and consequences.

Age Of Decadence

Choices Lead To Unexpected Results

If you’re looking for a role-playing game that’s grounded and avoids high fantasy, The Age of Decadence offers a unique experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic world inspired by ancient Rome, the game lets you create a character without being limited to a specific class. Instead, you choose a background and profession which influence how you play and how the world reacts to you. It’s designed as a tribute to classic RPGs, focusing heavily on meaningful choices and consequences – quests have multiple solutions depending on your character’s skills and how you approach them.

Age of Decadence is a challenging RPG that doesn’t hold your hand. Both combat and conversations can quickly turn against you. But the game also encourages experimentation; unique character builds are highly rewarded. There isn’t always a single ‘right’ way to handle a situation, and your character’s history significantly impacts dialogue options. This creates a dynamic world where you might unlock exclusive areas and paths, and certain builds could make fighting or deception difficult, forcing you to find creative solutions.

2026-02-26 14:38