RPGs With the Most Flexible Skill Trees

Key Takeaways

Fallout: New Vegas offers a wide variety of perk choices for distinct playthroughs.
Diablo 4 strikes a balance between Diablo 2 and 3 for versatile character builds.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth allows freedom in character building through a unique job system.

As someone who’s spent countless hours crafting characters and building strategies in these games, I wholeheartedly agree with this list! Each of these titles offers a unique approach to skill trees, providing a depth of customization that keeps me coming back for more.

When pondering Role-Playing Games (RPGs), freedom of choice is often the first thought that comes to mind. This encompasses a range of decisions, from shaping a character’s behavior, designing their appearance, to determining their combat abilities. Some RPGs emphasize one particular aspect, while others might provide more restricted options in each category.

In these role-playing games, the players have control over character development. The intricate skill systems and trees in these games are impressive, offering a vast array of options for players to tailor their gameplay experience according to their preferences. These RPGs are renowned for having the most adaptable skill tree structures.

10 Fallout: New Vegas

S.P.E.C.I.A.L Little Guys

In the game Fallout, the Perk system has always been similar to a skill tree, although it wasn’t visually represented as such until Fallout 4. Prior to that, it was a system that branched based on the choices players made in terms of their stats and skills. One of the most striking demonstrations of its versatility can be seen in Fallout: New Vegas.

The revamped version of this perk tree in New Vegas offers a diverse range of options, some practical and others quirky, which can significantly alter the experience when playing again. While it doesn’t allow for dynamic character changes during gameplay, it does provide enough versatility to enable players to create unique narratives for each new character.

9 Diablo 4

Buildcrafting Freedom

The skill system in Diablo 4 could serve as an excellent demonstration of adaptable skill trees within the series. It blends the dynamic skills from Diablo 3 with the detailed and tailorable skill trees from Diablo 2. Spending and reclaiming skill points is effortless, encouraging experimentation without much hassle.

Characters offer numerous possibilities for customization, allowing players to pick abilities from various categories or specialize in one offensive move while focusing on defensive skills. The decisions made regarding passive skills and active moves significantly impact the character’s build, although equipment choices are equally crucial.

8 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Custom Classes

Infinite Wealth: Like A Dragon might appear unusual due to its lack of conventional skill trees. Instead, characters unlock skills by progressing through their chosen occupations. However, the ability to combine and switch moves learned from different jobs when a character changes occupation ensures that players have an equivalent level of customization in character development, just as if each character had unique, branching skill paths.

Initially, jobs might appear complex due to their distinct characteristics, but rest assured, you’ll discover they generally fall into three main categories: support, healing, damage (either magic or physical). This classification system allows for hybrid roles, where characters excel in multiple areas, such as delivering heavy physical blows while also enhancing attack power and critical hits.

As a game enthusiast, I’ve found an intriguing approach in character building: some players opt to craft magic wielders who can strike any enemy vulnerability, while others go for the versatile builds that can dish out damage or heal as circumstances demand. However, there’s one catch – these characters require a significant time commitment to level up their diverse abilities across multiple jobs.

7 Skyrim

A Constellation Of Skills

In the memories of numerous gamers, Skyrim‘s skill structures are deeply etched, just hearing it brings to mind a picture of an Aurora-tinted sky adorned with skill tree constellations. The way players construct their skills by “leveling up what they use” allows for the creation of a viable character build given enough time and dedication.

Admittedly, players have a habit of falling back on their go-to-builds like the Stealth Archer, but that doesn’t mean that the variety isn’t there. There aren’t too many other games that let players fully spec into being a blacksmithing alchemist, after all.

6 Salt & Sanctuary

The Dark Souls Of Skill Trees

In Salt & Sanctuary, the expansive skill development structure is not only complex but also engaging. It adapts the level requirement system from its Soulslike origin and transforms it into a skill tree layout. This is where players enhance their weapon abilities, gain additional healing capabilities, and opt to focus on magical expertise if they prefer.

In Salt & Sanctuary, the skill tree significantly contributes to the sense of value when you level up, as it shapes the unique characteristics of your character. The choices you make are challenging, and there’s simply not enough room to fill all the nodes available. Careful planning of your skill investments is crucial for maintaining characters that remain effective throughout the game. While re-specing is an option, it can be difficult in practice.

5 Baldur’s Gate 3

Following A Solid Template

It’s challenging to keep track of how many games have been influenced by Dungeons & Dragons in terms of their character classes and skill systems, but not many video games have managed to capture the essence of adaptable character development from tabletop gaming as effectively as Baldur’s Gate 3.

For beginners, learning to develop characters in this game might seem daunting, but experienced Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) fans will appreciate the chance to explore multiple classes as they level up, resulting in unique multi-class combinations. Not all elements from the tabletop rules are translated, characters reach a maximum level of 12, and some subclasses were left out. Nonetheless, it remains the most effective representation of D&D skill trees within a video game.

4 Nioh 2

Deep And Complex

Although Nioh 2 has significantly improved in terms of readability and enjoyment compared to its predecessor, there are still some elements that may appear somewhat confusing. The skill trees, for instance, seem complex and dense at first glance, but they become a highly versatile system once players become familiar with them.

In this game, there are separate trees or development paths for various weapon types, character abilities, Ninjutsu (skills) techniques, and Onmyo (magic) spells. Players accumulate points for each type of tree individually. Although the system might seem complex, it allows players to focus on their preferred gameplay style and enhance it over time.

3 Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age

A Second Chance For The Skill System

Few games are given a second opportunity to improve their engaging skill tree or progression system, but Final Fantasy 12 seized this chance with its re-release, The Zodiac Age. Primarily focusing on addressing player feedback about the job board and license system, The Zodiac Age significantly revamped how characters are built and skills are acquired.

In essence, the outcome was a more adaptable system, offering players greater autonomy in shaping their characters’ development, all while simplifying the procedure for acquiring abilities. Remarkably, this system manages to preserve the strategic, turn-based combat style that The Zodiac Age is renowned for, thereby underscoring its exceptional remake quality.

2 Grim Dawn

Hybrid Classing

seldom does a Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) provide the sense of fulfillment and feasibility in multi-classing as in Grim Dawn. This is largely due to meticulously designed skill trees that provide an enormous variety of class combinations and numerous harmonious interactions to uncover.

From the very start, the game promotes the possibility of multi-classing and emphasizes that it’s something worth exploring and experimenting with. The skill points system, where players have to decide whether to enhance their core class abilities or improve skills using each point, fosters intriguing choices when creating characters.

1 Path of Exile

Skill Forest

In the game Path of Exile, its skill tree stands out as one of the most intricate networks of passive abilities ever featured in a game. The nodes span from minor stat enhancements to dramatic effects that shape a character’s build. Careful planning is crucial to prevent getting lost and creating characters lacking in viability.

From my perspective as a passionate fan, I must confess that, despite its initially daunting nature, it boasts an unmatched level of freedom. Each character commences at distinct locations on the same grid, making every node potentially accessible for expansion. Granted, there are more efficient methods to construct certain characters, but the thrill lies in the process of buildcrafting itself.

In Path of Exile, you’ll find an immense array of customization options for character builds, perfect for those who enjoy crafting their characters. However, there are numerous build calculators and guides available for those who prefer to spend less time in the skill menu during gameplay. Jumping into a season allows players to experience a blend of both immersive character creation and easy-to-use resources.

2024-11-05 08:04