10 RPGs That Get Better As You Go

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It’s important to acknowledge the common pattern in many recently released RPGs. These games tend to hook players with their most engaging content at the beginning, but unfortunately, as gameplay advances, the enjoyment level tends to decrease.

Luckily, there’s still reason for optimism among RPG enthusiasts. Occasionally, when our profession involves playing games, we stumble upon some real treasures that provide exceptional gameplay from beginning to end.

Rather than a blast-off start only to become less engaging, these role-playing games improved as I delved deeper into their worlds. For the first time in quite some time, it seemed that the game valued my time and offered rewards for my determination.

10.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Become the Fateless One

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is an enhanced version of the original Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, enriching it with numerous user-friendly improvements and improved visuals. Despite boasting a talented writing team that includes R. A. Salvatore, and developers from Oblivion, this game seems to have slipped under the radar. Kingdoms of Amalur had significant potential, but has endured, primarily because of its engaging combat system.

Initially, you find yourself in a lab overrun by an immortal fae race known as the Tuatha. It seems your character has come back from the dead, now possessing the unique power to shape their own destiny. The initial moments will have you dashing through dimly lit hallways, experimenting with various playstyles. This opening is typical of many Role-Playing Games (RPGs).

The excitement truly ramps up when you arrive at the initial settlement named Gorhart. Here, I discovered various factions to align with, and from then on, the game became genuinely engaging. The most potent abilities and powers are unveiled later, making the game both enjoyable and immensely satisfying. The battle system is remarkably captivating, and as you tailor your character’s skills, it only gets more enticing.

9.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Audentes Fortuna Iuvat!

Experience Kingdom Come: Deliverance by Warhorse Studios, a captivating role-playing game that transports you to 15th-century Bohemia, where you play as Henry, a blacksmith’s son. The game begins with you at the bottom rung of society, and its challenging progression might deter some players.

Becoming a hero in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is something that requires patience, as it’s not an ordinary Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) where you can quickly vanquish trolls and dragons. For those who persist, this game offers a unique power fantasy unlike any other.

As I progressed through the game, accumulating gold for future purchases, my horizon broadened with fresh prospects appearing before me. My combat skills improved, I acquired superior equipment, and found myself interacting with significant historical figures from the era. The arduous beginning seemed almost forgotten at that stage.

8.
Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Many Fall, But One Remains

Among the games I adore most, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind stands out. At the beginning, you’re introduced as a freshly freed convict in the peaceful town of Seyda Neen. Unlike many games, it doesn’t babysit you. In fact, due to your weak initial state, you’re practically harmless, not even able to swat a fly.

Many individuals try the game initially, only to find out that it relies heavily on dice rolls for gameplay and combat, which often leads them to quit. I too experienced this annoyance, but it was then that I understood the significance of crafting a character. After some trials, I pinpointed the abilities I preferred and dedicated all my effort towards honing those skills.

Following a few challenging missions that left my boots muddy, I improved at the game and joined multiple guilds, which was when the game truly expanded for me. Aspects such as alchemy and spellcrafting demand considerable effort but yield substantial rewards. If you meticulously construct your character, you can gain divine abilities and swiftly defeat even the most formidable foes. Here’s to hoping it receives an Oblivion Remastered upgrade soon!

7.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen

The Decision is Yours, Arisen!

As a devoted gamer, I’d say Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is an immersive open-world action RPG that allows me to lead a band of loyal companions on thrilling quests. This game offers a remarkably captivating battle system, where I can grapple onto monsters and scale them while dealing damage to their vitality.

Initially, I anticipated the game to be as I had imagined, but unfortunately, it started off at a leisurely pace. Despite its impressive character customization options, I didn’t truly feel immersed in the narrative until some time had passed.

Perseverance truly paid off. Discovering fresh beasts, testing unique skills, and tinkering with assorted teams remained exciting as ever. The day you vanquished your initial Griffon will forever linger in memory, and when you recall that moment, you’ll understand what makes this game exceptional.

6.
Dragon Age: Origins

Make Friends, Enemies, And Choices

In my opinion, Dragon Age: Origins stands out as BioWare’s top creation. Though I personally lean towards Mass Effect, I believe that Dragon Age is an exceptional game that every enthusiast of role-playing games and fantasy should experience. Unlike the grandiose high fantasy feel of The Elder Scrolls series, this game delves into a more grim and realistic world, drawing inspiration less from J.R.R Tolkien’s works and more from George R.R Martin’s darker narratives.

Although Dragon Age: Origins receives high praise, I find that it doesn’t initially convey what kind of game it truly is. When you begin, you are given the opportunity to design your character and pick an “Origin,” which depends on your character’s race and class. I opted for the Human Warrior Origin, and during the first hour, I found it rather predictable, constrained, and lacking in significant choices beyond dialogue options.

Even after wrapping up the Ostagar chapter, I gained the liberty to traverse the world, visit various places, and recruit diverse companions. Encountering characters like Zevran, Leliana, and others significantly transformed my gaming experience and forged a strong connection between me and not only the game, but also the character I crafted. Once you’re comfortable with the game mechanics, don’t forget to experiment with some custom mods.

5.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Now, Death Reigns Over All

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is an immersive role-playing game that draws heavily on classic isometric CRPGs such as Baldur’s Gate 2 and Planescape Torment. It demands a significant investment of your time and focus, with numerous mechanics to master. Newcomers may find it particularly challenging due to its complexity.

If you find yourself struggling to dive into the game numerous times due to feeling overloaded, I suggest spending some time watching tutorials or guides. Trust me, they’ll make a significant difference and ensure that you don’t miss out on an experience worth investing in.

Persevering with it was one of my finest choices – a decision I’ve never regretted. The endless possibilities for personalization, the multitude of moral dilemmas, and its grand scale make this game more and more captivating as you progress. If you can handle some turn-based battles and are willing to be patient, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous could well become your all-time favorite game.

4.
Fallout: New Vegas

The Game Was Rigged From The Start

Although Fallout 3 served as a successful revival for the series, and Fallout 4 gained immense popularity, Fallout: New Vegas surpasses them both in terms of being an immersive Role Playing Game (RPG). Developed by experienced RPG creators at Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas offers a dynamic, lively world, numerous factions to interact with, and a deep character development system, providing limitless possibilities.

In Fallout: New Vegas, events kick off with you getting hit by a bullet to the head – quite literally! However, the benevolent folks of Goodsprings manage to save your life. The initial stages involve crafting your character and completing some introductory tasks, but it’s only when you arrive in New Vegas that the game starts ramping up the excitement.

Back in the day, I found myself immersed in the rough-around-the-edges charm that is Fallout: New Vegas. Compared to today’s games, it might seem a bit janky, but when it comes to RPGs, it’s hard to beat. The game offers endless replayability and critical choices later on that make you feel like the puppet master in a war between rival factions – a kingmaker, if you will. It’s no surprise that developers have been trying to recapture the magic of New Vegas ever since.

3.
Divinity: Original Sin 2

Glory Is Mine

Prior to the release of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios had garnered significant recognition for their Divinity series, particularly with Divinity: Original Sin 2 standing out as their most impressive creation. This game dropped in 2017, well before turn-based games started gaining popularity again, which meant many gamers overlooked it.

If you missed out, Divinity: Original Sin 2 was an exceptional journey that took its pace to craft a captivating experience. Once it got going, it reeled you in completely. The game offers a range of races and classes for you to choose from, and the storyline adjusts according to your character’s actions.

I found myself deeply captivated by the tale of this virtual world, as I delved deeper, I felt as though the game was mirroring my passion for its storyline with intriguing surprises and developments. In essence, it’s clear that this is a game worthy of being called one of the greatest of all time.

2.
Elden Ring

You Will Witness True Horror

In contrast to its predecessors from FromSoftware, Elden Ring introduced a sprawling open world teeming with foes to vanquish and treasures to amass. If you were captivated by the idea of traversing this realm but abandoned your journey due to challenging combat encounters, now’s the time to revisit it and persevere!

Soulsborne games are deliberately challenging, so they’re not ideal for newcomers. Don’t worry if you need several attempts to defeat the opponents. Just stay persistent, and try not to act too hastily.

After some initial difficulties and frustration, I found myself immersed in an outstanding open-world game that consistently rewards you, be it with valuable loot or more complex challenges.

1.
Red Dead Redemption 2

Take A Gamble That Love Exists

Red Dead Redemption 2 stands among the top-tier games to experience, serving as Rockstar’s masterpiece (their crowning achievement) up until Grand Theft Auto 6. This game immerses you in the life of Arthur Morgan, a noble outlaw, as his gang disintegrates around him.

Upon its launch, Red Dead Redemption 2 faced considerable criticism due to its gradual beginning. Initially, you find yourself pursuing across the snowy peaks at the game’s edge, which, admittedly, can seem monotonous; however, this is an intentional design choice.

This game isn’t primarily focused on open-world disorder; instead, it’s a role-playing experience that invites you to discover fresh locales, encounter captivating characters, and influence your persona through your decisions. The narrative itself is compelling enough to push past the initial slow periods. As time progresses, you’ll find yourself tracking beasts, taming mythical steeds, and squaring off against the most renowned gunfighters in the Old West.

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2025-05-20 21:12