Level Up Without Levels: 8 RPGs That Do It Differently

Summary

Some RPGs offer unique progression without a traditional leveling system, focusing on skill, strategy, and equipment upgrades instead.
Games like Terraria and Chrono Cross enhance characters through consumables, boss battles, and crafting materials.
Hyper Light Drifter emphasizes player skill over leveling, requiring mastery of combat mechanics and weapon use.

Advancing or progressing is a fundamental aspect of role-playing games, where a character begins as a novice and eventually evolves into an almost invincible entity by the end of the game. This development offers one of the most rewarding experiences in gaming, starting with challenging circumstances early on, but later overpowering everything – even the final boss – once characters have reached their maximum potential.

It might seem contradictory to call an RPG without a leveling system, given that it’s a key element in the genre, but creative developers have found innovative methods for enhancing and upgrading player characters. Here are some top-notch RPGs that eschew leveling up, their rankings based on a blend of overall quality and popularity.

8. Shadowrun Returns

Turn-Based Cyberpunk Role-Playing

Building upon the SNES game titled “Shadowrun” as well as the tabletop role-playing game of the same name, “Shadowrun Returns” is a turn-based RPG that was successfully funded through Kickstarter. This game blends science fiction with fantasy elements and is set in Seattle during the year 2054, where megacorporations hold significant power and machines share the world alongside humans, elves, and trolls.

Six distinct character types are available for selection, each boasting unique abilities that excel in battle, exploration, and dealing with non-player characters (NPCs). As the narrative unfolds, a certain amount of ‘Karma’ is doled out to the player characters. This resource must be used strategically as it cannot fully upgrade every aspect within a single gameplay session.

7. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Efficient Spending Of XP Yields The Best Results

Neglecting to use experience points effectively can significantly hinder your journey through “Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines,” a role-playing game modeled after a tabletop RPG. In this game, you assume the role of a recently deceased human who has just been transformed into a vampire in modern-day Los Angeles. Your objective is to navigate the treacherous underbelly of the city, engaging in combat with rival vampire factions and ominous mortals as you strive to survive in this grim urban landscape.

In this game, there are seven distinct clans, each with unique abilities that can be both beneficial and detrimental. Picking the suitable clan for your character and concentrating on developing the appropriate attributes for that clan is vital for victory. This is because experience points (XP) can only be obtained by finishing quests, and the number of quests available is limited. It’s advisable to focus on improving two or three skills and playing the game based on those, such as focusing solely on melee combat, magic, or hacking skills. A versatile character who tries to excel in many areas may face significant challenges as the game progresses.

6. Terraria

Use Consumables To Permanently Upgrade Stats

For over a decade now, the popular game Terraria remains captivating for newcomers annually, and it’s hardly unexpected given its wealth of engaging content. In an enticing 2D pixel-art world that is dynamically generated, players are required to mine, fish, craft tools, fight enemies, and much more if they aspire to stay alive.

Instead of incorporating a conventional progression system based on levels, Terraria prioritizes equipment and player proficiency. Certain items confer lasting stat improvements, like the Life Crystal enhancing maximum health or the Gummy Worm boosting fishing abilities. Overcoming bosses also expands the variety of goods offered by NPCs for purchase, and investing in stronger weapons and armor can significantly impact gameplay.

5. Final Fantasy 2

Gain Stats By Repeating Actions

1988’s “Final Fantasy II” stands out in the extensive series for not featuring character levels. The narrative revolves around four orphaned youngsters who rally against the Palamecian Empire. Often praised, this story is enjoyed by many, even though the dialogue choices may appear rudimentary compared to contemporary standards. However, these dialogue options were groundbreaking when they first appeared.

In my gaming experience, opting for a system without character levels was quite daring. Instead, it rewarded me with perks like boosting HP through constant attacks, or enhancing my proficiency with weapons or spells by frequently employing them in combat. Later games reverted back to the traditional leveling system due to complications with this method’s implementation. However, for this game, it made the challenge less daunting as I didn’t have to tirelessly grind battles to see progress.

4. Hyper Light Drifter

Brutal Action RPG Where Skill Matters

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the world of Hyper Light Drifter, a game that mirrors the struggles of its creator battling health issues. My character is a weary traveler, plagued by an illness that constantly threatens my existence. The lands of Buried Time stretch out before me, a harsh and unforgiving landscape where every step could be my last.

With each passing moment, I must rely on my skills to navigate this treacherous world, fending off countless enemies that lurk in the shadows. It’s not easy, but the thrill of survival keeps me going, pushing me to master the game’s intricate mechanics and outsmart my adversaries. The goal? To find a means to control my illness and perhaps, uncover the secrets buried deep within this desolate world.

Mastering the art of wielding the energy sword effectively is crucial because it not only deals damage but also recharges other weapons. Venturing into new areas yields fresh weapons, enhancements, and abilities for players. As you advance in this challenging game, enemies grow tougher and more abundant, making expertise in equipment management and game mechanics indispensable. Always be on the lookout for hidden treasures to maximize your chances of success.

3. Chrono Cross

Defeat Bosses To Increase Stats

First released exclusively for PS1, but now playable on contemporary systems thanks to the “Radical Dreamers Edition,” Chrono Cross is frequently hailed as one of the best video games ever created. Its intricate storyline spans multiple dimensions that influence each other in unique ways, and boasts over 40 possible party members – making it a rare example among JRPGs with minimal need for repetitive leveling up.

Deviating from established patterns (including its predecessor, Chrono Trigger), this game abandons the conventional leveling system. Instead, battles with bosses enhance the overall party’s stats, including those who haven’t been recruited yet. Consequently, some players perceive fights with lesser enemies as unnecessary. However, these skirmishes are significant later in the game as materials dropped by defeated foes can be utilized for crafting purposes.

2. Monster Hunter Wilds

Craft Gear, Hunt Monsters, And Exploit Wounds

Navigating the vast, open expanse of the Forbidden Lands can be quite perilous due to its unpredictable weather. Monster Hunter: World, on the other hand, immerses players in these tough environments and challenges them to hunt down and eradicate the diverse creatures residing there, while also incorporating fresh elements into the established series.

Instead of advancing or progressing linearly, players enhance, acquire, and create superior gear as they make their way through the game and face tougher opponents. Now, their Secret steeds can transport additional supplies, temporary campsites can be set up, and the injury system enables focused attacks on enemy vulnerabilities for increased damage. With each update and expansion, the game promises to improve even further, aiming to rank among the top games in its series.

1. Monster Hunter World

The Game That Brought The Monster Hunter Franchise To The West

Everyone seems to prefer a specific Monster Hunter game, yet there’s widespread agreement that Monster Hunter World, including its Iceborne expansion, stands out as the best among them all. This game has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of this niche franchise in the West. Unlike its numerous predecessors, World is more approachable without compromising on the series’ fundamental mechanics or appeal.

Every time I vanquish a monster, I gather loot which I transform into stronger equipment, enabling me to take down tougher foes. Each weapon and armor piece boasts unique skills that improve as I advance through the game, providing greater combat advantages. Moreover, I can collect and cook various plants to prepare meals that offer battle buffs.

2025-05-04 13:45