RPGs That Are Worth Playing Just For Their Progression Systems

Key Takeaways

RPGs feature mechanics that empower players over time through leveling systems and skill trees for character progression.
Games like
Skyrim, Dragon Quest 11,
and
Path of Exile
offer unique approaches to skill development and character customization.
Titles like
Elden Ring, Baldur’s Gate 3,
and
Fallout: New Vegas
provide diverse progression systems that impact gameplay and narrative.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I can confidently say that these games have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey and provided some of the most satisfying progression systems I’ve ever encountered.

Many factors contribute to defining a Role-Playing Game (RPG), and while two games sharing this label might appear dissimilar at first glance, they share a significant characteristic: the progressive empowerment of the player. This is achieved through mechanics that enable players to grow stronger over time, providing them with fresh interactions and enhanced abilities to tackle increasingly formidable challenges.

In numerous Role-Playing Games (RPGs), a conventional advancement system is employed, where players earn Experience Points (XP) by overcoming adversaries, which they can then utilize to improve their abilities and learn new skills. However, some games introduce intriguing and thrilling variations that make the process of leveling up more captivating. Below you’ll find a list of ten exceptional RPGs that excel in progression systems.

10 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Mastering Skills

Hey there fellow gaming enthusiasts! You know that epic adventure I’ve been living in for countless hours? Yep, it’s none other than Skyrim, the legendary RPG that’s made a name for itself in the gaming world. What sets this game apart is its massive open-world environment that feels like a second home to me. But here’s the real magic – the leveling system! It’s not complex or confusing, but it’s incredibly intuitive and lets me shape my character exactly how I want. So if you’re looking for a game where you can truly become the hero you’ve always wanted to be, Skyrim is the one for you!

In this game, as a character wields a particular weapon or employs magic from a specific school, their proficiency with that specific skill grows. When players accumulate enough overall experience, they advance to a higher level, and are then able to choose a bonus ability related to the skill they’ve mastered. These bonuses are only accessible when the player has amassed sufficient experience in the relevant skill, so they can always count on having top-tier abilities in their area of expertise.

9 Dragon Quest 11

Handling Hexagons

The classic Dragon Quest series, one of the longest-running RPG franchises in the gaming industry, continues to impress with its latest main installment, Dragon Quest XI. In this game, players will encounter a diverse group of heroes, each possessing unique characteristics and playing styles. The developers have given players an extensive level of customization, allowing them to mold these characters and specialize them in combat using intricate and detailed skill systems.

In this setup, the skill advancement looks like vast fields made up of hexagonal tiles. Each tile offers a fresh skill, stat boost, or spell for the character to acquire. As players unlock these tiles, they’ll be able to learn new skills from neighboring panels, enabling them to chart their own unique path as the character develops and grows.

8 Path Of Exile

Navigating The Skill Tree

In the style of the Diablo series, the free-to-play action RPG called Path of Exile delivers fast-paced action and enormous, extravagant abilities. What sets it apart in character development is its unique method for player skill progression. The game offers an incredibly large skill tree with more than a thousand passive skills connected in a vast, intricate network.

In this massive skill system, players integrate a distinctive method for acquiring skills and powers. By strategically placing certain gems into their weapons and armor, they can unlock fresh combat techniques. This dual setup gives players almost unlimited flexibility in shaping their character’s development.

7 Elden Ring

Customizing An Elden Lord

“Elden Ring,” the initial open-world game from the creators at FromSoftware, has already made a big impact without needing an introduction. The vast world of The Lands Between offers a multitude of weapons and spells for players to tinker with as they strive to find their ideal playstyle.”

Careful allocation of skill points is vital in Elden Ring. Upgrading Strength and Dexterity will unlock the ability to wield deadly new weapons, while Intelligence and Faith can unlock powerful spells and incantations. The intrinsic reward of becoming innately more powerful is satisfyingly paired with the ability to wield incredible new tools in battle. Elden Ring also makes it easy to respec characters once players have defeated Rennala, so there’s plenty of room for experimentation.

6 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Going Back To School

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my admiration for Nintendo’s esteemed Fire Emblem franchise, which towers as a leader in the tactical RPG genre. Among its impressive lineup, Fire Emblem: Three Houses stands out as one of the series’ crown jewels. The choices I make for my young, aspiring lords and warriors in training significantly shape not only their destinies but also the world at large. The second half of the game delivers a stunning revelation of these far-reaching consequences.

In this game, the educational environment offers numerous opportunities for players to develop their pupils. Though units acquire experience and level up during combat, they can also enhance their talents through individual tutoring sessions. Additionally, you can create a tailor-made study plan for a deeper role-playing experience customization. Once ready, students may sit for exams, allowing them to explore new subjects and acquire additional skills and specializations.

5 Persona 5

Forming Vital Bonds

In the game called Persona 5, advancement isn’t solely about improving your character’s abilities through experience points. Although players do accumulate XP and enhance their stats as a result, the primary means of progression lies in the main character’s relationships with his teammates and friends. Managing daily life effectively is crucial for success in Persona 5, which involves setting aside time to foster connections with allies spread across the city.

Enhancing bonds in the game leads to enhanced abilities and advantages during battles, while also fostering a deeper emotional connection between the player and the non-player character (NPC). This process also unveils more details about the character’s history and background. Persona 5 masterfully combines mechanical advancement with interpersonal relationships in a manner that truly reflects the game’s narrative theme.

4 Diablo 4

Becoming Strong Enough To Fight God

The Diablo series is ideal for gamers craving a power-filled fantasy experience. Characters in Diablo 4 possess astonishing spells and abilities capable of wiping out hordes of demonic enemies within mere seconds. Add to that the gratifying cycle of acquiring powerful new weapons and armor, and characters in Diablo 4 will ultimately reach an awe-inspiring level of power.

As a longtime fan of the Diablo series, I can attest that the satisfaction of progressing through the game feels even more rewarding when you start as a lowly character on the food chain in Diablo 4. The grind to find each piece of gear is a struggle, but it’s this very struggle that makes the absurdly powerful late-game abilities all the more enjoyable. Knowing how hard I’ve worked to get there only adds to my sense of accomplishment and immersion in the game world. It reminds me of my own life experiences where perseverance and determination have paid off in the end.

3 Baldur’s Gate 3

Doing Things Like D&D

In 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 swept across the globe with its complete release, captivating many. This renowned role-playing game is rooted in the fifth edition of Dungeons & Dragons, offering players an opportunity to traverse some of the tabletop RPG’s most recognized settings, all without the need to gather a real-life gaming group.

This inspiration extends to leveling up, which, as any D&D fan will admit, can be one of the most satisfying parts of the tabletop game. Leveling up in Baldur’s Gate 3 gives characters the chance to learn powerful new spells and abilities that will dramatically impact future encounters. They can even multiclass, broadening their utility in whatever creative and distinct way they can think of.

2 Fallout: New Vegas

Shaping The Mojave

Fans of the “Fallout: New Vegas” franchise often believe it’s the finest game in the series, and there are valid reasons for this opinion. One standout aspect is its highly engaging progression system, which stands out even within the franchise. Despite the straightforward process of leveling up, the game offers a rich experience. As players progress, they earn points to allocate across multiple skills, and every other level grants them the opportunity to select a new perk as well.

This progression system ties into the game in some surprising and satisfying ways. Many dialogue options require a sufficient number of points in a given skill to pass, and Speech isn’t the only skill represented in conversation. Medicine, Guns, Barter, and even Explosives can all impact how the character interacts with NPCs and progresses quests. The perks help build out one’s playstyle in immersive and impactful ways, and the demanding skill requirements for the higher-level options make it not just easy, but almost necessary to build a character to the ideal specifications.

1 Darkest Dungeon

Recovering From Ruin

In Darkest Dungeon, you’re constantly trying to turn a tough situation into something manageable, and recover from crushing defeats. This theme is reflected in the game’s main development system. Although individual heroes gain experience and become stronger with each mission they undertake, they are ultimately expendable and can be easily replaced. The significant progression takes place within the Hamlet.

In this quaint village, players find their strategic hub for the entire adventure. Initially, when the main character and their budding mercenary group set foot here, the place is in a state of disarray, barely functional with few residents. As successful missions yield loot, players can start restoring the village. This renovation not only enhances individual characters’ abilities but also provides them with stronger equipment like improved weapons and valuable charms. By the game’s conclusion, the Hamlet has transformed into a thriving, albeit small, community, with well-maintained structures and walls robust enough to ward off nightmarish threats.

2024-08-23 13:34