RPGs With Loyalty Systems So Good, It’s Addictive!

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In contemporary role-playing games (RPGs), what often sets them apart are the intricate character relationships players can build. These connections might unfold into deep, engaging romances, or they could delve into the complexities of a leader and follower, mentor and student, or captain and crew interactions.

In many types of games, it’s common to see approval meters for non-player characters (NPCs). However, what sets certain games apart is their unique approach to NPC approval. Instead of just being a measure of general favor, these games often portray companions as either loyal or disloyal to the player. The degree of loyalty they exhibit towards the central mission, team, or organization that the player leads can lead to some intriguing plot developments as the story progresses.

6. Wasteland 3

The Rangers Are Built On Loyalty

In the harsh, freezing climate of Colorado, enduring its current nuclear winter, the Arizona Rangers must do far more than just survive; they need to gather an army. Out of the six characters in a Wasteland 3 group, four are player-generated and generally function as a unified entity, but the remaining two are traditional companions who each have their own thoughts and objectives.

Among these allies and the growing ranks of the Arizona Rangers, leaders should prioritize the loyalty of various factions. Providing shelter for displaced refugees within Ranger Headquarters could increase their contentment, but such a move might diminish the captains’ own loyalty if it encroaches upon the Rangers’ living quarters.

5. Dragon Age Origins

Companions Can Lose Enough Loyalty To Turn On Players

With Veilguard stirring fond memories of the Dragon Age universe, numerous gamers are revisiting the initial chapter of this series. This first installment, a masterpiece by BioWare, demonstrated the exceptional writing skills within the studio. Few role-playing games can match the scope, choices, and companions presented in Dragon Age: Origins. Even though it’s an older game, its quality remains impressive, standing the test of time remarkably.

The DAO’s built-in approval system for companions additionally assesses their dedication to the player and their objectives. Some characters might decide to deceive the player if not won over initially, while specific actions could be so offensive to companions that they instantly revolt against you.

4. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Disloyal Companions Will Try To Seize Divinity

One captivating aspect of the game Divinity: Original Sin 2, developed by the team behind Baldur’s Gate 3, is that a character’s loyalty is gauged based on their approval. It might seem unusual, but if companions disapprove of you, they could surprisingly betray you, even though we share the same objective. They may attempt to claim Divinity’s power for themselves or hinder your advancement in some way.

As a player immersed in this captivating game world, I find the loyalty system, though not incredibly complex, offers a unique layer to the narrative. It subtly nudges me to contemplate not just the decisions I make, but also the companions I bring along on my journey. The system encourages thoughtful consideration of how these relationships evolve based on my choices, adding depth and richness to my campaign experience.

3. Tyranny

Companions Have Separate Loyalties To The Player And Factions

The game “Tyranny” is structured so that players may find themselves gaining just as many adversaries as allies. Numerous decisions within the game will win favor from one of the three significant factions but displease the other two. Furthermore, many companions have allegiances either with the two dominant armies or the rebellion. The player’s actions can solidify a companion’s loyalty, strengthen a companion’s faction loyalty, or strain relationships within the party members.

Perhaps one of the most fitting examples is Barik, a faithful companion to Tyranny’s tyrant. Barik is a knight who was imprisoned within his armor as a result of Tyros’ decree, and he is unwaveringly loyal to an elite group of soldiers known as the Disfavored. It would take a great deal of persuasion for Barik to abandon his allegiance to the Disfavored during gameplay.

2. Crusader Kings 3

Loyalty To A Ruler Is Good, But Loyalty To A House Is Better

Over numerous upgrades and additional content, Crusader Kings 3 has evolved into an extraordinarily varied and complex portrayal of characters and procedurally generated stories. As players find themselves ruling a vast domain with a monarch or emperor, loyalty among vassals emerges as a critical element shaping the entire gameplay experience.

A monarch could maintain allegiance from their subjects by instilling deep fear, executing those who displease them, but if the successor lacks the same level of intimidation, they may face rebellion from vassals who harbor resentment towards their predecessor. Building loyalty through marriage ties, agreements, and negotiations could endure across generations, however, it’s a more closed-off strategy that limits connections with other realms.

1. Suzerain

Party Loyalty Is Vital

In the game “Suzerain”, policy plays a significant role, making it one of the most captivating and intriguing text-based RPGs ever created. The path players choose for their political party will shape their relationships, with some becoming allies and others enemies. Moreover, this decision-making process significantly impacts their ability to successfully enact the historic constitution of Sordland.

Politicians who fail to satisfy their voters may encounter attempts to displace them or find themselves aligning with parties that support preserving the current system. To retain party loyalty while staying true to one’s principles in politics is a challenging and precarious task.

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2025-03-23 16:37