Western RPGs That Feel Like Real Livable Places

Many Western role-playing games feature large and enjoyable worlds to discover. For instance, Fallout 4 boasts a detailed world filled with remnants of the past, though its post-apocalyptic setting can be quite frightening. Similarly, the world of Marvel’s Avengers would be a cool place to live, but not everyone would necessarily get superpowers.

Both of those games have some appealing qualities, but many other RPGs offer far more immersive and beautifully realized worlds. While these aren’t for everyone, they’re the kind of games that make you want to lose yourself in them – especially Western-made RPGs.

Hogwarts Legacy

Become A Witch Or Wizard

Although set in a magical world, Hogwarts Legacy is actually set in the real world – specifically, a time before the events of the Harry Potter books, which took place in the 1990s. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is located near London, but it exists in a hidden, magical dimension that only those with magical abilities can reach.

Okay, so in the Hogwarts game, you get sorted into a house – Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff – and then you actually go to classes! You learn spells, potions, all that magical stuff. Then, the coolest part is taking what you learn and using it as you explore Hogwarts and the surrounding grounds. Honestly, since I first read the books back in ’97, I’ve always wanted to go to a school like Hogwarts. Schoolwork is still involved, sure, but when it’s magic school, it feels way more exciting than regular life!

Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

THE Sci-Fi Franchise

The world of Star Wars is vast, comparable to or even larger than the Harry Potter universe, and has been captivating audiences since the 1970s. Numerous Star Wars video games, such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, allow players to immerse themselves in science fiction adventures. In this particular game, you play as a character who has lost their memory and is discovered by the Jedi, who recognize their potential with the Force and welcome them as one of their own.

Okay, as a Star Wars gamer, let me tell you, the dream is always to be a Jedi. Seriously, it’s the best! And if you can get your hands on a spaceship to fly around the galaxy, even better – endless adventure and action await. This is when the Republic was really strong and things were pretty orderly, which makes it a really cool time to play in. It’s definitely the most peaceful era in the Star Wars universe, and you’re walking around with tons of other Jedi, which is awesome.

Mass Effect

The Star Trek Equivalent

BioWare created Mass Effect as a follow-up to their successful game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, hoping to build a unique science fiction world. However, Mass Effect feels more like Star Trek than Star Wars. It features a galaxy governed by a council of different planets and species who meet at a central station called The Citadel to maintain peace and order. Though conflicts arise, the game also emphasizes a desire for understanding and learning about different cultures throughout the galaxy.

The original Mass Effect isn’t really about everyday life, nor are the subsequent games in the trilogy. You play as Commander Shepard, whose main goal is to prevent a dangerous alien race from destroying all life – that’s the core story throughout the entire series. The fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, but surprisingly, life for ordinary people in the Mass Effect universe could be quite pleasant. The Citadel, in particular, offers everything you’d need, including homes and even artificial skies.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Don’t Take An Arrow To The Knee

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a landmark open-world role-playing game that sparked a desire for exploration in players worldwide. The game is set in Skyrim, a harsh and dangerous land of cold and darkness. People who live in colder climates, like those in Minnesota or Russia, might feel right at home in this fantastical setting.

People in this world might live simple lives as craftspeople like blacksmiths, or they could choose to fight as soldiers for a king. But becoming a Dovahkiin – the hero players control in the game – is highly unlikely. Dovahkiin have a special lineage that allows them to speak with and gain power from dragons. While being a Dovahkiin isn’t an option, anyone can still learn magic if they dedicate themselves to studying it.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Depressing, But Vibrant

I’ve been playing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and it’s another huge fantasy open-world game, but honestly, it feels a lot grittier and more intense than Skyrim. The world is gorgeous, but it’s full of really creepy creatures straight out of old stories – think trolls and these weird, scary tree monsters that snatch kids. You play as Geralt, who’s a Witcher – basically a monster hunter who’s been specially trained and mutated to be as tough as the beasts he fights.

Witchers are often feared, but they’re essential for maintaining order, and the job offers a stable income despite the difficult choices it demands. While life is challenging for Geralt, it wouldn’t necessarily be the same for everyone, and thankfully, players won’t have to become Witchers themselves. Even in a world filled with monsters, everyday jobs like tailoring and cooking are still needed, and there are plenty of safer, more peaceful places to live in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Cyberpunk 2077

Back To The Future

CD Projekt Red, the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, also made Cyberpunk 2077, but this game is a science fiction adventure set in the year 2077. Players can choose their starting point – either as an outsider in the dangerous wasteland surrounding Night City, or as someone already established within the city’s social hierarchy. Night City is a place where people come to pursue opportunities, representing the height of modern civilization and offering many jobs within powerful corporations – as long as you’re willing to play the game.

In the world of Cyberpunk 2077, money means power and a comfortable life. Those who choose to live outside the law often become criminals, taking what they need for themselves. A key part of the experience is upgrading your body with cybernetics – things like robotic arms that transform into weapons. If you’ve ever wanted to enhance yourself with cool tech, Night City is the place to be.

South Park: The Stick Of Truth

EarthBound With Swears

South Park: The Stick of Truth embraces the show’s anything-goes spirit. For over two decades, viewers of South Park have seen the town’s residents handle both everyday life and wild events, like alien invasions and natural disasters. The game lets you create your own character and join Cartman, Kyle, Stan, Kenny, Butters, and the rest of the gang on a fantastical RPG adventure throughout South Park.

The show features characters who can use magic, and even though they’re facing off against magical adults, it’s hard to tell what’s actually happening. While magical abilities aren’t guaranteed right now, anything could happen in future episodes of South Park. Similar to the world of Hogwarts Legacy, it’s a more exciting take on reality because it opens up endless possibilities for everyone.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

A Time Machine To The Medieval Era

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a realistic glimpse into the 15th century. Unlike fantasy games like Skyrim and The Witcher 3, which feature magic, this game focuses on historical accuracy, with only basic alchemy. It portrays a harsh medieval world where life is difficult for everyone, regardless of their status.

Players can choose to build a fortune in this game, or live as a thief, depending on their preference. Regardless of how they play, the world is surprisingly vibrant despite lacking modern technology like TVs, consoles, or cell phones. Life was simpler then, and people relied on their own skills to survive. While it might be challenging for those used to technology, the world is still a beautiful and thriving place, full of unspoiled nature.

2026-01-27 11:35