CRPGs are a genre that is older than most, it stands for "computer role-playing game." As ancient as they are, CRPGs are still alive and well today, and are worth exploring. Whether players want to solve a grand murder mystery, ask questions about life and death, or go on an epic fantasy adventure, there is a CRPG that is right for any of them.
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PostsThese epic stories, packed with amazing writing, are waiting to be explored. Why not jump into one of these games and start forging a destiny? Here you'll find some of the CRPGs ever created.
Wasteland
Enter The Apocalypse
CloseWe start this with Wasteland because it is perhaps the oldest game here. This game will kick you in the face if you don't know what you're doing. Even if you do, it still makes you work for every victory. Still, the game deserves respect in the genre for breaking so much new ground.
Released in 1988, the game received new life with a remastered version available on modern computers and Xbox One. It updates the graphics and sound while still holding true to the original gameplay of its day. Even if you cannot beat this game, it is absolutely worth playing as a curiosity and to understand where the genre came from.
The remastered version is a great way to balance the old way of CRPGs, minus some of the clunkiness that you'd expect from them.
Torment: Tides Of Numenera
Ride The Tides
Torment: Tides Of Numenera
RPG Systems Released February 28, 2017WHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONFans of Planescape Torment were delighted to find out that the universe of this game would finally be expanded upon with Torment: Tides of Numenera. It was a source of great news for fans of the classic CRPG title who loved its stellar writing and story.
Of course, given the high standards set by its predecessor, it was only a given that some people considered Torment: Tides of Numenera to miss the mark in terms of its story. However, it's still a great game that fans of story-heavy CRPGs should definitely check out.
Age Of Decadence
An Age Like No Other
Age of Decadence
Indie Games Tactical RPG Systems Released October 14, 2015WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALAge of Decadence
Indie Games Tactical RPG Released October 14, 2015 ESRB t Engine torque Platform(s) Microsoft Windows Developer Iron Tower Studios Publisher Iron Tower Studios How Long To Beat 14 hours Powered by Expand CollapseAge of Decadence is easily one of the uglier games on this list. Its presentation might not be the greatest, but the same can't be said for its gameplay.
Players who look past the dated presentation of Age of Decadence will be more than pleased by the immense quality of its narrative and systems. It's a great game that fans of the genre should definitely check out.
UnderRail
Don't Forget Your Ticket
UnderRail
RPG Systems Released December 18, 2015WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThe idea of a post-apocalyptic world where you roam around an underground metro network sounds quite interesting indeed. This is precisely why so many people absolutely adore UnderRail.
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PostsThe game might not be the easiest title on this list, but the same could be said for most CRPGs. It's the amazing gameplay and brilliant world-building of this CRPG that makes it such an underrated masterpiece.
Atom RPG
Back To Basics
Atom RPG
RPG Systems Released December 19, 2018WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALAtom RPG is a game that wears its Fallout inspiration on its sleeve. The idea of a nuclear apocalypse-ravaged USSR is certainly an exciting one that Atom RPG executes with great panache.
Of course, in paying homage to its predecessor, Atom RPG might be too faithful to its roots. However, it's still a great title that fans of classic CRPGs will find to be right up their alley.
Wasteland 2
Colorado Needs You
3 Images 3 Images CloseWasteland 2
RPG Turn-Based Strategy Strategy Systems Released September 19, 2014WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWasteland 2: Director's Cut
RPG Released October 13, 2015 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) inXile entertainment Publisher(s) Deep Silver Platform(s) PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One How Long To Beat 45 Hours Metascore 87 Powered by Expand CollapseThough the original Wasteland was successful, it did not immediately receive a sequel. It took more than two decades and a crowdfunding campaign to get another game within this particular post-apocalyptic world. Developer InXile Entertainment was founded by Brian Fargo, who was the director of the original Wasteland and executive producer of the sequel.
This direct lineage between the two games shows, since Wasteland 2 feels just as heavy and oppressive as the original. Fortunately, modern gameplay conveniences made its way to this title, making it a good bridge between the old and the new.
Baldur's Gate 3
A Modern Classic
Baldur's Gate 3
5.0/5 25 9.4/10 Released August 3, 2023WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALBaldur's Gate 3
RPG Released August 3, 2023 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Larian Studios Publisher(s) Larian Studios Engine Divinity 4.0 Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op Cross-Platform Play Full cross-platform play. Cross Save Full cross-platform progression. Franchise Baldur's Gate Number of Players 1-4 Split Screen Orientation Vertical Only Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS How Long To Beat 100+ Hours Metascore 96 PS Plus Availability N/A Local Co-Op Support 1-2 Players Powered by Expand CollapseThough many fans of the genre got a taste of what Baldur's Gate 3 could offer in its early access state, few predicted it would have taken the gaming world by storm the way it did. There's a good reason why it attracted so many players who normally do not engage with the CRPG genre. Baldur's Gate 3 manages to be accessible to newcomers without sacrificing the complexity, freedom, and unpredictability that makes Dungeons and Dragons such a hit.
Every menu has an option to provide a detailed explanation of what the systems mean, and the ability to save anywhere makes it more forgiving than most other games. Combine this with great writing and a memorable cast of characters and you can't go wrong recommending this title to any type of gamer.
This is also a great game for those who want the most out of character creation, with plenty of options big and small for you to make about your protagonist.
Lionheart: Legacy Of The Crusader
Create Your Own Legacy
When talking about the best CRPGs ever made, not many people tend to bring up Lionheart: Legacy of the Crusader. This is understandable since the latter half of the game takes a massive dip in quality and ultimately ends up bogging down the entire experience.
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PostsHowever, there's no denying the fact that Lionheart has one of the strongest starts to any video game ever. Roaming around the lively city of Barcelona and finding the wealth of secrets that lie within is nothing short of a magical experience, and the other areas of the game also end up being vastly memorable, although sadly the same can't be said for the cities and dungeons in the game's second half.
Wasteland 3
A Wild Apocalypse
CloseWasteland 3
RPG Strategy Released August 28, 2020 ESRB m Developer(s) inXile entertainment Publisher(s) Deep Silver Engine Unity Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op Franchise Wasteland Platform(s) PC How Long To Beat 38 Hours Metascore 85 Powered by Expand CollapsePlayers who wanted a CRPG sequel to the original Fallout duology might find this dream to be a hopeless one. However, the old series Wasteland made a return in the last decade to fill the post-apocalyptic CRPG void left by Fallout's transition into a first-person experience.
Wasteland 3 is especially notable in this regard, establishing itself as one of the best CRPGs in modern times. The gameplay is refined to a T, the plot keeps you at the edge of your seat, and the combat will ensure that gyou can't waste a single action against foes in a savage post-apocalyptic world.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker
A Medieval Menagerie
ClosePathfinder: Kingmaker
RPG Released September 25, 2018 Developer(s) Owlcat Games Publisher(s) Deep Silver Platform(s) PC, PS4, Xbox One How Long To Beat 80 Hours Metascore 73 Powered by Expand CollapseWhile the release of Pathfinder: Kingmaker might've been a rocky start to the game's legacy, patches and fixes have ensured that this game ended up gaining the deserving reputation of being one of the more competent CRPG games around.
The world is beautiful, the lore is vast, and the combat is excellent. With these three pillars, Pathfinder: Kingmaker serves up a delicious CRPG that fans will relish for hundreds of hours.
