30 Best Fantasy Games of All Time by Genre

Millions of gamers escape into fantasy games to live a life beyond the ordinary, where realms and universes come together to create an experience meant to keep you spellbound. Mythical beasts, gripping stories, endless possibilities; the best fantasy games promise a journey that will always stay with you.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best fantasy games you can play right now. A lot of these are handpicked games from different franchises, but feel free to check out the entire series to get the whole story. These span various subgenres, including dark fantasy, RPG, MMORPG, action-adventure, and more.

Best Fantasy Games at a Glance

Game	Genre	Metacritic Rating	Platforms
Diablo IV	Action RPG	91/100	PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Path of Exile	Action RPG	86/100	PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Torchlight II	Action RPG	88/100	PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo, Xbox, PlayStation
Bastion	Roguelikes and dungeon crawlers	89/100	PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, iOS
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt	Open-world RPG	93/100	PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	Open-world RPG	96/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo
Elden Ring	Open-world RPG	96/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Dragon’s Dogma 2	Open-world RPG	87/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Monster Hunter Wilds	Open-world RPG	90/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
World of Warcraft	MMORPG	93/100	PC, macOS
Guild Wars 2	MMORPG	90/100	PC, macOS
Warcraft III	Strategy	92/100	PC, macOS
Heroes of Might and Magic III	Strategy	87/100	PC, macOS
Total War: Warhammer II	Strategy	87/100	PC, macOS, Linux
Age of Mythology	Strategy	89/100	PC
Hades II	Roguelikes and dungeon crawlers	94/100	PC, macOS
Blasphemous	Metroidvania	87/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo
Baldur’s Gate 3	Isometric RPG	96/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, macOS, Linux
Divinity: Original Sin 2	Isometric RPG	93/100	PC, PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, macOS, iOS, Linux
Pillars of Eternity	Isometric RPG	89/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, macOS, Linux
Planescape: Torment	Isometric RPG	91/100	PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo
Dragon Age: Origins	3rd Person RPG	91/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, macOS
Bloodborne	3rd Person RPG	92/100	PlayStation
Dark Souls III	3rd Person RPG	89/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
God of War Ragnarök	3rd Person RPG	94/100	PlayStation, PC
Fable II	3rd Person RPG	89/100	Xbox
Final Fantasy VII	Japanese RPG	92/100	PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Nintendo, iOS, Android
Dragon Quest XI	Japanese RPG	93/100	PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, PC
Metaphor: ReFantazio	Japanese RPG	94/100	PlayStation, Xbox, PC
Tales of Arise	Japanese RPG	87/100	PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Best Fantasy Action RPGs (ARPGs)

Sometimes, it’s fun to put down your thinking caps and trade your office attire for shining armor and a sword. Action Role-Playing Games (ARPGs) are vast playgrounds where fantasy and action come to life. This genre features real-time action and combat with deep, character-driven quests and storytelling akin to RPG roots.

1. Diablo IV

In the world of dark fantasy games, Diablo IV has established itself as a spectacular, gore-soaked ARPG that wears the crown for deep endgame content and a compelling, cinematic campaign. It follows the actions of the demon Lilith as she returns to power in a world full of powerful enemies and dynamic events. 

The classes in Diablo IV enrich this experience by giving you several gameplay styles to choose from. Whether you’re a Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, or anyone else willing to cross paths with Lilith, Diablo IV promises a challenging world to journey through.

2. Path of Exile

Path of Exile will feel like a dark fantasy paradise if you’re into character-building and RPG elements. This one’s a free-to-play giant that demands commitment. You’ll fight, loot, and endlessly tweak your character until you’ve mastered a playstyle that’s unique to you. Its iconic Passive Skill Tree is a web of unparalleled freedom.

The true longevity of Path of Exile remains in its excellent endgame components and dedicated community. Its notorious learning curve may feel a bit daunting to those who haven’t played ARPGs before, but it is welcoming enough to get you hooked quickly. 

3. Torchlight II

Torchlight II stands out differently as a colorful and charming take on the ARPG formula. Some of its foundations were laid by the makers of the original Diablo, which is why it may seem familiar to some players. Torchlight II matches up to six players across online and LAN sessions, making for an incredible gaming session with friends. 

This one’s the very definition of “kill, loot, level up, repeat”. Add to this excellent quality-of-life features and a New Game Plus feature, and you’ve got yourself endless hours of fun. It even has an adorable Pet System feature that lets you have faithful champions who will fight by your side and sell junk loot, saving you a lot of time. 

4. Bastion

The more you play Bastion, the richer its illustrated folk-esque aura shines through. The gameplay is defined by a lush, hand-painted aesthetic and dynamic narration (voice-over) that keeps the flow going. You control The Kid, who braves a shattered world known as the Calamity. As you play, witty commentary based on your actions keeps things flowing.

The game’s design blends unique storytelling with isometric combat that feels fast, satisfying, and highly customizable. You can mix and match unique weapons, which tweaks your playstyle across the playthrough. Between the ideas of loss, memory, and repairing a broken past, Bastion has a lot to tell you. 

Best Fantasy Open-World RPGs

These games are lived-in worlds with meticulously detailed characters, cultures, and endless distractions. They give you a sense of player agency that lets you dive into hours of main and side quests, as you explore the world.

5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

In the realm of fantasy adventure games, the Witcher franchise holds a special place that has inspired an endless stream of media content. Based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt embarks you on a journey across a war-torn world rich with compelling characters and stories. 

This is a game where your choices genuinely matter, often leading to consequences that don’t show up until hours later. The gameplay is a mix of relaxed exploration and intense action, featuring sword-fighting and spellcasting. At the time of writing, The Witcher 4 is in the works, being one of the most anticipated upcoming games for PC and consoles.

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Even if you’ve never played Skyrim, you’ve probably seen or heard about this game. Through endless community updates, mods, memes, and quests, Skyrim has established itself as one of the most iconic RPGs and open-world adventures to ever exist. The core of Skyrim’s appeal lies in “you are what you play”. 

As the Dragonborn, you’re tasked with saving the world…or spending 50-something hours joining thieves, brewing potions, getting married, or chasing chickens. It’s all up to you. This progression system deeply immerses you in the world, where your character reflects your choices and the consequences that follow.

7. Elden Ring

Building on the foundations of Dark Souls and other FromSoftware games, Elden Ring features a colossal open-world setting called the Lands Between. This is a realm that encourages total freedom, regardless of the classes in Elden Ring. As you progress, your character will grow and fight those who have previously conquered the world.

It’s one of the best fantasy video games with a powerful narrative, thanks to the combined efforts of FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki and renowned writer George R. R. Martin. The game makes leveling up highly engaging, since every region requires you to be powerful enough to explore it first. 

8. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a sequel that rejects many open-world cliches in hopes of favoring a truly wild and emergent adventure where each journey is rewarded, instead of simply having you fast-travel everywhere. Its unique monster and quest design frequently presents you with challenges, featuring unpredictable chaos and a decent variety of enemies. 

The game’s overall combat and progression stay commendable, and its true soul lies in the Pawn System: Highly detailed, customizable AI companions created by you, or borrowed from other worlds. Alongside the map design, it lets you explore at your own pace with these companions, making for a completely authentic experience that remains true to you.

9. Monster Hunter Wilds

The next evolution in Capcom’s iconic beast-slaying franchise expands on its foundations. Exploring a seamless open world while fighting monsters in Monster Hunter Wilds rewards you with different gear and weapon types, allowing for an experimental and challenging gameplay experience. Each hunt is a reflection of your combat and exploration skills.

The dynamic weather system also adds a twist to the hunt. You could be starting your day under the bright sun and clear landscapes, and an unexpected sandstorm may change monster behavior. This pushes you to adapt dynamic playstyles and create new opportunities within familiar biomes. 

Best Fantasy MMORPGs

Fantasy MMORPGs pull you into an ever-evolving world where your personal journey shares a path with others. Much of its gameplay revolves around shared quests, defeating bosses, and building/exploring with other players within the same world.

10. World of Warcraft

For many gamers, World of Warcraft is less of a game and more of a second life! This MMORPG has defined the genre with its colorful, distinctive art style set in a vast world called Azeroth. Its deep social mechanics and approachable quest structure blend well with the variety of characters and roles, making it one of the best fantasy games of all time.

Usually, there are two ways of getting into the best MMORPGs: playing on a classic server or enjoying the more modern and robust realm. World of Warcraft offers both of these experiences, and you can enjoy them with up to 40 friends (or enemies) at the same time. 

11. Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 reinvents the fantasy MMO formula by letting go of static quests and replacing them with a living, breathing world of dynamic events. It’s a great free MMORPG for those new to the genre, and it refrains from charging a monthly fee. Instead, you can buy expansion packs to experience everything the game has to offer.

The game’s combat certainly takes the spotlight, as it focuses on tactical decision-making. You have to select from a few subsets of skills from a large pool and build upon them. Through traits and elite specializations, your character’s class becomes highly flexible. Over time, you get involved in story arcs, social systems, and rich endgame content.

Best Fantasy Strategy Games

Brains, brawls, and beauty. These games ask you to think at every move, as you meet and conquer challenges set in fantastical worlds. You’ll be managing resources, armies, and kingdoms, and occasionally facing betrayals as you evolve. 

12. Warcraft III

Even during its early days, Warcraft III set the tone for modern strategy gems in many ways. It fused traditional RTS mechanics with RPG elements that gave you troops you actually cared about. As you manage different heroes, every mission starts to feel like a story. You also check out Warcraft III: Reforged, the remastered edition of the game. 

In addition to the RPG-based strategy gameplay, Warcraft III offers the opportunity to utilize its custom map maker, which has inspired the popular Defense of the Ancients (DotA). Two decades after its initial launch, players continue to enjoy the game and test unique tactics against familiar challenges. 

13. Heroes of Might and Magic III

In Heroes of Might and Magic III, you lead armies that follow your every command. These armies are led by a hero who loots treasure, upgrades towns, and wins battles with turn-based strategy. Your hero’s skills and artifacts can slay different kinds of creatures across new factions, campaigns, and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Its mobile port does justice to the original game, gracefully holding its place in a collection of the finest mobile RPGs ever made. This kind of accessibility makes it easier for fans of strategic RPGs to have a reliable game that is slow, thoughtful, and richly rewarding. Each game you play will feel unique, no matter how well you’ve mastered the mechanics.

14. Total War: Warhammer II

Total War: Warhammer II has a dual-faceted approach to traditional strategy mechanics. On one hand, you’re managing empires and strategizing. On the other hand, you’re involved in real-time battles where intensity takes a shift up. Add to that the Vortex campaign, and you have yourself a captivating narrative to look forward to.

What truly makes this experience shine is its variety. Every faction feels distinct, giving every decision an emotional and tactical weight. If you own Warhammer and Warhammer II, you can unlock Mortal Empires — a vast sandbox that combines the maps and factions of both games. 

15. Age of Mythology

In Age of Mythology, you rewrite the tales of mythological warfare. Once you choose your pantheon, such as Egyptian or Norse, you can access specific myth units and divine powers. As you progress through the different ages of a mythological civilization, you’ll learn to balance economy, military, and mythic powers.

Over time, the game has been reworked, and we recommend playing Age of Mythology: Retold. Retold brings the experience to newer, modern platforms. It’s a strong pick for any RTS fan who likes a mix of mythology with tactical and nostalgia-driven mechanics. 

Best Fantasy Roguelikes, Metroidvania, and Dungeon Crawlers

If you’ve played many Soulslike games and enjoy the idea of dying, over and over again, Roguelikes may be the answer to a happier life. These games reward you through repetition and challenge, especially when the level design supports dungeon crawling and metroidvania elements.

16. Hades II

Under the roguelike subgenre of RPG fantasy games, Hades made a remarkable impression on the indie gaming scene. With Hades II, every part of the former game shines brighter: a complex and addictive combat system, Olympian gods to converse with, personalised passive and active scaling, and more. 

The beauty of Hades II lies in its world-building. Even when you die over and over again, each run will dive deeper into the Crossroads, where your earned artifacts, incantations, and NPC bonds let you grow stronger. Hades II accurately balances an ambitious narrative with deeply woven attack and magic systems, making for an excellent roguelike experience. 

17. Blasphemous

Blasphemous’ violent setting opens its doors and welcomes you into a grim, faith-twisted realm of Cvstodia. A corrupt force here called “The Miracle” torments beings, and you play as the Penitent One, a lone survivor bearing the burden of sin. You wield a sword, explore the world, and die a thousand deaths until you’re met with different challenges. 

Between cathedrals, ruins, and underground passages, there’s a lot of lore here waiting to be understood. At its core, the game pushes you to master melee as well as ranged attack, despite its limited flexibility. Over time, you collect upgrades, artifacts, and new ways of traversing the map. Once you’ve mastered all this, Blasphemous II awaits your attention.

Best Fantasy Isometric RPGs

When storytelling and strategy share love, isometric RPGs are born. These games pull you into richly crafted worlds from a bird’s-eye view. Every decision, dialogue choice, and dice roll (in some cases) can decide the fate of your characters.

18. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a wonderful blend of tabletop Dungeons & Dragons gameplay with modern RPG mechanics. You assemble a party, explore a huge map, and tackle maps where there’s no one “right path”. Every dialogue, tactical move, spell, and decision plays a vital role in your party’s journey. With each companion character comes a richly written arc that can intersect or harmonize with your journey.

At the time of writing, there are 12 subclasses, crossplay support, and a photo mode that adds a cinematic twist to the game. Baldur’s Gate 3 is a game that lives and breathes through the best fantasy elements you can ever find in a game. It’s a journey you’ll pour hundreds of hours into, even if you’re new to the world of isometric RPGs.

19. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin II is another gem by Larian Studios, widely considered one of the greatest modern-day isometric RPGs. As you step into the realm of Rivellon, you must navigate moral dilemmas, alliances, and betrayals while crossing paths with monstrosities known as the Voidwoken.

Combat and exploration are tied directly into the game’s environments: fire spreads, surfaces freeze, elements interact with one another, and the battlefield itself becomes part of strategic decision-making. You can also party with up to four players, which adds to the synergy and combos involving unconventional tactics. 

20. Pillars of Eternity

Pillars of Eternity is a homage to the golden age of isometric RPG, thanks to how it shapes dialogue, exploration, and character classes. As the Watcher, you’re tasked with unraveling mysteries about souls lost in Dyrwood, with the ability to see and interact with souls. 

You’ll manage your party, time spells, react to enemy ambushes, and use environmental positioning to your advantage. It’s really a nostalgic joy, especially for those who started playing RPGs during the early era of PC gaming. Yet, its modern-day experience relies on beautifully written text and detailed lore, much of which delivers a mature and nuanced quest system that’s here to stay in conversations about modern games.

21. Planescape: Torment

Planescape: Torment strays away from modern RPGs and lands straight into an interactive, philosophical book that’s here to keep your attention. This bizarre D&D-based narrative has you playing as the Nameless One, an immortal being who needs to answer a single question: “What can truly change the nature of a person?”

It’s one of those games where your words are truly mightier than the sword, with high Wisdom and Intelligence stats that can help unlock unique conversations. Planescape: Torment, even years after its original release, remains a landmark title revered for its deep themes around mortality, identity, and the very nature of one’s soul. 

Best Fantasy 3rd Person RPGs

With the camera placed directly behind your character, 3rd-person RPGs let you view the action at a ground level. This allows you to appreciate the detailed character design, with a focus on exploration, combat animations, and immersive environment designs. 

22. Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins pulls you into a grim, dark fantasy world of Thedas, where you must face the terrifying Darkspawn creatures. The traditional hero’s journey here becomes interesting when you experience its six unique origin stories: from a Dalish Elf hunts for ancient secrets, to a Human Noble facing family betrayal. 

Each origin offers a distinct opening hour and unique dialogue options throughout its 80+ hour campaign. Your core quest is a desperate race to rally the different nations of Ferelden against the coming horde of evil. Combat is masterfully crafted to balance third-person action and tactical CRPG mechanics. 

23. Bloodborne

The shady streets of Yharnam are perhaps an inspiration for hundreds of games that came after Bloodborne. FromSoftware’s gothic take on the Soulslike genre rewards you with aggressive combat and transforming weapons, if you have the patience and will. Each enemy you come across has a unique moveset, and you can regain health if you time your attacks right. 

Your main tools of violence are the incredible Trick Weapons, which can transform mid-combo. From one-handed saw cleavers to two-handed scythes, every weapon cradles a unique personality. The combat system is paired with a Victorian Gothic horror backdrop that immerses you in a scary atmosphere, complete with eerie dialogues and storytelling at every turn. 

24. Dark Souls III

Dark Souls III is the epic and melancholic finale to the Dark Souls series, combining the best elements of FromSoftware’s earlier games. It’s set in the crumbling Kingdom of Lothric, where you play as the Ashen One, who’s tasked with preventing the end of the world. The world design looks and feels stunningly bleak, yet brilliantly interconnected. 

The combat is a smooth and accelerated evolution of the classic Soulslike formula, where you must focus on speed, dodging, blocking, and finding a rhythm to your weapon’s moveset. The Weapon Arts system lets you use special abilities that are unique to each weapon, letting its personality shine in combat. 

25. God of War Ragnarök

God of War Ragnarök is a stunning and high-stakes conclusion to Kratos and Atreus’ Norse saga, raising the bar for cinematic presentation and emotional storytelling within a video game. It follows Kratos’s journey in hopes of breaking free from a violent past as he guides his son Atreus through the prophecy of Ragnarök. 

The combat system is an expressive masterpiece that leverages Kratos’s arsenal, which includes the Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos. The RPG element focuses on gear sets and Runic Attacks, which let you customize Kratos’s playstyle. You can switch between tanky, aggressive plays and strategic defensive movesets, based on the enemy type.

26. Fable II

Fable II is a charming blend of fantasy RPG mechanics and slice-of-life elements. It famously delivers the premise that every choice matters, tracking your actions through dual morality scales. You’re either good or evil, and pure or corrupt. These choices pretty much change your hero’s appearance. 

Throughout the journey, you have an adorable dog who acts as your compass, protector, and unconditional friend. He guides you to quests and buried treasures, adding to the adventures in Fable II. This RPG is for those who’d love to live a simple life yet see the depth of their choices reflected through their actions in a colorful world. 

Best Fantasy Japanese RPGs (JRPGs)

JRPGs are distinct fantasy experiences known for their highly stylized visual art and melodramatic (often grand-scale) narratives driven by fixed casts of memorable characters. They also feature combat systems that combine strategic and fast-paced action.

27. Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is often credited as the game that brought JRPGs to the global spotlight. This game cleverly blends traditional fantasy with striking cyberpunk visuals and a compelling narrative. You begin your journey with Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a massive sword and a mysterious past. Its remastered edition, Remake, takes full advantage of modern-day platforms.

The strategic depth of the game lies in its Materia system, which allows almost any character to learn magic or abilities by equipping colored orbs. This creates versatile and powerful custom builds. Even after years since its original release, the game remains a benchmark for emotional storytelling in video games.

28. Dragon Quest XI

Dragon Quest XI is a magnificent tribute to the classic JRPG formula, delivering a vast adventure with a modern coat of cel-shaded aesthetics. You take on the role of the Luminary, a prophesied hero, along with diverse companions across the beautiful world of Erdrea. 

The definitive version, Echoes of an Elusive Age, is packed with features that celebrate the game’s retro roots. You can even switch the entire game’s visuals to a nostalgic 2D mode! All this, with combat that remains faithfully turn-based, encouraging strategic use of your party’s teamed-up abilities. 

29. Metaphor: ReFantazio

Metaphor: ReFantazio comes from the creative minds behind some of the Persona games. This time, Atlus trades the high school setting for a deeply political realm filled with magical tribes. The narrative revolves around a protagonist who must awaken the mythical power of Archetypes. This lets you enter a “Royal Tournament” and fight for the vacant throne. 

As you balance dungeon-crawling and training with building bonds, combat becomes a blend between real-time action and strategic turn-based fights against tough opponents. This one’s a massive, stylish, and emotionally resonant epic that delivers one of the deepest and unique JRPG experiences of the generation. 

30. Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise is Bandai Namco’s reimagination of the classic Tales series, faithfully modernizing the JRPG formula for a new generation of gamers. The story focuses on two protagonists from opposing worlds: Alehen, a slave who can feel no pain, and Shionne, a noble who inflicts pain on anyone she touches. 

The combat system relies on a fluid, action-heavy design that chains individual Artes (skills) with quick-time-event-style Boost Strikes: devastating collaborative attacks that immediately incapacitate or eliminate foes. This action is complemented by gorgeous visuals along with visual novel-style elements that develop the party’s relationships.

How To Choose Which Fantasy Game Genre To Play

Choosing your next fantasy adventure can feel as daunting as customizing your first character in an RPG. However, once you consider the following criteria, you can find an ideal pick.

• Think about pacing: ARPGs like Diablo offer fast and reactive combat, while CRPGs and classic JRPGs take their time through turn-based and real-time tactical depth.
• Consider your time commitment: If you only have short play sessions, narrative-heavy JRPGs or focused Action-Adventure titles (like God of War) can work well for you. However, MMORPGs are much more time-demanding.
• Decide how much story you want: For lore-heavy experiences, try out CRPGs like Pillars of Eternity. However, if you’re looking for casual storytelling, Hack and Slash ARPGs are the way to go. 
• Look at multiplayer options: MMORPGs are built for continued social interaction, group activities, and large-scale PvP. However, most single-player ARPGs offer satisfying solo sessions or limited, small-group co-op experiences.
• Match the perspective to your taste: Isometric or top-down camera views focus on a tactical battlefield management experience, while most single-player ARPGs feature 3rd-person perspectives that emphasize visual immersion and cinematic moments. 
• Factor in replay value: Games with deep build systems and seasonal models (like MMORPGs) are designed for months and years of gameplay. However, single-player ARPGs usually have an excellent one-time, emotional journey. 

Find Your Next Fantasy Adventure

From the gothic eeriness of Yharnam to the vibrant world of Dahna, the best fantasy games often dive into an RPG experience that always finds a home in your memories. Whether you’re playing on console or playing the top RPGs on Steam, it’s worth checking out a vibrant collection of games before making a choice. 

Switching between platforms and subgenres can introduce you to fantastical realms that you never would have imagined otherwise. Even if you’re not used to a different perspective than most triple-A titles (such as isometric), it’s worth diving into. 

Best Fantasy Games FAQ

If you still have some lingering questions about the fantasy genre, we’ve answered some that may help guide you to your next epic adventure.

What Makes a Game a Fantasy Game?

Fantasy games are defined by settings that rely on magic, mythical creatures (such as elves and orcs), and often draw inspiration from medieval, folklore, or literary tales.

What Fantasy Games Have the Deepest Side Quests?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely considered to be the gold standard when it comes to side quests. They’re narrative-heavy, meticulously designed, and feature ambiguous moral choices with consequences that show up far beyond the main quests. 

What Modern Fantasy Games Capture Classic RPG Mechanics?

Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Pillars of Eternity use classic isometric perspective and turn-based combat to carry their narratives. For the JRPG side of things, Dragon Quest XI does a fantastic job of mixing colorful character designs with traditional mechanics.