Baldur’s Gate 3 Isn’t the Only CRPG You Should Be Playing (These 4 Are Worth It Too)

Role-playing games have pretty much always held a special place in the heart of gaming, giving players the freedom to shape their stories, dive into massive worlds, and make choices that actually feel meaningful. CRPGs in particular take this to a level beyond, combining rich narratives with complex mechanics that challenge both strategy and imagination. For anyone who loves getting lost in a universe of lore, character depth, and tactical combat, these games are the ultimate playground.

While Baldur’s Gate 3 has been dominating conversations for good reason, it is far from the only CRPG worth your time. Some recent titles are pushing boundaries, experimenting with storytelling, and giving players experiences that are just as memorable and satisfying. For fans looking to expand beyond one headline game, these four CRPGs deliver all the depth, drama, and excitement that make the genre so irresistible.

4. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader takes players into the grim darkness of the 40K universe, with a level of freedom that feels almost overwhelming in the best way. The game puts you in command of your very own starship and crew, with you being the fabled Rogue Trader: a being that can do and get away with almost anything in ways you’d not expect. As a Rogue Trader, you get to explore the galaxy on missions of trade, sure, but more often than not, you’re engaging in conflict diplomacy or outright battle as focal points. Every decision you make has consequences, and the way the game blends high-stakes strategy with personal storytelling makes every session feel alive. Fans of the franchise will love seeing the universe rendered in a way that respects the lore while giving them the reins to shape their own adventures.

Combat in Rogue Trader feels thrilling without being tedious, with a system that rewards planning and creativity. Players can tailor their crew’s skills, outfit their ships with a variety of upgrades, and approach encounters in multiple ways. Beyond battles, the narrative shines when it focuses on crew interactions and moral choices, often forcing players to weigh their personal ambitions against the needs of the Imperium. It is a perfect mix of strategy and role-playing, and it never feels like the story takes a backseat to mechanics.

3. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous brings the tabletop RPG experience to a digital format in a way that makes both veterans and newcomers feel at home. The game embraces complexity while keeping it somewhat approachable, offering extremely deep character customisation and a sprawling story filled with twists and moral quandaries. Players can choose from a variety of classes, feats, and abilities, allowing them to craft a hero that feels truly unique. Every choice, from dialogue to combat strategy, contributes to a story that reacts and adapts to the player’s decisions.

The narrative in Wrath of the Righteous is epic in scale, with stakes that stretch across continents and involve armies of both allies and enemies. It also manages to feel personal, with companions who have their own motivations, secrets, and arcs that influence how the story unfolds. The game is a joy for anyone who loves dissecting complex systems while remaining fully immersed in a cinematic story. Every battle and decision carries significance, and the sense of accomplishment when a plan succeeds is unmatched.

2. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut rewrites what people think a CRPG can or should be. Instead of focusing on combat or dungeon crawling, the game dives deep into detective work, dialogue, and the psychology of its characters. Players step into the shoes of a troubled investigator navigating a decaying city, making choices that shape not only the outcome of the case but also the protagonist’s own identity. The writing is sharp, witty, and often hilarious, but it never loses its emotional weight. Every conversation feels alive, and the world reacts dynamically to even small decisions.

The Final Cut version expands on the original by adding full voice acting and new political events, making the city feel even more vibrant and reactive. Character development is at the heart of the experience, with skills and inner voices shaping both thought and action. It is a CRPG that focuses on the human element in a way few other games attempt, letting players explore philosophy, morality, and personal growth while still delivering a tightly woven story. Fans of narrative-heavy experiences will be hooked from the very first dialogue choice.

1. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire continues the legacy of classic CRPGs while adding a modern touch that makes it feel fresh and alive. Set in a vast archipelago, players captain their own ship and assemble a crew to explore islands, fight dangerous foes, and uncover mysteries. The game is meticulously detailed, from its lore-rich world to the way companions react to decisions. The balance between exploration, tactical combat, and narrative choices keeps the pace exciting without ever feeling overwhelming.

Deadfire shines because of its flexibility and depth. Players can create characters with highly specialised abilities or experiment with more balanced builds, and every encounter can be approached in multiple ways. Beyond combat, the story adapts to decisions in subtle ways, making each playthrough feel unique. Companions have personalities and ambitions that influence both battle and narrative, adding a layer of richness that ensures players feel truly connected to the world. It is a game that rewards patience, curiosity, and strategic thinking.

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