The Best-Written Western RPGs Ever, Ranked

Players used to live and die by their skills in video games. In the old arcade days, people didn’t analyze games like Pac-Man for deep themes – they simply played for the fun of navigating a maze, collecting points, and chasing ghosts. It was all about having a good time!

Over time, players started to appreciate compelling stories in games more and more, particularly as technology allowed for longer narratives, choices that impacted the plot, deeper character interactions, and voice acting. But simply having better technology doesn’t guarantee a good story. The truly great Western games stand out because of the talented writers and actors who create believable and engaging characters.

Divinity: Original Sin 2 Shows Larian Can Make Bangers Without D&D

Baldur’s Gate 3 made Larian Studios a major player in the gaming industry. If you enjoyed playing as Tav and experiencing the game’s compelling story, you might also love Larian’s earlier titles, particularly Divinity: Original Sin 2, which many fans consider to be just as good.

In Divinity: Original Sin 2, you begin the game as a prisoner alongside a diverse group of characters, all caught using a dangerous, forbidden magic called the “Source.” The early part of the game is challenging, but if you survive, you’ll embark on a grand adventure throughout the world of Rivellon. You’ll travel with a party of compelling heroes and rogues, who are as fun to interact with as they are dangerous in combat.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Tells an Epic Story of a Crusade

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is one of the most expansive role-playing games available today. It tells a grand story of a city under demonic attack, where the player character gains god-like abilities and leads a massive crusade to drive back the invading forces and save the land.

What truly makes Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous enjoyable is its compelling story about the world’s creation and, even more so, its memorable characters. While the game does involve a lot of dungeon exploration – some sections can feel quite long – persevering through it is rewarding, making it one of the…

Mass Effect 2 Was a Perfect Entry in a Flawed Trilogy

Wow, the beginning of Mass Effect 2 totally blew me away! I mean, your character dies right at the start, then gets brought back and thrown into this super secretive group. From there, it’s an amazing story about Commander Shepard gathering a team and trying to warn everyone in the galaxy about this huge, terrifying threat called the Reapers. It all builds up to a mission that’s honestly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced in a video game!

While many fans prefer Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 actually improves on the formula in several ways, especially with its story which cleverly references events from earlier games. Unfortunately, the game is let down by its controversial ending. Most players agree it’s best to simply stop playing right before the final scene and create your own, more satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Cyberpunk 2077 Overcame Its Glitchy Start

The initial launch of Cyberpunk 2077 was so troubled that it unfortunately created a negative impression for many players, especially on some consoles where it was nearly impossible to play. However, after numerous updates and the release of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners animated series, fans started to reconsider and give Night City another try.

After its release, Cyberpunk 2077 delivered a compelling and emotionally resonant story exploring themes of fame and the fleeting nature of life. A key element was Keanu Reeves’ performance as a digital ghost who served as both a narrator and a cynical guide, commenting on the player’s choices and the evolving world of Night City.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Has the Best Twist Since Darth Vader

It’s safe to say that a lot of Star Wars content beyond the first three movies isn’t very good. But one video game truly shines and is worthy of being considered among the best of Star Wars: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

This role-playing game takes place long before the main Star Wars films, during a time when the Jedi were incredibly powerful and the Sith were a serious and active danger. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is celebrated for having one of the best stories in the entire franchise, though it features a major plot twist that’s difficult to discuss without spoiling it – it often comes up whenever the game is mentioned.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Made the Franchise Mainstream

While The Witcher started as a series of books and games, most people first encountered Geralt of Rivia through The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The game’s vast and detailed world captivated players and sparked their interest in the broader Witcher universe and its many mysteries.

What truly makes Wild Hunt special are its characters, particularly the women who impact Geralt. The romantic relationships you can build are a big reason why so many players were captivated. The Witcher 3 is also known for having some of the best side quests ever created in a video game. These quests are so engaging that it’s easy to get sidetracked from the main story – the search for Ciri – and lose yourself in exploring everything the game world has to offer.

Fallout: New Vegas Is Packed With Interesting Characters

While Fallout 3 brought the Fallout series to a wider audience, Fallout: New Vegas remains a favorite among fans. A big reason for this is its branching storyline, where players can choose to support different groups fighting for power in the Mojave Desert, ultimately influencing the outcome of the game.

Similar to Cyberpunk 2077, Fallout: New Vegas had a rocky start when it first came out. Fortunately, the developers quickly fixed the issues, letting players experience the game as it was meant to be – facing terrifying creatures like Deathclaws, instead of frustrating bugs that caused the game to crash.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Brought Tabletop Games to Live

Baldur’s Gate 3 is the most successful video game adaptation of a tabletop RPG campaign to date. Larian Studios included countless ways to handle any situation, making it feel like a real Dungeon Master is responding to your choices – even when those choices aren’t the best!

One of the things that makes Baldur’s Gate 3 so special is its memorable cast of characters – players are still talking about their companions! These characters truly bring the game’s world, the Forgotten Realms, to life in a way that the original Baldur’s Gate games didn’t quite achieve.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines Is Amazing Despite Its Glitches

When Vampire: The Masquerade — Bloodlines first came out, its technical issues were far more severe than those seen in Cyberpunk 2077. It was riddled with bugs and, unfortunately, released at the same time as the highly anticipated Half-Life 2. This meant it didn’t have much of a chance to succeed – a somewhat ironic fate for a game centered around vampires.

Despite its flaws, Bloodlines gained a dedicated following and remained popular long after its release. Players loved its atmospheric, dark setting, complex characters, and willingness to tackle mature and disturbing themes. While the game was technically imperfect and its world was often chaotic, it perfectly captured the alluring and heartbreaking experience of being a vampire – something no other game has quite managed to replicate.

Planescape: Torment Delivers D&D in a Stranger Setting

Planescape is a famously strange setting for Dungeons & Dragons. It links together all the different planes of existence, with the city of Sigil acting as the central hub. Sigil is a truly bizarre place where you might see angels and devils sharing a drink, and it’s so unusual that many D&D groups avoid playing there.

Black Isle Studios embraced the challenge and crafted a remarkably story-driven video game. In Planescape: Torment, players control an immortal character with no memory, who must unravel the secrets of their past while navigating a bizarre and unforgettable city. It’s a truly unique gaming experience unlike anything else.

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2026-03-15 20:42