Finished Baldur’s Gate and don’t know what to tackle next? Finding a worthy replacement is tough when you’ve spent hundreds of hours building relationships, fiddling with your build, and watching the ending cutscenes. I totally get that craving — you want to dive back into deep party battles, face tough moral choices, and meet NPCs who behave like real people.
But the good news is that similar projects exist. And some of them offer things that Baldur’s Gate 3 doesn’t even dare to. These are hardcore RPGs where your decisions really change the story and leave scars on the world. Today we’ll talk about the best RPG games like Baldur’s Gate 3. Some strictly follow D&D rules, others use their own mechanics. But they all share the same DNA: complex character progression, long-lasting consequences of choices, and thoughtful tactical combat where positioning decides the outcome of the battle.
Tyranny
🖥️ Available on: PC (Windows), macOS, Linux
⏳ Playtime: 15-20 hours (main story), 35-40 hours (with extra content)
Here, Obsidian took a bold step. Instead of a chosen hero saving the world, you play as a Fatebinder serving the victorious evil. Lord Kyros has already conquered all life, and your job is to enforce his tyrannical laws in the occupied Tiers.
The whole setup is built on gray morality: there’s no path of absolute good here, as you operate within a harsh, repressive system.
The rebellion has been crushed, and you have to decide which faction to support and which to stomp out. Every action affects your reputation among various groups. The Fear and Loyalty stats work independently, creating a tense political web where the same people can respect and hate you at once.
The combat takes a backseat, giving way to tough decisions, and it works perfectly because it's the amazing story that carries the whole game.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Morally complex characters with real depth | Combat is simple and secondary |
| A unique setting where evil has already won | Some forced decisions are made without enough explanation |
| Outstanding world-building and atmosphere | Limited options to change factions after choosing |
| Gameplay variety with real replayability | Shorter than similar CRPGs |
| Flexible skill system, no level restrictions | Tiresome loading screens |
Why you'd want to play Tyranny if you're tired of “Chosen One” stories
The traditional hero's journey is getting a bit old, right? Tyranny asks different questions: what happens when you work for the empire instead of against it? Can you reform a broken system from the inside, or does absolute power corrupt absolutely?
- You want stories about moral compromise, not knights in shining armor
- Traditional heroic fantasies bore you
- Political intrigue matters more to you than constant fighting
- You appreciate it when developers constantly test your wits
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
🖥️ Available on: PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
⏳ Playtime: 40 hours (main story), 60-70 hours (with additional content)
Tactical Adventures studio created a project strictly based on the rules of D&D 5th edition, avoiding any loose interpretations. It's literally a tabletop session brought to the screen with maximum brutality and accuracy.
Due to the SRD license, the developers couldn't add beholders or illithids, but the core mechanics are exactly the same, untouched.
The main feature of Solasta is vertical gameplay. Battles take place at different heights: ladders, platforms, flying monsters come into play, and lighting affects all participants in the fight.
A party of four customizable heroes moves across grid-based arenas, where smart positioning is key to survival. And the Dungeon Maker editor allows you to create your own campaigns, extending the game's life far beyond the base story.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Outstanding level design using verticality | The plot is cliché and quickly forgettable |
| Accurate implementation of D&D 5e rules | Uneven voice acting quality |
| Beautiful locations and atmosphere | Linear campaign structure |
| Great mechanics tutorial | Chaotic inventory and menus |
| Tactical battles reward smart play | Poor gamepad support |
Looking for pure tactical battles?
If you liked the BG3 combat system but found the story a bit draggy at times, Solasta jumps straight to the point: positioning, resources, and environmental control. The narrative won’t blow your mind, but watching a perfectly planned ambush unfold more than makes up for it.
- D&D 5e rules – your comfort zone
- Mechanical depth is more important to you than a complex story
- Interacting with the environment during fights excites you
- You love creating your own campaigns
- You're used to playing exclusively with a keyboard and mouse
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous — Enhanced Edition
🖥️ Available on: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
⏳ Playtime: 60-80 hours (main story), 130-200 hours (with additional content)
Owlcat Studio took the extremely complex Pathfinder rules (essentially D&D 3.5 on steroids) and built a massive CRPG around them. You lead a crusade against demon lords crawling out of the Worldwound.
But the main feature of the game is the Mythic Paths, which allow your hero to surpass human nature. Become an Angel, Demon, Lich, or Azata — each choice fundamentally changes your abilities and the story's development.
The game is just huge. Creating a character opens up hundreds of viable combinations thanks to multiclasses and skill trees. Leading a crusade adds strategic army battles alongside tactical ground skirmishes.
At launch, the game suffered from bugs, but patches fixed most issues. Be ready for a steep learning curve if you're not familiar with the Pathfinder system. In return, you'll get over 100 hours of gameplay with completely different ways to play.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Amazing variety and depth in builds | High entry barrier for beginners |
| Mythic paths provide unique development | The Crusade system is poorly explained |
| Well-written characters and story | Numerous bugs and broken quests |
| Choices affect the world and progression | Camera control issues in combat |
| Epic scope with huge playtime | The confusing interface can overload your brain |
Is it worth spending time on WotR if you love building characters?
Pathfinder doesn’t hold your hand. It throws you into a character selection window with a ton of things you have to choose even before starting. But if build optimization and theorycrafting make your blood boil, this is the game for you. If the combat is what you most want to keep from BG3, these turn-based RPGs offer more opportunities to plan each action.
- You enjoy min-maxing and long experiments with builds
- Experience in tabletop D&D 3.5 or Pathfinder will be a huge plus
- You don’t need to be fed — just let you lead an army
- You want to get unique playthroughs thanks to the Mythic Paths mechanic
- You have the patience to figure out complex mechanics
Divinity: Original Sin 2 — Definitive Edition
🖥️ Available on: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, iPadOS
⏳ Playtime: 60-70 hours (main story), 100-150 hours (with additional content)
Larian Studios’ main hit before the release of BG3, which many fans still consider unmatched. DOS2 lets you take on the role of the Godwoken — a driven Source mage saving Rivellon from Void corruption.
Turn-based combat takes interaction with the environment to the next level. Oil puddles catch fire, water conducts electricity, and steam rises when fire meets moisture — literally every surface actively participates in the fight.
Million-copy sales in the first few months were justified by its amazing tactical depth. Action points strictly limit what you can do each turn, forcing you to plan your resources carefully.
Four-player co-op (or solo with smart AI companions) lets you play the game with any company. The Definitive Edition added cross-platform multiplayer, bringing together players on PC and consoles.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Turn-based combat is simply outstanding | The pace of battles might seem slow |
| Massive freedom in how you complete quests | High difficulty requires perseverance |
| Tactics with positioning add even more depth to the gameplay | The AP system can be a bit limiting until you level up your characters |
| Cross-platform multiplayer works great | Way too many fire effects everywhere |
| Flexible character builds | Some think the action point system limits the gameplay too much |
Should you try DoS2 before or after BG3?
The order doesn’t really matter, but some things in DoS2 work differently. The local armor system requires breaking through physical or magical shields first before applying control, which completely changes tactical priorities.
- Turn-based combat is a must for you
- Creating elemental combos sounds fun (and it really is)
- You're looking for a co-op that works flawlessly, especially in character dialogues
- Freedom in completing quests is more important to you than a linear storyline
- You don't mind a measured pace in battles
Zoria: Age of Shattering
🖥️ Available on: PC (Windows), Linux
⏳ Playtime: 30-40 hours (main story), 50-60 hours (with additional content)
A small indie studio, Tiny Trinket Games, made up of three people, created this tactical RPG with a nod to the golden classics. You command the last bastion of resistance on the necromancy-ravaged continent of Uram.
Turn-based battles use action points, but the key difference is that potions don't consume them. This radically changes your approach to surviving critical situations in the middle of a fight.
The local crafting system lets you break down equipment into fragments and create powerful artifacts. Your fortress works as a base: from here, you can send free companions on missions for experience and resources.
There are nine classes in the game, each with different roles, and the interactive environment often throws surprises during combat. The graphics and polish show that it's an indie project, but many big studios would envy its mechanics.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Detailed world and lore development | Chaotic menu organization |
| Diverse combat situations | Spartan user interface |
| Long playtime, tons of gameplay hours | Repetitiveness in the late stages of the game |
| Impressive crafting depth | Base-building system isn't particularly remarkable |
| Managing the fortress perfectly mixes up the gameplay and keeps it from getting boring | Limited development of companion personalities |
Will Zoria be for you if you value gameplay more than graphics?
It can’t visually compete with AAA projects, but its mechanics have real tactical depth. If you’re ready to overlook rough edges for thoughtful design and many hours of great gameplay, Zoria won’t disappoint you.
- You love ambitious indie projects
You adore crafting - You dream of managing your own base
- A simple interface doesn’t break your immersion
- You want a break from mainstream hyped-up CRPGs
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
🖥️ Available on: PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
⏳ Playtime: 70-90 hours (main story), 130-150 hours (with additional content)
Owlcat Studio brought their signature RPG formula into the grim 40K universe, and the results exceeded all expectations. You play as a Lord-Captain — a Rogue Trader cruising the Koronus Expanse on a massive ship.
You’ll be in charge not just of a loyal squad, but the entire vessel, making crucial decisions for colonies, forging dangerous alliances with xenos, and choosing between serving the Emperor or pursuing personal power.
The turn-based combat system limits attack spamming: most of the time a character hits only once per turn. This encourages actively using skills and strategically positioning your fighters.
The Officer class lets your party members act out of turn, opening up room for powerful teamwork. Managing colonies adds strategic depth, and every word you say in dialogues directly affects how people feel about you.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Well-thought-out turn-based combat | Loads of text |
| Perfectly captures the 40K atmosphere | More linear than we initially expected |
| Excellent character development | Scarily difficult for newcomers to the 40K universe |
| Episodic structure conveniently breaks the story into well-thought-out episodes | High entry barrier |
| Melee and ranged combat are equally effective | Colony management could have been trimmed |
Will you like Rogue Trader if you’re not a 40K fan?
The game assumes at least a basic familiarity with the setting. Terms like "Warp," "Psykers," and "Chaos" appear at every turn without lengthy explanations. Still, the story is written strongly enough to draw you in and help you figure everything out as you go.
- You know the Warhammer 40K lore or are ready to dive into it
- The dark Warhammer atmosphere is your thing
- The abundance of text in dialogues doesn't scare you
- Ship management and colony development sound interesting to you
- You enjoyed the previous Owlcat projects
Serpent in the Staglands
🖥️ Available on: PC (Windows), macOS, Linux
⏳ Playtime: 25-35 hours (main story), 40-50 hours (with extra content)
The family-run Whalenought Studios has released a real treat for fans of tough 90s RPGs like Darklands. The action takes place in the world of Vole, inspired by Bronze Age Transylvania.
The game fundamentally doesn't hold your hand: no quest markers, no enemy auto-scaling, or convenient map indicators. You'll have to keep your own adventure journal and take notes.
Battles happen in real time with a tactical pause, but without the usual control zones or attack-on-sight options. Enemies don’t adjust to your level — if you wander the wrong way, your party can be wiped out quickly.
Magic isn’t limited by mana but is balanced so that mages don’t break the game. Tough economy and limited merchant inventory turn every supply run into a tricky logistics task.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Cohesive, atmospheric world | Numerous bugs and quirks |
| Great variety of skills and spells | Limited character creation |
| Freedom to explore in any order | Long loading screens |
| Original monster designs | Intentionally retro pixel graphics |
| Very tough economy for masochism lovers (yes, that's a plus) | Minimal interaction with companions |
So, thinking about trying SITS?
This game constantly tests your wits. No tutorials, hints, or safety nets. Either you carefully explore the world and take notes, or you quickly delete the game out of frustration. If the relationships with your companions matter just as much, these RPGs with romance approach the choice from a different angle.
- Old-school CRPG design is your thing
- You miss games that don't treat the player like an idiot
- Manual note-taking was clearly made for you
- Retro pixel graphics don’t hurt your eyes
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
🖥️ Available on: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
⏳ Playtime: 45 hours (main story), 70-100 hours (with side content)
The Obsidian sequel turned out far superior to the original. Chasing a god who has broken free, you set off to the Deadfire Archipelago.
You'll have to navigate between the interests of the native Uaen tribes, ruthless pirates, and greedy trading companies. Each faction has its own truth, and your actions will decide who rules these waters.
Your own ship opens up new horizons: you need to level it up, keep it stocked with supplies, and use it in naval battles. The multiclass system lets you create wild and effective combos (a monk mixed with a shapeshifting druid works wonders).
Advanced AI allows for fine-tuning companion behavior, removing the need for manual control. And a free update added a full turn-based mode for those who don't like real-time combat.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Excellent depth in multiclassing | Tight design of some locations |
| Meaningful choices with consequences | Weak naval combat system |
| Beautiful world and atmosphere | Main antagonist falls short compared to the first game's antagonist |
| Morally complex factions | Technical issues and bugs |
| AI scripts for customizing companions | Story loses focus after the tutorial |
Should PoE2 be your next game after BG3?
If you need a strong plot in the high fantasy genre, Deadfire is the perfect choice. Even just the faction system provides different ways to play through the game.
- You value story quality above all else
- Multiclasses and tinkering with builds are your thing too
- You like sailing on a ship, even if it's not Pirates of the Caribbean
- Morally gray conflicts appeal to you more than black-and-white battles of good versus evil
- You like how Obsidian writes and presents the story (who wouldn’t?!)
Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition
🖥️ Available on: PC (Windows), macOS
⏳ Playtime: 50 hours (main story), 100-150 hours (with expansions)
This classic Obsidian project came out in 2006 and at launch suffered from a bunch of bugs and poor optimization. But years of patches and the release of the Enhanced Edition brought the game back on track.
The Complete version includes the original campaign and the large expansions Mask of the Betrayer and Storm of Zehir, offering over a hundred hours of gameplay under the strict D&D 3.5 rules.
You command a squad of up to six heroes with well-developed personalities. Developing your own fortress, hiring staff, and defending your lands are smoothly woven into the main story.
Battles happen in real-time with pause, and the AI settings let you automate your team's actions. Four very different campaigns make this game truly endless.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| A full party system adds depth | Poor performance |
| A powerful story after a slow 20-hour introduction | Interface and AI behavior issues |
| Variable control over your fortress | A linear campaign with a slow pace |
| Faithful implementation of D&D 3.5 rules | Lots of cutscenes |
| Outstanding character development | Clunky, cumbersome interface |
Is it worth pushing through NWN2's awkwardness?
The technical flaws haven't gone anywhere. Characters get stuck in passages, the camera does its own thing, and the inventory is painful. But if you can look past that, the story and character development here surpass many modern projects.
- You have nerves of steel for old and wonky games
- D&D 3.5 rules feel like second nature to you
- Having your own fortress sounds awesome
- You like well-written companions
- You want to get a ton of content for pennies
Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition
🖥️ Available on: PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
⏳ Playtime: 70 hours (main story), 100-140 hours (with extra content)
Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without the classic that shaped the whole genre. Beamdog's Enhanced Edition updated the legendary game for modern monitors, added useful features, and new companions.
The engine runs both the Shadows of Amn campaign and the Throne of Bhaal story expansion, completing the epic tale of the Child of Bhaal.
Battles rely on the ruthless rules of AD&D 2nd edition: with confusing THAC0 and strict memorization of spells. Skillful management of a party of six fighters is what makes all the difference here.
Companion romance arcs, which were a breakthrough in 2000, still feel powerful today. Multiplayer lets you play the game with friends across different platforms, and the 'Bhaal's Legacy' difficulty will test even the most stubborn veterans.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Outstanding main story and characters | Graphics are still too outdated, despite updates |
| Amazing voice acting | Incredibly high entry barrier |
| Beautiful and atmospheric music | Confusing AD&D 2nd edition stats |
| Wide screen and 4K support | Long loading times between locations |
| Cross-platform multiplayer | Some bugs remain even after the patches |
Isn't BG2 a bit outdated after BG3?
In terms of gameplay, absolutely. The second edition rules are overloaded, and the interface clearly comes from the last century. But the story, the chemistry between characters, and the old-school atmosphere are still unmatched.
- You’re curious to touch the roots of BG3
- The complex retro AD&D rules don’t scare you
- You love a strong story and memorable companion characters
- Outdated graphics don’t stop you from enjoying yourself
- You want to personally see the game Larian looked up to
Still here? Let’s figure out which game to pick after Baldur’s Gate 3
Personally, there are three games that stand out for me for completely different reasons.
Tyranny takes the prize for the most original twist: serving the victorious evil completely changes your approach to quests. The moral weight of imposing tyranny while trying to retain some humanity creates tension that most RPGs just can't handle.
Neverwinter Nights 2 remains one of Obsidian's favorite projects, despite its technical clunkiness.
Neverwinter Nights 2 remains one of Obsidian's favorite projects, despite its technical clumsiness. Managing the fortress, party chemistry, and the depth of D&D 3.5 create a fantastic synergy. Yes, the interface is cluttered, but the story and companions easily outweigh this shortcoming.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire polished all the ideas of the original to perfection. Faction political intrigue, a rich multiclassing system, and high-quality writing all merge into this masterpiece. The naval gameplay didn't click for everyone (myself included), but the classic role-playing parts work like Swiss clockwork.
