Story choices in games are something that brings a lot of casual and hardcore players to the table. A way to shape a story to their liking is exciting, almost like they are part of the writing process. There are great adventure games like The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan or RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 that have great interactions.
The Best Open-World RPGs With Deep Character Builds and Total Freedom
Play YOUR way with YOUR characters in these open-world RPGs.
RPGs are one of the most common genres to include dialogue options or choices of some variety. However, when it comes down to it, there are some RPGs where choices don’t, or shouldn’t, matter as much as the RPG elements themselves. For those who want some choice but prefer building a party of tough brutes more, these are the games to consider.
Elden Ring
You’ll Need Everything
Elden Ring doesn’t have much of a story or choices to go along with it, as player choice matters more in gameplay segments. Players can choose their character class in the beginning, but they are not locked into anything as they are free to branch out as they level up.
As a challenging Soulslike adventure, players know that sticking to one build is better than diversifying because the bosses in this game are not joking around. Preferring melee and defense over a magical character is one idea, while going full magic and relying on summons is another.
Dragon’s Dogma
Checkmate!
Dragon’s Dogma lets players create their main hero along with Pawns to fill out the party, which are AI-based. There is a story and quests, but the game is another example where there aren’t many choices that can affect the story, as Dragon’s Dogma’s world is more about getting players to immerse themselves in a dangerous world.
Monsters are powerful and intense, and leveling up and getting the best gear is key to taking down some of the tougher bosses out there. From hydras to chimeras, this is a fantasy world that seems like hell to live in, but a good build that lets the hero cling, and mounting bosses can make life just a tad easier.
Become The Dragonborn
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is not the toughest game, but it does have more choices than other open-world RPGs. Players can create their character and quest all over the land, making allies and enemies alike. It can be engaging, but with such a vast open world, it’s more fun to explore and build a tough character rather than worry about how the story is going to play out, as not much will change either way.
Unlocking skills for melee, magic, or stealth builds, as just a few examples, is rewarding because of how many options there are to check out. Once players get strong enough to take out mammoths, dragons, and giants, they will know they have hit their peak.
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Reckoning
Battle Over Quotes
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning has a character creator and a story that involves meddling with the very fabrics of fate, having escaped death. Players can make dialogue choices, but this is another game where the story falls into the background as the combat is more exciting.
10 Open-World Games That Let You Build a Life Instead of Saving the World
If saving the world isn’t your cup of tea or seems too stressful, take a break with these cozy open-world games.
It has some of the best combat and an open-world game could have, with fluid motion, a good variety of weapons, and diverse skill trees. Diversifying to check out every type of weapon and power can be fun, but once players settle on the type of character they want to build and get fully into it, that will be a game-changer, as they can become near-unstoppable.
Diablo 3
Class Matters
Diablo 3’s choices are upfront, as players have to decide on one character class and be happy with it. That said, the tutorial area is simple enough that players can spend an hour with each class to see if they are a right fit or not. No matter the case, there is a class out there for everyone, from melee fighters like Barbarians to magical Witch Doctors to ranged Demon Hunters.
Maximizing the potential of a class is key to getting into the hardest dungeons to look for the best loot. Skill trees branch out, so no one Crusader, for example, will be the same as another, and it’s best to look ahead and come up with a build layout.
Cyberpunk 2077
Fueled By Electronics
Cyberpunk 2077 offers choice from all sides, and there’s a case to be made for either side: build vs story. The story can be great as decisions do matter between a character’s upbringing and how they handle each mission, with outcomes so wild that it’s worth replaying the game at least once.
That said, the openness of missions can be attributed to character builds rather than a few dialogue choices. That’s because players can enhance their bodies with cybernetics to make themselves better with speech, hacking, shooting, and so on, giving players full control of their identity.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
A Stealthy Cyberpunk
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is another cyberpunk game, and one with fewer choices but more stealth options. Players cannot customize the looks of their hero, Adam Jensen, but they do have a say in how they apply cybernetics to his body to enhance a variety of stats.
A lung upgrade could prevent damage from gases if enemies fire a grenade or pump in toxins from vents. There are dialogue choices and different endings, but Deus Ex: Human Revolution is more fun when players are thinking about how they’re going to use their character to get through the next mission.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Make Your Choice Early
Fire Emblem: Three Houses will have to make a major choice when they are at the military academy in the beginning. They can choose to follow one of three nations, including the Golden Deer, Blue Lions, or Black Eagles, and each nation will come with a group of party members with whom players can enhance relationships with in-between missions.
8 RPGs That Let You Define Your Character Without a Class System
The class system is the traditional way to define who and what your character is, but there are other methods, as proven by these RPGs.
Beyond the starting gate and relationships, that’s where the story choices end. To get through this challenging tactical RPG, players have to keep in mind what classes they wish to bring into battle. Building a strong party to counterattack all types of enemy strategies can be how characters survive, if permadeath is turned on, that is.
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
Rewind Time If You Don’t Like It
Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together is another tactical RPG and one that has been remade countless times. One of the best versions was the PSP edition in 2011, for North America, that is. Players can make many choices to branch off the timeline in the story. What’s cool about this version is that players can access a timeline grid and go back to various points to see new outcomes with their powered-up party later on.
This means players should focus more on having a good time and making the strongest party they can. They should choose dialogue options with their gut, as it ultimately doesn’t matter since it’s so easy to access important story points compared to other games.
Final Fantasy 10-2
A Harder Time In Spira
Final Fantasy 10-2 is a sequel taking place two years after the original game, and there are three factions Yuna, Riku, and Paine can follow to determine the outcome of the story: Youth League, New Yevon Party, and Machine Faction. To get the true ending, all factions have to be followed at some point, so it’s best not to worry about decisions too much.
This is, after all, one of the most challenging Final Fantasy games out there. With the three heroines, players will have to optimize their party using a new type of Job system involving Dresspheres. To access the extra content, players will have to make sure they fully understand the balance of power and how to use combos effectively.
Upcoming RPGs That Let You Build Parties
If you’re a fan of RPGs where you put together a party of diverse characters and lead them into battle, these upcoming games belong on your radar.
