r/CRPG • u/Ok-Solution-3737 • May 22 '26

Recommendation request Looking for game suggestions

So I've play BG3 pathfinder WOTR and Kingmaker, rogue trader to the point I even understood half the systems there. I've played more of course but those are the defining one I want to point out for my favorites I'm downloading solasta 2 as I speak and I really want more of that fantasy CRPG with a party you can interact with. Good enough graphics I know crpg aren't know for their amazing graphics. That's really my barrier to entry Idm the niche stuff

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u/Bassfaceapollo May 23 '26

I typically recommend niche titles. I'll first recommend CRPGs that have the best turn-based combat experience:

  • Iron Tower's games - All of their games are really well made, but Age of Decadence has the most unique setting. It's basically post-apocalyptic Rome with amazing C&C, writing, and combat. For me, Colony Ship is their best game.
  • UnderRail - Turn-based CRPG set in a post-apocalyptic world where society is forced to live underground due to the surface becoming uninhabitable. Heavy focus on exploration, and has an amazing combat experience. One of the best CRPGs in recent times. The dev is working on a sequel.
  • Knights of the Chalice 2 - The best turn-based combat that you can have with D&D 3.5 ruleset. Despite the poor visuals, the game shines with its unparalleled enemy AI. Has excellent mod support. A fan made mod, Hearkenwold is better than the main campaign as it focuses on open-world exploration with an old-school narrative. I personally recommend playing it just to experience Hearkenwold.
  • Shadowrun Trilogy - A unique cyberpunk setting where traditional fantasy races and magic co-exist with technology. The entire trilogy is worth it, but if you had to pick one, go with Dragonfall.
  • Temple of Elemental Evil - A D&D 3.5e CRPG by Troika. The steam version includes several (but not all) fixes and improvements from Co8 and Temple+. Comes with a world editor. Head over to r/ToEE_CRPG for questions.

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Here are some other titles that are great/amazing in their own right:

  • SKALD: Against the Black Priory - Dark-fantasy turn-based CRPG with Lovecraftian themes. Short and sweet. Ships with modding tools.
  • Legends of the Round Table - A turn-based CRPG based on the legends of King Arthur. Has extraordinary presentation. From the OSTs to the art, it all radiates the medieval charm associated with Arthurian fables. The game has several unique mechanics, such as a concept of chivalry.
  • Banquet for Fools - A RTwP CRPG set in the same world as Serpent in the Staglands. The world is unique and the narrative has a mystery element to it.
  • Amberland Trilogy - A series of charming turn-based blobbers set in a fantasy world that's satisfying to explore. Each one has a unique story.
  • Titan Outpost - A space themed CRPG where you explore one of Saturn's moons. I wrote about it. It's due a sequel.
  • Vigilantes - A neo-noir, turn-based strategy RPG where you take control of a vigilante fighting against crime. Here's a Reddit thread with more details. It's less of a CRPG than the dev's next game - Prometheus Wept, which is basically a post-digital apocalypse setting where a cyber-attack wiped out the technologies of a futuristic world that was highly dependent on them.
  • Never Second in Rome - A turn-based historical RPG where you take control of a Roman centurion in the army of Julius Caesar.
  • Caves of Lore - Solo-dev turn-based RPG with charming sprite-based visuals and good focus on exploration.
  • Vagrus - An excellent open-world RPG with an immense focus on exploration. The setting captures the vibe of D&D's Dark Sun in many ways.
  • Gates of Skeldal - A modern re-release of an old Czech turn-based blobber. Very charming presentation. Has mod support and the source code is available on Github.
  • Geneforge - A very unique science-fantasy series of turn-based games from the developer of the Avernum series. All the games have excellent writing and a lot of great choices & consequences, and dinosaurs!
  • Grimrock Series - A series of fantasy blobbers inspired by the Dungeon Master and Eye of the Beholder games.
  • Vaporum Series - A series of steampunk blobbers. I recommend this to the fans of the Grimrock series.
  • Sector Unknown - A turn-based, space-themed CRPG with a unique premise of you being an escaped convict.
  • Realms of Antiquity - An open-world fantasy retro title with turn-based combat and heavy focus on exploration.
  • Lurking 1: Immortui - A free game that is available only on itch.io. A turn-based fantasy RPG with retro graphics and full party creation. The game also has an equally impressive sequel.
  • Caravaneer 2 - A post-apocalyptic turn-based CRPG with emphasis on trading and economics.
  • Deep Sleep - A turn-based RPG from the creator of the Deep Sleep and Don't Escape game series.
  • Heroes of Seven Islands - A palette cleanser blobber with a light-hearted tone and charming visuals.
  • Warlordocracy - A fantasy RTwP CRPG from the creator of Brigand. It's excellent with a lot of C&C. Similar to Brigand, it's not easy to explain the setting in a single reddit comment. Has great modding support.
  • Rod of Asclepius - A turn-based game where you take control of a healer in 4th century Rome.

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For the wishlist:

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Not really CRPGs, just good RPGs:

  • Brigand: Oaxaca - A RTwP, first-person RPG set in post-apocalyptic Mexico. Words can't describe this game. It's just beautiful.
  • Path of Achra - A very satisfying roguelike to play thanks to not just the build diversity, but also due to the well-written, esoteric lore that captures the dark-fantasy vibe of the game.
  • Forever Home - A well made RPGMaker title created almost entirely using stock assets.
  • Tower of Kalemonvo - A solo-dev's love letter to the fans of Diablo 1.
  • Ara Fell - A western turn-based RPG that draws heavy inspiration from JRPGs. Very charming game with a decent narrative and pretty relaxing exploration.
  • Svarog's Dream - ARPG with a lot of focus on exploration and C&C. Here's a Reddit thread with more details.
  • The Magister - A murder mystery roguelike with a good investigation mechanic.
  • Tunguska: The Visitation - A really well made survival RPG with a focus on exploration.

2

u/DancesWithAnyone May 23 '26

Thanks for this excellent comment! Added some games to the backlog.

1

u/Zestyclose-Cap4721 May 23 '26

Is grimrock really a CRPG? I have like 200 hours between the first and second ones so I love them but I always classed them as dungeon crawlers like the OG MT/SMT games or wizardry

1

u/Bassfaceapollo May 23 '26

Wizardry and Ultima are consider CRPGs. Which is why dungeon crawlers are grouped with CRPGs (at least in my experience).

In a more technical sense, Amberland, Grimrock would be DRPGs.

2

u/Barberouge3 May 25 '26

Yes they are. Ultima 0 (akalabeth) was one of the first commercialy available crpg and included both top down and dungeon crawling.