Summary
- RPGs offer character customization with unique choices like playing as monsters.
- Games like Dragon's Dogma 2 and Divinity OS 2 allow for monstrous protagonists.
- Titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Pathfinder offer diverse races like Dragonborn and Dhampirs.
Role‑playing games rank among the most versatile video game genres, offering a rich foundation for distinct game styles to explore their mechanics. But, one of the most striking attractions in these titles is the character‑customization system, which alters elements such as appearance and abilities, encouraging players to craft unique protagonists perfectly aligned with the narratives chosen for these experiences.
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Within those choices, character race often plays a crucial role in shaping a hero’s identity. While some games remain with traditional options, others push forward with bolder alternatives, delivering RPGs where players can play as a monster. Even when the selections are not overtly monstrous, these games broaden the available repertoire, letting role‑players break patterns and explore new perspectives.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Beastren Become Playable Races In This JRPG
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
In the first Dragon’s Dogma, players were limited to human characters, though tweaking certain features could produce an elf‑like design, such as pointed ears. However, Dragon’s Dogma 2 adds a new race option, the Beastren, anthropomorphic felines that introduce a clear monstrous presence for players and broaden customization in this JRPG.
Their appearance resembles anthropomorphic cats, similar to other fantasy felines like the Khajiit of The Elder Scrolls. Unlike many games, choosing Beastren remains mostly aesthetic in Dragon’s Dogma 2, since they share abilities with humans; the only notable difference appears in subtle story interactions that acknowledge their feline nature throughout the campaign.
Solasta Crown Of The Magister
Players Can Choose Dragonborn In This D&D‑Inspired Game
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
- Released
- May 27, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Violence, Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Language
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Tactical
Designed to offer a faithful adaptation of the rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, compared to other RPGs available today, Solasta: Crown of The Magister provides a diverse set of conventional race options that allow for deliberate character creation. This approach enables the formation of a unique protagonist with Dragonborn attributes that convey a strong, distinctive ancestry while maintaining a structured and coherent narrative.
Similarly to tabletop RPG systems, players have the freedom to select the ancestry of their Dragonborn based on various types of dragons depicted in Dungeons & Dragons lore. Depending on the chosen species, characters gain a new color and acquire abilities linked to the elemental nature of their forebear, reinforcing the game’s immersive narrative.
Shadowrun Dragonfall
New Races Emerged On Earth In This Cyberpunk RPG
Shadowrun Dragonfall: Director's Cut
- Released
- September 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature // Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Tactical RPG
Featuring one of the genre’s most unique concepts, the Shadowrun universe holds that magic returned to the world, causing genetic transformations in many ordinary people who began turning into elves or dwarves. Other humans underwent the same process but became orks or trolls through an event known as Goblinization, reshaping society overnight.
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Thus, in Shadowrun Dragonfall, one of several series entries f eaturing these monstrous races, players may select Orks or Trolls as playable options, exploring the narrative from their perspective. These races affect not only appearance but also influence attributes and unlock unique dialogue lines, giving tangible mechanical and narrative weight to the choice.
Baldur's Gate 3
This Isometric RPG Provides Several Monstrous Options
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Although Larian Studios did not explore many overtly monstrous races in Baldur’s Gate 3, the isometric RPG still features choices that deviate from the norm, such as Githyanki and Dragonborn, each unlocking exclusive dialogue lines. Players may also install mods to expand the roster of available races for their characters.
For those seeking a complete monstrous experience, the best option may be playing the Dark Urge as a Dragonborn, since certain choices allow transformation into a Slayer as the story advances. Druids also provide impressive Wild Shapes, adding further variety and reinforcing the appeal of RPGs where players can play as a monster.
Divinity Original Sin 2
Players Can Play As Lizard Or Undead In This RPG
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Released
- September 14, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Divinity: Original Sin 2 grants broad freedom in multiple ways, from the branching choices that shape the story to deep character customization. This journey begins with race selection; alongside common options such as human, elf, and dwarf, players may also choose Lizards and Undead, expanding the roster with distinctly monstrous alternatives.
Both monstrous races feature unique abilities within Larian Studios’ RPG. Lizards breathe fire and provide valuable support skills in combat, whereas Undead prove more versatile, able to adopt the likeness of one of the four living races from their past life and blend racial talents with skeletal traits, forging a singular dynamic.
Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous
This May Be One Of The Best RPGs With Monster Protagonists
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
- Released
- September 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
This isometric RPG from Owlcat Games spared no effort in delivering a wide variety of races, allowing players to customize protagonists with great freedom. Beyond the expected medieval‑fantasy staples, the title dives into many other choices, some truly monstrous; Dhampirs, hybrids of vampires and humans, stand out among the options that players can choose in Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous.
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Another option likely to please players seeking RPGs with monster protagonists is the Kitsune, drawn from Japanese mythology and able to shift from human form to an anthropomorphic fox. The game also offers intriguing Mythic Paths, such as the Swarm That Walks, which completely changes the protagonist’s appearance into something more grotesque.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
This RPG Offers Several Monstrous Choices For Players
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim remains, more than ten years after launch, one of the most complete RPGs ever released, granting players broad freedom to explore the region as desired and pursue a vast number of quests. The game is an excellent option for experiencing the RPG journey through monstrous races such as Argonians or Khajiits, which break standard designs.
Skyrim also goes further, since during certain quests, such as the Companions of Whiterun, players can become Werewolves, with gameplay adjusted to reflect the new form. The Dawnguard DLC adds perks for these lycanthropes and increases vampire complexity, making the RPG one of the best experiences for those who enjoy playing with monsters.
Vampire The Masquerade – Bloodlines
Players Can Choose Different Vampire Clans For Their Characters
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines
- Released
- November 16, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Inspired by the tabletop RPG of the same name, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines stands out as one of the genre’s most unique games, letting players engage in power struggles among Camarilla clans in Los Angeles. Character creation is crucial, offering a wide array of groups for the protagonist to join, and this decision greatly affects gameplay.
While some of the clan options available in Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines are more conventional and retain a human-like appearance, there are still a few that lean toward a more monstrous style. One such example is the Nosferatu, inspired by Count Orlok from the film of the same name, featuring a more brutal design reminiscent of a mythical creature. In fact, within the universe's lore, they prefer to dwell in the sewers due to this stark difference.
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