Summary
- RPGs like Black Desert Online offer extensive character customization for unique playstyles.
- Path of Exile 2 showcases advanced build customization for unique character experiences.
- Games like Skyrim provide revolutionary build mechanics for engaging RPG experiences.
Whether as a warrior, archer, mage, or cleric, playing video games is often closely with experiencing different lives in a completely new world. Since the early days, the ability for players to customize their own character has been a feature that stands out as something particularly unique to the medium of gaming.
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This characteristic is especially important for RPGs, or Role-Playing Games, whose very name describes the experience as the act of embodying another life or role. In this context, some titles stand out for their extensive customization options, ranging from altering the character's appearance to changing gameplay by selecting new abilities to face challenges in a completely new way.
Black Desert Online
Players Can Create Unique Characters With Freedom
Black Desert Online
- Released
- March 3, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
Black Desert Online is an action RPG and open-world MMO that drew a lot of attention upon its announcement, specifically for its impressive character customization. The variety of facial features that can be adjusted and the vast number of unique characters players can create drew thousands to try the Korean game.
Additionally, as a great MMORPG, the game offers various builds and classes that can be tailored to different gameplay styles, changing how it’s played, allowing players to experiment with different options as they venture through it.
Path Of Exile 2
One Of Best Games For Build Customization
Path of Exile II
- Released
- December 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Nudity, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Language, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash, MMORPG
At its launch, Path of Exile 2 went viral through videos of players reacting for the first time to the game's build creation system. Even the most experienced players were taken by surprise, as the new title from Grinding Gear Games offers advanced customization, allowing each character to be truly unique with an incredible variety of skills and playstyles.
Inspired by classics like Diablo, this action RPG lacks an appearance customization mechanic but, at the same time, stands out as one of the games with the most extensive build variety in the genre. It’s a must-play for players who want the freedom to create different characters, customizing abilities or even the weapons obtained through enemy loot.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
It's Possible To Customize Different Builds In This Action RPG
Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Released
- November 18, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Aiming to balance between the mechanics of the first two games in the franchise, Dragon Age: Inquisition introduced a distinct combat system, blending some of the tactical depth from Origins while maintaining the action-oriented approach of Dragon Age 2. To make this experience even more distinct, the game provided players with a wide variety of classes and abilities to use throughout their journey.
However, another standout aspect of Dragon Age: Inquisition at launch was the advancements in appearance customization brought by the Frostbite 3 engine, which, at the time, impressed by allowing players to modify intricate facial details for each character. This made it possible to create truly unique Inquisitors as they ventured through Thedas.
Fallout 4
Players Can Build Aggressive Or Diplomatic Characters
Fallout 4
- Released
- November 10, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Fallout 4 is one of the standout titles in one of the most famous RPG franchises of all time. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic future where players must survive in a world ravaged by nuclear war, filled with chaos and hostility. Like other great RPGs, it offers a deeply immersive experience, allowing players to create their own character and customize it how they want to.
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So, their main character can focus on a more aggressive gameplay style, solving problems through violence, or take on a more diplomatic approach, relying on wit and charisma to achieve their goals. Additionally, the game also offers a great customization options, allowing players to craft their own weapons or even experiment with different builds through its unique perk system.
Diablo 4
Each Class Offers A Different and Customizable Playstyle In This Action RPG
Diablo 4
- Released
- June 5, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash
One of the major appeals of the Diablo franchise is the variety of playstyles and characters players can create, and Diablo 4 is no exception. Blizzard's character creator allows players to design necromancers, druids, barbarians, mages, warriors, and more.
Set in a world overrun by demonic forces, players can face their enemies in various ways, switching between different classes and playstyles, each with unique weapons and visuals. In fact, each available character feels truly distinct, thanks to the variety of abilities they possess, allowing for builds that shape each experience.
Elden Ring
Endless Builds For Ultimate Versatility
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Elden Ring is renowned for its exceptional gameplay, challenging difficulty, and a world created in collaboration between Hidetaka Miyazaki and writer George R.R. Martin. However, one of the key features in any FromSoftware game, also strongly present here, is character customization.
The character creator, while still not one of Elden Ring's strongest aspects, allows for better-looking faces compared to the developer's previous soulslike titles. However, the real highlight of the game lies in its versatility in gameplay customization. Weapons, skills, armor, and magic provide countless combinations of powers, allowing players to overcome enemies in a variety of ways.
Monster Hunter World
Weapons Define Entire Gameplay Experience
Monster Hunter World
- Released
- January 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Monster Hunter: World is a especially unique game, because character customization mainly focuses on the weapon the player chooses to wield. Switching weapons in Monster Hunter is almost equivalent to playing a game with entirely different mechanics, each offering unique strategies and approaches for dealing with various creatures.
Additionally, at more advanced levels, players gain access to a wide range of options through buffs that can be incorporated into their builds, allowing for high-level customization tailored to enhance their hunting experience. Mastering these combinations is essential, as some endgame challenges can be quite punishing for players who are not adequately prepared.
Cyberpunk 2077
Modify Characters Physically And Mechanically
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Since its release, Cyberpunk 2077 has been a significant promise for fans of tabletop role-playing games. Inspired by Mike Pondsmith's classic in the dystopian sci-fi genre, the game preserves some of its key features, emphasizing extensive character customization in both aesthetics and mechanics.
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Set in a world teeming with implants and body modifications, this Action RPG provides extensive character customization. Players can modify appearance, build, and even the cybernetic implants of each version of V, allowing the gameplay experience to change entirely based on individual playstyle preferences.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Customization That Exceeds Expectations
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
Dragon’s Dogma 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by offering players a unique Action RPG experience with a level of freedom uncommon in other games of the genre. The game features an impressive Character Creator that allows players to design unique faces for their protagonist or even recreate the appearance of popular characters from other games.
However, Dragon’s Dogma 2 stands out not only for its detailed character appearance customization but also for the hundreds of build possibilities through skill and vocations combinations, as each option provides a distinct gameplay experience. This allows players to experiment with different choices to tackle bosses and other enemies throughout the game.
Skyrim
Revolutionary Builds Mechanics Keep Players Engaged In this Action RPG
Skyrim
- Released
- November 11, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
Skyrim is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, largely due to the immense freedom it offers - something that was impressive at launch and remains so to this day. Another key reason behind this acclaim is the level of customization players have when creating or developing a character throughout their adventure.
Bethesda’s developers brought years of RPG experience to craft a game where each player can create a truly unique character. Skills are unlocked through use, allowing for versatile builds that combine traits from various classes, enabling players to shape their journey in their own way.
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