Summary
- CrossCode offers fun real-time combat in a top-down perspective, perfect for RPG fans.
- Dark Souls challenges players with difficult areas like Sen's Fortress and bosses.
- The Witcher 3 incorporates puzzles that yield great rewards, enhancing the experience.
The RPG genre is one of the most popular among the gaming community thanks to the variety it offers players in terms of how they can experience the games they like, the weapons they can use, and the options they have to customize their characters. RPGs come in many shapes and sizes, as there are isometric titles, those that combine adventure and action, and several more.
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Some games even come in 2D, which makes the variety of offerings quite attractive to players who are into the genre. One of the greatest things that any RPG can have is puzzle-solving. Here are some of the best RPGs with puzzle mechanics.
7 CrossCode
A Fun Game With An Interesting Narrative
CrossCode
- Good real-time combat mechanics
- Top-down perspective
While RPG games with a top-down perspective are not everyone's cup of tea, those players who enjoy titles like this will have a great time with CrossCode. Similar to other games in this genre, CrossCode presents players with the opportunity to engage in combat and solve puzzles as they explore.
While the combat mechanics in this title are not overly complex, they are very fun and feature real-time aspects that, more often than not, feel quite entertaining. All in all, CrossCode is a great game for players who like top-down RPGs.
6 Dark Souls
Sen's Fortress Can Be Extremely Frustrating
Dark Souls
- Released
- September 22, 2011
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Platform(s)
- Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Adventure
- Sen's Fortress is one of the most challenging areas to navigate
- Various bosses and interesting areas to explore
The original Dark Souls helped make FromSoftware the behemoth it is today. Not only did this game introduce very interesting combat mechanics, but also a grim world that gave way to several other titles in this franchise. Although Dark Souls does not mainly focus on puzzle mechanics, there are some areas like Sen’s Fortress that can be very challenging and extremely frustrating.
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As players make their way throughout this area, they'll have to avoid various obstacles, including swinging pendulums and enemies firing arrows at them—all while they try to discover the right pathway. The original Dark Souls has some of the most challenging bosses in the franchise’s history, making it a title that every FromSoftware fan must play at least once.
5 Horizon Forbidden West
Exploring Relic Ruins Is No Easy Task
Horizon Forbidden West
- Released
- February 18, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Ornaments are hard to obtain
- Puzzle-solving makes the game more interesting
Just like its predecessor, Horizon Forbidden West gives players control of Aloy and allows them to explore the vast land in front of them. As they progress through the story, players will encounter many dangers and have to deal with various complicated situations.
Obtaining the many ornaments hidden across the world is no easy task, as players will have to solve a broad range of puzzles in order to get them. Although puzzle-solving isn’t the main attraction in Horizon Forbidden West, it does play a significant part in the overall experience.
4 The Witcher 3
Puzzles Are Few, But Solving Them Often Yields Great Rewards
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Puzzle-solving is a small part of the game, but an important one
- Some puzzles will reward players with great gear
The Witcher 3 is known for many things, including the amazing combat mechanics it offers, the difficult bosses available, the compelling narrative that it presents to players, and the likable characters that are a part of it. However, puzzles are also part of the experience, even if it’s just a small one.
As players explore The Continent, they'll come across a few scenarios where swinging their swords and casting Witcher Signs will not make a difference. Instead, they’ll have to put on their detective hats and find a way to unlock the secrets awaiting them. A great example of this is the Magic Lamp Puzzle in the early stages of the game, and the puzzle of the statues in the cave where the Mastercrafted Feline Armor set is located.
3 God Of War (2018)
The Reboot Implements New Mechanics, Yet Keeps Puzzle-solving A Central Aspect
God of War
- Released
- April 20, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4
- Great combat mechanics
- Puzzle-solving yields various rewards
The God of War franchise has always had puzzles, so the fact that the 2018 reboot also features them is not surprising. However, thanks to the new game mechanics that this title implemented, there are new ways to address said puzzles, which makes the experience feel more complete overall.
By solving puzzles, players will not only be able to progress through the story but also unlock valuable items, including upgrades. This, along with the outstanding narrative, the great voice acting, the powerful weapons, and the challenging, yet rewarding combat mechanics make God of War (2018) an all-around masterpiece.
2 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Answering The Right Questions And Thinking Logically Can Go A Long Way
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Great puzzles that make players think
- Combat mechanics are outdated, but still great regardless
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is, without a doubt, the oldest title on this list. Compared to other entries, this game has outdated graphics, game mechanics and other elements. However, even with all these elements against it, Knights of the Old Republic still manages to deliver an outstanding experience.
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As players progress through the story, they’ll have to solve various puzzles ranging from algebra problems, to famous real-life games, such as the Tower of Hanoi. On top of this, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic also features a small, yet solid class system, which includes Jedi Guardians and their prowess in lightsaber combat.
1 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Shrine Puzzles Are Hard, But Also Extremely Fun
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
- March 3, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Wii U, Switch
- Several shrine locations available
- Puzzle-solving plays an important role in the game
The Legend of Zelda games have always been known for featuring various puzzles that players must solve to progress through the story. Before the Internet, figuring these things out was a lot harder, as there was no source of information to turn to.
And while some players would argue that keeping things that way is more fun, there’s no shame in turning to an expert’s advice to complete all the shrine locations available. All in all, thanks to its amazing exploration mechanics, fun story, and complex recipes, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a marvelous addition to the franchise.
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