Dragons are one of the most beloved mythological creatures and welcomed characters in all fantasy games. Gaming fans love to play charismatic villains in games but it's just as exciting to play iconic monsters and mighty beasts with magical powers.

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While dragons in games are usually evil and dangerous it's not always the case, since there are plenty of heartwarming stories in games, and a few of these stories have adorable and friendly dragons. From strategy games, shoot 'em ups, and brilliant RPGs, dragon lovers can choose from a good variety of games set in magical worlds where they can become their favorite mythological beast.

Updated on August 24, 2023, by Via Erhard: Video game fans of all ages can meet friendly, terrifying, and life-like dragons in the digital realm and can do much more than interact with them. Thanks to these brilliant classics and immersive new sim games, players can explore all kinds of gaming worlds including whimsical ones where they can fly across candy-colored skies as well as adrenaline-pumping ones where they can battle against magnificent beasts. Luckily, players don't need to be pro players to enjoy games where they can play as dragons either. Players can go on epic adventures while exploring these magical realms on land and sky while also learning more about these beloved mythical monsters.

14 Day of Dragons (2019)

dragons in Day of Dragons

Day of Dragons is a fantastic choice for players who not only love dragons but creature video games. This early-access sim game lets players play as dragons as they try to survive in a beautiful sandbox open world filled with unique creatures and multiple biomes.

Beawesome Games' beautiful sim takes players on a wondrous but realistic adventure during which they'll have to deal with lava pits and dangerous creatures as they explore a stunning dense forest. Gamers will begin life as itty-bitty hatchlings and will have to work hard to survive and grow into grown dragons who can soar the sky. Players can even evolve into an alpha dragon, and unlock the Elementals.

13 The Wings of Dawn (Upcoming)

dragon in The Wings of Dawn

The Wings of Dawn is promising to be one of the most gorgeously designed new sandbox multiplayer sim video games in which players will be able to play as dragons or humans. It'll be a realistic survival fantasy adventure filled with all kinds of magnificent beasts.

Players will get to explore a dangerous but immersive world in which they'll get to customize their dragons and can even start their own families by either mating or adopting a little dragon. While the exact release date hasn't been announced yet this beautiful new game should be on all dragon fans' lists.

12 Hungry Dragon (2018)

dragons in Hungry Dragon

Thanks to Hungry Dragon, gaming fans can even play as dragons while using their phones. Ubisoft's vibrant and fun dragon mobile game is available for both Android and iOS users, and it transports them into a colorful and fun medieval-inspired world filled with dragons.

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In Hungry Dragon players can become ravenous dragons and scorch through a world where they can have villagers for lunch and witches for dinner. Players can choose from various dragons and can even customize them as they try various levels and explore villages, forests, and the Goblin City. During their adventure players can even train their dragon and unlock special powers and join the Legendary Leagues.

11 Dragon Drop (2022)

dragons in Dragon Drop

Dragon Drop is one of the most fun and family-friendly early-access games in which players can play as dragons. It's one of the most hilarious party games that can be played by up to four players. Gamers will have to choose one of the cute Pico Dragons and can even further customize their characters with cute hats and a fine variety of vibrant colors.

Dragon Drop is perfect for Spyro the Dragon fans who are looking for colorful dragon games with charming and kid-friendly dragons and with easy but entertaining gameplay that's perfect for more experienced and casual gamers alike. Players will get to use their fire breaths called Pico Beams and use their strategic skills to become champions.

10 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 (2016)

Shenron in Dragon-Ball-Xenoverse-2-1

Thanks to one of the most fan mods of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 players can actually choose to play as Shenron: one of the most iconic anime dragons of all time. However, players can also collect all seven Dragon Balls and summon Shenron and wish for more usable characters this way making Omega Shenron available too.

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Omega Shenron is one of the strongest dragons in gaming and is one of the most menacing and strongest fighters in the game. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a fun yet challenging JRPG that's perfect for anime fans and any gamers who appreciate creative and all-powerful characters and imaginative world-building.

9 Nimian Legends: Vandgels (2019)

warrior in Nimian Legends Vandgels

Nimian Legends: Vandgels is one of the most breathtaking open-world mobile games around and takes its players on an unforgettable fantasy adventure. Players get to meet all kinds of gorgeously designed unique creatures and characters while exploring the game's stunning world on land, water, and in the skies. It's perfect for Spyro fans who are looking for other feel-good games in which they can play as dragons.

Players can also change shape and play as dragons or as cute reindeer among many other powerful characters and even create stunning pictures thanks to the game's fun photo mode. Gamers can also use their creativity since they can customize the world around them in a wide variety of ways. It's one of the most immersive mobile games with dynamic weather and day/night cycles, allowing players to relax and explore a stunning open world on their phones.

8 Black Desert (2017)

Drakania in Black Desert

Black Desert's new and overpowered class, Drakania, has one of the most exciting backstories and the most breathtaking design in the game. This powerful warrior is the mighty descendant of the Night Dragon Markthanan. Drakania's armor and weapons not only pay tribute to her dragon heritage but also give her special and deadly powers.

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While Drakania has a human form it also has a second dragon heart that allows her to quickly heal from injuries. Black Desert is one of the most beautiful and action-filled open-world MMORPGs in which players can not only go into battles against all kinds of powerful beings, but also explore, craft, cook, or even learn a new profession.

7 The I of the Dragon (2020 Re-Release)

dragon fighting in The I of the Dragon

The I of the Dragon is an Action RPG where players can play as a dragon. It's a great choice not just for dragon lovers but for those too who enjoy great strategy games with unique characters and storylines. The game is set in the beautiful fantasy world called Nimoa, where an ancient daemon, Skarborr, is lurking underground and planning its great return.

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Players can choose from three different types of dragons and explore twelve unique territories with distinctive visuals with breathtaking sunsets and starry night skies. The player gets started with a young and inexperienced dragon and has to develop the dragon's abilities while going through the dangerous obstacles of Skarborr until the dragon becomes powerful enough to defeat the powerful daemon.

6 Hoard (2011)

dragon burns down a house in Hoard

Hoard is fast and fun and is perfect for those gamers who love playing with great shoot-em-ups or burning castles and villages while playing the part of a mighty beast. It's also one of the few games that lets players play as dragons while gathering gold, leveling up their dragon while fighting off wizards, knights, giants, and other dragons.

This fun action strategy game has cool retro graphics and can be played as a single player or players can go for the 4 player competitive or co-op modes. Players have to use their special abilities, fly around, and breathe fire to be able to control the kingdom and gain as much gold as possible.

5 Dragon Rage (2016)

dragon in Dragon Rage

Dragon Rage is one of the newest games that lets players play as a dragon. It's a short, fast-paced indie action game with a charming design and a classic dragon story but with a twist. This time the players don't play the savior's part but instead control the escaped and rampaging dragon Cael.

Cael's goal is to burn down the mountain-top village, eat the villagers, and destroy the King's Royal Army. The more villagers Cael eats the stronger he becomes and gets closer to his ultimate goal of saving all dragons from extinction. However, the dragon is also capable of laying eggs and using the newborn baby dragons to terrorize the villagers, the troops, and even the royal family. Dragon Rage is a simple and feel-good game that's perfect for dragon lovers who want to see their favorite beast finally win the age-old battle.