Most games often gloss over the moral implication of the protagonist’s actions, no matter how dark or questionable they may be. Certain games, however, keep track of exactly what great or horrible things the player has done and change the story based on their actions. In certain games, such choices even affect the appearance of the character, from extra scars or horns to a glow and a halo.
Whether players are looking to try their hand on a villainous playthrough or do their best to save everyone they can, RPGs with moral choices present an incredibly unique and engaging experience for those who enjoy choosing their own path.
10 Undertale
The interesting thing about Undertale is that it doesn’t outright state that there is actually a moral choice at hand. The game presents an encounter, an enemy to battle, and the player can choose to “FIGHT” or “ACT” their way out of a scenario.
Should the players fight their way through the entire game, they will be met with an increasingly dark and disturbing storyline. And should they engage through peaceful means every single time, the story blooms into one of hope and good. There are many endings to pursue in the game, and certain characters take a lot of work and persuasion to “save”.
9 Disco Elysium
Disco Elysium throws the player into an intricate and complicated world, leaving it up to the player to unravel the many mysteries by any means necessary. The game constantly questions the player’s morality by presenting difficult and gray choices. While the game doesn’t exactly track all the choices done by the player in a karma system, there are multiple ways for the character to grow or degenerate
It is completely up to the players on how they choose to progress in the story, and whether or not the protagonist gets his life back together or ends up worse than he started.
8 Dishonored
Dishonored explores a rather dark story, emphasizing that with every detail of the game: from the overall look of the city to the NPCs and even powers. The player’s choices directly affect the flow of the story and even the state of the surroundings. A darker playthrough will result in more rats in the city, angrier guards and even townsfolk begin working against Corvo.
Being good is difficult in a game revolving around a series of assassinations, and players will have to be extra careful and creative to try and save a city hellbent on destroying itself.
7 Red Dead Redemption Series
Red Dead Redemption features an Honor system that keeps score of the player’s dubious actions, which affects how they are perceived by the NPCs, as well as access to different content and story developments. An honorable character will be better paid for their efforts and receive special perks, while a dishonorable one will be more feared and the eyewitness will be less inclined to rat the player out.
In the second installment, the ending itself depends on Arthur’s honor, as well as very different dialogues and story branches.
6 Fallout Series
The earlier entries in the Fallout series have featured an intricate system of Karma, which was affected by choices that the player made, and even certain actions. The way that the protagonist conducts themselves affects how the wasteland inhabitants view and talk with them.
Donated some caps to a church in need? Karma goes up and players might receive some gifts. Indulged in cannibalism or stolen from an unsuspecting merchant? Well, now there is an entire policing faction hunting the player down. It is a great way to introduce consequences for a player's actions, both positive and not-so-much.
5 Pillars Of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity takes an entirely different approach to a morality system. Instead of the conventional “good” and “evil” choices, the game has an entire spectrum of where the character can go. Based on the countless choices in dialogues and quests, characters grow to take a specific place on their Disposition chart.
The system allows for multiple ways to play the game, from a snarky Clever character to a beacon of goodness and hope Honest. There are many shades and nuances to one’s morality, and the game does a stellar job of showcasing and rewarding just that.
4 Fable Series
Fable was one of the first franchises to allow players to choose a moral side, paving the way for many great games to come. For the most part, the choices are very black-and-white when it comes to moral questions, not leaving much room for neutral characters.
The games reflect the character’s moral placement by augmenting their visual look, from long horns on an evil character to a halo and butterflies around a good one. While simple, the system makes the choices more impactful and does a great job of reflecting one’s adventure path.
3 Knights Of The Old Republic
From their earlier days, Bioware has made tremendous strides in making RPGs where choices are important. KOTOR morality system goes beyond simplistic good vs. Evil dichotomy and instead emphasizes the shades of grey in between. Players are faced with morally ambiguous situations that challenge their sense of right and wrong, and their choices have consequences that ripple throughout the game.
They can choose to follow the noble path of the Jedi, upholding the principles of selflessness, compassion, and justice, or they can succumb to the seductive allure of the dark side, giving in to temptation, aggression, and selfishness.
2 Mass Effect Series
Mass Effect is an incredibly nuanced game with many extremely difficult choices, sometimes questioning the very idea of morality. As such, the game follows Shepard’s moral choices by awarding either Paragon or Renegade points, slowly tipping the moral scales one way or another.
Remaining neutral can be far less rewarding than choosing a side, as many dialogue options and persuasion checks become unavailable. The game also reflects Shepard’s growing chaos in the second installment, as harsh scars and marks appear on their face, worsening with every Renegade choice, or healing with Paragon ones.
1 Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous
Wrath of the Righteous allows for a wide variety of moral standpoints, from a goody-two-shoes Lawful Good to a truly dark Chaotic Evil. The game’s different Mythic Paths rely heavily on the character’s alignment, and completely change the story for every different one.
It is incredible how many playstyles are included in the game, and just how much it affects the overall feel of the game. From a chaotic-good Azata that thrive in mischief and helping, to a powerful Lich that looks to build their own army of undead. No matter where players stand on the alignment chart, they will not be disappointed with the number of choices that the game offers.