Summary
- Some RPGs immediately throw players into action, showcasing strengths from the start.
- Games like God of War Ragnarok and Baldur's Gate 3 present intense, action-packed openings.
- Titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 gradually introduce players to the world in a engaging manner.
Role-playing games can be a ton of fun, but it can take a while before players get into the meat of the action. While slow beginnings aren't bad in RPGs, they can make for an introduction that doesn't highlight the game's biggest strengths. Sometimes, it takes time or patience that players might not have before the game really gets good.
This is why fans love RPGs that don't hide their strongest hand, and instead leap into the action as soon as possible. Players who want to ensure they don't waste time will love what these titles bring to the table from the moment they start.
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8 God Of War Ragnarok
An Action-Packed First Impression
God of War Ragnarok
- Released
- November 9, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Just like its predecessor, God of War Ragnarok makes a major impression with its opening. After establishing Atreus' ability to shapeshift, Freya descends upon the duo to get revenge for her son. Even after returning to safety, their trials are far from over. Odin and Thor unexpectedly arrive at Kratos' doorstep, with the latter forcing the player into a grueling boss fight after Kratos' answer disappoints the Allfather.
7 Cyberpunk 2077
The Lifepaths Introduce Players To The World
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
As much as players may criticize Cyberpunk 2077's Lifepaths, there's no denying that the game's beginning feels all the more unique and engaging as a result. In fact, this is just the start of a lengthy introduction that sets up the narrative's stakes.
After a botched Arasaka heist leads to dire consequences for V and their friend, the protagonist must figure out a way to get Johnny Silverhand out of their head and regain control of their body. This is when Cyberpunk 2077 properly starts, capping off an incredible intro sequence that's fun from start to end.
6 Mass Effect 2
From The Moment The Normandy Blowns Up, Players Are In For Something Special
Mass Effect 2
- Released
- January 26, 2010
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Third-Person Shooter
Mass Effect 2 needed to do something incredible to stand out as a worthy sequel, and they achieved this within the first hour of the game. Witnessing the Normandy being shredded to bits as Shepard seemingly dies in space makes for a horrifying moment, only for the Commander to be reconstructed with Cerberus' advanced technology.
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After the base is attacked, Shepard is indebted to the Illusive Man as he becomes a Cerberus operative. The fight against the Reapers and Collectors starts at this very moment and never lets up in a game that is a bombastic adventure from start to end.
5 Disco Elysium
The Opening Scene Makes This RPG's Humor Clear As Day
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players who had doubts about Disco Elysium after seeing how eccentric this title was changed their tune in no time after the first scene. Seeing a detective half-naked on the ground after a bender that caused him to develop amnesia is a hilarious way to start the game. It helps that the Whirling-in-Rags is full of colorful personalities, from the mysterious Klassje to the disgruntled Garte. It provides players with a basic idea of the game's plot and setting before they're unleashed on the district of Martinaise in Revachol.
4 Baldur's Gate 3
Players Start On An Illithid Spaceship With A Parasite Burrowing In Their Brain
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
Baldur's Gate 3 made it clear that fans would be experiencing the adventure of a lifetime in this title. The intro wastes no time in building intrigue, as players are infected by an illithid parasite onboard a hostile ship that they must escape somehow. After causing the ship to crash, the heroes crash-land, and Act 1 starts in all its glory. It's a great action-packed opening before Baldur's Gate 3 relaxes and unfurls its wings, letting players witness the sheer depth of role-playing brilliance in this amazing title.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
White Orchard Is A Brilliant Starting Point
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
The Witcher 3 is one of the greatest video games of all time, showing how experienced CD Projekt Red had become as a developer back when this game launched. Unlike the notoriously difficult beginning of The Witcher 2, The Wild Hunt starts with Geralt conversing with Vesemir in White Orchard before players take out a bunch of ghouls nearby.
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The game slowly expands on the basics of combat in White Orchard, which makes for a fun environment to explore that doesn't overwhelm players. From a surprisingly entertaining quest to find a frying pan to an epic encounter with a griffin, White Orchard is a great introduction to The Witcher 3's world before Yennefer appears and things get serious.
2 Deus Ex
A Legendary Starting Level
Deus Ex
- Released
- June 23, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS, Stealth
Liberty Island is one of the most legendary starting levels in video game history. Players meet their brother, form their character, choose their starting loadout, and must figure out how to nab the NSF's terrorist leader on their own. Thankfully, Liberty Island is great at organically helping players learn as they come across a number of terrorists and figure out how to deal with them without dying. It makes for a highly entertaining beginning that will leave a lasting impression on players.
1 Final Fantasy 7
The Bombing Mission Is Iconic For All The Right Reasons
Final Fantasy 7
- Released
- January 31, 1997
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- RPG
To this day, the iconic Bombing Mission from Final Fantasy 7 makes for one of the best introductions to any video game. Players control a mysterious spiky blonde-haired warrior who is seemingly on a quest to blow up a reactor. The intrigue this intro generates is legendary, with most of it being retained in Final Fantasy 7 Remake. The mission ends with a notable encounter against the Guard Scorpion, a simple yet memorable boss that will serve as the player's first true test before things get harder.
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