Summary
- Video games based on D&D lore cater to both die-hard fans and beginners by offering different levels of challenge.
- Games like Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms allow players to interact with iconic D&D characters.
- Solasta: Crown of the Magister and Baldur's Gate 3 offer customizable difficulty settings and engaging storylines suitable for all players.
Dungeons and Dragons has spread beyond the realm of tabletop games, transforming into TV shows, movies, and even video games. These games take players into worlds of swords and sorcery, borrowing rules, storylines, and characters from D&D lore, or at least sourcing great inspiration for their own creations.
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Though these video games are made with die-hard fans in mind who cannot get enough dice-throwing, there are video games suitable for those who have barely cast their first d20. These games are beginner-friendly in terms of not expecting gamers to have in-depth knowledge of the wider D&D multiverse and staying away from throwing incredibly hard challenges at their players.
7 Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
An Idle Game That Introduces Players to Legends
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms
- Released
- May 17, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Idle games are the ideal background noise, a stress-free activity that requires only minimal input from the player, perfect for the busybodies who just want to relax after a hard day, or need something in the background to make the long hours pass by a little more quickly. It doesn't seem like a good formula for D&D, but Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms surprised most at the time of its release.
As one might expect from the name, players can gather together parties of iconic characters to face down iconic creatures, which is a good way for newbies to learn a little about the legends that populate the Forgotten Realms setting, such as Drizzt Do'Urden, Minsc, or even Astarion of Baldur's Gate 3 fame. Everyone can play idle games, too, as the gameplay is far from challenging.
6 Neverwinter Nights
Create Custom Content Like a Dungeon Master
Neverwinter Nights
- Released
- June 18, 2002
WHERE TO PLAY
Playing is a big part of Dungeons and Dragons, but campaigns would not exist without the hard work and dedication of the Dungeon Master. While there are many games suited for newbie players, there are also a few for those looking to sit themselves behind the DM screen, such as Neverwinter Nights.
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The ability to create custom content was implemented into this game. With it, players could make small tweaks such as GUI overhauls, create small items, or even full adventures for other players to embark upon. It is a great way for new DMs to test their creativity before they embark on their first tabletop game.
5 The Temple of Elemental Evil
A Loyal Adaptation of an Actual Campaign
The Temple of Elemental Evil
- Released
- September 16, 2003
- Developer(s)
- Troika Games
- Publisher(s)
- Atari
Taking all the different editions of D&D into consideration, there are hundreds of campaigns out there, and many don't make the cut in video game adaptations, as game developers just decide to make their own story. And then there is The Temple of Elemental Evil, based on the campaign of the same name.
In the sleepy hamlet called Hommlet, up to five adventurers step up to the challenge to defend their village and stop the evil forces that seem to gather around this temple. It is about as close as players can get to the campaign without actually playing it themselves, and can give them a general idea of what they might expect in a tabletop session, as it covers character creation, exploration, and turn-based combat.
4 Planescape: Torment
Combat Takes a Backseat to the Story
Planescape: Torment
- Released
- December 12, 1999
WHERE TO PLAY
Dungeons and Dragons is often a balanced experience, containing combat, exploration, and story, but video games don't always follow that formula, and this is true for Planescape: Torment. Set in the Planescape multiverse, the Nameless One is seeking to recover his memories after he wakes up from death with no memories of his past lives, but he is setting out on a quest to learn more about himself and his immortality.
There is a strong story at the heart of the game, which does take precedence over combat. As such, this game could be ideal for D&D beginners, as they won't be bogged down by rules and mechanics that Dungeons and Dragons video games often contain. Now, they can simply focus on the story and the nameless protagonist while learning more about the Planescape.
3 Neverwinter
A Free MMO Perfect to Play with Friends
Neverwinter
- Released
- June 20, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Cryptic Studios
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
It seemed only a matter of time before Dungeons and Dragons spread into the world of MMOs, as they are perfect for rounding up a group of players to set off on an adventure, or several, playing as their chosen class and race.
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In some ways, it is similar enough to playing an actual campaign, as MMOs need just as much dedication, and even teamwork, as it is a good idea for players to ensure their party is balanced for the fights to come. It also contains actual campaigns fine-tuned to fit the game's format, meaning it could potentially replace a weekly tabletop game. But at the same time, it doesn't overload players with a heavy story brimming with lore and details known to die-hard fans, as at its core, it is a fun, fantasy MMORPG.
2 Solasta: Crown of the Magister
Customizable Difficulty
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
- Released
- May 27, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen // Violence, Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Language
- Developer(s)
- Tactical Adventures
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Tactical
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, macOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Set in a world that almost met its premature end a thousand years prior, a new party of fresh-faced adventurers is hoping to find a powerful artifact that can hopefully prevent history from repeating itself, rumored to be held in ancient elven ruins. Ahead on their travels are dungeons and monsters, which players need to be ready to face these dangers.
Following the 5th edition of D&D, which thus far is the most streamlined, new D&D fans should have no difficulty learning the rules to play, and can even pick up some things applicable to the tabletop games. And if players find Solasta too much of a challenge, they can adjust the preset difficulties to better suit their playstyle, making it a game that can suit any player, no matter if they are casual or veteran.
1 Baldur's Gate 3
The Newest Entry into the Franchise Delivers Adventure and Excitement
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
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The Baldur's Gate franchise isn't lengthy in terms of entries, but has been around for quite some time, delighting fans with adventures, magic, and wonder in each of its games. Though the original games might show their age a little now, and this could be off-putting to new D&D fans, thankfully, the third option is a more modern option, and a fantastic one at that.
Infected with a mind-flayer parasite said to eventually turn them into one of the tentacled-faced monstrosities, the player and their party are on a race against the clock as they journey across the Sword Coast in search of a cure. The scope of the game is nothing short of impressive without being too overwhelming. The turn-based combat isn't too difficult to get to grips with, even for those lacking in experience, and it is the kind of game that pulls players in for more.
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