Summary
- High fantasy settings in video games offer immersive worlds, rich lore, and a chance for players to take on epic roles as heroes, knights, and sorcerers.
- While post-apocalyptic and modern-day settings have become more common in recent years, there are still great games that embrace high fantasy concepts with swords, sorcery, elves, and witchcraft.
- Games like Trials of Mana, Golden Axe, Final Fantasy 16, Kingdoms of Amalur, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Chained Echoes, and Elden Ring offer diverse and captivating experiences in high fantasy settings that cater to different tastes and playstyles.
Video games that used a high fantasy setting as their backdrop were some of the most common in the industry. It is easy to see why game developers could look at Dungeons & Dragons and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings for inspiration for stories and settings.
However, in recent years, high fantasy Tolkienesque settings have become less commonplace, with more developers preferring to use post-apocalyptic or even modern-day settings. But that does not mean fans lack a choice of great games that use a high fantasy concept. Some of the greatest games of the last two generations are still happy to use worlds steeped in swords, sorcery, elves, and witchcraft.
Updated on February 8, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn: Whether it’s traditional Tolkienesque fantasy, whimsical adventures, or dark, gritty themes, the fantasy genre can cater to many tastes. This also applies to gaming genres from action RPGs to strategy games. This list is updated to include two more fantasy-based games and information tags for most titles.
26 Unicorn Overlord
An Accessible, Deep, And Fun Fantasy Strategy Game
Unicorn Overlord
- Released
- March 8, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Vanillaware
- Platform(s)
- PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch
- Genre(s)
- Tactical, RPG
Unicorn Overlord is an accessible and stunning tactical RPG from Vanillaware. It’s an accessible but rich game with tons of depth and a cast of terrific characters. Players take on the role of a prince tasked with reclaiming his family’s kingdom and getting revenge after his parents were betrayed.
The prince must form alliances with humans, bestrals, elves, and more to increase his army to reclaim his land. The battles are played out automatically, but the compelling aspect of Unicorn Overlord's gameplay is the preparation before every battle and watching it unfold on the screen. The 2D characters are beautifully drawn, well-written, and acted.
25 The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings
Dark Fantasy That Still Holds Up
The Witcher 2
- Released
- May 17, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, the second entry in CD Projekt Red's dark fantasy action RPG series, offers players a darker experience in the high fantasy genre. It is based on the fantasy novels of the same name and explores a land of cruelty, prejudice, and war. It isn't as open as its successor, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but there are still wide open areas to explore with lots of detailed towns full of side quests.
The combat isn't as polished, but it remains strategic with fluid action that is both challenging and satisfying. However, it does have more difficulty spikes compared to its successor, making it notably more challenging. This game serves as a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the rich world, lore, and characters of The Witcher series.
24 Metaphor: ReFantazio
An Incredible And Original Fantasy World
Metaphor: ReFantazio
- Released
- October 11, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Studio Zero
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Players looking for a fantasy game that feels and looks unlike anything else in the genre should look no further than Metaphor: ReFantazio. Developed by Atlus, its gameplay is similar to the Persona series but manages to improve on the gameplay formula and tell a compelling story that improves as it develops.
Metaphor: ReFantazio's fantasy element is distinguished by its inclusion of fairies and various races, yet it stands apart in the fantasy genre due to its unique character designs and Victorian-esque architecture. The nightmarish monster designs rank among the most bizarre, featuring grotesque and horrific creatures for players to battle. The turn-based battles are as stylish and tactical as the latest entries in the Persona series, but the combat is faster-paced and feels fresh again.
23 Final Fantasy 9
A Beautiful JRPG That Ticks All The Right Boxes
Final Fantasy 9
- Released
- July 7, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
Final Fantasy 9 is one of the most high fantasy games in the mainline series. Where many entries combine science fiction and fantasy, FF9 is a throwback to the early days of the iconic JRPG series. Even if players aren't swayed by nostalgia there is something magical about this entry, from the opening scenes with the flying ship to when players get their first glimpse of the little mage Vivi making his way through the crowds in Alexandria.
While it contains emotional and darker moments, Final Fantasy 9 possesses a less somber tone compared to its predecessors on the PS1, featuring a light-heartedness that is more akin to games from the Dragon Quest or Mana series. FF9 leads players through a thrilling adventure where minor events gradually lead to a grand narrative. Additionally, once the world becomes accessible, it is filled with numerous secrets and side quests to uncover.
22 Dragon's Dogma 2
A Stunning World Filled With Magic And Mystery
Dragon's Dogma 2
- Released
- March 22, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Dragon's Dogma 2 is an open-world action RPG set in a merciless fantasy realm teeming with creatures, monsters, and dragons, drawing inspiration from renowned fantasy works ranging from The Lord of the Rings to Harryhausen classics such as Jason and the Argonauts. The narrative is serviceable, but not as memorable as The Witcher series, even though it has improved considerably from the first game.
Dragon's Dogma 2, with its open-world gameplay, diverse classes—also referred to as vocations—and an impressive combat system provides a distinctive experience that seems customized for each player. Dragon's Dogma 2 instills a sense of wonder that drives players to continue exploring. Additionally, battling massive creatures such as ogres, dragons, and the Cyclops is consistently exhilarating, and the magnitude and scale of the gigantic Talos are truly awe-inspiring.
21 Trials Of Mana (2020)
A Whimsical Family Fantasy Adventure
Trials of Mana (2024)
- Released
- April 24, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix, Xeen
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Trials of Mana is a remake of the Super Famicom (SNES) classic of the same name that launched in 1995. The 1995 version was translated, ported, and launched as part of the Collection of Mana in 2019, but this is a 3D remake of the sequel to the fan-favorite Secret of Mana. Players can select a lead and two party members from six selectable characters. The story is an entertaining Dragon Quest- style adventure in an immersive fantasy world that harks back to the innocence and simplicity of 16-bit era JRPGs. It's a solid introduction to the Mana series before the upcoming Visions of Mana launches in 2024.
20 Golden Axe (Series)
A Classic Side Scrolling Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Fighter From Sega
- Released: January 27, 1989 (first)
- Developer: Sega
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable (in Sega Genesis Collection), Sega Genesis/Megadrive, Sega Master System.
The Golden Axe series is a side-scrolling action series from Sega based on Sword & Sworcery books and movies like Conan but implements elements of high fantasy into the characters, magic, and stories. Robert E. Howard's Conan and Kull novels influence the barbarian and Amazonian characters, but the Tolkienesque races and villains like Death Adder are present. Ignoring Beast Rider on the PS3, fantasy fans will enjoy the original trilogy, which is available as part of the Sega Genesis/Megadrive Collection. Sega announced a new Golden Axe title in the works at the 2023 Game Awards.
19 Final Fantasy 16
A Dark Fantasy With An Incredible Soundtrack And Kaiju-Like Boss Fights
Final Fantasy 16
- Released
- June 22, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Adopting a more action-based fighting system, Final Fantasy 16 utilizes a Devil May Cry-style combat. However, it is still a Final Fantasy game with explorable maps, side quests, towns, and endearing characters. While the mechanics and focus on one character limit the scope of customization, the 2023 release feels like more of a Final Fantasy game than - the still enjoyable - Final Fantasy 15.
Final Fantasy 16 utilizes a dark medieval fantasy visually similar to the Game of Thrones TV show. The world is a bit drab, but there are many high-fantasy elements that fans will love. There is sorcery, dragoons, dragons, knights, magic, orcs, goblins, and more. Moreover, the Godzilla-like boss battles are some of the most epic in gaming.
18 Kingdoms Of Amalur
Epic Action RPG With An Excellent Combat System And intriguing World
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
- Released
- February 7, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
While not held in the same regard as The Elder Scrolls, Kingdoms of Amalur gained a cult following among RPG fans thanks to its dream-like fantasy world, lore, and flexible combat system that played like a hack-and-slash game. Created by a dream team of developers, Kingdoms of Amalur was overseen by Spawn's Todd McFarlane, fantasy writer R.A. Salvadore, The Elder Scrolls designer Ken Rolston, and composer Grant Kirkhope.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning was good news for fans as the now-classic RPG was remastered, and this version even received a new story expansion called Fatesworn. While not as dark or in-depth as The Witcher 3, Kingdom of Amalur's world, characters, and excellent gameplay deserve praise.
17 Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor (Series)
An Open World Action RPG Set In The Lord Of The Rings Universe
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
- Released
- September 30, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
With franchises associated with high fantasy, few are more prominent than Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkienesque is associated with most fantasy settings, from Dragon Age to Baldur's Gate. However, it does not get more Tolkienesque than two quality titles set in the LOTR universe, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War.
The games put players in the shoes of a ranger named Talion. He is killed in battle but revived with the powers of a Wraith and is hellbent on taking revenge on Sauron's armies of orcs. The story is set between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and portrays a universe that satisfies fans of the movies and TV shows.