With Avowed's release being right around the corner, it's easy to see why fans of Obsidian Entertainment can't wait to see what else this studio has to offer. The pre-release feedback has been largely positive and shines a light on this developer's stellar track record.
8 Obsidian Entertainment Games With The Best Stealth Gameplay, Ranked
These are some of the most iconic Obsidian Entertainment games with the most refined stealth gameplay mechanics.
As one would expect, the best Obsidian Entertainment games require their fair share of strategy. Players must make it a point to craft meticulous builds and set up their party wisely to stand a chance against the numerous enemies and bosses across a wealth of video games with strategic combat.
8 Dungeon Siege 3
The Action RPG Combat Features Its Fair Share Of Strategy
Dungeon Siege 3
- Released
- June 17, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Adventure, Shooter, Fighting
It's a shame that most people are unaware of Dungeon Siege 3. This action RPG may seem mindless at first glance, but players must manage offense and defense wisely to come out victorious across the bulk of this video game's encounters.
Switching stances, acquiring loot, and using abilities are imperative for players to succeed across the game's wealth of combat encounters. Dungeon Siege 3 has some issues, but players will love how the game can be brute-forced but rewards players who use a strategic approach in combat with easier victories.
7 South Park: The Stick Of Truth
The Turn-Based Combat Is Fairly Simple But Requires Some Strategy Regardless
South Park: The Stick of Truth
- Released
- March 4, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
While A Stick of Truth is a fairly easy game that shouldn't be a huge challenge to overcome, there are many mechanics present in the game's turn-based combat that require a fair bit of strategy. Multi-attack moves should be used to reduce a character's shields before players smash foes with strong attacks.
This makes it important to switch buddies and use abilities wisely to deal with the many foes that players must deal with in their adventure. As players slowly but surely make progress, they gain access to higher levels and better equipment that inflict status effects and ensure that enemies will face a losing situation from the get-go.
6 Grounded
The Tough Combat Requires Both Skill And Strategy For Players To Explore Tougher Zones
Grounded
- Released
- September 27, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror, RPG
Despite Grounded's combat being real-time, there's a fair bit of strategy involved in the game. The co-op survival mechanics mean that players must prioritize teamwork and craft powerful equipment whenever they get a chance.
Grounded: 6 Best Trinkets, Ranked
Trinkets in Obsidian's shrunken survival game Grounded just provide passive bonuses, but some are so effective they become essential.
Failing to do so means that the kids will be devoured by household pests in no time. This is something that is better off avoided for obvious reasons, and players should strategize their approach to reach other zones and deal with greater threats.
5 Pillars Of Eternity
A Throwback To The CRPG Genre With The Tactical Combat To Match
Pillars of Eternity
- Released
- March 26, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
After being on the verge of bankruptcy, Obsidian Entertainment decided to go down the crowdfunding route to develop a game that served as a nod to classic CRPGs. The result is Pillars of Eternity, a great game that boasts real-time with pause combat.
Players must manage the actions of six party members as they explore dungeons and fight off the myriad of threats that come their way. Assuming a tactically advantageous position before battle and investing in the Watcher's build wisely is paramount to succeed in this strategic CRPG.
4 Neverwinter Nights 2
Classic CRPG Combat That's As Strategic As One Would Expect
Neverwinter Nights 2
- Released
- October 31, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
Given that Neverwinter Nights 2 adopts the D&D 3.5 ruleset, it's easy to see why players are encouraged to approach combat situations tactically. Cycling through powerful abilities and healing at regular intervals is a must for players to survive brutal encounters.
A player must be wary about the build they pursue if they want to become masters of Neverwinter Nights 2's combat system. Thankfully, it won't take long for players to figure out optimal strategies and form a suitable party that can deal with most enemies without any notable struggles.
3 Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords
An Excellent Sequel To BioWare's Excellent Sci-fi RPG Where A Sound Strategy Is Important For Tough Battles
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords
- Released
- December 6, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Mild Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 could've been just as legendary as its predecessor had it enjoyed a smooth launch. Thankfully, mods ensure that players who install this game in modern times will enjoy a great experience with Obsidian's first-ever title.
14 Best Obsidian Entertainment Games
After bringing gamers The Outer Worlds, the rest of Obsidian Entertainment's repertoire of games deserves more attention.
Fans familiar with KOTOR's combat system will be right at home with the sequel. The action can be paused at any moment to give direct commands and micromanage the flow of battle, ensuring that the protagonist and their party members can take out the vast majority of enemies without too many problems.
2 Tyranny
The Addition Of Team Moves And Unique Classes Ensure That Combat Is Riveting And Requires Some Brainpower
Tyranny
- Released
- November 10, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
Tyranny is an incredible CRPG that starts strong before the limitations of the game reveal themselves in the latter half. However, this shouldn't dissuade players from checking out an epic role-playing game with combat that rewards efficient teamwork.
Players can unlock combination techniques with other party members based on their reputation levels. This, coupled with a solid magic-crafting system, means that players will love applying efficient strategies in combat, especially if they take on the role of a mage.
1 Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Multiclassing And Other Tactical Options Help Combat Feel Better Than Ever
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
- Released
- May 8, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Pillars of Eternity 2 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, with players being able to multiclass to enjoy the best of both worlds. While the number of active party members has been reduced by one, that shouldn't take away from the title's strategic combat.
If anything, being restricted to five party members at once means that players must be more tactical about who to bring in any given situation. If a party has some weaknesses, then tougher enemies will punish players for their lack of strategic forethought.
5 Best Open-World Games With No Grinding
Open-world games usually have huge skill trees, so effort is often required to upgrade. Here are some open-world titles that need no grinding.