5 RPGs That Reward Exploration Over Combat

RPGs can take on many different forms, which means that they can cater to most players' preferences. The genre is so versatile, that it fits well with the adrenaline-rushing combat of FPSs, as well as the intricate nature of puzzle-solving titles, and even the immersive characteristics of Fantasy games.

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By  Ritwik Mitra

Although there are many RPGs that opt for rewarding players when they defeat challenging bosses or clear an area of enemies, others focus more on promoting the exploration and discovery of the landmarks within the map. Typically, the latter titles also have action and great fights, but players will get much further by covering every inch of the map than by engaging in combat. Here are some great RPGs that reward exploration over combat.

5 The Outer Worlds

This Vast Open World Requires Players To Defend Themselves, But Exploration Is Key

• Players can find many valuable items by exploring
• Combat is part of the experience, but it never feels like the game is solely focused on that

There's no denying that The Outer Worlds has a lot of elements that make it great and fun to play. From the varied conversations players can have with NPCs, to the gunplay and overall combat mechanics that don't disappoint, and, of course, the way that the game rewards players for exploring.

Exploration makes up a significant part of the game, and it serves as a way for players to not only find different enemies that they can defeat to level up, but also to locate points of interest and valuable items. Overall, while The Outer Worlds does feature a good deal of combat, it almost never feels like the central focus.

4 Disco Elysium

An RPG Game Heavily Based On Narrative Elements

Disco Elysium

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RPG

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9 /10

Released

October 15, 2019

Developer(s)

ZA/UM

Platform(s)

PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Stadia

Genre(s)

RPG

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• Players take on the role of detective Harry Du Bois
• Exploration and narrative are the key components to the game

Taking place within a district in a fictional city that's been struggling with recovery since there was a revolution many decades before the game's events, Disco Elysium, follows the story of the main character, detective Harrier "Harry" Du Bois. One of the main plot points of this title revolves around Harry being tasked with solving a murder mystery that no other detective has been able to crack. Disco Elysium not only features a unique art style, but also very prominent narrative elements that reward players more than combat.

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By asking the right questions and ensuring no stone is left unturned, players will uncover many secrets in the game's plot, further reinforcing the idea that, in Disco Elysium, paying attention to the narrative and exploring carefully is more rewarding than anything else.

3 Fable 2

The Land Of Albion Holds Many Secrets For Players To Uncover

• A classic title that helped shape RPGs in the late-2000s
• Not an open world, but there's a lot of exploring to do, and players will be justly rewarded for it

Fable 2 is a timeless classic from the Xbox 360 era that many players loved and some even still play it to this day. While it wasn't the first title to introduce an entirely new fantasy world under the RPG genre, it always did its own thing and had some tough choices, which helped it feel like an original experience. There are many different regions to explore in the land of Albion, from the lively Bowerstone Market, to the creepy and unsettling fog-covered bogs of Wraithmarsh, where the mysterious Shadow Court and the infamous Banshee can be found.

This title features great combat mechanics that were interesting for its era; however, a great deal of how players find new things to do and meet different NPCs is through exploration. Players should make no mistake, as the map in Fable 2 isn't an open world, and, compared to titles nowadays, it's probably not even that big. That said, while the story is fairly linear, there are a lot of things and valuables that players will miss out on if they don't explore Albion correctly.

2 Baldur's Gate 3

Exploration Is Required To Discover New Characters, Treasures, And Valuable Items

• The game feels like an open world at times, although it isn't
• Exploring the world will reward players with many NPC interactions and valuable items

When Baldur's Gate 3 won Game of the Year in 2023, few players were surprised, as many agreed that it was a well-deserved title. Not only does the game feature a massive explorable world, an immersive story, great characters to form relationships with, and an entertaining turn-based combat system, but it also allows players to roam freely and discover any item or point of interest along the way.

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By  Will Buckley

It should be mentioned that Baldur's Gate 3 isn't an open-world, which is something that many players weren't happy with. While there's a lot to discover in each Act, accessing certain areas will lock others, but not before warning players that if they proceed, they won't be able to come back. Still, even with that being the case, there are a lot of mysteries to uncover in the game, and while combat does play an important role in the story, it's exploration and NPC interactions that are truly given priority.

1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Exploring Nordic Tombs And Every Corner Of Skyrim Is Essential To Strengthening The Dragonborn

• By exploring the region of Skyrim, players can find Nordic tombs, NPCs and other elements of interest
• Combat plays a key role in gameplay, but exploration remains more significant

Exploration in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a bit of a polarizing subject, as some players love it, while others can't stand how slow it is to get from one city to another before Fast Travel is unlocked between them. This game is known for introducing amazing game mechanics during a time when there were tons of limitations due to console power, and also for presenting players with a wonderful RPG experience set in a Norse-inspired northern region of the land of Tamriel.

As players walk through the wilderness, they'll be able to discover NPCs (both friendly and not), Nordic Tombs, ruins, bandit camps, and points of interest, such as cities and small settlements. Exploring is the best way to come across mythical enchanted weapons, dragon shouts, legendary armor, dragon claws, and even a future life partner. While combat is a significant element of the Skyrim experience, it almost always feels like it's riding in the backseat while exploration takes the wheel.

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