Summary

  • Western RPGs offer rich worlds with engaging secondary content that enhances player experiences.
  • The best RPGs with optional content add value through diverse activities that enrich narratives.
  • Well-crafted secondary content transforms simple interactions into memorable moments.

Western RPGs stand out for offering vast, immersive worlds filled with opportunities to explore far beyond any main narrative. These titles often blend engaging stories with extra activities that enrich the experience, allowing players to connect more deeply with the environments and revealing the importance of well-crafted secondary content.

Cyberpunk, ESO, Outer Worlds
8 RPGs That Allow For Unconventional Builds

These RPGs have more to offer in addition to the traditional classes players expect in these games.

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Thus, the best RPGs with side content are those that successfully add value to the overall journey. This includes the narrative impact of optional activities, the diversity and creativity found in primary objectives, and the way these elements enhance worldbuilding. Such titles shine through the skill of transforming simple interactions into memorable moments, making the adventure feel richer and more captivating.

10 Diablo 2 Resurrected

A Timeless Classic With Modernized Visuals

Diablo 2: Resurrected
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Action RPG
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Released
September 23, 2021
Developer(s)
Blizzard Entertainment, Vicarious Visions
Publisher(s)
Blizzard Entertainment
Franchise
Diablo
Genre(s)
Action RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

One of the greatest classics among action RPGs, Diablo 2: Resurrected revives a legendary experience with improved graphics and gameplay refinements, while preserving the essence that once enthralled millions. The trek through five acts filled with terrifying creatures and epic loot remains an intense and engaging endeavor.

Beyond the main campaign, this title offers abundant secondary content that greatly boosts replay value. Seasonal challenges, varied play modes, and the possibility of customizing character builds enable participants to test individual skills in different styles of gameplay, ensuring that every piece of optional content helps keep the flame of Diablo 2 burning brightly.

9 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Historical RPG With Endless Activities

Kingdom Come: Deliverance
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Released
February 13, 2018
Developer(s)
Warhorse Studios
Publisher(s)
Deep Silver
Genre(s)
RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Fair
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch

Kingdom Come: Deliverance stands out due to historical fidelity and immersion in a realistic medieval setting. The narrative follows Henry, a young blacksmith seeking revenge, who becomes enmeshed in complex conflicts and political intrigues of 15th century Bohemia, reflecting the harsh realities of that era.

In addition to the main storyline, an array of secondary content enriches the overall experience. Engaging side quests, deep NPC interactions, and pursuits such as hunting, alchemy, or competing in tournaments allow for exploration of every corner of this meticulously crafted world. Authentic challenges encourage time spent fully absorbing the immersive atmosphere of Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

8 Cyberpunk 2077

Revitalized By Updates To Night City

Cyberpunk 2077
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Released
December 10, 2020
Developer(s)
CD Projekt Red
Publisher(s)
CD Projekt Red
Franchise
Cyberpunk
Genre(s)
RPG, Action
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 boasts one of the most impressive modern game settings, drawing inspiration from the tabletop RPG that shares its name. Roaming the neon-lit streets of Night City uncovers countless dangers lurking around every corner and sets the stage for a myriad of optional activities waiting to be discovered.

32-Awesome-Side-Quests-Hidden-In-Cyberpunk-2077
20 Awesome Side Quests Hidden In Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 scatters great side quests across Night City, and it's up to players to find these amazing stories hidden around the map.

Secondary missions provide the primary avenue for learning about each district of Night City, as V resolves various issues presented by local Fixers. Additional diversions such as arcades or passing time alongside certain NPCs create a dynamic environment. Even romantic interests like Judy or Panam provide side content that invigorates the world of Cyberpunk 2077 with more depth and authenticity.

7 Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous

Multiple Endings And Endless Builds With Which To Experiment

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
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Released
September 2, 2021
Developer(s)
Owlcat Games
Publisher(s)
META Publishing
Franchise
Pathfinder
Genre(s)
RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

Derived from a renowned tabletop RPG, Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous thrusts participants into an epic crusade against demonic forces threatening the world of Golarion. Building a formidable army and enlisting powerful companions, each with remarkable side quests, adds layers of depth to this grand struggle.

Offering one of the widest ranges of character builds in any Western RPG, it features numerous classes, races, and the option for multiclassing, as well as Mythic Paths that grant new powers and affect the endings. These elements guarantee that Pathfinder: Wrath of The Righteous caters to diverse playstyles and ensures that the journey unfolds in profoundly personal ways.

6 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Countless Captivating Characters

Dragon Age: Inquisition
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Action RPG
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Released
November 18, 2014
Developer(s)
BioWare
Publisher(s)
Electronic Arts
Franchise
Dragon Age
Genre(s)
Action RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
Platform(s)
PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Dragon Age: Inquisition is acclaimed for its complex narrative and compelling cast, guiding participants through a grand tale of warfare and intrigue. Leading the Inquisition, significant decisions influence the fate of Thedas, confronting supernatural threats and navigating political rivalries that demand attention and strategy.

Its secondary content shines brightly, encompassing side quests, romantic encounters, exploration of varied locales, and deep character customization. These elements broaden the scope of the main story, letting the realm of Dragon Age: Inquisition feel alive and multifaceted, and such rich content encourages revisiting the world to discover fresh perspectives and meaningful connections.

5 Mass Effect Legendary Edition

One Of The Best-Written Video Game Trilogies

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
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Released
May 14, 2021
Developer(s)
BioWare
Publisher(s)
Electronic Arts
Franchise
Mass Effect
Genre(s)
Action, RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty
Platform(s)
PC, PS4, Xbox One

The entire Mass Effect Trilogy delivers an impressive storyline that grows more intricate with each entry, introducing fresh perils and new challenges for Commander Shepard. Though the overarching narrative remains central, a wealth of optional material is woven throughout, encouraging exploration and discovery beyond the well-known plot points.

Secondary missions abound, but the true highlight lies in the remarkable supporting characters. Each crewmate arrives with distinct backgrounds and motivations for joining the team. Revisiting these moments and delving deeper into their personal stories elevates the experience, making the Mass Effect Trilogy feel richer and more emotionally resonant.

4 Fallout: New Vegas

Shaping The Future Of The Mojave Wasteland

Fallout: New Vegas
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Released
October 19, 2010
Developer(s)
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher(s)
Bethesda
Franchise
Fallout
Genre(s)
RPG
Platform(s)
PS3, Xbox 360, PC

The entire Fallout franchise is known for the freedom it grants to wander through richly detailed settings teeming with both main narratives and hidden gems. Within this legacy, Fallout: New Vegas stands out for offering top-tier optional content, presenting side quests that are anything but trivial.

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Exploring the hostile Mojave Wasteland often leads to astonishing discoveries, including memorable missions such as “Come Fly With Me,” which involves aiding a group of ghouls in launching rockets off the planet. The main storyline features multiple endings, shaped by chosen alliances and decisions, ensuring that Fallout: New Vegas rewards players thorough investigation and engagement.

3 Baldur’s Gate 3

A World Overflowing With Content

Baldur's Gate 3
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Released
August 3, 2023
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Publisher(s)
Larian Studios
Franchise
Baldur's Gate
Genre(s)
RPG
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

The Baldur’s Gate series has long influenced the isometric RPG genre, and the third installment lives up to this reputation. Divided into three acts, Baldur's Gate 3 unfolds a saga brimming with opportunities for those eager to see cause and effect in action, promising a wealth of routes and outcomes.

The narrative maintains a modular structure, most notably during the first act, enabling unique approaches to both main and secondary objectives. These choices have significant repercussions on quest development, while optional material can easily be overlooked due to the flexibility in decision-making. This abundance of freedom and story-rich side content ensures that Baldur’s Gate 3 offers continually surprising scenarios, even after multiple playthroughs.

2 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

A World So Vast That The Main Quest Can Be Overlooked

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
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Released
November 11, 2011
Developer(s)
Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher(s)
Bethesda Softworks
Franchise
The Elder Scrolls
Genre(s)
RPG, Action, Adventure
OpenCritic Rating
Strong

Many of Bethesda’s titles, most especially The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, are celebrated for their massive scale. This iconic RPG is packed with side content, making it easy to become absorbed in optional adventures like impressive side quests, almost forgetting the looming threat Alduin poses to the entire region.

Beyond the main narrative, Skyrim excels at offering activities such as joining guilds like the Thieves Guild or the Dark Brotherhood, each presenting their own intriguing storylines. Hunting unique artifacts, like Morokei’s Mask, and experiencing dynamic events reinforce the sense that every corner of Skyrim holds a promise of new discoveries.

1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Still So Much Left For Geralt To Explore

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
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Released
May 19, 2015
Publisher(s)
CD Projekt Red
Franchise
The Witcher
Genre(s)
RPG, Action, Adventure
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty

The Witcher 3 distinguishes itself not only with Geralt of Rivia’s gripping narrative, but also with an extensive amount of secondary content. From hunting unique monsters to embarking on quests that delve deeply into individual characters, each additional activity contributes to a world that feels dynamic and ever-evolving.

These side quests are meticulously designed, offering moral choices that sometimes significantly influence the main storyline. Another highlight is Gwent, a rewarding card-based minigame that serves as compelling optional content, allowing even greater immersion in the universe of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

influents isometric rpgs, pillars of eternity and fallout
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