In this article, I’ve put together a selection of lesser-known but equally exciting role-playing games that, for various reasons, have remained in the shadow of genre giants like The Elder Scrolls, The Witcher, Dragon Age, and Gothic.
Below, you’ll find RPGs that mostly fall into the “category B” tier — meaning they were developed on smaller budgets, often by independent or mid-sized studios. Despite that, these games stand out for their original ideas, atmospheric worlds, engaging stories, and at times, unconventional gameplay features you won’t always see in blockbuster releases.
Among these unique titles, you might just discover an RPG that will keep you hooked for dozens — or even hundreds — of hours, and for a quick break between gaming sessions, you can check out the Stay Casino 20 free spins for a profitable start to your entertainment in the world of online casinos.
Two Worlds RPG series
Two Worlds is an RPG franchise from Polish studio Reality Pump, consisting of two main parts: Two Worlds and Two Worlds II, as well as several add-ons.
Both games were open-world and offered a non-standard approach to role-playing mechanics, mixing Western RPG traditions with attempts to create their own original character development, crafting, and combat systems.
Two Worlds
The events take place in the fantasy world of Antalur. 300 years before the start of the game, Azir’al, the god of destruction, broke a treaty with the other gods, led the orc hordes into war against the rest of the world, and conquered vast territories.
The main character and his sister find themselves caught up in the conflict that has erupted between the orcs and the free world. Kaira, the hero’s younger sister, suddenly disappears under very mysterious circumstances. The hero, a bounty hunter, combs Antalur in search of her. His mission takes him to the far reaches of the continent. Keeping his ears open during his travels, he hopes to find clues that will help him in his search for his sister.
Features of Two Worlds
- Non-linearity. Multiple options for completing tasks, consequences of decisions.
- A unique equipment upgrade system. In the game, you can ‘merge’ identical items to improve their characteristics.
- A magic system based on combinations of rune cards. The player creates spells themselves.
- Leveling without classes. A flexible character development system – a warrior can be turned into a mage or a thief.
- Multiplayer. Cooperative and PvP modes, which were rare for single-player RPGs at the time.
Two Worlds II
The story continues – the player once again takes control of the same hero, but now he faces the powerful villain Gandohar.
Features of Two Worlds II
- A flexible magic system with more complex runic alchemy. Spells are assembled from card elements, allowing the player to create unique effects (such as a fire storm with teleportation).
- Improved combat system. It is possible to switch between combat styles.
- Leveling is open-ended. Players are free to develop any skills they want.
- A variety of locations. A diverse open world, from African jungles to dungeons and ruins.
- A shelter and crafting system. In the game, you can build your own home and gradually upgrade your weapons and armour.
Risen role-playing game series
The Risen series is a three-part role-playing game series from Piranha Bytes, the creators of the original Gothic trilogy. The Risen games have inherited many elements from their predecessors: an open world, a non-linear storyline, factions, a tough combat system, and an emphasis on exploration.
Risen
In Risen, the events unfold on the island of Farang, where mysterious ruins and titans awaken from beneath the earth. The main character is a nameless survivor of a shipwreck who finds himself caught up in a conflict between the Inquisition, bandits, and mages. The world is full of dangers, and your choice of faction affects the development of the plot and gameplay.
Features of Risen
- Non-linearity and freedom of choice. The player decides which of the three factions to join: the Inquisition, the bandits or the mages, and this choice affects the development of the plot, gameplay and available abilities.
- An open and cohesive world. The island is fully accessible for exploration from the very beginning. No markers, no hints — every corner must be found on your own. Exploration is rewarded with hidden chests, rare resources, and secret passages.
- Tactical combat system. Battles require attention. In the early stages, even a weak enemy can kill an unprepared player. Blocking, timing, dodging and weapon selection are crucial.
- A living world that reacts to the player. The island’s inhabitants react to the hero’s actions. Steal something and you’ll be punished. Hit someone and get ready for a fight. Kill someone, and the consequences will stay with you until the end.
- Emphasis on ‘old school’ presentation. Minimal hints, well-thought-out levelling, atmospheric dialogue, and dark aesthetics give the game a recognisable style. Everything is designed to make the player feel like a lone survivor in a dangerous world.
- A plot with mysticism and ancient ruins. As you progress, the hero uncovers the mystery of the ancient temples and the awakening of the titans, participates in archaeological excavations, and encounters magic and forces that have been dormant for centuries.
Risen 2: Dark Waters
Risen 2: Dark Waters is a sequel that takes the action to a pirate setting. The hero joins the ranks of pirates to find a way to defeat the titans. The atmosphere changes dramatically, with gloomy ruins replaced by colonies, rum, muskets and sea monsters. The combat system and crafting have been redesigned, and firearms and voodoo magic have been added.
Features of Risen 2: Dark Waters
- Pirate theme and open seas. The events unfold on tropical islands filled with pirates, colonists and sorcerers. Instead of gloomy volcanic landscapes, there are beaches, jungles and ports, which create a more vivid and colourful setting.
- Introduction of firearms and voodoo magic. In addition to the usual swords and bows, the player can now use muskets and pistols. Voodoo magic has also appeared, with unusual spells that affect both enemies and the surrounding world.
- New combat system. Combat has become more dynamic and varied, with the addition of firearms. The emphasis is on combinations and the use of the environment.
- Improved AI and NPC reactions. Residents and enemies react more actively to the player’s actions, and a ‘reputation’ system has been added that affects the attitudes of factions and individual characters.
- Freedom of choice and non-linearity. As in the first part, the player can choose a path and faction, but now the choice is more diverse and affects the development of the story and available abilities.
- Exploration of new islands and underwater locations. New environments have been added, including underwater caves and secret locations that require careful exploration and offer unique rewards.
- Varied quests and improved levelling. Quests have become more complex and varied, and the character development system includes new skills related to magic, combat and survival.
Risen 3: Titan Lords
Risen 3: Titan Lords is the third and final instalment in the series, in which the developers have attempted to combine the best of the first two games: the magic and fantasy of the original Risen and the pirate setting of Risen 2, while returning to a darker and more serious atmosphere.
Features of Risen 3: Titan Lords
- A new hero and a story about a lost soul. The player controls a new character whose soul was stolen during a magical ritual. The main goal is to return the soul and stop the threat looming from the Shadows, an ancient force from another dimension.
- Return to the fantasy atmosphere. Although the pirate theme remains in the game, the setting has become darker and closer to classic fantasy, with gloomy ruins, magical portals, and monsters from the other world.
- An open world with many islands. The player travels between different islands, each with its own unique landscape, factions, quests, and secrets.
- A developed levelling and skill system. The character’s personality can be developed in different directions – from magic to lockpicking, diplomacy, and crafting. Skills are learned from mentors for gold and glory points.
- Companions with dialogue and personal quests. You can take companions with you, each with their own personality, history and side quests. They help in combat and react to the player’s actions.
- Combat system with improved animation. Compared to the previous instalment, the animation has been improved, and combat skills, parries, techniques and special abilities depending on the faction have been added.
Of course, this list is far from exhaustive, but it includes some lesser-known but interesting RPGs. Share the ones you’ve played and enjoyed in the comments.
Robert Griffith is a content and essay writer. He is collaborating with local magazines and newspapers. Robert is interested in topics such as marketing and history.
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