Best High Fantasy Games

Key Takeaways

• 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 October 25, 2024, by Michael Llewellyn: High fantasy can be open for interpretation in any gaming genre. They don’t always have to follow the Tolkien-esque vision of high fantasy with dragons, elves, dwarves, and other mythical creatures. This list is updated to include another fantasy game that feels and looks different from the norm but is no less compelling.

An Incredible And Original Fantasy World

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 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 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 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

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

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

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.

16 Chained Echoes

Medieval Fantasy And Mechs Merge In This Stunning SNES-Inspired RPG

Chained Echoes is a retro-style fantasy RPG that is a love letter to classic 16 and 32-bit JRPGs like Chrono Trigger and Xenogears. It was one of the best indie games of 2022, with its beautiful 2D visuals, strong narrative, world, and a cast of likable characters.

Chained Echoes combines elements of the fantasy genre and even includes some science fiction using mechs and magical technology. It is an old-school JRPG that feels modern thanks to its refinements of the turn-based combat and skill system. Incredibly, Chained Echoes is a passion project created by one person with a stunning soundtrack by composer Eddie Marianukroh.

15 Elden Ring

A Vast Explorable Dark Fantasy World With Layers Of Depth

Elden Ring cemented its legacy as the Game of the Year Awards show winner in 2022. It is an easy recommendation for high fantasy lovers who like their fantasy setting dark and dangerous. Elden Ring was developed by the same studio that created and popularised the Souls-like sub-genre.

FromSoft’s open-world RPG title will be familiar to fans of the Souls series, except it has taken the evolutionary step of setting it in a vast open-world landscape. For fantasy lovers, there are dragons, trolls, dark knights, and many other creatures to tangle with.

14 Dragon’s Crown

A Stunning Side Scrolling Fantasy RPG And Beat-Em-Up Hybrid

Originally released as a Vita title, Vanillaware’s action RPG Dragon’s Crown didn’t get the audience it deserved upon its launch. However, thanks to the PS4 port, which features stunning HD 2D visuals, it can be experienced by more fans.

Dragon’s Crown plays similarly to classic coin-op beat-em-ups like Dungeons & Dragons and the Golden Axe franchise. However, it features RPG mechanics that will keep players returning for more. With a campaign set in a fantasy world and couch co-op gameplay, Dragon’s Crown is a unique action RPG that can hook players in for hours.

13 The Lord Of The Rings: The Third Age

A Turn-Based Fantasy RPG Set In Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth

• Released: 2004
• Developer: EA Redwood Shores
• Platform: GBA, GameCube, PS2, and Xbox

The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age has become a forgotten classic. As a result of the best version never leaving the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox era, many modern gamers may miss out on what is one of the best games and RPGs set in Tolkien’s universe. It borrowed several elements from Final Fantasy 10 with its turn-based combat and the execution of its narrative.

Like Final Fantasy 10, it is a more linear experience when compared to Western-developed RPGs like The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind. However, despite these shortcomings, it is an excellent way to be immersed in Peter Jackson’s interpretation of the Lord of the Rings and meet familiar faces and voice performances from the trilogy.

12 Divinity 2: The Dragon Knight Saga

An Epic Open World RPG Set In The Divinity Universe

• Released: 2009
• Developer: Larian Studios
• Platform: PC and Xbox 360

Not to be confused with the more recent Divinity: Original Sin 2, Divinity 2 is based in the game universe and features very different gameplay. Divinity 2 is a third-person action RPG set in a fully 3D world. Divinity 2 has a ton of depth, lore, and hours of gaming for fantasy fans to lose themselves in.

The protagonist gains the ability to transform into a dragon to traverse the vast landscape using the same engine that created The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. The combat is a little janky, but the writing is superb, with lots of humor and connections to the more popular Original Sin series.

11 Dragon Age (Series)

A Rich Dark Fantasy World From The Creators Of The Original Baldur’s Gate Games

Dragon Age: Origins was the first entry in the series and BioWare’s first fantasy RPG since the incredible Baldur’s Gate series. Unlike Baldur’s Gate, the Dragon Age series was not set in the already established Forgotten Realms – Dungeons & Dragons universe.

BioWare had to create its universe from scratch. Thanks to their hard work, the franchise expanded into novels, board games, comics, and an anime movie. The universe is expansive, with a sequel in the works, and very Tolkienesque but has the dark tone and violence of the Game of Thrones novels.

10 Dragon Quest 11

A Stunning And Colorful Fantasy RPG Suitable For The Family

The Dragon Quest series is a Japanese RPG launched on the NES in 1986. The series is a colorful and whimsical fantasy accessible to players of all ages—the most recent entry, Dragon Quest 11, may be the best entry in the series yet.

The game can last a player up to a hundred hours and has arguably the best story next to Dragon Quest 5, with enough twists to surprise even the most hardened of RPG fans. Dragon Quest 11 S is an updated ultimate edition of the game released on the Nintendo Switch, featuring new cutscenes, orchestral music, a classic 2D mode, and all the DLC released on the PS4 and Xbox One.

9 The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

A Massive Open World Fantasy RPG From One Of The Greatest Series

The Legend of Zelda series is a Nintendo-exclusive action-adventure game that saw its first entry on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1986. Since then, nearly every game in the series has become one of the most influential fantasy games ever created.

Games like The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening inspired the classic RPG Alundra. More recently, Breath of the Wild has inspired the likes of Immortals: Fenix Rising and Elden Ring. Link’s latest adventure is one of the best fantasy adventure games available. It has a beautiful world to explore and lore to keep fantasy fans gripped.

8 Pillars Of Eternity (Series)

A Dark Fantasy CRPG Inspired By The Baldur’s Gate Series

The Pillars of Eternity series was a crowd-funded RPG series designed to pay tribute to the old school computer RPGs like Baldur’s Gate. It was developed by Obsidian, who worked on games like Fallout: New Vegas, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, and the critically acclaimed The Outer Worlds.

Not only is Pillars of Eternity an incredible RPG experience, but it features some of the absolute best writing ever seen in a video game. Furthermore, despite being a game using an old-school isometric viewpoint, the art and high-resolution visuals are a treat for the eyes. Pillars of Eternity was originally a PC game, but it has been adapted beautifully to consoles.

7 Dark Souls (Series)

A Punishing But Rewarding Dark Fantasy RPG Trilogy

Even though the Dark Souls series is a trilogy, the first game was a spiritual successor to the original Demon’s Souls. All three games in the trilogy have now been released on current-generation systems, with the first two games getting remastered with improved visuals and frame rates. The Souls series and Bloodborne have spawned their sub-genre of challenging action RPGs.

The game is a dark medieval fantasy setting like nothing else, as the player is tasked to explore and fight through the post-apocalyptic lands of once-great kingdoms. Unlike most RPGs, the Souls series relies on indirect environmental storytelling, allowing players to piece the lore together dynamically at their pace.

A Viking Fantasy With An Immersive Open World And Lore

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim was originally released on the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in 2011, but the game was later remastered and ported to most modern platforms. The Elder Scrolls 5’s story campaign is relatively straightforward, but there is a ton of lore and depth for players to discover.

The world is scattered with lore that can be discovered in history books all over the land. Praised by fans, the side quests are sometimes favored more than the main quest. Skyrim’s strength is the player’s story, with every playthrough feeling different.

5 Suikoden (Series)

A Lore-Heavy Fantasy JRPG Series With A Focus On Character Stories

The Suikoden series first began on the PlayStation in 1995. It has since become one of the most sought-after and expensive JPRG collections to own.

The games are a high fantasy adaptation of the Chinese novel Outlaws of the Marsh and play host to some of the most in-depth stories ever seen in a JRPG. The tragedies of war and loss are the main themes and are delivered with a maturity that would put most modern games to shame.

A compilation containing remasters of the first two
Suikoden
games has been announced for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.