Even if you had all the DND dice in the world, it doesn’t scratch the itch if you want to experience the DND in a video game format. So, are you craving an epic adventure like Dungeons & Dragons, but on PC or Steam? Look no further!
This article will delve into the realm of video games and explore those that capture the essence of D&D’s immersive storytelling, strategic gameplay, and fantastical worlds. Check out our guide to alternatives to DND if you're looking for alternative TTRPG systems, but this guide will explore video games.
What is the closest video game to Dungeons and Dragons?
One series stands out above the rest when it comes to capturing the essence of Dungeons and Dragons, and that is Baldur’s Gate. Developed by BioWare and later continued by Larian Studios, the Baldur’s Gate series has long been hailed as the closest video game adaptation of the beloved tabletop roleplaying game.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Renowned for its player-led storytelling, turn-based strategic gameplay, and complex character creation that mirrors that of D&D, the recent instalment Baldur’s Gate 3 takes the crown.
Players embark on an adventure in the perilous Forgotten Realms in a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Through your choices, and rolls of the dice, you influence the inhabitants of the world around you and define the future of the Forgotten Realms.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
Released in May 2018, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is set in the exotic and treacherous Deadfire Archipelago. Drawing inspiration from the classic isometric RPG experience, the game offers extensive character customisation, rich dialogue, and a deep lore-filled world.
Players navigate a complex web of political intrigue, mythical creatures, and ancient enemies. As you assemble a diverse party, choosing from 7 different companions, the game allows for impactful decision-making which influences the narrative and shapes the world around you.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Developed by Larian Studios (the creators of Baldur’s Gate 3) and released in September 2017, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a critically acclaimed RPG that also beautifully captures the essence of Dungeons & Dragons.
Described by Gamespot as “one of the finest role-playing epics of all time”, the game takes place in the world of Rivellon, where players embark on a thrilling quest as Sourcerers, individuals with the power to wield Source magic.
Players have the freedom to create their own unique characters, in a world with intricate narrative, complex moral choices, and rich lore. As you progress through the game, your decisions and actions have meaningful consequences, and shape the world and story.
Planescape: Torment
Released in 1999 by Black Isle Studios, Planescape: Torment is a legendary roleplaying game that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Set in the unique and surreal Planescape universe, the game stands out for its unconventional story, characters, and amazing soundtrack.
In Planescape: Torment, players assume the role of The Nameless One, an immortal character seeking answers to their forgotten past in the city of Sigil and the planes beyond. The game explores profound themes of identity, mortality, and redemption, presenting players with a captivating storyline unlike anything else in fantasy.
Like Dungeons and Dragons, Planescape: Torment features a rich and intricate world where exploration and discovery are paramount. Players traverse strange and fantastical planes, encountering bizarre creatures, uncovering hidden secrets, and engaging in turn-based combat.
Neverwinter Nights
A classic roleplaying game that holds a special place in the hearts of many old-school D&D enthusiasts, Neverwinter Nights draws inspiration from the Forgotten Realms setting. The game transports players to the bustling city of Neverwinter and its surrounding realms, immersing them in an epic adventure.
With its faithful adaptation of D&D 3rd Edition rules, it allows players to choose from a variety of classes, races, and alignments, shaping their hero’s destiny.
Neverwinter Nights shines brightest in its multiplayer mode, where players can engage in PvP battles, or join forces and embark on co-operative adventures. It provides a dynamic social experience, enabling players to create and share their own worlds, letting them assume the role of the Dungeon Master to provide unique and exciting adventures.
Knights of Pen and Paper 2
Something less serious and dark than the typical D&D video game is Knights of Pen and Paper 2. Players control a group of in-game characters sitting around a table, embarking on an epic adventure within a pixelated fantasy world. The game cleverly uses elements of turn-based combat, character progression, and storytelling, wrapped in a lighthearted shell.
The game embraces tropes and cliches, often poking fun at the genre. Players will often find themselves engaged in hilarious dialogues, quirky quests, and unexpected encounters that celebrate the playful nature of tabletop roleplaying, much like Dungeons and Dragons in some ways.
Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a tactical RPG, more akin to a board game, offering a deep and expansive dungeon-crawling experience. At its core, it is a strategic, campaign-driven game where players assume control of a group of adventurers exploring the dark and dangerous world of the same name.
It’s gameplay deeply rewards strategic decision-making, teamwork, and exploration, whether you choose to play solo or in online co-op mode. The immersive and atmospheric artwork and sound design further draw players into the fantastical realm of Gloomhaven.
Disco Elysium
Released in 2019, Disco Elysium is an extraordinary narrative-driven game that defies traditional genre conventions. Set in the dystopian city of Revachol, the game presents a deeply philosophical journey as you explore themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.
Players take on the role of a troubled detective, grappling with amnesia and personal demons, as they investigate a murder case. The game delves into the complexities of the protagonist’s mind, offering a rich inner dialogue with various crazy and creative aspects of their personality.
What sets Disco Elysium apart is its emphasis on choice and consequence. While it may not have traditional combat mechanics, it more than compensates with its deep roleplaying elements. The world of Revachol is brought to life through vivid writing, complex characters, and a gritty noir atmosphere that immerses players.
D&D Lords of Waterdeep
An award-winning strategy board game, D&D Lords of Waterdeep transports players to the bustling city of Waterdeep in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. The video game offers strategic resource management and intricate quests, as players take on the role of one of the masked Lords of the City of Splendor.
The game offers a mix of strategy and quest-based gameplay as players assign their agents to different locations on the game board to gather resources, complete quests, and gain power. Balancing the acquisition of resources, fulfilling lucrative quests, and strategically placing agents becomes crucial to winning.
For The King
Developed by IronOak Games and released in 2018, For The King is a turn-based strategy game that blends elements of tabletop roleplaying and roguelike adventures into a challenging adventure that spans the realms.
Players are tasked with saving the kingdom of Fahrul from chaos and impending doom. They must navigate a dynamic world, through hex-based exploration, dice rolls for skill checks and combat outcomes, in this unique blend of strategy, JRPG combat, and roguelike elements.
With its charming art style, challenging gameplay, and a wealth of content to explore, For The King offers a unique and enjoyable blend of strategic gameplay and cooperative adventures. Whether playing solo or with friends, the game provides a satisfying fusion of board game mechanics and RPG elements, making it an exciting choice for those looking for their next DND like video game.
Dungeons & Dragons Online
DDO, or Dungeons & Dragons Online, is an MMORPG that brings the iconic tabletop roleplaying game to the digital world. Since its launch in 2006, DDO has provided gamers with a world of danger and adventure based on D&D 3.5 edition.
Players create their own unique characters, selecting from various races, classes, and customisation options, before venturing forth into Eberron. One of the standout features of DDO, being an MMORPG, is its emphasis on quest-based gameplay. The game offers diverse challenges, puzzles, and encounters that grant experience points and loot.
DDO also embraces the social aspect of Dungeons and Dragons by allowing players to form parties and guilds, fostering a sense of camaraderie. Co-operative play is essential for tackling tougher dungeons and raids, where players must rely on each other's skills to overcome formidable foes.
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
Developed by Tactical Adventures and released in 2021, Solasta: Crown of the Magister is rooted in D&D 5th edition, offering players an immersive and strategic journey through a rich world.
The game captures the essence of tabletop roleplaying by emphasising character development and storytelling. Players' choices and actions have consequences, shaping the narrative and the relationships between party members. The game also features a comprehensive character creation system, including backgrounds, alignments, and personal histories, allowing players to craft unique heroes with depth and personality.
In addition to its single-player campaign, Solasta: Crown of the Magister offers a robust Dungeon Maker toolset, enabling players to create their own adventures and share them with the community. This feature further enhances the tabletop experience, allowing players to craft and enjoy limitless adventures beyond the core game content.
Dungeons & Dragons: Gold Box Classics
The “Gold Box Classics” refer to a series of iconic CRPGs developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These games were based on popular Dungeons & Dragons campaign settings and earned their nickname from the distinct gold packaging they were released in.
Among the notable entries in this collection are the Dungeons & Dragons: Ravenloft series, Forgotten Realms series, Krynn series, and Dark Sun series.
The Gold Box Classics, including the Ravenloft, Forgotten Realms, Krynn, and Dark Sun series, left an indelible mark on the CRPG genre. These games faithfully translated the rich lore, captivating stories, and strategic gameplay of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop experience into video games. They offered players a chance to explore iconic campaign settings, engage in epic quests, and forge their legends within the realms of fantasy.
