The Ultimate Ranking of Larian Studios' Top 8 Games You Can't Afford to Miss

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 is an eagerly awaited and successful Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) adaptation from Larian Studios. The game incorporates Larian Studios' distinctive features such as intricate storytelling, immersive environments that can be manipulated, and the ability to create customizable and versatile characters.

In addition to the highly acclaimed Baldur's Gate 3, Larian Studios offers a range of other games worth exploring. These include Divinity 2: Flames of Vengeance, Divinity: Dragon Commander, and Divine Divinity. Each game from Larian Studios has its unique strengths and weaknesses, with variations in design and mechanics, as well as immersive lore, freedom of play, and dynamic environments. Notably, Divinity: Original Sin 2 stands out for its intuitive combat system and captivating narrative.

Larian Studios has once again delivered a captivating experience with the release of Baldur's Gate 3. This highly anticipated Dungeons & Dragons adaptation showcases the studio's trademark blend of immersive storytelling, interactive environments, versatile character customization, and an element of classic gaming. Fans consider it to be one of the finest CRPGs available.

Despite the immense success of Baldur's Gate 3, it's important to note that Larian Studios has more to offer. Divinity: Original Sin 2, another creation by the talented team, has received widespread acclaim. However, it's worth exploring the other games in Larian Studios' impressive lineup as well.

8 Divinity 2: Flames Of Vengeance (2010)

Divinity 2: Flames of Vengeance takes a surprising departure from its original release. Unlike most game expansions, this one introduces design changes that may cause players to view it as separate from the base game. The story picks up right where Ego Draconis left off, with players defending Aleroth, the last standing city in Rivellon, against the destructive campaign of the Damned One Damian.

Unfortunately, despite the smooth continuation of the storyline, Flames of Vengeance falls short in comparison to its predecessor. It removes notable features, such as the beloved dragon transformation and the Battle Tower hub, that set Ego Draconis apart from other RPGs. This, combined with clunky combat in a year that saw the release of highly acclaimed titles like God of War 3 and Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening, contributes to Flames of Vengeance being a disappointing addition to the series.

7 Divinity 2: Ego Draconis (2009)

In 2009, alongside the release of popular titles such as Assassin's Creed 2 and Demon's Souls, Larian Studios decided to embark on their own journey into the realm of full-3D gaming with Divinity 2: Ego Draconis. Set years after the events of Divine Divinity, players assume the role of a Dragon Slayer tasked with eliminating the remaining dragons in Rivellon. However, the constant onslaught from Damian, also known as the Damned One, and his intense resentment towards Lucian the Divine, pose a grave threat to Rivellon that only the player can resolve.

Ego Draconis not only offers the same immersive lore as Divine Divinity, but it also introduces unique gameplay elements such as the Battle Tower, which serves as the central hub for players' quests, as well as the ability to transform into a dragon, enabling epic battles in vast environments. Coupled with Larian Studios' adaptable character creation system, Ego Draconis possesses the potential to be a remarkably in-depth game. Regrettably, the game falls short due to its overly complex mechanics and a somewhat lackluster approach to the action RPG genre, preventing it from achieving its full potential as a complete release.

6 Divinity: Dragon Commander (2013)

Larian Studios, best known for their RPGs like Divinity: Original Sin 2, presents a surprise with Divinity: Dragon Commander. This game shifts its focus to the political realm of Rivellon's world, placing players in the role of the eponymous character in a prequel setting thousands of years before the Divinity games. As the illegitimate son of the deceased Emperor Sigurd, players assume the role of Dragon Commander and must battle their half-siblings while eliminating the demonic steampunk technology that the fallen emperor used to unite the land.

Divinity: Dragon Commander incorporates elements from traditional 4X games. It is divided into three phases, allowing players to interact with representatives from different races, shaping the eventual turn-based phase and culminating in RTS combat. Unfortunately, the game's mediocre visuals and cumbersome gameplay detract from the enjoyment experienced in other titles, despite the allure of influencing Rivellon's political landscape.

5 Beyond Divinity (2004)

Beyond Divinity offers a refreshing sense of freedom in gameplay that compensates for its lack of depth compared to Diablo. As a sequel to Divine Divinity, players assume the roles of a paladin and a death knight in a new universe, united by a soul-forging and compelled to collaborate despite their differences.

This innovative concept is supported by Larian Studios' versatile character customization system, enhancing the excitement of controlling two characters simultaneously. With the ability to pause the game and strategize their actions, players can effectively coordinate the efforts of both protagonists. Additionally, the inclusion of two main characters provides a richer narrative experience, adding depth to the storyline and presenting more diverse in-game choices.

However, it is important to note that the technical aspects of Beyond Divinity may fall short of providing an entirely satisfying gameplay experience.

4 Divinity: Original Sin (2014)

Larian Studios' Divinity: Original Sin is hailed as a make-or-break game that successfully revitalizes the tactical RPG genre. Taking place in a distant era following the events of Divine Divinity, players assume the roles of Source Hunters tasked with eliminating Sourcerers who wield the Source, the fundamental essence of the void energies that permeate the universe.

What sets Original Sin apart from other fantasy-themed games is its remarkable implementation of branching dialogues alongside fast-paced turn-based battles. Additionally, the inclusion of cooperative multiplayer and a customizable modding tool grants players the opportunity to enjoy their own creations alongside friends. The immense success and critical acclaim of Original Sin even paved the way for the creation of Original Sin 2, widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made.

3 Divine Divinity (2002)

Initially, Divine Divinity may be perceived as similar to Blizzard's Diablo, particularly by fans of CRPGs. However, what sets Divine Divinity apart is its emphasis on player autonomy. Despite limited graphics, the game offers extensive non-combat skills, such as bartering and lockpicking, along with branching dialogue and ample opportunities for character customization.

The setting takes place in the realm of Rivellon, where players assume the role of adventurers undertaking tasks in the town of Aleroth. Eventually, they find themselves working for Duke Janus of Castle Stormfist, who claims to be the Divine, the land's savior. As the game progresses, players uncover a major deception and must prevent the demon Chaos from conquering Rivellon. Despite its age, Divine Divinity remains a valuable introduction to Larian Studios' repertoire, as many of their modern games draw inspiration from this title's gameplay mechanics.

2 Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017)

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Released in 2017, Divinity: Original Sin 2 garnered praise from fans for its innovative combat system, outstanding music, and gripping storytelling, which were rare to find in RPG games at the time. Set in a timeline long after the events of the first game, Original Sin 2 brings together players and their companions as "Godwoken" Sourcerers, with a destiny to either save or destroy the world of Rivellon by becoming the Divine.

Building upon its predecessor, Original Sin 2 retains the isometric tactical RPG format while incorporating signature mechanics from Larian Studios, such as interactive objects and versatile character progression. The game also features dynamic environments, multiple story paths, and the ability to experiment with unique skill combinations. This blend of adaptable mechanics ensures that each playthrough offers players a new and exciting experience.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

Fans of DOS2 might view its gameplay elements as a demonstration of the potential for an isometric D&D adaptation, which makes the Baldur's Gate 3 experience highly anticipated. The story takes place in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, where players find themselves in the midst of an ongoing Mindflayer invasion, with the option to either eliminate or utilize an Illithid parasite before succumbing to becoming Mindflayers themselves.

Larian Studios combines their signature blend of interactive environments and engaging dialogue with the worldbuilding of D&D, resulting in a dynamic experience. Baldur's Gate 3 offers the most accurate portrayal of D&D mechanics in a tactical RPG format, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the traditional glory of the TTRPG. The game boasts game-breaking character builds and spells, unique interpretations of skills and abilities, and an immersive lore.