Unleash Your Inner Adventurer: Must-Play Action RPGs for Witcher 3 Fanatics

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is universally praised as one of the greatest games ever created. Developed by CD Projekt Red and released in 2015, it captivated players with its immersive narrative and captivating world. This groundbreaking success propelled the once niche franchise into the mainstream.

With a satisfying conclusion to Geralt's epic journey, The Witcher 3 offers much more than just impressive combat, stunning graphics, and memorable characters. Its unique lore and captivating elements set it apart from other games. For those seeking a similar immersive experience, here are some of the top action RPGs like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

Updated on August 13, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Despite its absence of real-time combat, Baldur's Gate 3 stands out as the top RPG of 2023 for fans of The Witcher 3. With exceptional quest and character writing, Larian's game is a grand and ambitious endeavor that has the potential to become a benchmark akin to CD Projekt Red's acclaimed release. However, for those specifically seeking action RPGs, alternative options will need to be explored.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring has become a sensation in the gaming world, surpassing the popularity of the previously niche Dark Souls games. With its expansive and uncharted world, players are given the freedom to embark on a challenging quest to find the Great Runes. Speaking of its gameplay, lore presentation, and pacing, Elden Ring establishes itself as a unique game separate from The Witcher 3. However, in the realm of action open-world RPGs, both games revolutionize the genre, offering unparalleled experiences.

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Planescape: Torment

Describing Planescape: Torment as an "action RPG" is generous considering its static and monotonous combat. However, enduring the dull battles is worthwhile to experience everything else that this classic game has to offer. While The Witcher 3 is typically regarded as the benchmark for quality writing in RPGs, Planescape: Torment held that esteemed position for an extensive period.

Moreover, the game's story, world-building, and dialogue have aged remarkably well. As long as players approach it with realistic expectations, Planescape: Torment remains a must-play RPG and one of the finest expansions of the Dungeons & Dragons universe.

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3

With its anime aesthetics, party-focused battles, and a fusion of fantasy and sci-fi elements, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 may seem completely different from The Witcher 3 at first glance. However, these two games share a common appeal in their well-crafted narratives set in expansive worlds riddled with political tension. Similar to CD Projekt Red's acclaimed title, this Switch exclusive impressively delves into its main characters and their interconnections.

What truly sets Xenoblade Chronicles 3 apart is its remarkable talent for immersing players in a fully-realized universe teeming with historical significance, conflict, and intricate details. Although the combat system takes time to unfold its complexities, it gradually expands throughout the extensive campaign, providing a satisfying experience.

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Assassin's Creed Odyssey

For those in search of thrilling epic adventures, any recent installment in the Assassin's Creed franchise would suffice. However, when it comes to games similar to The Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed Odyssey stands out. It was at this juncture that Ubisoft's series fully embraced role-playing elements, incorporating dialogue options and branching paths into the storyline. This integration provides players with a greater degree of control compared to previous Assassin's Creed titles.

The vast open-world in Odyssey is truly immense, seamlessly blending history and fiction. It is adorned with breathtaking vistas and meticulous details that captivate the senses. Though not quite reaching the level of The Witcher 3, Odyssey's narrative remains commendable, as do its combat and progression systems.

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Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

Kingdoms of Amalur distinguishes itself from The Witcher 3 in various aspects. While its story may be lackluster and fail to reach extraordinary heights, the game truly shines in its smooth, fast-paced, flexible, and innovative combat system. Although the protagonist may lack the charm and depth of Geralt, Kingdoms of Amalur more than makes up for it with its extensive customization options that allow players to craft their own unique heroes.

Both The Witcher 3 and Kingdoms of Amalur transport players to immersive fantasy realms that captivate the senses, but the latter's world stands out with its vibrant and diverse color palette. If you're looking for a role-playing game that prioritizes action-packed gameplay, then Kingdoms of Amalur is the perfect choice for you.

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GreedFall

GreedFall takes players on an adventurous journey as a noble emissary, tasked with exploring a mostly untouched island. With a vast and ever-changing map, this action role-playing game offers a distinctive blend of melee weapons and firearms from a third-person perspective. Familiar to fans of The Witcher games, the game's unique charm lies in its diverse selection of intriguing monsters to encounter and defeat. However, the immersive natural environment also offers more than just combat, allowing players to form romantic relationships with various companions, establish diplomatic ties with influential politicians, and ultimately bring harmony to the divided factions inhabiting the island.

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Cyberpunk 2077

CD Projekt Red's highly anticipated follow-up to The Witcher 3 faced a daunting challenge, but unfortunately, the launch of Cyberpunk 2077 did not live up to expectations, especially on the PS4 and Xbox One platforms due to numerous bugs and glitches. However, on PC and next-gen consoles, this action RPG offers a considerably more immersive experience, allowing its notable strengths to truly shine.

One of Cyberpunk 2077's standout accomplishments is its creation of Night City, an energetic metropolis characterized by towering skyscrapers adorned with corporate symbols, presiding over a backdrop of strife-ridden streets. Despite its shift to a first-person perspective and gameplay, the game's captivating narrative, well-developed non-playable characters, and richly realized world evoke fond memories of The Witcher 3.

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Deus Ex

Similar to The Witcher 3, which revolutionized RPG writing and side quests, Deus Ex from 2000 set a new standard for player freedom. By combining first-person shooter mechanics with RPG elements like customization and non-linear levels, Ion Storm created a masterpiece that surpassed its contemporaries in various aspects. Even years later, few games can rival Deus Ex's exceptional level design, immersive gameplay, and its highly-regarded sequels.

While Deus Ex offers a vastly different experience compared to The Witcher 3, both games showcase the pinnacle of the RPG genre. Despite showing signs of age, Ion Storm's classic remains relevant and can be considered timeless.

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Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines may appear outdated nowadays, but back in 2004, this action RPG revolutionized the gaming industry. Before The Witcher 3, Troika's project set the standard for storytelling in video games, offering an impressive range of choices that still hold up today, almost twenty years later. With its exceptional narrative, Bloodlines remains one of the finest examples of its genre, and the passage of time has only reinforced this viewpoint.

While Bloodlines 2 is currently in production, no release date has been announced yet. However, if someone approaches the 2004 original with realistic expectations considering its age, they will discover one of the best games reminiscent of The Witcher 3.

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Grim Dawn

Grim Dawn is an isometric action RPG, similar in style to Diablo and Titan Quest. However, it is important to note that it has a different gameplay experience compared to The Witcher 3. Like most games in this subgenre, Grim Dawn heavily revolves around loot, and the game is generous in its drops.

Despite its differences from CD Projekt Red's RPG, Grim Dawn presents a dark fantasy world with a more grounded aesthetic than other games of its kind. While the main focus is not the story, it is still quite compelling, taking place in a war-torn world that has pushed humanity to the edge of extinction.

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Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen

Capcom's highly anticipated sequel to Dragon's Dogma is finally here, marking a long-awaited continuation of the series. Despite being somewhat underrated upon its initial release, the game gradually developed a devoted fanbase, particularly after the introduction of the Dark Arisen expansion. In a unique twist when compared to The Witcher 3, Dragon's Dogma excels in its combat mechanics rather than relying heavily on its storyline.

Dragon's Dogma immerses players in a dark fantasy realm teeming with imaginative and terrifying creatures, many of which pose significant challenges. Despite not boasting an exceptionally large map, the game cleverly creates the illusion of scale by restricting fast travel and packing a wealth of content within a compact area.

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Alpha Protocol

Alpha Protocol should be acknowledged as being less polished than The Witcher 3. Despite its flawed controls, lackluster gameplay, and numerous bugs, the game still possesses its own positive aspects: an engaging story and a customizable experience. Set in a futuristic sci-fi world, Alpha Protocol follows a secret agent on global missions, allowing players to shape the protagonist's personality, skills, and future.

Alpha Protocol features multiple story paths, meaningful dialogue choices, and immersive world-building. This RPG encourages multiple playthroughs, with each subsequent experience improving upon the previous as players learn to navigate the game's frustrations. In many ways, Alpha Protocol shares similarities with the first Witcher game, particularly in terms of its strengths and weaknesses.

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance

No game can match the unique experience of The Witcher 3, but Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a world that comes closest in terms of atmosphere. Although it lacks mythical creatures, Kingdom Come's Bohemia is a realistic and gritty setting that prioritizes authenticity. If The Witcher 3 is a dark fantasy, then Kingdom Come can be considered its real-world counterpart.

Kingdom Come features a vast open-world that is both challenging and capable of mesmerizing players with its moments of beauty. The game's first-person combat requires a steep learning curve, as players must master swordsmanship (or other weapons) to stand a chance in difficult battles. Similar to The Witcher 3, Kingdom Come is an immersive sim that sets a somber mood and demands players to put in effort for each triumph.

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Mass Effect 2

When it comes to finding games similar to The Witcher 3, it's no secret that the golden age of BioWare produced some excellent choices. Mass Effect 2 is a prime example, offering a captivating story that will satisfy anyone invested in The Witcher 3's narrative.

While BioWare games tend to place more emphasis on party interactions and individual character stories, there are still enough common elements between Mass Effect 2 and The Witcher 3 to fulfill any player's role-playing desires. The major contrast between these two games lies in their settings, which brings us to the next game on this list.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition, a compilation containing BioWare's trilogy, is available on the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

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Bloodborne

The Witcher 3's combat is awesome, and any player who wishes to enjoy a tighter and more challenging version of this combat should definitely try out Bloodborne.

Experience the thrilling combat of Bloodborne, which effortlessly captures the fast-paced essence of battles in The Witcher 3. However, this game offers much more than just intense combat. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Gothic world, infused with haunting Lovecraftian elements, that will captivate and engross you as you delve into its depths. Purchase it on Amazon now!

Gothic 1 & 2

Piranha Bytes is widely recognized for their development of "eurojank" games, which prioritize mechanical depth over visual appeal. Although the term may initially seem critical, it is actually used as a term of endearment. The success of the first two Gothic projects significantly contributed to this positive perception. While the sequel is generally considered to be superior, newcomers are advised to begin with the original game due to its direct continuation in Gothic 2. However, it is worth noting that the original game stands well on its own and offers an enjoyable experience.

Gothic and its sequel have a raw and unpolished quality, which may not meet the aesthetic standards of 2001. They can also be incredibly challenging. However, the games excel in creating immersive and believable worlds that emphasize player development. Instead of prioritizing expansive maps, Gothic fills its surroundings with NPCs that appear to have lives independent of the player's influence. Additionally, the protagonist starts off as weak and gradually becomes more powerful, requiring players to exercise caution when engaging in combat against certain individuals.

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Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Finding a video game in the high fantasy genre that truly captures the essence of its setting can be a daunting task due to the overwhelming number of options available. However, Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor effortlessly rises above this challenge by presenting a setting that is already steeped in rich tradition and mythical tales.

The game's extremely enjoyable and exhilarating combat adds to its overall fun factor. Playing Shadow of Mordor guarantees a highly positive and pleasurable gaming experience. Find it on Amazon now!

Final Fantasy 7 Remake

In the past decade, Square Enix has reimagined Final Fantasy as a real-time action JRPG series, moving away from its turn-based origins except for the occasional spin-off. This change has received some criticism, although the games themselves are generally well-received. However, none of them quite reach the level of being an exceptional companion piece to The Witcher 3. While Final Fantasy 15 may seem like the obvious choice with its open-world setting, it falls short due to its lackluster quests, repetitive combat, and poorly-paced storyline. When it comes to narrative, Final Fantasy 16 comes closest to matching CD Projekt Red's masterpiece, with one of the franchise's most compelling recent stories. However, it does sacrifice some RPG mechanics, making it feel more like a standard action game at times.

Finally, this brings us to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, the first installment in a trilogy that offers a fresh perspective on Square's beloved 1997 turn-based JRPG. In this game, Cloud once again joins Avalanche, an eco-terrorist group, in their fight against his former employer. Initially, he views it as just another job, but eventually, he becomes fully dedicated to their cause. Although the overall progression of FF7R is relatively linear, it does feature elements of light exploration and optional activities, providing players with additional content to engage with between key storyline moments. The battle system seamlessly blends real-time action with turn-based mechanics, augmenting the gaming experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles, adds depth to the gameplay.

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Diablo 4

Having experienced a rather peculiar journey, Diablo 4 by Blizzard has encountered both acclaim and criticism. While the game was initially well-received upon its release as an RPG, its post-game plans faced significant backlash. The first season patch, in particular, was met with widespread discontent, leading Blizzard to reassess their approach. Consequently, the initial enthusiasm surrounding the game dwindled fairly quickly, which may pose some challenges when it comes to recommending it, especially considering the abundance of other superb RPGs that emerged during the same period. Nonetheless, at its core, Diablo 4 remains undeniably impressive, boasting a wealth of captivating content.

Diablo 4 and The Witcher 3 offer vastly different experiences. Diablo 4's main story starts after completing various quests, while The Witcher 3 is acclaimed for its engaging quests and gripping storytelling. To fully enjoy Diablo 4, players are encouraged to delve into the endgame and participate in seasonal events, though the campaign still has value. In fact, Diablo 4 boasts a rich and compelling storyline that ranks among the best in the franchise. The game takes place in an expansive open-world with a decent-sized map that offers a multitude of intriguing side quests, some of which are truly exceptional.

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Fallout: New Vegas

For gamers seeking intricate storylines and impactful choices, The Witcher 3 stands out as a prime example. Those who crave a similar experience brimming with consequential decision-making should consider giving Fallout: New Vegas a try.

This game merges the best elements of the first two Fallout games with the modern features introduced in Fallout 3. Obsidian has expertly created a remarkable role-playing experience that no discerning gamer should overlook. Purchase it on Amazon now!

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Apart from The Witcher 3's captivating storyline, its remarkable open-world exploration is another striking feature that draws people to the game. Consequently, it is understandable that individuals who relish exploring The Witcher 3's visually stunning realm would find equal enjoyment in playing Skyrim, which is widely regarded as one of the finest role-playing games ever produced, and for valid reasons.

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The Witcher 2: Assassins Of Kings

Contrary to the norm, it is commonly advised to commence a trilogy with its initial installment rather than the final chapter. However, The Witcher defies this convention. The third entry in the series acted as the gateway for many individuals into this fictional universe, surpassing the popularity of its predecessors by leaps and bounds. Despite the interconnected nature of the narrative, CD Projekt Red skillfully crafted The Witcher 3 to be enjoyed as a standalone experience. Consequently, even ardent fans of the game may not feel compelled to revisit the previous entries.

The Witcher, released in 2007, is praised for its fantastic writing. However, its gameplay is polarizing and completely distinct from later games in the series. Thankfully, The Witcher 2 incorporates many of the same concepts as its successor. While it is divided into separate zones rather than an open-world, it still offers exploration and side quests that are enjoyable in their own way. The combat system, similar to that of The Witcher 3, will either be loved or hated by players. Most importantly, Assassins of Kings delivers an excellent storyline. Purchase the Xbox 360 version on Amazon now!