13 best games like Baldur's Gate 3 in 2024, from Divinity Original Sin to Diablo 4
As the latest title from Larian Studios, Baldur's Gate 3 is a Dungeons & Dragons-based CRPG that comes complete with a ridiculously in-depth character creator, a vast amount of companions, dialogue, and a gorgeous world to go questing in.
What's more, it's no secret that Baldur’s Gate 3 was met with critical acclaim, even becoming one of our Game of the Year contenders. So if you've explored every inch of the game and want to dive into something else like it, I've selected some of the best games that you should be playing in 2024.
How I chose the best games like Baldur’s Gate 3
My methodology for picking entries for this list was to look for titles that have similar gameplay features or overarching themes. As Baldur’s Gate 3 is an RPG with plenty of dialogue where your choices can change the course of the story, you’ll find plenty of dialogue-heavy games here.
Click to enlargeIn addition, there's a massive and exciting fantasy world to explore, so I've chosen a few other titles that share that aspect, too. A few top-down RPGs have certainly made their way onto this list, but there are some that may surprise you.
Lastly, I made sure to only include games that have already been released. There are plenty of games on the horizon that look like they will mimic a lot of key themes from Baldur’s Gate 3, but every game on this list is available to purchase and play right now.
Best games like Baldur’s Gate 3
13 - Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Philosophical themes
- Unique characters
- Industrial fantasy setting
Planescape: Torment has long been regarded as one of the best CRPGs ever made, with most of the praise largely coming down to the game's writing, characters, and setting. Unique for a role-playing game at the time, it doesn't feature much combat except for a handful of mandatory fights, instead focusing on a deep story that explores your character's backstory and the very nature of what can change a person.
The Enhanced Edition brings it up to modern speeds so even those of you born after its original 1999 release date can enjoy it with the new quality of life features. Planescape: Torment is RPG heritage, and well worth a go for anyone interested in the genre.
12 - Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2019
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Rich world building
- Evocative writing and dialogue
- Unique RPG mechanics
- A talking tie
Disco Elysium is one of the most highly praised role-playing games ever made (with it even topping our list of the best RPGs) and it's for good reason. Few games have managed to match the writing quality, which so frequently and effortlessly switches between being dramatic, hilarious, poignant, irreverent, and much more.
You'll play an amnesiac cop sent to solve a murder, and unique to most CRPGs, there is no combat save for contextual moments that are usually optional. It's also distinctive for featuring skills which also converse with you, often swaying you into different decisions based on how you build your character.
It's a profound game that perfectly showcases the storytelling capabilities of RPGs, and if that's what you're looking for in your video games, you can't go wrong with a bit of Disco.
11 - Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2023
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Grimdark sci-fi universe
- Interesting moral choices
- Explore the galaxy
- Alien lovemaking
The Warhammer 40K IP has had many games over the years, but Rogue Trader is the first to take it in the direction of a role-playing game, letting you carve out your own narrative in the grimdark future of mankind.
You play a Rogue Trader, the latest in a line of merchant/conquistadors given special permission by the Emperor of Man to venture out into the fringes of space and deal justice on your terms. 40K is a brutal setting, and it's replicated perfectly in the game, allowing you to become one of the most evil RPG protagonists imaginable, or push back against the darkness with fleeting moments of warmth and humanity.
For fans of the setting, it's a must-play, but I'd recommend it to anyone looking for more sci-fi flavour in their top-down role-playing games.
10 - Fable
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2004
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass
- Key features:
- Whimsical fantasy world
- Fun characters
- Engaging story
- Proper British init
Developed by the now-defunct Lionhead Studios and headed up by Peter Molyneux, this fantasy RPG was ahead of its time in 2004. It’s set in the world of Albion, and is filled with a whimsical take on all things British. Keep an ear out for many iconic British actors while traversing these fantastical lands.
The RPG mechanics are much simpler than in Baldur’s Gate 3, and the combat isn’t turn-based. However, if you’re looking for a more casual experience, Fable is the perfect alternative on this list of best games like Baldur's Gate 3 to play in 2024.
9 - Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2020 (base game), 2023 (Phantom Liberty expansion)
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Gorgeous futuristic setting
- Engaging character performances from acclaimed actors
- Expansive skill tree and dialogue options
- Neon mohawks
When you think of Baldur's Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077 and its Phantom Liberty expansion may not be the first thing that springs to mind, but allow me to wax lyrical about them for a second. Since the 2.0 update released along with Phantom Liberty, Cyberpunk 2077 finally became the table-top-inspired RPG that it was always meant to be.
Its biggest points of comparison are an expansive skill tree that allows you to hone different builds, intriguing characters with branching paths and dialogue options that affect the narrative choices and combat that requires more precise and considerate actions to be taken.
While the setting may be as far from Baldur's Gate 3 as can be, its gameplay philosophy stands alongside it, making it one game you should absolutely consider in 2024.
8 - Divinity Original Sin 2
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Top-down CRPG gameplay
- Loosely based on D&D ruleset
- Incredible conversation system
- Talk to animals!
This game might look familiar to fans of Baldur’s Gate 3 because it’s developed by the exact same studio. In fact, Divinity Original Sin 2 was the last game Larian Studios made before moving to Baldur’s Gate 3. As such, it shares a lot of DNA.
Firstly, the game engine is a slightly older version of what’s used for Baldur’s Gate 3, so a lot of the gameplay functionality is the same. It’s based much more loosely on the D&D ruleset, but it’s certainly familiar.
The story is much more fantastical and less sci-fi than Baldur’s Gate 3, too. So, if that’s something that piques you’re interested, you can’t go wrong with Divinity Original Sin 2. Oh, and it’s available on just about every platform out there as well - including MacOS and iPad.
7 - Diablo 4
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2023
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass
- Key features:
- Action-based gameplay
- Gory, yet beautiful world
- Worthwhile endgame
- I've got nothing witty to say, this game is super dark
A much more recent entry on this list, Diablo 4 was released to much critical acclaim. The latest ARPG iteration from Blizzard takes the series to new heights - and all new levels of gore.
While Baldur’s Gate 3 can be much slower in its story and combat, Diablo 4 rips along at an unapologetic pace - constantly giving players new abilities to use and enemies to conquer.
Even better, Diablo 4 is best experienced in co-op with a few friends. There’s a massive endgame to explore too, so the fun doesn’t stop once you get to the end of the main campaign. You can't say that about many of the titles on this list of best games like Baldur's Gate 3, can you?
6 - Pillars of Eternity
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- Subscription service: Xbox Game Pass
- Key features:
- An all-time classic
- Robust RPG mechanics
- Stunning art style
- Become a ghost detective
Pillars of Eternity comes from another studio that’s renowned in the world of RPGs. If you’ve played Fallout: New Vegas, The Outer Worlds, or Pathfinder: Adventures, then you will have touched some of Obsidian Entertainment’s work.
Pillars of Eternity shares a lot of DNA with Baldur’s Gate, mirroring a top-down perspective and a fantasy world filled with magic and a touch of science fiction.
There are plenty of dungeons to plunder and adventures to be had in this CRPG, and it’s an excellent game to play like Baldur’s Gate 3.
5 - Elden Ring
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2021
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Accessible Soulslike
- Unbeatable exploration
- Exhilarating combat
- Read funny messages left by other players
If third-person action RPGs are more your bag, and you’re looking for something that’s equally as challenging as Baldur’s Gate 3 can be, then Elden Ring is an excellent shout as an alternative.
Topping most GOTY lists in 2021, Elden Ring is FromSoftware at its finest, interweaving its impeccable world design with the best RPG gameplay has ever been.
What’s more, there’s even a DLC set to release later this year, meaning that now is the perfect time to jump into the game to get prepped for the upcoming chapter.
4 - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2003
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Set in the Star Wars universe
- Bioware at its best
- Timeless classic
- Learn Star Wars swear words
Fancy a little more science fiction with your RPG story? Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic delivers on that in spades, taking RPG mechanics into the depths of space.
Moreover, this is from the same developer as the original Baldur’s Gate games - Bioware. The gameplay is a little dated in 2024, but if you’re willing to look past a little bit of jank, then you can’t go wrong with this timeless classic as an alternative game to play like Baldur’s Gate 3.
3 - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
- Subscription service: N/A
- Key features:
- Unrivalled storytelling
- Engaging combat mechanics
- Gorgeous and diverse world
- Relatable protagonist if you talk to yourself all the time
What’s left to be said about The Witcher 3 that hasn’t been said already? With incredible characters and vistas to explore, this RPG from CDProjekt Red is easily one of the best from the last decade.
Mixing a concoction of melee combat and basic spells, Geralt of Rivia shares a few different attributes with some of the classes you can pick in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you enjoy romance in your RPGs, The Witcher 3 has an intriguing love triangle for you to dabble with, too.
If I haven’t convinced you just yet, there’s even a new-generation update that just dropped earlier this year, bringing Ray Tracing and other quality-of-life features to the now eight-year-old title. It’s even available on Nintendo Switch, so you can take Geralt on the go with you.
2 - Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2021
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: EA Play
- Key features:
- Three connected games to play
- Choices have real consequences
- Loveable characters
- Even MORE alien lovemaking
Approaching the end of the list, here's the entire Mass Effect trilogy in the form of the Legendary Edition. Also from Bioware, this gargantuan game ties all three of the Mass Effect games together in one long, continuous title.
These space soap opera games transition almost seamlessly from one to the next, with your character choices carrying over in the process. If you play all the way through from the start, your game in Mass Effect 3 could end up looking totally different to someone else’s.
While Bioware cut its teeth creating the original Baldur’s Gate games, it’s in the Mass Effect titles that the studio was truly given a chance to shine. That makes it the perfect alternative game to play like Baldur’s Gate 3 if you’re looking for something different yet similar.
What is the best game like Baldur’s Gate 3?
1 - Dragon Age: Inquisition
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2014
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Subscription service: EA Play
- Key features:
- More Bioware
- The best Dragon Age has ever looked
- Compelling, impactful decisions
- Everyone is really shiny for some reason
Perhaps the best game like Baldur’s Gate 3 to play is none other than Dragon Age: Inquisition. Although almost a decade old, it’s still the most modern Dragon Age title you can play at the moment. Just like Baldur’s Gate 3, it features a customisable character with plenty of progression choices and a plethora of characters to natter with.
The gameplay will also feel somewhat familiar to Baldur’s Gate 3, as it controls a little differently - especially on the mouse and keyboard. It’s still action-based, but the camera isn’t controlled directly by mouse movement, meaning you’ll be doing a lot of clicking on objects in the game world to interact with them.
If you’re new to CRPGs and want to give something similar a try first, then Dragon Age: Inquisition is the perfect title to bridge that gap.
Check out our lists homepage for more game recommendations. We also have guides on the best games like Armored Core, Alan Wake and Elden Ring.
