Fantasy games take you to other worlds.
Sometimes this world that we live in can become quite bleak and all you want to do is escape to another for a while. While that physically isn’t possible, yet, you can virtually escape into another world unlike ours, and that is where fantasy video games come in. Fantasy games come in many shapes and sizes, but they all feature a world or universe that isn’t ours. From completely new worlds you’d struggle to think up, to earth-like ones that have taken some alternate paths, the best fantasy games make you believe you’re in a completely different place. With a lot of games falling into the fantasy category, the best ones are truly all-timers of the medium.
Top Fantasy Video Games
A fantasy video game is a game that takes place in a world that isn’t ours. That can be a completely new location, or a version of earth that has taken a different path. It can also be any time period or setting, not just the medieval Tolkien style you might think of.
Fantasy games fall into all genres, but the most common are fantasy RPGs, allowing you to fully embody a character in these mysterious worlds. Many come with epic stories, often of redemption or climbing the ranks of that world, but romance sub-plots are never far behind. The best fantasy games will transport you to another world, which is exactly what these games do. This list is based on critical and fan reception, along with some personal bias.
25. Kingdoms of Amalur Re Reckoning
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Developed by now closed Big Huge Games, this typical fantasy RPG is a cult classic with a great world. The original launched in 2012, dropping you into a medieval style fantasy world with magic and setting you on a quest. It doesn’t do anything innovative, but is a solid fantasy RPG for genre fans.
24. Dragon Quest XI
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, 3DS
The latest in one of the oldest fantasy franchises out there, Square’s 2017 Dragon Quest XI is a JRPG that drops you in an amazing world with years of lore to fight giant creatures, including the titular dragons. It’s one of the greatest JRPGs of all time and a must-play for fans of the genre.
23. Final Fantasy XIV
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Square’s Final Fantasy MMO can easily become the only game you ever play. These days, it’s exactly what you would expect from a Final Fantasy MMO, with incredible battles, lots of customization and social elements. It’s much improved from its 2013 release, so one to go back to if you previously played and bounced off.
22. Metaphor: ReFantazio
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Studio Zero is best known for the Persona games, but in 2024 went to a new IP and it blew the world away. A JRPG unlike any other, it’s a Persona style game in a medieval fantasy world and it works incredibly well. Fans of the studio’s previous work will love this.
21. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS
Another fantasy RPG, this time a turn-based isometric one from Larian. It released in 2017 to critical acclaim and features an epic D&D style adventure with traditional turn-based combat. It’s one for D&D fans
20. Black Myth: Wukong
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Arguably the biggest Chinese developed game ever, Game Science’s 2024 soulslike takes the iconic fable and builds an incredible RPG around it. It’s hard, with iconic fights against memorable enemies, making it perfect for Soulslike fans or fans of Monkeys.
19. Shadow Of The Colossus
Platforms: PS2, PS3, PS4
Set in an iconic world where giant creatures roam around waiting for you to take them down, this is now considered an all-time classic. Sony Japan created an atmospheric experience in 2005 with incredible fights that you will never forget. It’s a little barebones for modern audiences, but one retro fans should play instantly.
18. Fable II
Platforms: Xbox 360
Fable II’s setting is one of the most charming you’ll ever find. Lionhead’s 2008 adventure takes you to Albion and let’s you live how you see fit. There’s a big quest to go on, but if you want to get married you can do that instead. Fans of classic British humour will love this world.
17. Horizon Forbidden West
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
Guerrilla’s giant metal robot-filled franchise is certainly unique, and with this 2022 sequel, the game itself improved massively over the original. It’s a giant open world filled with incredible mechanical creatures to take down or tame. One for dinosaur or animal lovers just because of the cool creatures.
16. Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Bioware’s 2024 RPG may not be the series’ best, but it’s one of the biggest fantasy adventures you can have. Fans of the series will love it, but newcomers may be put off by the deep lore you are almost expected to know. Nonetheless, this is still an epic traditional fantasy experience.
15. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Surprisingly much better than the previous list entry, Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2 was perhaps the best fantasy RPG of 2024. With satisfying combat and a solid story, this is probably the best recent option for traditional fantasy RPG fans, but don’t expect massive innovation.
14. Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
The best Lord of the Rings game ever, Monolith’s 2014 epic RPG gave us some of the best baddies ever thanks to a system where they remember previous fights with you if they win. It was groundbreaking at the time, and is still a fun Tolkien romp with satisfying combat, so great for franchise fans.
13. God of War Ragnarök
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
You could put any God of War game here, but Santa Monica Studio’s 2022 Norse adventure is the best. A gripping story with incredible action and combat make this a great action game, and running around as a beefy god is never going to be boring. One for action game fans.
12. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Platforms: Switch
A fantasy world like no other, this Switch exclusive from Nintendo launched in 2017 and gave us an epic fantasy adventure that’s perfect for any age. On a quest to defeat the big boss and save the princess, you’ll venture a varied world and meet incredible characters.
11. Final Fantasy XVI
Platforms: PC, PS5
Square’s iconic franchise always delivers an epic fantasy tale, with great combat that has always defined the series. Franchise fans will love this 2023 entry, and even newcomers can enjoy taking down epic monsters and riding Chocobos, as you venture around trying to stop a massive magic war.
10. Diablo 4
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
ARPG’s don’t get better than this, and Diablo’s impressive, hellish world is the perfect setting for mowing down hordes of demons on the hunt for loot. Blizzard’s 2023 entry may not be to everyone’s taste, with purists preferring earlier games, but any ARPG fans should be playing this ASAP.
9. Dark Souls III
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
The franchise that spawned the most popular genre of recent years features a fantasy world that is strange but engrossing, and full of epic enemies to take down. With brutal combat that takes hours to master, FromSoftware’s 2016 title is one for patient players who love to master a craft.
8. Dragon Age Origins
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Bioware is back with the 2009 game that kicked off one of the best fantasy RPG series ever. Origins may be showing its age, but if you want an epic fantasy adventure with memorable characters and fun gameplay this is a great option.
7. Final Fantasy VII
Platforms: PC, PlatStation, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, iOS, Android
Considered to be Square’s best Final Fantasy game, the 1997 original or modern remakes of this fantasy adventure are all time classics that any JRPG fan should play. An epic tale that sees you travel an unforgettable world searching for the ultimate bad guy, this not one to miss.
6. The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Platforms: Switch
Nintendo’s 2023 follow up to Breath of the Wild edges it in terms of gameplay by building a system that adds some extra creativity. But the world is just as charming as it ever was, with another adventure that just feels a touch bigger. The ultimate family friendly fantasy adventure.
5. Bauldur’s Gate 3
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
This 2023 Dungeons and Dragons style adventure is arguably the most classic fantasy RPG you’ll find, making it great for genre purists. Larian’s story is unforgettable, in a world that gives you everything you could ever want in a traditional fantasy world, and the chance-based combat is a refreshing change.
4. World Of Warcraft
Platforms: PC
Blizzard’s genre defining MMO is a game that will take over your life, giving you a fantasy world to quest, craft, explore and socialize in. Launching in 2004, it’s now a very different game and one that will come to define your gaming life if you get into it. A must-play for any MMO fan.
3. Elden Ring
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
FromSoft’s best work, 2022’s Elden Ring is the best souls-like ever and has a truly incredible fantasy world created alongside George R. R. Martin. Genre fans will love this, but the combat is more accessible than any other, and it’s a new experience, making it perfect for newcomers.
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Bethesda’s fantasy RPG still stands up after launching in 2011, offering a massive world you are free to explore and choose which factions to work alongside. There’s dragons, war and a bit of politics to get involved with, making it perfect for any fantasy fan. Or you can just bonk dragons with a big sword.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
CD Projekt Red created a masterpiece in 2015, with this fantasy RPG based on the classic Polish books. It has solid combat, and a massive world, but this is all about the story told in this fantasy adventure with memorable characters all over the place. A must-play for any fantasy RPG fan.
Bottom Line
Fantasy games offer incredible places to escape to in the virtual world, making them some of the most engrossing games out there. There’s a decent amount of variety, with fantasy games in almost every genre, so you’ll likely find a few that fit your style.
