Need recommendations for narrative-driven games

Dark, Story-Driven Narrative
1

Hey everyone! I’m burned out from Marvel Rivals after playing it nonstop and want to get back into games with great stories. I really love RPGs but I’m open to other genres too as long as they have amazing narratives and characters.

Here are some games I absolutely loved:

  • All Dragon Age titles (Inquisition is my #1 favorite)
  • Mass Effect series including Andromeda
  • AC Odyssey and Valhalla
  • Baldur’s Gate 3
  • Phoenix Wright series
  • Skyrim and other Elder Scrolls games
  • Fallout series
  • Far Cry 5 and 6
  • Final Fantasy XV
  • Greedfall and Avowed
  • Most Resident Evil titles
  • Jedi Fallen Order and Survivor
  • Pillars of Eternity games
  • Currently loving Tainted Grail despite technical issues

I typically gravitate toward open world RPGs but I’m willing to try anything with compelling storytelling. What would you recommend based on these preferences?

2

Since you loved those games, definitely try Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s got the open world you want but the story will absolutely destroy you. If you haven’t played Divinity Original Sin 2 yet, grab it - you liked BG3 so this should hit the same spot. Also worth trying Persona 5 Royal even though it’s way different from your usual picks. The characters and story are amazing once it clicks.

3

God of War 2018 nails the father-son story if you’re cool with action-adventure instead of RPG mechanics.

4

Control nails the world building and has this creepy SCP Foundation vibe that really gets under your skin.

5

Cyberpunk 2077 might be worth checking out now that it’s been patched up. The main story hits pretty hard and the side quests actually matter.

6

Horizon Zero Dawn’s world building is fantastic and Aloy’s story had me hooked the entire time. The mystery of what happened to civilization unfolds perfectly.

7

Grab Outer Worlds if you haven’t yet. It’s got that New Vegas feel with great dialogue and character building. NieR Automata’s weird as hell but the story will mess with your head in the best way. And if older graphics don’t bother you, Knights of the Old Republic has the best Star Wars story ever told.

8

Subnautica’s environmental storytelling blew me away. You’re just exploring and slowly piecing together what went down - it gets genuinely creepy.

9

You should definitely try The Witcher 3. The story and characters are just top-notch. Also, Disco Elysium offers a really unique and deep narrative if you’re looking for something different.