Role-playing games (RPGs) have a storied history, evolving from early text-based adventures to complex isometric CRPGs, and now to expansive open-world experiences. Despite this progress, the realm of first-person RPGs remains particularly sparse. Apart from the consistent releases from Bethesda, there are few developers exploring this immersive perspective within the genre, leaving many players craving more original offerings.
If you’re longing for fresh titles in this category, you’re in luck! Below, we present a selection of underrated first-person RPGs that are worthy of your attention. After all, how many times can one return to classics like Skyrim?
9 Flyknight
Bug Souls
We kick off our list with Flyknight, a charming Soulslike title that eases players into the genre without the brutal difficulty typical of games like Dark Souls. With a delightful visual style reminiscent of Old School Runescape, players navigate a whimsical fantasy realm teeming with enemies and formidable bosses.
The game’s challenge lies in the combat mechanics, requiring players to target enemy limbs and weak spots while adopting a strategic approach. The first-person perspective enhances control, allowing for more precise targeting during battles. Lasting around three hours, the adventure involves three dungeons, each offering opportunities for co-op play and replay value. Don’t miss out—dive into this delightful journey!
8 Dread Delusion
The Longer The Note, The More Dread
If you find nostalgia for the PSX era appealing, then Dread Delusion is a perfect fit. This title merges a retro aesthetic with contemporary enhancements, creating an engaging experience that is sure to resonate with fans of Morrowind-style RPGs. Set in an otherworldly landscape adorned with vibrant mushroom trees and bizarre creatures, this game features complex RPG systems that demand player commitment.
Your character build is critical, pushing you to develop strengths rather than diluting your abilities. Dread Delusion successfully balances modern gameplay with the allure of retro charm, making it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
7 Cryptmaster
The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword
For lovers of linguistics, Cryptmaster offers an original spin on RPG mechanics. This typing-based game encourages players to utilize their vocabulary creatively, turning words into powerful weapons in real-time combat. Each word possesses unique effects and damage potential, making vocabulary knowledge vital for success.
With a vast dictionary at your disposal, the gameplay encourages experimentation and emergent fun. It’s a refreshing addition that any RPG fan should explore, serving not only as entertainment but as a collectors’ gem.
6 Dark And Darker
Gimme The Loot!
Dark and Darker is a game that might not suit every player’s taste due to its challenging nature. Its extraction-based mechanics can feel harsh, but for those seeking a modern RPG with an intense twist, this title offers a thrilling experience. Starting can be daunting, as the game provides little guidance, making it essential to find a class that aligns with your play style.
Once you find your footing, you’ll enjoy a mix of old-school RPG elements with tactical combat and engaging PvPvE encounters. This free-to-play title is a worthy venture, but prepare for the learning curve—success doesn’t come easily!
5 Prey
Shades of Bioshock
While Prey leans more towards the immersive sim genre than traditional RPG, it incorporates enough RPG mechanics to merit inclusion on this list. Although its reception was generally positive, it has yet to achieve the recognition it deserves.
Playing as Morgan Yu, you navigate the treacherous environment of Talos I, unraveling mysteries while combating the deadly Typhon creatures. The game emphasizes player choice, allowing for various playstyles and character progression. Expect the unexpected and prepare for a thrilling narrative experience!
4 Pathologic 2
Delightfully Depressing
Prepare yourself for an emotionally harrowing experience with Pathologic 2. Set in a plague-stricken town, you step into the shoes of a physician faced with impossible choices while struggling for survival. The gameplay is intentionally bleak, pushing you to grapple with difficult morality as you navigate hardship.
Despite its unrelenting nature, this game provides a rich narrative and a profound sense of accomplishment for players willing to endure its challenges. It’s not just a game; it’s an exploration of resilience and survival against all odds.
3 Lunacid
End The Era of Misery
Lunacid recalls the charm of retro titles like King’s Field, offering a nostalgic PS1 aesthetic combined with contemporary gameplay nuances. This title delivers an engaging first-person dungeon crawl experience, encouraging meticulous exploration and combat.
The atmosphere and retro flair draw in horror aficionados without the grotesqueness typical of similar games. With improved tactical combat elements and a gripping universe to unfold, Lunacid is an enticing addition to any RPG library.
2 King’s Field
The Grandfather of Souls Games
It’s essential to acknowledge King’s Field, the progenitor of the Souls genre. Despite its niche status, it laid the groundwork for many aspects of the genre we celebrate today. With an emphasis on environmental storytelling and interconnected world design, King’s Field offers a uniquely challenging experience.
Players must adopt a meticulous approach to dungeon exploration, with discovery rewarding those willing to engage with its cryptic narrative. While it may show its age, King’s Field remains a significant milestone in the evolution of RPGs.
1 Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon
You’ll Fall In Love
Amidst the influx of new RPGs, Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon stands out as an exceptional title that may not have gained the attention it deserves. Combining rich storytelling with a diverse gameplay experience, it creates an expansive world that rivals major titles from Bethesda.
Despite some minor issues, the myriad of questlines and unique systems accommodating different playstyles contribute to its charm. If you’re inclined to overlook small bugs, you’ll find a rewarding experience that deserves its place within the RPG landscape.
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