Completing Baldur's Gate 3 can leave a void, but numerous games offer a similar blend of isometric CRPG elements, reactive storytelling, engaging companions, and player agency. Polygon's curated list highlights ten titles that capture the spirit of Larian Studios' acclaimed RPG, focusing on games with high production values, substantial playtime, and overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Squad-Based Sci-Fi and Dark Fantasy
Wasteland 3 presents a darkly comic, squad-based RPG experience set in a post-apocalyptic Colorado. Like Baldur's Gate 3, it features a crew of unique companions and forces players into morally ambiguous decisions. However, its sci-fi setting and lack of a romance system distinguish it. The game is available on Mac, PC, and Steam Deck.
For those who relished the intricate character building in Baldur's Gate 3, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous offers an even deeper system. Based on a more complex ruleset, this cRPG allows players to choose from over 25 base classes and archetypes, with character progression paths like Angel, Demon, or Lich fundamentally altering the narrative and gameplay. It is playable on Mac, PC, and Steam Deck.
Tyranny places players in a world where evil has already triumphed, tasking them with enforcing the laws of an overlord. This dark fantasy RPG emphasizes nuanced moral choices and consequences over combat, offering a shorter, more focused experience than many on this list. It is available on older Macs (not compatible with macOS 10.15 Catalina or above) and PC.
Narrative Depth and Companion Bonds
Wildermyth offers a unique take on narrative RPGs, focusing on procedural storytelling and lifelong companion arcs within a charming papercraft art style. While its combat is lighter and its aesthetic cozier than Baldur's Gate 3, it excels at creating memorable character journeys and allows for the saving of heroes for future re-recruitment. It can be played on Mac, PC, and Steam Deck.
Pillars of Eternity is a fantasy RPG where player choices and interactions with NPCs and factions have lasting consequences. Players inhabit a soul-seeing protagonist investigating societal and political crises, delving into themes of faith and reincarnation. While it features real-time-with-pause combat, it also offers a turn-based option, potentially appealing to Baldur's Gate 3 fans. It's available on Mac, PC, and Steam Deck.
The Mass Effect Trilogy offers a sprawling sci-fi epic that emphasizes player choices across three games, fostering deep connections with its diverse crew. While its action-shooter combat differs from Baldur's Gate 3's tactical approach, the trilogy is celebrated for its rich lore and unforgettable companion dynamics. It is accessible via EA Play, PC, and Steam Deck.
Dragon Age: Origins, a dark fantasy RPG, is lauded for its focus on companion approval and complex moral choices. Players are tasked with saving the world from a demonic Blight, with numerous paths to achieve this goal. Though its combat and aesthetics show their age, it remains a compelling experience available on EA Play and PC.
Unique Experiences and Future Prospects
Expedition 33 is a story-driven RPG known for its tonal shifts between grief and humor, exploring themes of loss within a more linear, focused narrative. Despite its departure from extensive party customization, it was recognized for its innovative structure and impactful conclusion. It is available on PC and Steam Deck.
Persona 5 Royal blends high school life simulation with supernatural dungeon crawling. Its character-driven narrative and emphasis on building deep bonds resonate with Baldur's Gate 3 players, despite its distinct slice-of-life and JRPG mechanics. It can be played on Windows and Steam Deck.
Cyberpunk 2077 provides an open-world RPG experience with significant problem-solving freedom and a vibrant, futuristic aesthetic. The narrative revolves around a ticking clock tied to a digital ghost, offering a different but equally engaging player-driven story. While it features a first-person perspective and a less party-centric design, its immersive world and detailed environments make it a compelling choice. It is available on some Macs (not compatible with macOS systems using Intel processors), PC, and Steam Deck.
These titles, ranging from direct CRPG successors to games that capture specific elements of Baldur's Gate 3's appeal, offer hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay for players seeking their next adventure.