BioWare's Dragon Age series is renowned for its blend of epic fantasy, world-ending threats, and, most importantly, the relationships forged with companions. The true heart of Dragon Age lies in the choices players make and how those decisions impact their relationships and the world around them. For those seeking similar experiences, a variety of games offer that distinct mix of party banter, branching quests, and reactive worlds.
Divinity: Original Sin 1 & 2
These games from Larian Studios are lauded for their well-written characters and intricate combat systems. Set in the fantasy world of Rivellon, players gather a party to protect it from a magical threat, but the true draw is the constant bickering and development of relationships within the group. The original Divinity: Original Sin focuses on solving a murder mystery, while its sequel, Divinity: Original Sin 2, sees players escaping imprisonment and surviving the wilds, with character dynamics like the instant friction with Sebille being a highlight. Both are available on PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
Neverwinter Nights (Enhanced Edition)
Considered a precursor to Dragon Age, this BioWare title from 2002 helped establish the RPG genre's focus on believable companions and branching storylines. In Neverwinter Nights, players are tasked with graduating from the Neverwinter Academy amidst a devastating plague called the Wailing Death. Despite its age, the Enhanced Edition offers a nostalgic journey for fans seeking the roots of Dragon Age's narrative design. It is available on Windows PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Developed by Owlcat Games, Rogue Trader offers a sci-fi twist with a similar emphasis on companion depth and tactical combat. Players explore the Koronus Expanse, navigating a succession crisis and dealing with existential threats like Chaos and Warp mutations, reminiscent of Dragon Age's Blight. The game features a robust character background system and turn-based combat. It can be played on Windows PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch.
Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn
Another BioWare classic, Baldur's Gate 2 challenges players as Gorion's Ward, a Bhaalspawn, who must escape a torturous laboratory and confront a devilish wizard. Like Dragon Age, it features a deep narrative with choices that influence trust and recruitability for potentially world-ending goals. The presence of vampires and its shared developer DNA with Dragon Age make it a compelling choice. This title is available on PS4, PS5, Switch, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S. For those who enjoyed this, BioWare's Baldur's Gate 3 is also highly recommended.
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
While set in a sci-fi universe, the Mass Effect series shares BioWare's signature choice-driven narrative, companion relationships, and squad-based tactics. Players assume the role of Commander Shepard, investigating interstellar threats. The Legendary Edition compiles the first three games, allowing choices to carry over between titles and featuring memorable companions like Garrus Vakarian. It is available on PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker
This RPG from Owlcat Games appeals to players who enjoyed the political maneuvering and kingdom management aspects of Dragon Age: Origins. Players are tasked with exploring the Stolen Lands and founding their own barony, dealing with fey threats and an ancient curse along the way. The real-time-with-pause combat system will feel familiar to Dragon Age veterans. It is available on PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
GreedFall
Developed by Spiders, GreedFall offers a similar charm to Dragon Age despite a smaller budget and rougher edges. It features real-time combat, impactful choices, and the ability to bond with companions. Players are tasked with finding a cure for a plague called the Malichor on a newly discovered island, navigating political intrigue between colonial factions. It is available on Windows PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Solasta: Crown of the Magister
Solasta focuses more on tactical, turn-based combat and Dungeons & Dragons rulesets than deep narrative. Players manage a party of four investigating the monster-infested Badlands. While lacking the character-driven storytelling of Dragon Age, its sequel is in development and is expected to place a greater emphasis on story. It is available on PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.
Dragon's Dogma 1 & 2
These action RPGs by Capcom feature a dark fantasy tone and an ingrained class build system, though they differ mechanically from Dragon Age by using pawns instead of traditional parties. Players take on the role of an Arisen, who must confront a dragon that stole their heart. While companion writing is not a focus, the abundance of dragons and the similar genre feel make it a strong recommendation for those drawn to Dragon Age's more monstrous elements. They are available on PS4, PS5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.