When gamers talk of roleplaying games, Dungeons & Dragons becomes one of the first to cross their minds. After all, what better way to choose an RPG if not from the perspective of Wizards of the Coast's acclaimed TTRPG? And thanks to D&D's alignment system, Player Characters become fleshed out and "alive" in any table's campaign setting. However, sometimes these "alignment choices" also extend outside the D&D session.
In the case of actual RPG titles, what are some recommended titles based on D&D alignments? Surprisingly enough, a player's preferred "alignment" in the TTRPG may help them decide what RPGs to pick.
9 Lawful Good: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
When it comes to stellar RPGs, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes the cake. Thanks to this third instalment of The Witcher series, fans of CD Projekt Red's critically-acclaimed franchise now see there's a way to make modern RPGs gripping, exhilarating, and fun. In this game, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher (monster slayer) in search for his adopted daughter as she's running from the Wild Hunt who seeks to use her powers.
Geralt will embark on his quest with an assortment of customization options, weapons, Witcher armaments, and special abilities. Aside from fast-paced combat, Geralt can build relationships with other NPCs, all of which can impact the way the game ends. As such, gamers new to the RPG scene may even want to try The Witcher 3 first, as this game easily sets a standard a lot of RPGs should follow.
8 Neutral Good: Monster Hunter: World
Unlike other RPGs, Capcom's Monster Hunter: World takes players down a chill path of making a living as a Monster Hunter. Thanks to its upgraded multiplayer feature, this Monster Hunter game allows players to team up with their friends to hunt monsters, earn reputation, and make awesome gear.
Moreover, unlike other RPGs, there aren't any "good" or "evil" characters in World. Players can be whoever they want to be - all that matters is the hunt. With this rather "chill" approach, players can sit back, relax, and indulge in intense hunts with their friends and their favorite weapons.
7 Chaotic Good: Mass Effect Series
In speaking of games with compelling narratives. it's perhaps the Mass Effect franchise that set the scene for more impactful RPGs. Unlike other RPGs of the time, Mass Effect's military sci-fi story takes place in the Milky Way Galaxy. Players, who will take on the role of Commander Shepard, will have to save the galaxy from the Reapers, mechanical beings bent on a cycle of genocide.
Aside from its dynamic relationship options, Mass Effect offers a wide range of choices for players to make as the fate of the galaxy rests in their hands. These options, accompanied by the game's fast-paced, action-heavy combat, make for a wild journey across its main trilogy and spinoff title.
6 Lawful Neutral: Diablo Series
One can't mention RPGs without mentioning Blizzard's Diablo series. And while one can't deny the existing "rift" in the community between which instalment was the"best," each Diablo CRPG perfectly captures its dark Gothic fantasy theme.
In Diablo, players take on the role of a wandering warrior tasked to defeat Diablo and stop Hell's threat of conquering the world. Players, who may choose one of a few starting classes, will have to find hordes of zombies, skeletons, and other vicious monsters with weapons and unique abilities - alongside a lively multiplayer component.
5 True Neutral: Undertale
For RPG fans, Undertale remains that gem of a game that shows just because a monster is a "monster" doesn't mean players have to kill them. In this game, the player, in the form of a child, suddenly falls into the Underground. Inside this realm are monsters of various forms, each with their own stories to tell.
In this top-down indie RPG (from Toby Fox), players in combat work with a hybrid turn-based/bullet hell system where they dodge enemy attacks within a particular area. Additionally, players not only can Fight enemies or use Items. Rather, they can Act to do certain actions or even spare them with Mercy.
These decisions influence the overall trajectory of the game, with each monster killed or spared having an effect in the game's overall story.
4 Chaotic Neutral: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
While The Elder Scrolls fans know TES 6 is well underway, hardcore gamers keep on going back to TES 5: Skyrim for some Dragonborn action. Unfortunately, until TES 6 arrives, it seems Bethesda has no plans stopping on making "Special Editions" of this critically-acclaimed title. After all, there's a high chance of Skyrim still making its way to new consoles like the PS5.
Regardless, players can't deny the sheer depth of Skyrim- from its vast open-world down to the many possible mods players can install to enhance their experience. Fans with a penchant for Lawful Evil can play Skyrim for the nth time.
3 Lawful Evil: The Fallout Series
Gamers can't mention Skyrim without mentioning Bethesda's other child, Fallout. And while modern players will likely be more familiar with Fallout 4, one can't deny that each game in the series does capture atomic punk United States perfectly. Gamers who want a new "vibe" to their RPG experience can enjoy Fallout with its post-apocalyptic shenanigans.
Moreover, similar to Skyrim, the open-world nature of Fallout help players appreciate the massive regions Bethesda has set up in each of their games. Players can take on the main quest immediately or perhaps help others in various towns and communities they visit.
2 Neutral Evil: The Souls Series
Nothing speaks Neutral Evil more than From Software's Souls series. After all, each of the series' entries - from Demon Souls to Dark Souls - offers the same frustratingly skill-based combat fans know them for. Unlike other RPGs that send players on a grand quest after a long cutscene, the Souls series sends players straight to the action.
Players who play the Souls series soon learn how to adapt quickly to situations. Moreover, they'll learn how each move matters in every combo, how the slightest misstep can kill them, and how even the hardest enemies can be beaten - provided they know where to look.
1 Chaotic Evil: Divinity: Original Sin 2
Players of Divinity: Original Sin 2 aren't "evil" - but the game makes it a point to ensure gamers feel the consequences of their characters' actions. After all, this Larian Studios game isn't just a typical turn-based RPG. Rather, the title offers players the ability to approach scenarios in multiple ways - giving them the capability of resolving quests through negotiation, espionage, or even cold-blooded combat.
Unlike most RPGs where relevant NPCs often remain invulnerable, almost everyone in Divinity: Original Sin 2 has HP - including merchants. Players who want to cause trouble "for the heck of it" can randomly attack NPCs. However, the game makes it a point to show players what happens when they do. For instance, entire questlines end prematurely or loot of "random" people end up revealing they're more than meets the eye.