The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a landmark RPG, combining a richly detailed open world with memorable characters, exceptional side quests and fluid combat built around two swords and magic. With a remastered version due later this month, free to existing owners, plus the Songs of the Past expansion planned for 2027 and The Witcher 4 expected in 2028, there is plenty of time to explore similar adventures.
These eight games offer different ways to recapture that distinctive mix of fantasy, exploration, meaningful choices and character-driven storytelling. For more gaming and arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
8. The Blood of Dawnwalker
The newest game on this list comes from Rebel Wolves, a studio led by former The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz and staffed by several other senior former CD Projekt Red developers. That pedigree makes it one of the closest upcoming matches for Geralt’s style of adventure.
You play as Coen, a part-vampire, part-witch Dawnwalker. Its open world, numerous side quests, direction-based parry combat and time-sensitive decision system all draw clear structural inspiration from modern fantasy RPGs, while giving the formula its own identity.
7. Cyberpunk 2077
Although its futuristic Night City setting is far removed from a medieval fantasy world, Cyberpunk 2077 shares the same emphasis on immersive world-building, emotional storytelling and characters who remain with you long after their quests end.
Its difficult launch has been followed by the major 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty expansion in 2023. The update rebuilt the skill system and addressed countless bugs, while the expansion added a new story featuring Idris Elba. Keanu Reeves also plays a major role in the main game.
6. Dragon’s Dogma 2
Capcom’s fantasy adventure takes a very different approach to combat. You command a small party of computer-controlled pawns, choose from multiple classes and can climb enormous enemies. Beyond the fighting, however, it offers a similarly expansive fantasy setting filled with creatures, species, winding quests and loot.
Its unusual combat and willingness to move beyond familiar RPG conventions may take time to appreciate, but the payoff is substantial. The Dark Arisen expansion is planned to add a new region, more story and additional dungeons.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 delivers a highly immersive first-person RPG through detailed quest design and a carefully simulated world. Every NPC follows a dynamic 24-hour routine, so shops may not open until around 8 or 9 am. Neglecting personal hygiene can also undermine stealth, as guards may smell you before they see you.
Set in 15th-century Bohemia, in modern Czechia, it is less fantastical than Geralt’s world and contains no magic. It compensates with a compelling story, strong side quests, a beautiful open world and engaging characters, creating a similar sense of place and consequence.
4. The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
The direct prequel is smaller in scope than its successor, using open zones rather than one continuous open world, but it remains an excellent RPG. Its most significant strength is the impact of player decisions.
A choice made during the first act radically changes later regions, characters and events, making two playthroughs worthwhile. Choices can also be imported into The Witcher 3, making this a useful revisit before the remastered edition arrives.
3. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Witcher 3 differ most obviously in combat: one is turn-based and deliberate, while the other is fast and reflex-driven. Their quest design has more in common, particularly the freedom to make decisions that meaningfully reshape events.
Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, it gives players remarkable control. You can fight, negotiate, romance companions or attempt an almost entirely pacifist run. Even players who usually avoid turn-based battles may find its systems quickly become intuitive.
2. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Skyrim is a natural recommendation for anyone seeking a large fantasy world, dragons and freedom to build a character in different ways. Unlike Geralt, your hero can become a tank, archer, rogue, bruiser or mage, with many approaches to combat and quests.
Its huge world is packed with secrets. Fifteen years after release, it has also received countless updates and three substantial expansions, giving new players an enormous amount to discover.
1. Gothic 1 Remake
The original Gothic launched in 2001 and was praised for its role-playing systems. CD Projekt Red has identified the first two Gothic games as direct inspirations for The Witcher series, making the from-the-ground-up Gothic 1 Remake especially relevant.
The remake was released earlier this year and can be easy to overlook because of the original’s age and relatively modest profile. Its updated presentation and harsh role-playing world make it a worthwhile choice for anyone interested in the roots of modern fantasy RPG design.
Choosing your next fantasy RPG
For the closest match in narrative structure, try The Blood of Dawnwalker or The Witcher 2. Players who value freedom of choice should consider Baldur’s Gate 3, while Skyrim and Dragon’s Dogma 2 are better suited to open-ended exploration and character building. If you prefer a grounded historical setting, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a richly reactive alternative.
Those who enjoy bringing expansive game worlds into the games room can browse RETROCADE’s arcade machines, compare options in the arcade machine buying guide, or explore a compact bartop arcade.
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