Dungeons and Dragons has been a cornerstone for Tabletop roleplaying games. The Game's influence has spread far into other forms of media, especially in video games. As one of the most popular roleplaying games globally, Dungeons and Dragons has expanded significantly into mainstream media. Ranging from Saturday morning cartoons to literature novel franchises. One area of media that D&D has excelled in is in the world of video games.
Several video game titles are either centered around the world/lore of D&D or use the 5E ruleset in an eloquent adaptation. Not every video game is a major success; nonetheless, some titles perfectly encapsulate the feel and lore of D&D.
10 Worst: D&D Lords of Waterdeep- Not That Terrible Of A Game, Just Does not Quite Capture The Feel
One of the better games out of the worst ones, D&D Lords of Waterdeep, is a strategy game where players can portray one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. The game's focus is to play the optical game of power and ensure your control within Waterdeep by maintaining your influence throughout the city.
Based on a board game of the same name, this title is arguably a good game that dives deep into the strategy of political rule and creates a unique spin on the D&D lore. The issue is that this does not really feel like a D&D game. D&D can be a game about anything, but it mostly focuses on that spirit of adventure, not debating tax laws.
9 Best: For The King- Not Necesrraly Within D&D Lore, But More Of A D&D Game Than Most
The King is not based within D&D lore but beautifully captures the spirit of getting many friends and going on an epic quest. The game takes certain roguelike elements while traversing through this large fantasy world.
The game elevates this beautiful paper mache style while capitalizing on the dungeon diving experience, finding loot, fighting mighty foes in the name of the dead king. It sounds like a D&D adventure every player should try.
8 Worst: Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition- An Old Classic That Has Gone Sour
Developed by the same developers of the first two Baldurs Gate Games, this game focuses on the adventures within the tundra of Icewind Dale. Realized in 2000, this game style is of a 2-d isometric style with loads and loads of quests, loot, and character options.
The issue with this game is the dated gameplay design. The point and click style of real-time combat is fine. It is just that the game offers very little compared to other RPG games out there that have done this formula much better.
7 Best: Solasta: Crown Of The Magister- A Unique World With A Unique Spin On D&D
This game takes place in the fantasy world of Solasta, and it hits all of the D&D checkpoints. Fantastical world? Check. Turn-Based Combat? Check. Interesting party dynamics? Check.
Solasta: Crown Of The Magister is what all D&D video games should aspire to be. It may not be set within D&D lore, but it wears its TTRPG elements proud. This is one game that D&D fans should not overlook.
6 Worst: Neverwinter Nights- D&D Dipped Into The MMORPG World But Not Quite As Refined.
Not to be confused with Neverwinter; Neverwinter Nights is an action MMORPG set within the world of the forgotten realms. It boasts 100+ hours of quests and content to explore through this massive open world.
Unfortunately, Neverwinter Nights suffer from dated design and some game-breaking bugs that can halt play fairly immediately. Certainly, MMO fans would be pleased with this title, but most new D&D fans will likely skip this one.
5 Best: Divinity: Original Sin 2-Leaders In The D&D Style RPG Video Games
Developed by Larian Studios, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a fantastic D&Desque game that brings to life the fun and thrill of adventure with your friends. Though the game does not take place in the forgotten realms, it still captures that feel of D&D.
With a captivating story, Divinity: Original Sin 2 would have players sink hours and hours into multiple playthroughs to see everything the game has to offer. Not to mention that that game is breathtaking at moments with beautiful landscapes and rich NPCs to interact with.
4 Worst: Dungeons And Dragons Online- Though It Looks Like D&D, It Is Certainly Not
One would think that a game called Dungeons and Dragons Online would be the pinnacle of D&D gameplay. As it turns out, this game lacks a lot of the D&D charm. It was a passable MMO by most standards in its early days, but the game has started to slip in quality as of late.
Riddle with Microtransactions to the point where if players want to make any real progress in the game, they will have to pay in to advance further. Best to pass this one.
3 Best: Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance- The Co-Op Action Experience Players Have Been Waiting for
The most action-packed out of the other titles, Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance is the D&D action brawler players should check out. Unlike the other titles, there are only 4 characters players can choose from. Though these characters are iconic characters within D&D lore that old-time players will recognize.
This game encapsulates the Action Brawler feel of D&D. It brings to life that intense cinematic feel of battles that players imagine when playing D&D. Besides, having a boss rush style D&D game would be a blast.
2 Worst: Idle Champions- Think Cookie Clicker But Disguised As D&D
There is nothing inherently wrong with this game. It is functional. It has a lot of D&D characters, monsters and rich in lots of D&D loot to grab.
The major issue is that it is a clicker game. That is it. Tiny RPG elements. No strong story to follow, no interesting side missions, no fun NPC's to interact with. It is just a clicker game built for microtransactions—hardly the D&D experience.
1 Best: Baldur's Gate 3- The Optimal D&D Game That is Expanding And Growing To This Day
Also developed by Larian Studios, Baldur's Gate 3 cranks up the D&D game to the absolute limit. Though still in early access, this game is the perfect presentation of a D&D adventure.
It has got the rich setting of Baldur's Gate politics. It has a unique storyline involving a Mind Flayer Invasion. It has tactical turn-based combat. It has regular updates for bigger and better expansions. If Players are looking for the absolute best video game that captures the spirit of D&D, this is it.
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