Best Philosophical RPGs

Certain games probe the minds of their players, asking difficult questions and discussing interesting and thought-provoking topics. From leadership to sacrifice to existential crisis, these and many other subjects have been bravely tackled by games of different genres and production scales.

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It barely matters if a game had a massive budget or was made by a single person; the video game medium allows for artistic freedom, and throughout the years many gems have emerged, such as the popular indie game Undertale, which goes deep into the very nature of choice. Some games openly discuss their preferred topics using the characters, while others utilize philosophical metaphors and subtle cues to leave their work up to the interpretation of the players.

10 The Witcher Series

The Witcher franchise has followed many of the philosophies initially presented by the great book series and has expanded quite a lot on the themes. In certain places, it went even deeper than the books.

The true nature of good and evil, political neutrality, racism, and many other difficult subjects have been showcased to a great extent in the games. The literal monstrosities are often juxtaposed against the horrific deeds that simple humans are capable of, actively pointing out the fact that there are things far worse than monsters.

9 The Fallout Series

War never changes, but the Fallout series has exponentially grown over the years, as has its range of themes and topics. It raises questions about the nature of humanity, morality, and the consequences of technological advancement. The game’s underlying philosophy reflects a pessimistic view of human nature, highlighting how society’s collapse can reveal one’s capacity for both altruism and cruelty.

The concept of the “wasteland” underscores existentialist ideas, where individuals must find their own purpose in a world devoid of meaning. The series really dives deep into the ethical dilemmas associated with technology, such as nuclear power and artificial intelligence, prompting players to consider the weight and consequences of their choices.

8 The Pathfinder Series

The Pathfinder series has always given a lot of freedom to players; they can be as helpful or destructive as possible, but the consequences have always followed closely behind. One might take the path of evil but will eventually have to bear the weight of their choices. Ultimately, players have always navigated the scales of morality in their own way.

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Interestingly enough, Philosophy is an actual mechanic in the game, akin to religious belief. Depending on each character’s beliefs, they may find friends or foes in certain places and oftentimes briefly discuss the philosophical implications.

7 Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 stands out within the franchise, with many considering it the pinnacle of the series. The ultimate sacrifice, existentialism, and the lengths to which Shepard can go in order to save the universe showcase the infinite human struggles and the indomitable human spirit.

Oftentimes, the choices and their implications are not so clear-cut, with certain, seemingly kinder options leading to devastating results down the line and vice-versa. But at the very core of the series has always been camaraderie and relentlessness, shedding a hopeful light even in the darkness of the ever-expanding cosmos.

6 Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

What does it mean to be human? It is fascinating how a game about being a vampire highlights that exact dilemma. Even on a mechanical level, Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines showcases exactly how one might descend into a beast, losing whatever humanity remains.

The struggle for power and the dangers of its temptation are woven throughout the game. With its own version of Pandora’s box, the game never lets the player forget that they can open it, promising unimaginable power or unimaginable chaos.

5 Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Origins throws the player head-first into a world of turmoil, with reality itself bursting at the seams, and unapologetically puts the weight of saving it on their shoulders. The Grey Wardens’ fate is by no means easy, with even their ultimate end usually consisting of stumbling in the darkness, fighting to their last breath as they struggle with madness.

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Responsibility hardly encompasses the scale of philosophical themes the game offers, but it is one that drives the character, and it is up to them to uphold their Order’s traditions of strength and good or give in to the ever-hungry maws of chaos.

4 Planescape: Torment

Planescape: Torment still remains an incredibly important RPG, being one of the first to experiment with the genre and push its potential to the limit. The game delves into questions of identity, mortality, and the nature of reality. It emphasizes the power of choice and consequences, with the player’s decisions shaping the protagonist’s journey.

Themes of rebirth, redemption, and the search for meaning are integral to the story, set in a unique multiverse where belief shapes reality. At some point, everyone has to ponder: “What can change the nature of man?”

3 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Knights of the Old Republic explores moral ambiguity, free will, and the consequences of choice in a galaxy torn by war. It delves into the concept of the Force, offering players the moral spectrum of the Jedi and Sith. The narrative is shaped by the player’s decisions, challenging traditional notions of good and evil.

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After all, what really is the difference between the hero and the villain? Sometimes the balance hangs on a single decision, and at times, the line is incredibly blurred.

2 The Banner Saga Series

The Banner Saga is an epic trilogy of tactical role-playing games that masterfully weaves Viking folklore with profound themes of leadership, morality, and the relentless march of time. It explores existential dilemmas, emphasizing the weight of decisions, the inevitability of sacrifice, and the consequences of leadership in a world on the brink of destruction.

The hand-drawn art style and evocative music perfectly accompany the game’s themes, immersing players in a beautifully bleak and thought-provoking journey that ponders the human condition amidst adversity and various impossible hardships.

1 Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium took a fantastic TTRPG base system of character abilities and dice rolls and completely broke the typical RPG formula. With next to no combat, the game instead focuses on exploration, problem-solving, and intriguing detective work.

Every piece of the world is soaked in philosophical debates and questions, pushing the players to evaluate their every step and consider the larger picture. Themes of self-destruction, redemption, and everyone’s battle with their own demons are perfectly mirrored in the protagonist, and it is up to the player to unravel the intricate plot in the dystopian world and just maybe find a ray of hope in it along the way.

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