Nowadays, we have access to real 3D modeling. But isometric RPGs are still pretty popular from a stylistic standpoint. Modern games often go for an isometric perspective as an homage to seminal titles like Diablo II and Baldur’s Gate, and draw in fans of these classic adventures. But what if you’re looking for even more isometric titles to try out? Well if you’re itching for even more RPG adventures, here are 15 isometric titles you can’t miss.
15. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (2007)
Available on PSP / Mobile Most people think of exploration and looting when they think of isometric RPGs. But the Tactical sub-genre has seen its fair share of isometric-style graphics. FFT: The War of the Lions is an improved version of the PS1 classic, bringing much the same gameplay with a couple of nice new additions. You’ll take the role of Ramza Beoulve and command a growing army of units on grid-based 3D maps – from the isometric perspective. The game has appealing sprites, a complex and in-depth Job system, and will present a serious challenge for even the most well-versed TRPG lovers.
14. Neverwinter Nights 2 (2006)
Available on PC Games based on Dungeons & Dragons are a dime a dozen in the isometric RPG subgenre. But few series are as well-loved as Neverwinter Nights. The game takes place in and around the city of Neverwinter, in the Sword Coast. You can choose between 16 races and 12 classes when creating your characters – and unlock up to 17 more while playing through the campaign. The narrative is fantastic in both the main game and its expansions – Mask of the Betrayer, Storm of Zehir, and Mysteries of Westgate.
13. Wasteland 2 (2014)
Available on PC Crowdfunded by former Fallout developers, the original Wasteland brought players to a post-nuclear USA that’s totally not a Fallout ripoff. Explore the deserts of post-apocalyptic Arizona and California as a novice Desert Ranger. Follow clues to find whoever murdered Ace – the best Desert Ranger the world has seen since the bombs dropped. And the setting isn’t the only thing that’ll remind you of the first two Fallout games. The remarkably “free” RPG gameplay and poignant storyline (punctuated by some great dark humor) are also reflections of its spiritual predecessor.
12. Path of Exile (2013)
Available on PC / PS4 / Xbox One Launching a spiritual successor to a series that has veered a little bit too far from its origins isn’t uncommon in the isometric RPG space. Path of Exile is heavily influenced by the classic dungeon-crawling action of Diablo and Diablo II. The dark fantasy storyline, the randomly-generated areas, and even the UI are all very reminiscent of Blizzard’s influential series. Among my favorite parts of PoE are its classes, some of which harken back to classic Diablo ones – like the Templar – while others are entirely its own. These include Duelists, Shadows, and the Scion.
11. Pathfinder: Kingmaker (2018)
Available on PC / PS4 / Xbox One One of the most recent pen-and-paper game adaptations to find their way to our screens is Pathfinder: Kingmaker – based on Paizo’s Pathfinder franchise. It’s based on all six Adventure Path campaign modules from the original Pathfinder, along with the kingdom-building aspects of the Kingmaker module. Ruling your minor realm within the Stolen Lands is one of the game’s main features. There is a lot to see in Pathfinder: Kingmaker. And when I mean “a lot”, I mean “at least 80 hours to clear the game”. Not to mention there’s also plenty of mods to keep you busy even after the main story.
10. Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura (2001)
Available on PC One of the less-talked-about yet still influential isometric RPGs of the last few decades is Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura. This title shines for its unique blend of fantasy and steampunk tropes. It takes place in a fantastical realm where magic is just another fact of life – at a time of change comparable to an industrial revolution. As such, your character can be gifted in magic just like they can be a guns expert or a gadget user. The game also gives you a lot of freedom to face the game’s challenges. You can be a diplomat that avoids battles of strength, a stealthy rogue, or a combat-minded warrior.
9. Pillars of Eternity (2015)
Available on PC / PS4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch Pillars of Eternity can be thought about as a spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate. Pillars features similar mechanics, exploration, and a storyline where ripples of Baldur’s Gate can be found everywhere. Other than its gorgeous visuals, Pillars shines for its well-written storyline and fully fleshed-out supporting cast. The narrative remains gripping while at the same time changing course depending on the player’s action. One of the game’s most appealing aspects is that EXP is only awarded by questing and exploring, pushing the player to experience as many side-quests as they can on their quest for power.
8. Tyranny (2016)
Available on PC One of the most interesting isometric RPG offerings of recent times has to be Tyranny – where instead of a plucky hero on a quest to end the Demon King, you’re a general in his army. This unusual premise is followed-up by a series of choices during the campaign that will question what kind of tyrannical ruler you want to be. The infernal landscapes may look horrifying, but you’ll realize it isn’t that much different from the alternative when you look closer.
7. Planescape: Torment: Enhanced Edition (2017)
Available on PC / Mobile / PS4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch This updated and remastered version of the 1997 masterpiece Planescape remains just as awe-inspiring now as it was decades ago. This title is famous for its incredible narrative that delves deep into existential themes such as the meaning of life, the nature of consciousness, and the consequences of immortality – which the main character happens to enjoy. The Enhanced Edition reinstates a lot of content initially dropped from the game’s final cut due to time constraints. It’s also higher-resolution and runs perfectly on modern setups.
6. Hades (2020)
Available on PC / Nintendo Switch The most recent release on this list (as of this writing) is also one of the better-looking. With Hades you’ll find an appealing art style that permeates every environment, sprite, and character portrait. Brought to you by the same developers as Bastion and Transistor(Supergiant Games) Hades puts you in the shoes of Zagreus, the prince of the Underworld, on his quest to escape and take refuge in mount Olympus. This Roguelike RPG has deep loot systems, smooth gameplay, and lots of unique content to discover. The multi-ethnic cast of Olympians is also fantastic.
5. Diablo II (2000)
Available on PC Both the original Diablo and its successor are among the most influential games of the late 90s and early 2000s. Their dark fantasy setting, horror ambiance, and fantastic hack-and-slash gameplay were an introduction to isometric RPGs for many of us – leaving a lasting impression that would color how we approached these games for the rest of our lives. Diablo II and its expansion(Lord of Destruction) shine for their online capabilities, too. Granted, online is a given for most games nowadays. But at the time of release, it was mind-blowing.
4. Disco Elysium (2019)
Available on PC / PS4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch Diablo’s hack-and-slash gameplay became an inspiration for many isometric RPGs that came afterward. But not all of them respect the traditions. Disco Elysium is an isometric RPG with no combat whatsoever. Instead, conflicts and challenges are resolved through skill-based dialogue trees. If you value high-quality writing (certified by several BAFTA awards) and exploring worlds that deviate from the usual fantasy setting, you’d be a fool not to try Disco Elysium.
3. Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition (2013)
Available on PC / Mobile / PS4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch The original Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn was released back in 2000 to user and critical acclaim. The sheer sense of freedom you felt while exploring every corner of the country of Amn was simply unmatched at the time. It also features great romance options, and the side-quests are so good you might say some are better than the primary campaign. This Enhanced Edition includes both the Throne of Bhaal expansion and all-new content, such as new party members to recruit. It’s also more compatible with modern systems, ensuring you’ll be able to run it in widescreen HD resolutions from the get-go.
2. Fallout 2 (1998)
Available on PC Another title that’s widely-known for how much freedom you’re given once you start your post-apocalyptic adventure is Fallout 2. Most people know Fallout for the open-world FPS titles that have come out ever since Bethesda acquired the IP. But OG fans know (and miss) the series’ isometric origins. In Fallout 2 you’re free to do almost whatever you want, once you set out to find resources for your tribe in the post-nuclear American Wasteland. Even during character creation, the sheer amount of fleshed-out build options gives you a taste of how unique each playthrough will be. And this is another game that’s so beloved by fans that it also has a pretty massive mod library.
1. Divinity: Original Sin II (2017)
Available on PC / PS4 / Xbox One / Nintendo Switch I’m sure lots of you expected to see one of the classics up in the top spot. But if you’ve given Divinity: Original Sin II some playtime, you know why it deserves the honor. Rather than a single feature, this game shines for the attention to detail directed at each of the game’s aspects. The graphics are fantastic, the combat and contextual puzzle solving are challenging, and the writing can be just as gripping as it can be hilarious depending on the situation. The game rewards creative investigation and wandering into places you probably shouldn’t be. If, like me, you’re the kind of player who simply needs to explore every single pixel of land the moment you get access to it, you’ll love this title.
