Despite the lack of content, fans of the franchise remain steadfast and hungry for more. Fans remain loyal because of the series’ history of interesting characters, fantasy-world building, and fun RPG elements such as romanceable characters and choices that have consequences.
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There is no reason to fret though as many games have since been released or existed before 2014’s Inquisition. Until Dragon Age 4 comes out, here are a slew of games that are similar to BioWare’s Dragon Age series.
Updated on September 11, 2021 by Mark Sammut: As Dragon Age 4 appears to still be quite a distance away, a visit to Thedas will just have to wait. Thankfully, gaming is not lacking in RPGs that scratch that fantasy itch left by BioWare’s beloved franchise. Regardless of whether someone is a fan of Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, or Dragon Age: Inquisition, they should be able to find something similar enough to fill the void left by EA’s franchise. In pursuit of this, a couple more have been added to the recommendations.
16 Tyranny
Platforms: Windows, Linux, OS X
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Tyranny is an often overlooked RPG that holds plenty of similarities to the Pillars of Eternity games. Showcasing the studio’s immeasurable talent for nuanced storytelling, Tyranny casts players as Fatebinders, tools for control who work under the thumb of this universe’s dictator. As they travel across Terratus, Fatebinders make choices designed to enforce order, and morality plays no part here.
Tyranny embraces its grim setting to the fullest, providing each of its companions with tragic backstories that seldom offer a hopeful escape. While difficult and at times repetitive, Tyranny is a must-play for fans of grimdark fantasy RPGs.
15 Pillars Of Eternity 2: Deadfire
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Linux, macOS
Both Pillars of Eternity games are suitable for fans of Dragon Age, although which one someone goes for will depend on what they prioritize. The first PoE has a better storyline and more enjoyable exploration than its successor, but its combat system leaves quite a lot to be desired.
On the other hand, PoE: Deadfire finetunes the gameplay considerably, presenting a far more accessible and satisfying experience. Like Dragon Age: Origins, Deadfire is an isometric RPG with a robust class system and a plethora of companions to unlock. This is a deep RPG that can dominate someone’s time for months on end.
14 GreedFall
Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows
Spiders’ GreedFall comes across as a budget version of a BioWare game. Its combat might lack the polish of something like Dragon Age: Inquisition, but GreedFall shines in its storytelling and expansive world. Predominantly set on a strange island, players must deal with the locals while searching for medicine for their mother. Along with a direct combat system, GreedFall enables players to talk their way out of trouble, as long as they have the skill to do so.
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As a mid-tier RPG, GreedFall is ambitious, visually impressive, and reasonably well written. Just do not judge the game by its prologue as it is not representative of the campaign’s overall quality.
13 The Mass Effect Series
Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U, Windows, iOS, Android
Mass Effect is the obvious first choice. It was made by the same company that made Dragon Age, Bioware. Players can create their own protagonist who makes decisions with consequences that last throughout the game series. As with Dragon Age, the player can also form a party of interesting characters to build relationships with.
Many Dragon Age fans call this series “Dragon Age, but in space”, so it is a natural place to start for players unfamiliar with the series. The trilogy is also getting a remaster to release in Spring 2021, so perhaps an Origins remaster won’t be far behind.
12 The Outer Worlds
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
Fans of Mass Effect may have been disappointed with its most recent release Mass Effect: Andromeda. Enter The Outer Worlds. While it is not a Bioware game, it is quite a character-driven game. Like Dragon Age, players collect companions and explore a well-written story. However, The Outer Worlds is more like a Mass Effect since it is a space adventure.
Out of this game list, The Outer Worlds is one of the newer titles. However, it does stick to the old style of dialogue choices like Dragon Age: Origins did without a protagonist voice actor involved.
11 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
If fans want to stick to a fantasy setting, then The Witcher 3 is a good choice. While players do not get to create a unique protagonist, they still get to make choices that matter. This, of course, comes on top of exploring a dark fantasy world with interesting side characters and companions.
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The game is very large and can take a while for any completion-driven player. The first two games have aged quite a bit in comparison, but they may still be enjoyable.
10 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Platforms: Xbox, Windows, Linux, OS X, iOS, Android
While it definitely shows its age, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic still stands out as an especially great RPG. One of the major indications of this is all of the nearly perfect scores the game maintains. It was also made by Bioware, so its likeness to Dragon Age is not unexpected. It was named by IGN as one of the best games of its decade, only beaten by Shadow of the Colossus and Half-Life 2.
Players can create their own characters and make choices within the world of Star Wars. The game is also known for having one of the greater twists in video game history.
9 Fable 2
Platforms: Xbox 360
The Fable series is another older title, but one that many gamers remember. It has three games and they are very choice-driven with Fable 2 often regarded as the best in the series. The release of its first game was in 2004 and there are rumors of a new title of the series on the horizon. Like Dragon Age, there are different fantasy races and monsters (though you have to play as a human).
Fable 2 was released in 2008 and takes place 500 years after the first game’s events. What is unique about the game is how the character’s appearance morphs based on the decisions they make and the actions they take. Playing Fable 2 on PC takes a bit of a workaround, but Xbox One owners can access it fairly easily with Microsoft Game Pass.
8 Fallout: New Vegas
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Windows
Most people who have played Dragon Age have also played Bethesda games. While they are not as intimate with their characters as Dragon Age, the Fallout series still offers important choices and a unique world. It may not be in a fantasy setting, but there are some pretty fantastical creatures and post-apocalyptic races such as ghouls and super mutants. But Fallout: New Vegas really puts the focus on how choices have consequences.
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Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas veers from the typical setup of following a Vault dweller. Instead, people play as a courier in the American Southwest including Zion National Park in a DLC. The studio put a serious focus on player choice, and the decision made culminated in four unique endings for the game.
7 Divinity: Original Sin
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Windows, OS X, Linux
This fantasy role-playing game was released in 2014 and received good reviews for its story, turn-based combat, and meaningful choices. The turn-based combat is a great deal like Dragon Age, although it does have one major difference: the player cannot create their own protagonist.
Instead, Divinity: Original Sin game follows a customizable pair of Source Hunters – those who hunt dangerous mages. Their journey in Rivellon starts in Cyseal but quickly becomes fantastical involving goblins, imps, an ancient goddess, a dragon king, and more.
6 Baldur’s Gate And Baldur’s Gate 2
Platforms: Ps4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Mac Os, iOS, Android
Fans of the Dragon Age: Origins combat system will find Baldur’s Gate or its sequel to be fun options. The combat system is essentially the same, so that is important to know since fans either loved or hated the Origins combat system. But, fans will also love to know that this, too, is a Bioware-made game.
Players make a character similar to how one is made in Dungeons and Dragons then start adventuring from there. They can collect companions, quest to save the world, or just rob everyone instead.
5 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Mac OS, iPad
This follow-up to the 2014 game positively exploded in popularity. The game was crowd-funded, but saw massive Steam sales and continues to entice new players to its turn-based D&D style gameplay. Larian Studios, the developer, is currently working on their next big project: Baldur’s Gate 3.
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The game takes place well after the original game in a different region of Rivellon than Cyseal. Instead of following Source Hunters, the game follows individuals known as Sourcerers who also happen to be Godwoken. Woven into a complex tapestry of choices, the game offers up hundreds of unique choices to ensure a distinct playthrough every time. It also allows for up to four-person co-op and has a Dungeon Master mode.
4 Red Dead Redemption 2
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Windows, Google Stadia
This duo might not seem like a match, but when it comes to the essence of the game, it is. Though set in the Old West instead of a fantasy setting, the game still follows a single protagonist whose choices matter. While the player cannot create a unique character, they can change Arthur Morgan’s appearance and determine whether he makes good choices or is a total outlaw.
But more than that, the world in RDR2 is sweeping, lush, and vibrant with hundreds of NPCs who have their own stories. The plot is just as engaging as that of a Dragon Age game where players find themselves endeared and attached to these characters. The game is also insanely gorgeous and available on console and PC for increased accessibility.
3 Final Fantasy 12
Platforms: PS4, PS2, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows
Often regarded as the “red-headed stepchild” of the Final Fantasy universe, 12 has garnered more positive attention lately. The game has also received PC, PS4, and Xbox One updates along with a Nintendo Switch release. The Zodiac Age also shows how forward-thinking Square Enix was when developing this game in terms of its graphical capabilities. But anyone who loved the intrigue of “Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts” will love the political machinations on display in Final Fantasy 12.
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Don’t be fooled into thinking that Penelo and Vann are the main characters. The game is about imperialists, crystal magic, bloodlines, and Captain Bosch from Dalmasca. There’s also the effortlessly cool airship-owning couple Balthier and Fran who might also be Ivalice influencers.
2 Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Platforms: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Windows
The Elder Scrolls series is a little more similar to Dragon Age than Fallout because it is in a fantasy setting. The series features many great entries, but Skyrim ranks very high on Metacritic and with fans. The game follows the Dovahkiin as they navigate a war-torn Tamriel beset by the Imperials and the Stormcloaks.
Players can choose their race, customize their characters, go on a ton of quests, and explore a huge fantasy world all while making choices along the way. One major difference between this and a Dragon Age game, however, is that Skyrim is not as linear. A player can spend a hundred hours in the game and not have progressed the main story at all.
1 Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Google Stadia
Switching from a Dragon Age game to an Assassin’s Creed game would normally be like using chocolate milk instead of regular milk on cereal. But with Odyssey, the series debuted a very unique take on a series that used to be about stealth. Instead, Odyssey puts RPG elements at the forefront with combat that more resembles button-mashing than assassinating. Though players cannot customize their protagonist, they can play as Alexios or Kassandra and romance whomever they please.
The game puts players in a beautifully recreated ancient Greece and lets them sail all around the Mediterranean. That’s something Dragon Age has not let its fans do yet: take to the seas to perhaps sail from the Storm Coast to Kirkwall or beyond. Fans can live vicariously through Kassandra and her crew in Odyssey. There are also numerous mythological beasts to face, as well.
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