Isometric RPGs offer great stories and interesting combat systems. Whether you are already a fan or new to the genre, you will find something to enjoy on this top 10 list.
Isometric RPGs have been a staple of the gaming world since the early days of PC gaming. These games offer a top-down view of the game world. This means gamers can see the entire combat area, depending on how far they zoom out. Isometric RPGs tend to be story-driven, with complex characters and intricate plots. That doesn’t mean there’s no fighting! Many isometric RPGs have quite complex and challenging combat systems. Only a few go down a non-combat route.
Over the years, many great isometric RPGs have been developed, and this article looks at 10 of the best. Of course, the word “Best”, is pretty subjective, and you may not agree with every game on this list, but there’s no denying that all of these isometric RPGs have left their mark on the gaming scene.
Also Read: The 10 Best MMORPGs to Play in 2023
The 10 Best Isometric RPGs of All Time
10. Disco Elysium
Released in: 2019
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Disco Elysium is not your usual isometric RPG, as it is very narrative and lacks the traditional combat most gamers expect from the genre. Skill checks and dialogues take the place of action-based combat. It makes sense when you consider the story and protagonist: In Disco Elysium, gamers take on the role of a detective who suffers from amnesia due to his questionable life decisions. Initially, this protagonist is one of the most incapable, incompetent people gamers can find in an RPG.
The game’s open world is fun to explore, and there’s a surprising amount of character customisation and development. Even the clothing the protagonist wears can make a difference. Disco Elysium has a Metacritic score of 97, which is very impressive. While the setting of this game is very different from other isometric RPGs, it is worth a try if you enjoy open-world games in which you have a lot of influence on your character’s path.
9. Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
Released in: 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is the sequel to Pathfinder: Kingmaker. Both are excellent isometric RPGs that take weeks of gaming to complete: But the second game is better for new players as it lacks some of the more annoying components of its predecessor. The turn-based combat allows gamers to plan their moves and overcome interesting challenges.
The NPCs in the party have strong characters, and some gamers might feel tempted to murder some of them or never invite them to the party again! The storytelling makes it easy to lose yourself in the world of this game. It’s one game that stays with you after you finish it.
8. Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura
Released in: 2001
Platforms: PC
Arcanum is an older title but still worth playing as it has a unique system: Gamers must decide whether to use magic or technology. The game’s setting is a fantasy world undergoing its version of an industrial revolution. This creates some sort of rift between magic and technology users. When an ancient evil threatens the world, people seem to care less about whether magic or technology saves them, but the gamer’s decision still makes a difference.
The great thing about this isometric RPG isn’t only the setting; It’s also how many quests can be solved in many different ways. Gamers have the freedom to decide whether they want to be a thieving and murdering character or whether they’d rather be diplomatic, avoid combat, and use one or the other bribe to get their way. It’s a lot of fun, and many people play this game more than once.
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7. Tyranny
Released in: 2016
Platforms: PC
In most isometric RPGs, you start as an adventurer or hero destined to save the world. Unless gamers play an RPG in which they can choose their alignment, they generally end up being the good guy or girl. This is not the case in Tyranny. The game gives gamers no choice: The hero of this game is working for an evil overlord who has conquered the world. Gamers are sent into the world to restore order and handle the survivors.
And that’s where it gets interesting. How will gamers handle the survivors? Will they turn into evil overlords, or will they realise that the way things are going isn’t okay? If you’re sick of being a good character by default, Tyranny is the game to try!
6. Divinity: Original Sin II
Released in: 2017
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Divinity: Original Sin II is one of those RPGs that let you have some rather interesting romance options with the members of your party. Of course, gamers can avoid romance altogether, but it’s a highly entertaining optional part of the game. Gamers will also notice that NPCs will react to who they are: Elves are treated differently to Lizards, and some races are met with suspicion wherever they go.
The game offers not only a great story but also some rather impressive enemy AI. Gamers aren’t fighting against dumb enemies in this game; They might be surprised by how tough some fights can become if they aren’t prepared. This isometric RPG looks great, comes with a game master mode, and has good multiplayer options. If you’re waiting for Baldur’s Gate 3, this is the game to play.
5. Planescape: Torment
Released in: 1999
Platforms: PC
Planescape: Torment is another isometric RPG that’s a little unusual. While it doesn’t completely forgo combat for another system like Disco Elysium, combat isn’t very important in this game. Gamers take on the role of the Nameless One, an immortal man. However, there is a drawback: He can temporarily be killed and forgets everything he learned when he returns to life. Plus, every time he’s resurrected, another person has to die to keep the balance.
Gamers can fill their party with unique NPCs, like a floating skull. The whole experience of this game is wonderfully weird and fascinating. It’s an isometric RPG, but different from the other titles on this list. It’s old, but it’s a game every fan of isometric RPGs should have played once.
4. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
Released in: 2018
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
In Pillars of Eternity II, gamers fight on land and take the battle to sea. The combat onboard ships and ship-to-ship combat is a cool addition. The game takes gamers to interesting locations with much to explore. Another interesting feature of this isometric RPG is the companion system which gives gamers a lot of influence over who their companions are and which skills they use.
While the main story of this RPG isn’t quite as impressive as in other RPGs, Pillars of Eternity II is still a fun, complex, and visually nice gaming experience. The side missions in this game are great, and the DLC packs add to the experience. Gamers have some freedom in how the story develops, and the character creation is one of the best in the genre.
3. Icewind Dale
Released in: 2000
Platforms: PC
Icewind Dale is one of the isometric RPG classics. Even with the outdated graphics, the game is still fun. Gamers fill up their party with characters they created, which can lead to interesting but not viable party compositions. It’s the kind of RPG where gamers must consider who they want to bring to a fight.
The story of this RPG is a preamble to R.A. Salvatore’s Icewind Dale trilogy (Which is fun to read). While the story isn’t as epic as other RPGs from that era, the snowy setting and the soundtrack are outstanding. An enhanced edition of Icewind Dale was released in 2014. That’s the version gamers should use to experience the game at its best.
2. Diablo
Released in: 1997
Platforms: PC, PlayStation
Diablo is another classic. This game’s focus is an action rather than a story-driven RPG. While the most recent addition, Diablo 4, is currently taking the world of action RPG fans by storm, the classic deserves a place in this list because there’d be no Diablo 2, 3, or 4 without the success of the original Diablo. Of course, it doesn’t look very nice compared to the 2023 title, but it was, and still is incredible fun.
The game’s attraction lies in the randomly generated dungeons and the moody music. The gameplay is quite addictive. Gamer’s hack and slash through the game, collect loot, and work on quest completion. Sure, the story is average compared to other RPGs, but people don’t just play Diablo games for the story.
1. Baldur’s Gate Series
Released in: 1998, 2000, and 2023
Platforms: PC (And PS5 for Baldur’s Gate 3), Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition is also available for iPad, OS X, Android, Linux, Xbox One, PS 4, and Nintendo Switch
It’s hard to choose just one from this series. Each Baldur’s Gate game is a great experience. Of course, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the best-looking and most modern of all three titles, but Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 have no reason to hide in the newest addition’s shadow. Baldur’s Gate games are based on D&D rules, giving gamers much freedom and a few challenges. You can mess up your build and die constantly or be incredibly powerful.
What draws gamers to Baldur’s Gate games is the great setting, the exciting story, the decisions you can make within the story, and the fact you can romance NPCs in your party. Baldur’s Gate is an isometric fantasy RPG experience at its best. It’s no wonder many other RPGs cite Baldur’s Gate as their inspiration.
Also Read: Baldur’s Gate 3: Should I Play Early Access or Wait for Full Release?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Isometric RPGs Difficult?
Some of them are challenging, while others are easy. Many isometric RPGs allow gamers to adjust difficulty from easy to difficult. Gamers can always experiment with these settings to see which is the most fun for them.
Why Is Neverwinter Nights Not on This List?
Fair question. After all, Wikipedia and some other sites make the mistake of calling Neverwinter Nights an isometric game. But it isn’t. The developer’s goal was to make Neverwinter Nights a full 3D RPG and be different from the likes of Baldur’s Gate. It’s an excellent RPG, but it is not isometric.
What Other Game Genres Use Isometric Gameplay?
In addition to RPGs, gamers can find isometric shooters, adventure games, strategy games, and action games. In some genres, however, isometric gameplay is rare to find.
Author Profile
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Name: Kim Anisi
Intro: Gaming has been my passion since childhood. The journey started when I received hand-me-down games on Atari and Amiga systems from my brother and I now mainly play games on PC. Among the vast genres in the gaming world that I have tried, my personal favourites are RPGs, MMORPGs, (Action) adventures, horror games, and settlement/city builders. Overcoming the challenges and helping others in games provide a great satisfaction to me.