Summary
Video games that used ahigh fantasysetting as their backdrop were some of the most common in the industry. It is easy to see why game developers could look atDungeons & Dragonsand J.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Ringsfor inspiration for stories and settings.
However, in recent years, high fantasy Tolkienesque settings have become less commonplace, with more developers preferring to use post-apocalyptic or even modern-day settings. But that does not mean fans lack a choice of great games that use a high fantasy concept. Some of the greatest games of the last two generations are still happy to use worlds steeped in swords, sorcery, elves, and witchcraft.
Updated on June 24, 2025, by Michael Llewellyn:Whether it’s traditional Tolkienesque fantasy, whimsical adventures, or dark, gritty themes, the fantasy genre can cater to many tastes. This also applies to gaming genres from action RPGs to strategy games. This list is updated to include two more fantasy-based games and information tags for most titles.
Unicorn Overlordis an accessible and stunning tactical RPG from Vanillaware. It’s an accessible but rich game with tons of depth and a cast of terrific characters. Players take on the role of a prince tasked with reclaiming his family’s kingdom and getting revenge after his parents were betrayed.
The prince must form alliances with humans, bestrals, elves, and more to increase his army to reclaim his land. The battles are played out automatically, but the compelling aspect ofUnicorn Overlord’sgameplay is the preparation before every battle and watching it unfold on the screen. The 2D characters are beautifully drawn, well-written, and acted.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, the second entry in CD Projekt Red’s dark fantasy action RPG series, offers players a darker experience in the high fantasy genre. It is based on the fantasy novels of the same name and explores a land of cruelty, prejudice, and war. It isn’t as open as its successor,The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,but there are still wide open areas to explore with lots of detailed towns full of side quests.
The combat isn’t as polished, but it remains strategic with fluid action that is both challenging and satisfying. However, it does have more difficulty spikes compared to its successor, making it notably more challenging. This game serves as a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the rich world, lore, and characters of The Witcher series.
Players looking for a fantasy game that feels and looks unlike anything else in the genre should look no further thanMetaphor: ReFantazio.Developed by Atlus, its gameplay is similar to thePersonaseries but manages to improve on the gameplay formula and tell a compelling story that improves as it develops.
Metaphor: ReFantazio’sfantasy element is distinguished by its inclusion of fairies and various races, yet it stands apart in the fantasy genre due to itsunique character designsand Victorian-esque architecture. The nightmarish monster designs rank among the most bizarre, featuring grotesque and horrific creatures for players to battle. The turn-based battles are as stylish and tactical as the latest entries in thePersonaseries, but the combat is faster-paced and feels fresh again.
Final Fantasy 9is one of the most high fantasy games in the mainline series. Where many entries combine science fiction and fantasy,FF9is a throwback to the early days of the iconic JRPG series. Even if players aren’t swayed by nostalgia there is something magical about this entry, from the opening scenes with the flying ship to when players get their first glimpse of the little mage Vivi making his way through the crowds in Alexandria.
While it contains emotional and darker moments,Final Fantasy 9possesses a less somber tone compared to its predecessors on the PS1, featuring a light-heartedness that is more akin to games from theDragon QuestorManaseries.FF9leads players through a thrilling adventure where minor events gradually lead to a grand narrative. Additionally, once the world becomes accessible, it is filled with numerous secrets and side quests to uncover.
Dragon’s Dogma 2is an open-world action RPG set in a merciless fantasy realm teeming with creatures, monsters, and dragons, drawing inspiration from renowned fantasy works ranging fromThe Lord of the Ringsto Harryhausen classics such asJason and the Argonauts.The narrative is serviceable, but not as memorable asThe Witcherseries,even though it has improved considerably from the first game.
Dragon’s Dogma 2,with its open-world gameplay,diverse classes—also referred to as vocations—and an impressive combat system provides a distinctive experience that seems customized for each player.Dragon’s Dogma 2instills a sense of wonder that drives players to continue exploring. Additionally, battling massive creatures such as ogres, dragons, and the Cyclops is consistently exhilarating, and the magnitude and scale of the gigantic Talos are truly awe-inspiring.
Trials of Manais a remake of the Super Famicom (SNES) classic of the same name that launched in 1995. The 1995 version was translated, ported, and launched as part of theCollection of Manain 2019, but this is a 3D remake of the sequel to the fan-favoriteSecret of Mana.Players can select a lead and two party members from six selectable characters. The story is an entertainingDragon Quest-style adventure in an immersive fantasy world that harks back to the innocence and simplicity of 16-bit era JRPGs. It’s a solid introduction to theManaseries before theupcomingVisions of Manalaunches in 2024.
20Golden Axe (Series)
A Classic Side Scrolling Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Fighter From Sega
TheGolden Axeseries is a side-scrolling action series from Sega based on Sword & Sworcery books and movies likeConanbut implements elements of high fantasy into the characters, magic, and stories. Robert E. Howard’sConanandKullnovels influence the barbarian and Amazonian characters, but the Tolkienesque races and villains like Death Adder are present. IgnoringBeast Rideron the PS3, fantasy fans will enjoy the original trilogy, which is available as part of theSega Genesis/Megadrive Collection.Sega announceda newGolden Axetitlein the works at the 2023 Game Awards.
Adopting a more action-based fighting system,Final Fantasy 16utilizes aDevil May Cry-style combat. However, it is still aFinal Fantasygame with explorable maps, side quests, towns, and endearing characters. While the mechanics and focus on one character limit the scope of customization, the 2023 release feels like more of aFinal Fantasygame than - the still enjoyable -Final Fantasy 15.
Final Fantasy 16utilizes a dark medieval fantasyvisually similar to theGame of ThronesTV show. The world is a bit drab, but there are many high-fantasy elements that fans will love. There is sorcery, dragoons, dragons, knights, magic, orcs, goblins, and more. Moreover, the Godzilla-like boss battles are some of the most epic in gaming.
While not held in the same regard asThe Elder Scrolls,Kingdoms of Amalurgained a cult following among RPG fans thanks to its dream-like fantasy world, lore, and flexible combat system that played like a hack-and-slash game. Created by a dream team of developers,Kingdoms of Amalurwas overseen bySpawn’sTodd McFarlane, fantasy writer R.A. Salvadore,The Elder Scrollsdesigner Ken Rolston, and composer Grant Kirkhope.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoningwas good news for fans as the now-classic RPG was remastered, and this version even received a new story expansion calledFatesworn. While not as dark or in-depth asThe Witcher 3,Kingdom of Amalur’s world, characters, and excellent gameplay deserve praise.
With franchises associated with high fantasy, few are more prominent thanMiddle-earthandThe Lord of the Ringsby J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkienesque is associated with most fantasy settings, fromDragon AgetoBaldur’s Gate. However, it does not get more Tolkienesque than two quality titles set in theLOTRuniverse,Middle-earth: Shadow of MordorandShadow of War.
The games put players in the shoes of a ranger named Talion. He is killed in battle but revived with the powers of a Wraith and is hellbent on taking revenge on Sauron’s armies of orcs. The story is set betweenThe HobbitandThe Lord of the Ringsand portrays a universe that satisfies fans of the movies and TV shows.
