Disco Elysium has captured the hearts of many role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts, primarily due to its unique story, intriguing setting, and deep character development. For those seeking similar gaming experiences, we've compiled a list of the top five Disco Elysium alternative games. Each offering brings its story, gameplay, and setting that can captivate and immerse players. Let's dive into these fantastic alternatives.
1. Divinity: Original Sin 2
Divinity: Original Sin 2 by Larian Studios is a masterpiece in RPG gaming and a suitable alternative for fans of Disco Elysium. The game is set in the immersive world of Rivellon, brimming with complex characters, an engaging story, and strategic turn-based gameplay.
Gameplay
Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers a deep, turn-based combat system, with a vast array of abilities, spells, and skills for the player to choose from. The environmental interaction in combat is one of the game's unique features, with water, oil, and other surface elements playing a significant role in how battles unfold. Players can also engage in cooperative or competitive multiplayer mode with up to four friends.
Story and Setting
The game takes place in Rivellon, where a powerful force known as the Source is being hunted by the Magisters who seek to eradicate its users. Players choose their protagonist from six origin characters (or create their custom hero) and embark on quests that can be completed in various ways, with consequences and interactions affecting the storyline. With rich lore, deep character development, and a robust class system, players will be enthralled with the game's immersive setting.
2. Planescape: Torment - Enhanced Edition
Often touted as one of the best-written games of all time, Planescape: Torment - Enhanced Edition earns a place on the list due to its stellar narrative, thought-provoking themes, and fascinating setting.
Gameplay
Planescape: Torment - Enhanced Edition is an isometric RPG using the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset and real-time combat with pause. Throughout the game, players engage in rich, dialog-heavy interactions with unique characters that help drive the story. Puzzles and various side quests often require creative thinking, rather than pure combat prowess.
Story and Setting
Set in the city of Sigil, a hub filled with portals to infinite planes, players control the Nameless One, an immortal protagonist with no past. The story weaves philosophical questions of the mind and existence with a rich, fantastical setting filled with bizarre creatures and a well-designed world. As the plot unfolds, players encounter unforgettable characters and engaging stories that challenge conventional RPG tropes.
3. Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition
Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Definitive Edition, developed by Owlcat Games, is a notable RPG offering based on the tabletop Pathfinder Adventure Path. The game's kingdom management mechanic sets it apart from others, adding an extra layer of depth to its immersive story and gameplay.
Gameplay
Pathfinder: Kingmaker employs a real-time with pause combat system, with party-based mechanics reminiscent of the classic Dungeons & Dragons games. The most distinguishing feature is the kingdom management aspect, where players eventually rule their land and make decisions impacting its growth, economy, and the people. Each kingdom feature requires careful consideration to maintain balance and avoid chaos.
Story and Setting
The game follows the player's journey to become the ruler of the Stolen Lands, a landlocked territory filled with potential and unrest. With deep character customization and development, players lead their party through an epic story brimming with fascinating characters, choices, and consequences. Richly detailed environments, a branching narrative, and a world steeped in lore make for an engaging setting in which to explore, make allies, and conquer enemies.
4. Torment: Tides of Numenera
Often considered a spiritual successor to Planescape: Torment, Torment: Tides of Numenera is another top Disco Elysium alternative due to its strong narrative focus, philosophical themes, and intriguing gameplay.
Gameplay
While Torment: Tides of Numenera does feature turn-based combat for some encounters, the game leans heavily on dialogue, decision making, and exploration. Players have the option to resolve problems non-violently or use creative solutions that rely on their character's skills and attributes. The choices made throughout the game impact the story and how the world reacts to the protagonist, adding depth and replayability.
Story and Setting
In Torment: Tides of Numenera, players take on the role of the Last Castoff, the final vessel for an ancient being's consciousness. As players explore the Ninth World, a post-apocalyptic Earth one billion years in the future, they must uncover the truth about their existence and the mysterious Tides that govern reality. With thought-provoking themes and a richly detailed world filled with unique characters, this title offers a captivating and engaging setting for RPG fans.
5. Pillars of Eternity - Definitive Edition
Developed as an homage to classic isometric RPGs, Pillars of Eternity - Definitive Edition by Obsidian Entertainment brings a meticulously crafted world, compelling writing, and strategic gameplay to the table, earning its place among top Disco Elysium alternatives.
Gameplay
Pillars of Eternity features a real-time with pause combat system that allows players to strategically control their party of up to six characters. With a vast array of spells, abilities, and items, players are encouraged to experiment with different strategies to overcome challenging encounters. Exploration and dialogue-driven quests are also significant components of the game, as players uncover the story and lore of the world.
Story and Setting
Set in the world of Eora, specifically the Dyrwood region, Pillars of Eternity follows the story of a "Watcher" who can interact with souls and memories of the past. Over the course of the game, players unravel the mysteries surrounding these abilities and their crucial connection to a crisis plaguing the land. With deep character development, nuanced moral choices, and a vast and immersive world filled with faction politics and intricate relationships, Pillars of Eternity offers a rich RPG experience for fans of Disco Elysium.
Bottom Line
While Disco Elysium stands out with its unique offering in the RPG genre, these five alternative games provide similar immersive experiences for players seeking to expand their gaming horizons. Each game's compelling stories, engaging gameplay, and rich settings ensure that fans of Disco Elysium will find something to enjoy in these fantastic titles. Happy gaming!