Open-world RPGs have enthralled players since the dawn of the gaming world. The allure of embarking on epic quests, forging unique destinies, and unraveling rich narratives in sprawling virtual realms is undeniably enticing. With so many titles withholding higher and higher price tags though, it can be tough for budget-conscience gamers to find worthy experiences in the genre.
Fortunately, there are plenty of games, old and new, for fans of RPGs with vast worlds to play for under $20. Whether it is a small indie title or a famous AAA game, these games all have enticing experiences fit for any gamer with a sense of adventure.
8 The Elder Scrolls Online
- Price: $19.99 (Base Game)
The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMORPG that was released back in 2014, yet remains entirely relevant today. ESO also has one of the largest maps in video gaming history, as it seeks to take all of Tamriel and tie it together through expansions that fans can purchase.
Players can visit Skyrim, Cyrodiil, and even Morrowind. For beginners though, it is best to explore the main sections of the map before diving into expansions. Throughout the base game's main quests, players will be thrown on a journey to fend off Molag Bal, one of the cruelest Daedric princes in the Elder Scrolls lore.
7 Fallout 4
- Price: $19.99
2015 was a fantastic year for gaming, as players were given titles like Batman: The Arkham Knight, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. One of the best games released in 2015, and a close contender for Game of the Year, is Fallout 4. This post-apocalyptic game places players in the shoes of their custom character, who is married and has a child. When a nuclear bomb threatens all existence, players are forced into a vault to survive the event, and that's when the game really starts.
Fallout 4 has a large world full of random events, quests, and characters to encounter, which offers up hundreds of hours of amazing gameplay. Players can even to partake in different quests that can change the game's ending, along with the choices made throughout the game.
6 Black Desert
- Price: $9.99 (Base Game)
Black Desert is another great MMORPG that fans of the genre will find to be an incredible experience. As one of the more unique MMO experiences, Black Desert Online has a well-developed open world to explore, magnificent combat mechanics to flaunt, and enthralling quests to undertake.
In a fantastic fantasy setting, the game's narrative centers around the clash between two ancient civilizations: the powerful and mysterious Black Desert Empire and the valiant and noble Republic of Calpheon. As players delve into the story, they uncover a web of political intrigue, hidden conspiracies, and the struggle for power and dominance. Black Desert also has some of the best graphics in the MMO field, adding to its immersive elements.
5 Cassette Beasts
- Price: $19.99
Developed by Bytten Studio, Cassette Beasts offers a unique twist in the monster-collecting genre by introducing a cassette-based theme. Players explore a mysterious island teeming with diverse and captivating creatures called "Beasts." With the ability to capture and combine these Beasts, players are bestowed with limitless customization options, encouraging creativity and strategic thinking in their quest to build the ultimate team.
Cassette Beasts is a brilliant game for fans of Pokemon and Pokemon-like RPGs, especially fans of open-world indie games. Cassette Beasts is a shining example of how indie developers continue to push the boundaries of the RPG genre, appealing to new and seasoned players alike.
4 Dysmantle
- Price: $19.99
The apocalyptic setting has been utilized in many video games, but Dysmantle is one of the most unique apocalyptic titles that fans of the RPG genre should jump into. One of the most exciting parts about Dysmantle (as true to its name), is that players are rewarded for destroying almost everything.
Destroying things will give players vital materials to upgrade their gear, a crucial aspect in Dysmantle. There is also a rich history in the world. Players can sift through its intense lore while completing discovering new places, completing puzzles, and, once again, deconstructing the world.
3 Dragon Age: Inquisition
- Price: $19.99
Dragon Age: Inquisition is a fairly recognizable name, because it won Game of the Year in 2014.Dragon Age: Inquisition is such an important RPG because it laid the groundwork for future RPG titles. Though it may not have the large open world that Skyrim or No Man's Sky has, Dragon Age: Inquisition does have a vivid world that players can explore.
With dragons lurking in a dark time with war plaguing the world, players are sent on a journey to lead a crucial defense against villainous nations, dragons, and other dangerous antagonists. As one of the first games to receive heavy acclaim for its RPG aspects, like character customization and dialogue choices, Dragon Age: Inquisition is still a relevant choice when looking for RPGs to play.
2 Genshin Impact
- Price: Free
Waking up in the world of Teyvat, players are separated from their character's twin sibling and eventually set on a quest to reunite with them. On the way, gamers will unveil the truth about the siblings' separation. Out of all the free-to-play games that players can download straight away, Genshin Impact is arguably one of the best. Gamers play as various anime characters that they can acquire through purchases or by 'wishing' them with the game's unique character acquisition system.
Each character has a different elemental type, weapons, and moves to utilize while adventuring through the Breath of the Wild-esque open world. There's also plenty of do for a free-to-play game, making it one of the best games o get into without spending too much money.
1 Dread Delusion
- Price: $19.99
Dread Delusion is an adventure game styled after old-school RPGs such as The Elder Scrolls. Throughout the broken world of Dread Delusion, players will face horrific dangers that threaten the existence of humanity. Set in a series of floating islands after an apocalyptic event had occurred, players will unearth secrets, and change the game with each action they take.
Dread Delusion boasts an array of developed characters to meet, along with the freedom to create a custom character. Players will also find themselves exploring a mysterious world brimming with captivating lore, while facing crucial decisions that impact the story. This indie gem stands out for delivering one of the finest open-world experiences, with its meticulously hand-crafted environments captivating fans and drawing them deeper into its intriguing narrative.