Engaging with a fantastic series can be incredibly fun, to dive deep into a story that evolves and connects from one game to the next. But doing so can be quite a time commitment, and it isn’t always clear if the entire collection is right for the player.
However, there are many series where everyone is free to jump in at any point in the franchise. Sure, certain references and callbacks might be lost, but by no means does that take away from the overall experience with the game. Whether players are looking to dip their toes into a popular series, or just want to enjoy the game as soon as it comes out, there is a plethora of choices to pick from.
10 Far Cry
The Far Cry series has come a long way, from its first release back in 2004 to Far Cry 6 in 2021. The franchise is popular for its memorable villains, dynamic and engaging action, and the freedom to carve one’s own path.
Each game in the series has its own unique story and characters, and each is even set in a different time period. Players can hop into any game or world that fits them best, and enjoy the full experience, without worrying about missing any important information.
9 The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls has fascinated players for many years now, with every released RPG bringing in more and more players. While some of the oldest entries in the series can look and feel quite a bit dated at this point, they are still an important part of video game history.
The order in which the games are played holds little to no importance, as every game has a unique protagonist that players shape to their needs and preferences anyway. Each game holds something special, and players can easily start with the one they feel the most interested in.
8 Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series has an impressive collection of 12 games under its belt, which can scare off players new to the franchise, and the question of continuity naturally pops up.
Players can easily grab one of the latest entries, and try their hands on the enticing stealthy gameplay without worrying too much about the overarching story. While most of the games are connected by a story thread, players can always go back to the very beginning, and experience the entire saga as intended, without losing anything in the process.
7 Dark Souls
The storylines in Dark Souls have always been quite ambiguous, for the most part, players need to piece it by themselves as they traverse the dangerous world. While there are important NPCs, clues, and pieces of lore in every game of the series, players are free to start with any one of them and enjoy it to the fullest as is.
Every game masterfully introduces players to the unforgiving reality that birthed a genre. Whether players begin with the first or a later entry, the series guarantees a challenging, immersive experience in a world rich with lore and mystery.
6 The Witcher
The Witcher 3 blew the world away, back when it was released in 2015, and it still remains a classic that many people come back to time and time again. The previous 2 games were by no means unsuccessful but did not gather as much attention as the third installment.
Starting with the third one might feel counterintuitive, but the game does a great job of introducing all the characters and showcasing the bonds that have been built by that point. Going back to the first two games might take some adjustment, but each of them has its own merits and a great story.
5 Baldur’s Gate
Baldur’s Gate always held a special place in the hearts of RPG fans, with its great immersive story, world, and unique mechanics based on Dungeons and Dragons. Every game holds its own and can be played separately without worries.
Players familiar with the D&D setting and lore will also be more receptive to certain events, enemies, and even NPCs in the games. But no matter if someone is familiar with the tabletop system, or any of the previous entries, they will have an absolute blast with the newly released Baldur’s Gate 3.
4 Borderlands
The Borderlands series excels at taking players on a wild run through the dangerous planet Pandora, filled with guns, friends, and absolute mayhem. When it comes to story, all the entries are connected by recurring companions, locations, and even playable characters from previous games become NPCs in their successors.
Without knowing absolutely anything about the story and the world, players can start their crazy journey with absolutely any game in the series, without worrying about being overwhelmed. At the end of the day, it’s all about fun, danger, and a ton of guns.
3 Dragon Age
Bioware has been responsible for some of the best RPG series ever, and Dragon Age is no exception. A riveting world, full to the brim with adventures, interesting characters, and enough problems to last for many games.
Every game focuses on a different protagonist, and for the most part, is set in a different region altogether. While certain characters do appear throughout the series, and some choices may affect the following game’s events, it is by no means a requirement to play them in the release order.
2 Fallout
The post-apocalyptic world of Fallout brought countless hours of fun for players around the world. Every game brought something new and exciting to the table, expanding on the mechanics, the map, and the myriad of quests awaiting eager players.
While there is somewhat of a timeline, especially regarding certain factions, it barely if at all affects the overall experience with each game. Players can freely start whichever game they prefer, and learn everything they need to know about the radioactive wasteland and its inhabitants.
1 Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto is a fantastic choice, where players can jump in not just at any point in the series, but pretty much at any point in the story as well. With the plethora of activities and the vibrant and sprawling cities, anyone can find something to enjoy in pretty much any installment of the franchise.
Each game boasts a great storyline of its own and seldom makes a nod or a reference to something that happened in a previous game. Its enduring popularity attests to its universal appeal, making it accessible to both newcomers and fans of the series.