10 PC RPGs with the Best Storylines

Discover the 10 best PC RPGs known for their deep storylines, from The Witcher 3 and Mass Effect 2 to Disco Elysium and Fallout: New Vegas.

Role-playing games (RPGs) have long captivated players with immersive worlds, complex characters, and compelling narratives.

Among the many genres in gaming, RPGs stand out for their rich storytelling, allowing players to shape the world around them through their decisions.

PC gaming, in particular, has been a fertile ground for some of the most intricate and engaging RPG storylines ever created.

This article explores ten of the best PC RPGs celebrated for their deep narratives and unforgettable adventures.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often heralded as the gold standard of storytelling in RPGs.

Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy book series, the game follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a war-torn world in search of his adopted daughter, Ciri.

The narrative is layered with political intrigue, emotional character arcs, and morally ambiguous choices.

What sets The Witcher 3 apart is the depth of its side quests, many of which rival the main story in complexity and emotional impact.

The Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone expansions further enrich the lore, making this game an unforgettable journey into a dark and beautifully crafted world.

2. Mass Effect 2

BioWare’s Mass Effect 2 is widely considered one of the greatest sci-fi RPGs ever made.

The game places players in the shoes of Commander Shepard, tasked with assembling a diverse crew to combat an alien threat known as the Collectors.

The game’s strength lies in its character-driven narrative.

Each member of Shepard’s crew has their own personal story and loyalty mission, creating deep emotional connections between players and the characters.

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Choices made throughout the game influence the story’s outcome, resulting in multiple endings and replayability.

The Mass Effect series as a whole offers an interconnected narrative that spans multiple games, but Mass Effect 2 stands out for its tight storytelling, pacing, and emotional weight.

3. Planescape: Torment

Planescape: Torment is a cult classic that redefined RPG storytelling when it was released in 1999 by Black Isle Studios.

Set in the Planescape universe, the game follows the Nameless One, an immortal protagonist searching for the truth about his past lives.

The narrative focuses on existential themes, philosophy, and identity, diverging from traditional RPG tropes like saving the world.

The game is renowned for its exceptional writing, with dialogue and choices driving the plot forward.

Each companion you meet offers unique perspectives and richly developed storylines that intertwine with the Nameless One’s journey.

4. Disco Elysium

Disco Elysium, developed by ZA/UM, is a narrative-driven RPG that blends detective work with philosophical introspection.

Players assume the role of a detective suffering from amnesia and substance abuse, tasked with solving a murder in the fictional city of Revachol.

What makes Disco Elysium stand out is its innovative dialogue system and character progression.

Instead of traditional combat, the game relies on skill checks and dialogue choices that shape the story.

The writing is witty, deep, and often darkly humorous, providing players with unparalleled narrative freedom.

Disco Elysium has won numerous awards for its writing, world-building, and unique approach to storytelling, making it one of the most memorable RPG experiences on PC.

5. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Larian Studios’ Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling and player agency.

Set in the magical world of Rivellon, the game follows a group of Sourcerers, individuals gifted with powerful magic, who must navigate a world that fears and hunts them.

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The game’s branching narrative and emphasis on cooperative play make it stand out.

Players can choose from a cast of pre-written characters, each with their own backstory, or create their own.

The decisions you make not only shape the main plot but also influence the relationships between party members.

The combination of tactical turn-based combat and rich storytelling solidifies Divinity: Original Sin 2 as one of the best RPGs ever made.

6. Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn

Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn is a timeless RPG from BioWare that builds upon the success of its predecessor.

Set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe, the game follows the player’s journey as the child of a god, navigating political machinations and personal vendettas.

The game’s narrative complexity, deep character development, and branching dialogue paths make it a standout.

Each companion has their own story arc, adding depth and personality to the adventure.

The moral choices and consequences throughout the game ensure that no two playthroughs are alike.

7. Fallout: New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is often praised as the best entry in the Fallout franchise due to its narrative depth and player agency.

Set in a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert, the game places players in the role of a courier left for dead, seeking revenge and uncovering a web of political intrigue.

What makes New Vegas exceptional is its faction system, where players can align with different groups vying for control of the region.

The choices made significantly impact the game’s world and lead to multiple endings.

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Its richly detailed world, dark humor, and immersive quests have cemented Fallout: New Vegas as an RPG classic.

8. Dragon Age: Origins

BioWare’s Dragon Age, Origins immerses players in the fantasy world of Thedas, where they assume the role of a Grey Warden tasked with stopping a demonic Blight.

The game’s narrative is shaped by the origin story chosen at the beginning, adding personal stakes to the epic tale.

Companions play a central role in the story, with their relationships and loyalty shaped by player choices.

Dragon Age,  Origins excels in its moral ambiguity, often presenting decisions without clear right or wrong answers.

This complexity, combined with rich lore and character development, makes it a standout RPG.

9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is renowned for its expansive open world and non-linear storytelling.

Players assume the role of the Dragonborn, destined to save the world from an ancient dragon threat.

While the main quest is compelling, Skyrim’s true strength lies in its side quests, exploration, and freedom.

Players can join factions, uncover hidden lore, and influence the world in countless ways.

Skyrim’s modding community continues to expand the game’s narrative possibilities, ensuring its longevity.

10. Cyberpunk 2077

Despite a rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 by CD Projekt Red has emerged as a narrative-driven RPG worth exploring.

Set in the dystopian future of Night City, players assume the role of V, a mercenary navigating a world of corporate greed and cybernetic enhancements.

The game’s story is rich with complex characters, particularly Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves.

The branching narrative paths and immersive world-building make Cyberpunk 2077 an engaging RPG that continues to evolve through updates and expansions.

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