When most people think of fantasy games, towering castles, and sprawling kingdoms, magic is so common that it feels like everyone went to Hogwarts.
And while high-fantasy games are fun, mowing down enemies with an arsenal of spells can get a bit bland.
8 JRPGs That Break the Genre’s Rules
These JRPGs sought to redefine the conventions of the genre and introduce their own rules.
So, how about trying out low-fantasyRPGs?
Magic and combat in these games are grounded and there are usually real consequences for your decisions, both in dialog and in combat.
If you actually want to feel like a survivor in a world that feels lived-in and brutal, where every strike in combat matters, then these low-fantasy RPGs might be for you.
Just be prepared to die a few times before you get into the swing of things.
7Dark Souls 3
End of a Fading Fantasy
Dark Souls 3
Unlike in most fantasy games, where magic is a source of wonder, inDark Souls 3it’s the cause of the world’s decay.
Yes, miracles and sorcery exist, but they’re tied to a dying world where even the gods are gasping for their last breaths.
And so are you, quite often, with weighty and unforgiving combat -these builds might helpyou out if you’re struggling.
Unlike most high fantasy games glorifying magic, this game treats it as mysterious and fading.
The world you’re playing in isn’t magical or fantastic. It’s cursed, and you’re just trying to survive.
You aren’t the hero, not really. You’re undead, resurrected to rekindle the First Flame – but you weren’t the first, nor will you be the last.
And that’s exactly what makes this game low fantasy – is rekindling the First Flame going to save the world? Is magic something that needs to be brought back? Should the gods stay alive?
I love the moral ambiguity inDark Souls 3. I love that you have to learn about the consequences of your actions by piecing together the lore as you play.
6GreedFall
Political Intrigue and Mystical Forces
Greedfallis one of the more groundedand realistic low-fantasy games I’ve played. You are just a soldier, part of the empire that is expanding into a mysterious, uncharted island.
Yes, there is magic, but it’s tied to the land and its native inhabitants. It doesn’t shape the world around you.
You won’t be running around throwing fireballs – you’ll be uncovering conspiracies and navigating tricky alliances.
Muskets and swords rule the battlefield, magic just enhances the gameplay. It’s not a game-breaking ability.
It’s the perfect blend of tactical combat, political drama, and just a splash of the supernatural to keep things interesting.
Again, much likeDark Souls 3, I love the moral ambiguity of the game. Are you actually the protagonist? What are the consequences of your actions on the native population?
The only way to find out is to play the game.
5The Age of Decadence
Politics, Survival, Low-Magic
Age of Decadence
IMO, TheAge of Decadenceis one of the most immersive low-fantasy RPGs ever made. The game makes you feel like you’re just another person, not the chosen one. You’re just a regular person trying to survive in a crumbling world.
Magic exists, but it’s basically extinct, and it’s not celebrated either – superstitions run deep, and it’s treated with caution.
8 Underrated RPGs That Need a Sequel
There are so many games to choose from, and with that comes the underrated gems that get left in the dust.
The game has some of the most punishing combat I’ve experienced. If anything, you’ll be spending a lot of time avoiding combat.
Most of the time you’re better off talking your way out of a situation, avoiding brute force.
And, every conversation could change the course of your playthrough. I’ve never paid more attention to dialog than in this game.
The Age of Decadencealso has moral ambiguity – you can betray your allies, you can search for magic, and you can choose the faction you align yourself with. But at what cost?
Dark and Supernatural
If you take a plague-ridden London and combine it with moral dilemmas and a deep RPG system, you getVampyr. It’s certainly one of the more unique low-fantasy games I’ve played.
You’re just a doctor, or you were until you find yourself with a little problem – you’ve beenturned into a vampire.
Aside from satisfying combat and upgrading your vampiric abilities, what I enjoyed most about the game were the consequences of your actions.
10 Best Open World JRPGs
Open-world JRPGs aren’t the most common thing, but they’re introducing dazzling new worlds for players to explore.
You can become stronger by feeding on humans, but, every NPC you feed on will permanently disappear, which changes the narrative and mood of the game.
The other thing that makes this game difficult to put down is how grounded and personal the story is and how the supernatural elements in the game are a stark contrast to the realistic setting.
If you’re into narrative-heavy RPGs with tough choices and impactful consequences,Vampyris a must-play. Just don’t expect to be the hero.
Magical Survival RPG
Right from the start ofOutward, you learn very quickly you’re not special, and it’s not going to be easy. You don’t have world-shattering abilities, and you won’t be decimating enemy camps.
Instead, you have a debt to pay, a small backpack, and a hunger meter that doesn’t care about your grandiose ideas of adventure.
Outwardcombines survival and RPG mechanicsto give you an authentic, grounded experience in the massive open world filled withfactions you can join.
You can’t fast travel, you have to prep for long journeys, and there are no quest markers to guide you. I love the level of immersion this game brings, and that it doesn’t hold your hand.
I also adore how “realistic” the magic system is. You can’t just cast spells left and right, you actually have to perform rituals and prepare to cast.
What adds to the immersion is that dying doesn’t mean reloading a save – you’re able to wake up stranded in the wilds, saved by a stranger, or captured by bandits. Oh, and you could lose all your gear.
Magic is a Privilege
You’re not an overpowered hero, dashing headfirst into enemies and using various spells to reign down destruction. You’re an escaped prisoner trying to make sense of the world around you.
InGothic 2, magic is a privilege. It’s not just some skill you pick up. You have to earn the right to use magic, and even when you do, you will only have a few spells and harsh mana costs to contend with.
Magic exists, yes, but what I love is that it’s difficult to obtain, and it’s tied to the political and religious structure of the world.
And the world itself isn’t sunshine and rainbows – it’s dark and dangerous. Bandits will rob you blind and dangerous creatures wait in the dark.
There is a war raging between factions, and you can choose which to join – and climb the ranks. And even then, you’re not an unstoppable force. You’re a pawn in a brutal, unforgiving world.
1The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Brutal, Low-Fantasy World
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Huntis not only my favorite low-fantasy RPG, but also one of my favorite RPGs ever. Magic is not everywhere and a prophecy doesn’t determine your fate.
Instead, you’re Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter by profession, in a war-torn Eastern European medieval-themed world with disease-ridden towns, muddy roads, and political conflicts that have a clear effect on the citizens.
While you may use a form of magic, it only slightly enhances the combat – you still need to play methodically by using dodges and parries, potions and oils, and understanding the weaknesses of your enemies.
My favorite thing aboutThe Witcher 3is that every quest, both major and side quests, feels handcrafted. The game is aperfect example of sidequest deisgn, where most feel alive and meaningful. It also feels like your actions and choices have an impact on the world.
If you enjoy morally complex decisions that sit in shades of gray, grounded combat, and a realistic world, I’ve only got one question – why isThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntnot in your cart already?
